Information letter
Link to Survey: https://forms.gle/rbzGaZJQk6j9rGUB8
5th September 2024
My name is Joseph N Grima and I am an academic/researcher at the University of Malta. Together with Dr Dario Cerasola and other academics from Italy , I am presently conducting a research study as part of the project “RowSafe” with a focus on safe Coastal Rowing (Endurance / Beach Sprints). This letter is an invitation to participate in this.
The aim of this study is to understand better athletes’ perception of coastal rowing, their views of safety and whether coastal rowing, in its variants, is more demanding, from a musculoskeletal and joint point of view, than classic flat-water rowing. We are also enquiring about athletes’ perceptions of current safety measures taken in coastal events and their willingness to wear protective gear, etc.
Your participation in this study would help contribute to a better understanding of safety issues relating to coastal rowing and guide the scientific and rowing communities to make more informed decisions on how best to enhance safety. This is of great relevance given the “wilder” nature of coastal rowing compared to the more studied classic flat-water rowing. Any data collected from this research will be used solely for purposes of this study.
Should you choose to participate, you will be asked to state your age, weight, sex, and a number of other questions which will help us understand better your opinions on coastal rowing and how it can be made safer. Data collected will be treated confidentially and anonymised, and only the undersigned researchers involved in this project will have access to it.
Participation in this study is entirely voluntary; in other words, you are free to accept or refuse to participate, without needing to give a reason. You are also free to withdraw from the study at any time, without needing to provide any explanation and without any negative repercussions for you. Should you choose to withdraw, no data will be retained.
If you choose to participate, please note that there are no direct benefits to you. Your participation does not entail any known or anticipated risks.
Please note also that, as a participant, you have the right under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and national legislation to access, rectify and where applicable ask for the data concerning you to be erased. All data collected will be stored in an anonymised form on completion of the study and following publication of results.
A copy of this information sheet is being provided for you to keep and for future reference.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail on joseph.grima@um.edu.mt or +356 79049865, or, contact Dr Dario Cerasola (cerada@icloud.com).
Sincerely,
Prof Joseph N Grima, University of Malta, joseph.grima@um.edu.mt or +356 79049865
Dr Dario Cerasola, University of Palermo, cerada@icloud.com
Joseph N Grima 