National Association of Amateur Oarsmen
Annual Yearbooks/Guides

Bill Miller

In 1872 the first national amateur athletic association was formed, the National Association of Amateur Oarsmen. The name and constitution would remain until 1982 when the NAAO and the National Women’s Rowing Association merged. A new constitution and name change was ratified. The new name became the United States Rowing Association and commonly referred to as US Rowing.

In the 19th Century the NAAO annual publication primarily included the constitution, officers, rules of racing, results from the National Regatta and a listing of member rowing clubs. Over the years the Yearbook (also called the Guide) grew. Many more clubs, colleges and schools joined the Association resulting in an increase in the size of the Yearbooks especially in the 1960s.

Below are some of the NAAO Annual Yearbook covers and contents images. We are actively collecting these early annual publications to preserve a record of the NAAO history.

1900