Presidents Welcome. Welcome to Merewether Surf Life Saving Club

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2 Presidents Welcome Welcome to Merewether Surf Life Saving Club At Merewether SLSC we are a friendly and social club and as a member we urge you to become involved in our activities, to meet and get to know the other members and to enjoy what we hope will be the start of a long association with us. The committee is made up of elected club members with an open door policy in regards to general meetings and are always available to help or answer any questions you may have, the committee is governed by a club constitution which dictates the policies and rules with the running our club. As a member you will be given ongoing opportunities to upgrade and improve your applied first aid and rescue skills knowledge, there are also continual surf craft training sessions available to help hone these skills and we urge you to take these up for continual self-improvement on the different types of equipment available. Likewise the patrol captains have a wealth of knowledge to share in the setting up and running of a patrol and the local beach conditions and are always readily approachable. The institution of Surf Life Saving is about the promotion of a safe beach environment through trained and skilled members of the public volunteering their time and effort to achieve this outcome, in return you will benefit from a healthy and active lifestyle, being part of a team and making a group of new friends. There is the opportunity to be involved in competition or simply just doing your best, all of this while being part of one of Australia s largest sporting movements. So come along, join in and enjoy what Surf Life Saving and Merewether SLSC have to offer. Nick Newton President

3 INTRODUCTION 1 1. Club Structure Club Premises Committee Structure Committee Contacts... 3 MEMBER SERVICES 4 5. Registration Updating Your Details Working with Children Check Code of Conduct Getting Involved Member Protection Information Officer Communication Formal Awards... 6 LIFE SAVING Patrol Roster Patrol Uniform Proficiencies Patrol Swaps (Substitutes) % Attendance Minimum Amount of People Required On Patrol Award Members (i.e. radio & first aid) Rookie Program Patrol Captains Mentoring Program Surf Life Saving NSW Standard Operating Procedures Further Life Saving Awards EDUCATION To Register for Courses Branch Run Course Approvals To Become a Trainer or Assessor Dates for Hunter Branch Courses MEMBER TRAINING GYM SURF SKIS AND BOARDS BEACH SPRINT AND FLAGS... 14

4 31. SURF BOATS IRB RACING SURF SPORTS Surf Sport Events Internal Club Sports Events External Carnivals JUNIOR ACTIVITIES Junior Lifesaver Program Overview Age Groups SLSA Junior Preliminary, Competition Evaluation and Development Program Junior Development Program (Surf Education) Age Managers Sunday Morning Junior Lifesavers Parental Involvement and Membership BBQ & Beach Setup Preliminary, Competition & Junior Development Program Summary Junior Club Rules % Attendance Junior Lifesavers and Parents Behavior Club Championships Carnivals Officials Water Safety Team Events Description of Events End of Season Junior Lifesaver Awards... 27

5 INTRODUCTION Merewether SLSC is a non-for-profit community sporting organisation. The Club is an incorporated body under the Associations Incorporation Act The Club s Constitution and By-laws can be accessed from the Club website at under current members / administration. The Club has a Management Committee that meets monthly and is also served by a number of sub-committees, including Life Saving, Education and Competition. The Annual General Meeting, which all Club members are encouraged to attend, is held in August each year. The surf club is located at the southern end of Merewether Beach. Upstairs in the clubhouse comprises a patrol room, balcony, training room, office, member s toilets, member s gym, function room, small kitchen and bar. Downstairs is predominantly storage areas containing one surfboat, three IRB s, numerous skis and boards as well as other club equipment. The club also leases a boatshed at Horseshoe Beach which contains two surfboats and additional boards and skis. [1]

6 President Director of Lifesaving (Club Captain) Director of Junior Activities (JAC) Director of Finance (Treasurer) Director of Administration (Secretary) Vice Club Captain Chief Training Officer (CTO) Director of Surf Sports Juniors Treasurer Sponsorship & Grants Co-Ordinator Registrar Gear and Equipment Officer Assistant Trainers Surf Sports Officer Juniors Registrar Licensee Publicity Officer IRB Captain Assessors Competition Manager Juniors Secretary Function Room Manager IT Co- Ordinator Radio Officer Facilitators Boat Captain Water Co- Ordinator Cleaner Records Officer WH&S Officer Board and Ski Captain Age Managers Member Protection Officer Surf Sports Manager Coaches Officials Executive & elected Elected Paid Non Elected [2]

7 Position Name Contact Details President Director of Administration Director of Finance Director of Junior Activities Director of Surf Sports Director of Life Saving Director of Education Administration Nick Newton Emma Gale Ross Taggart Mark Owen Kevin Buckley David Hoar Charlie Bugbird Registrar Tim Brushaber Publicity Officer Rachael Soars IT / Website Officer Evan Jobling ejobling248@gmail.com Member Protection Officer Kate Flint kate.flint@bigpond.com Finance License Manager Norm Rodgers rodgers0@bigpond.com Function Manager Susan O Loughlin merewetherfunctionroom@gmail.com Sponsorship/Grants Coordinator Clothing Managers Juniors Juniors Age Mger Coordinator Adrian Harte Warren Sterling (Snrs) Peta Owen (Juniors) Kris Wall Adrian.harte@bigpond.com broadoak@optusnet.com.au peta1308@bigpond.com kwall@rotacaster.com.au Juniors Water Manger Simon Lovell Simonlovell7@bigpond.com.au [3]

8 Juniors Equipment Coordinator Surf Sports Simon Lovell / Kris Wall Simonlovell7@bigpond.com.au / kwall@rotacaster.com.au Competition Coordinator Kevin Buckley kevvyfoot@hotmail.com Surf Boat Captain Toni Woodcock Toni_lee@hotmail.com Board & Ski Captain Mark Woodcock markwoody@hotmail.com Gym, Co-Ordinator Richard Taylor richard_taylor@fast- .com Lifesaving IRB Captain Nathan Wright Nathan@nathanwright.com.au Rookie Coordinator Peta Owen peta1308@bigpond.com Youth Development Coordinator Gen Pezzimenti gen.pezzimenti@gmail.com WH&S Officer Warren Sterling broadoak@optusnet.com.au MEMBER SERVICES Members must be financial in order to patrol, compete or attend club activities. This is a compulsory requirement and covers legal and insurance policies. New members may join at any time during the season. FEES 2014/2015 SEASON Junior Activities (5 13 years) $90 each o Additional junior child $70 Cadet (13-15 years) $90 each Active (15-18 years) $90 each Active 18+, Award, $90 each Seniors (aged 65 years or more) $65 each Senior Associate members $125 Junior Associate Parent $70 Family (one or two parents or guardians plus children who are U19) $195 LATE membership fee $35 (after 31 st October 2014) HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR FEES Membership payment is easy. Existing members can go online to Cheque, credit card and EFTPOS are accepted forms of payment on registration days. Existing members who have not paid their membership fees by 31 st October will no longer have access to all privileges of the Club. [4]

9 You can maintain your membership personal details; view your awards and renew your club membership and pay on-line All members, and volunteers, over the age of 18 and those members under the age of 18 who work with children (e.g. 16yr olds who help train the U/8 Junior Lifesavers, provide water safety for Junior Lifesavers, etc.), MUST complete the Working With Children check. Members under 18 years can have a parent or guardian co-sign. Surf Life Saving is committed to the health, safety and well-being of all its members and is dedicated to providing a safe environment for those participating in surf lifesaving activities. The SLSA Code of Conduct exists and must be complied with for this reason. The code of conduct states the member will: Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealings with others and be a positive role model Make a commitment to providing quality service Be aware of and maintain an uncompromising adhesion to SLSA s standards, rules, regulations and policies Demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility, especially when dealing with persons under the age of 18 years of age Contribute to the provision of a safe environment for the conduct of all activities within surf lifesaving Abide by the relevant role-specific codes of conduct outlined in Annexure 2 of the Member Safety and Well Being policy. There are many different areas you can assist Merewether SLSC. Some areas include: Patrols including solely being a radio operator or holding a first aid certificate Administration Training Fundraising Assessing Age Manager Competing Water safety for junior activities Officiating Coaching Committee Member If you would like to get involved with any of these activities, please contact a committee member relevant to the area you would like to assist with. [5]

10 The Member Protection Information Officer is there to ensure the safety and welfare for Club Members. They are to assist in grievance and complaints and identify options for resolution of conflicts and grievances. Officer: Kate Flint M: There are a variety of mechanisms that are available as a way of finding out what s going on around the Club. It is important and also your responsibilities to be proactive in keeping in touch and up to date with information. The following are ways in which all members are able to keep up to date: Sunday Club Mornings: club swim every Sunday morning at 8.00am Website: updated frequently ( Facebook: General club page ( facebook.com/mslsc) Newsletter: these are generally ed monthly Notice boards around the club BeachSafe website: is a very useful website with information on all aspects of surf lifesaving Word of mouth: networking with other club members SMS Club Surveys & Feedback: your opportunity to have your say AGM & Special Meetings: more formal meetings and deals with how our Club is managed With so many different ways in which the information gets out to members it is essential that you keep your contact details up to date. This means that you have to contact the Club and let us know of the changes. There is a Contact details page in this booklet which lists those people you are likely to contact as well as space to record other contact details relevant to you. The MSLSC Presentation of Awards is usually conducted on the last Saturday in May. PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS Club Person of the Year - An outstanding club member who has gone above and beyond to help out the surf club, in at least a couple of operational areas. Patrol person of the Year - An outstanding club member who goes above and beyond their required patrol duties. E.g. turn up to all required rostered hours; are motivated and want to get involved; demonstrate assistance to Patrol Captain, public and other patrol members, and are always in correct patrol uniform President s Award Juniors award to an U/14s who has excelled throughout the season [6]

11 LIFE SAVING AWARDS 100% Patrol Attendance attends all rostered patrols, or substitutes across other patrols. Patrol of the Year governed by patrol coverage over year, participation in fundraising efforts (raffles etc.) and results at patrol games. Patrol Captain of the Year - for this award we are ask patrol members to tell us (in 100 words or less) why their Patrol Captain deserves to be Patrol Captain of the Year. Rookie of the Year The award will be open to any rookie surf lifesaver that is recognised by as an outstanding young achiever showing the ability, commitment, responsibility and motivation in their duties and their potential to surf lifesaving at any level. EDUCATION AWARDS Any members who have complete awards i.e. bronze medallion, IRB drivers, advanced resuscitation techniques will be presented with their certificates and medallions at the Awards of Excellence. Trainer of the Year as decided upon by Education Team. SURF SPORTS AWARDS The following results are based on carnival results and defined by their ages. U15 Athlete of the Year U17 Athlete of the Year U19 Athlete of the Year Open Athlete of the Year Masters Athlete of the Year Club Champion Michael Spillane (centre) winner of Patrol Captain of the Year, 2013/2014 Season, with Nick Newton (President, left) and David Hoar (Club Captain, right) [7]

12 LIFE SAVING The current patrol roster can be found on the MSLSC website or on the Lifesaving notice board in the patrol room. MSLSC is required to patrol Merewether Beach from the first weekend of Spring School holidays to the last weekend of the Autumn School holidays, every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. MSLSC will provide all new members with a patrol uniform. The uniform consists of a yellow long sleeve Surf Rescue shirt, red Surf Rescue shorts, red & yellow quartered skull cap and a red baseball or wide brim hat. You are required to wear red swimmers or club swimmers. If your uniform is damaged or needs to be replaced please contact the Director of Life Saving to organise a new/replacement uniform. It is your responsibility to clean your uniform after each patrol. Each year you are required to complete proficiency for awards you hold prior to the 31 December. Proficiencies will be conducted on a number of dates that are advertised at the beginning of the season. Award Proficiency Surf Rescue Certificate Run Swim Run (100m run, 100m swim, 100m run in 5 mins or less) Resuscitation Signals Rescue (either board or tube) Bronze Medallion Run Swim Run (200m run, 200m swim, 200m run in 8 Mins or less) Resuscitation with oxygen and defibrillation Signals Rescue (either board or tube) Radio Advance Resuscitation Techniques Resuscitation Oxy Viva Operation Oropharyngeal Airways Defibrillation Suction IRB Crew Questions on safety and the SLSA Powercraft Code of conduct Demonstrate ability to apply safe crewing practice Silver Medallion IRB Driver Questions on safety and the SLSA Powercraft Code of conduct Demonstrate ability to apply safe crewing practice [8]

13 Proficiencies Dates this season include: Sunday August am Water proficiency (run/swim/run, board/tube rescue); 10.15am Land Proficiency (CPR, 1st aid, signals, radio) Wednesday September 10 -Land 6pm Sunday September am Water; 10.15am Land Wednesday October 15 -Land 6pm Sunday October am Water; 10.15am Land Wednesday November 13 -Land 6pm Sunday November am Water; 10.15am Land Wednesday December 11 -Land 6pm Sunday December am Water; 10.15am Land Members MUST appoint a Substitute if they are unable to attend their Rostered Patrol. Substitutes are found by ringing or ing other Patrol Members or by contacting the mslsc.secretary@gmail.com as soon as you know you are unable to make your Rostered Patrol. Patrol Members contact details will be ed regularly. Once you have found a substitute you are required to notify your Patrol Captain as per the Patrol Roster Swap Procedure. Ideally, Substitutes should be of equal qualification i.e. Patrol Captain for Patrol Captain (or other Senior Club Member), ARC holder with ARC holder, IRB Driver for IRB Driver etc. A member shall be eligible for the 100% Patrol Attendance Award if he or she attends every Rostered Patrol during the season. A member who through circumstances beyond their control, cannot complete their Rostered Patrol, but obtains a Substitute of equal Patrol status, shall be eligible for the 100% Patrol Attendance Award. A Patrol is deemed to be missed if a Member arrives late after 30 minutes, or leaves more than 30 minutes early from a Patrol, unless granted special leave. The minimum number of people required to open the beach is 3 bronze medallion holders. The three must hold additional certificates including a Silver Medallion Basic Beach Management Certificate, Silver Medallion IRB driver, IRB Crew and an Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Certificate between them in order to open the beach. [9]

14 Members who hold their radio operators certificate (ROC) or first aid certificate are eligible to complete patrols. These members are only qualified to and can only assist with radio operations and first aid incidents. The Rookie Program is for 13 & 14 year olds who have just completed their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) and are in their first years of patrolling. Each Rookie is issued with a rookie pack from Hunter Surf Life Saving which includes a patrol shirt, patrol shorts, a hat and passport. Rookies are required to find a patrol buddy and complete a patrol checklist each patrol with their buddy. They buddy is require to set activities for the rookies to complete each patrol. See Hunter Branch website for Rookie events! If you are interested in becoming a patrol captain, please advise the Director of Life Saving. They will assign you to a patrol captain who will be your mentor for a season. You will also be required to complete Silver Medallion Basic Beach Management Course. Surf Life Saving NSW has developed Standard Operating Procedures Manual. A copy of this manual is in the patrol room near the log books. If you are interested in gaining further lifesaving awards, please read the education section and Awards Chart and contact the Director of Education for further details on courses. Courses will also be advertised on the website and on the notice board in the patrol room. If you are interested in gaining further lifesaving awards, please read the education section and Awards Chart and contact the Director of Education for further details on courses. Courses will also be advertised on the website and on the notice board in the patrol room. [10]

15 EDUCATION There are many awards that you can gain in surf lifesaving. Awards can improve your life saving skills on the beach and in your everyday life. These awards are listed below. Award Minimum Approx. Course Prerequisites Age Timeframe Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) hours Swim 200m in 5 Minutes Radio Operators hours Nil Apply (Senior) First Aid hours Nil Advance Resuscitation Techniques Certificate (ARTC) hours SLSA Bronze Medallion or Senior First Aid Certificate Bronze Medallion (BM) Weeks Swim 400m in 9 Minutes Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Crewperson hours SLSA Bronze Medallion Spinal Management hours PUAEME001B Provide emergency care ATV Operators Certificate (Patrol Vehicle) Silver Medallion Basic Beach Management (Patrol Captains) Silver Medallion Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Driver 17 3 hours Driver s License SLSA Bronze Medallion 17 8 hours SLSA Bronze Medallion hours SLSA Bronze Medallion SLSA IRB Crew +10 hours IRB Crewperson experience [11]

16 If you are interested in achieving an SLS award you are required to complete the following forms and return two weeks prior to course commencement date to the Director of Education. These forms can be found on MSLSC website under Education. Training Enrolment Form Education Course Payment Details Form Alternatively please contact the Director of Education, Charlie Bugbird, on or Hunter Surf Life Saving conduct SLS educational courses, for information on these courses see If you would like to attend a course you need to receive approval from MSLSC Director of Education and complete a course registration form. This form can be downloaded from under education or If you are interested in becoming a trainer or an assessor, contact the Director of Education. You will need to complete a course and undertake training. Please contact the Director of Education, Charlie Bugbird, on or (robbugbird@live.com). For more information on these courses contact Charlie Bugbird on robbugbird@live.com Level 1 Officials Course - 28 th October and 4 th November 2014 (Tuesday nights - need to attend both) IRB Night Operations Course - Friday, 15 th August 2014, or - Friday, 12 th September 2014 Trainers Course - Saturday, 23 rd August Saturday 14 th February 2015 Assessors Course - Saturday, 13 th September Saturday 7 th March 2015 Basic Beach Management Course - Tues 23 rd and Wed 24 th September 2014 (need to attend both) - Tues 17 th and Wed 18 th February 2015 (need to attend both) [12]

17 MEMBER TRAINING Getting fit is a major part of surf life saving and the lifestyle that surrounds it and members have numerous options when it comes to getting started... Financial and active Merewether surf club members can use the fully equipped gymnasium. Eligible financial members need to obtain a key to the gym door lock, which is changed every season. Lost keys will require payment for replacement. Contact our Gym Co-Ordinator Richard Taylor (richard_taylor@fast- .com) for more information on how to access the gym. Surf skis and boards are a vital component of iron man events and the individual disciplines of skis and board. The Club has boards and surf skis for use by juniors and seniors smaller boards for junior use and larger boards for seniors. Club skis and ski paddles are also available for those members who are keen to learn to paddle skis. All abilities welcome. Club members who are interested in training or using the Club equipment are welcome to contact the Club s Board and Ski Captain, Mark Woodcock, at markwoody@hotmail.com Available times for all members to undertake board training, run by a qualified coach, are outlined below. During Season (subject to change) SKILL DAY TIME VENUE Board Tuesday 4:30pm Redhead Beach Wednesday 4:30pm Merewether Beach Thursday 4:30pm Lake Macquarie (Valentine) Saturday 2:00pm Merewether Beach [13]

18 Beach sprints and flags are a longstanding event in surf life saving. The 2km beach run is hotly contested at both State and National competition. For more information on these sports contact the Director of Surf Sports, Keven Buckley at kevvyfooty@hotmail.com and give it a go. Surfboats have been active within Merewether SLSC for many years. Over the season we have several fun events which include local & regional carnivals, interstate travel to race and, the one we all look forward to, the Aussies (Australian Surf Life Saving Championships) which are to be held on the Gold Coast in April Should you wish to become involved in this exciting sport please do not hesitate to contact the Club s Boat Captain, Toni Woodcock at toni_lee@hotmail.com or Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Racing is a surf sport where local surf life saving club teams race IRBs under competitive conditions. IRB Racing consists of a number of simulated rescue events, with the aim of improving life saver skills through competition. The rescue events include the basic Surf Rescue, the Mass Rescue, the Tube Rescue and a Team Relay Rescue. Each rescue is simulated by a team representing their particular club. For most events, the team consists of an IRB driver, a crew person and a patient, except for Team Relay and Mass Rescue which require more personnel. IRB racing is fast, exciting and very challenging. It requires an intimate knowledge of the boat, precision driving skills, and high levels of physical strength and fitness, as well as some plain good luck on race day. For more information on this exciting activity, please contact the Club s IRB Captain, Nathan Wright, at Nathan@nathanwright.com.au [14]

19 SURF SPORTS BEACH TEAM Events include: Beach Sprints (90m), Beach Flags, Beach Relays and 2km run events. If not getting wet is your thing then this is the go. SWIMMING Events include Surf Race, Surf Teams, Tube Rescues, Board Rescues, Belt Swims and many others. Swimming is a great way to get and stay fit for life. BOARD PADDLING Board races typically race around buoy s approx. distance of 350m. Events include individual Board race, Board relays and Board rescues. Those with a background in surfing or swimming would be great at this event. SKI PADDLING A ski race involves a distance of about 500m length. Events include Single Ski, Double Ski, Mixed Double and Ski relays. Both board and ski events crossover to other events including iron man and taplin relay events. A great event for those with good balance and who love a challenge. SURFING This involves both Short Board and Long Board Surfing. If surfing is your pastime, then take up the challenge and compete in these events. SURFBOAT ROWING Rowing involves 4 rowers and a sweep per boat, race distances are around 800m, rowing in surf is something boaties can never get enough of. For those that like excitement, this event is for you. Under 19 s. Under 23 s, Opens and Masters men and women. POOL RESCUE EVENTS This is a new event to surf lifesaving, involves various pool rescue techniques performed in a pool. It has become a big event in the international competitions. We currently have a small group, which we wish to build on over the next few years. If you are a good pool swimmer, this is a great event. PATROL COMPETITIONS This event is quite unique and offers another level to your bronze medallion. The event is based on skills as a Surf Lifesaver in a practical way. Event includes, Resuscitation, First Aid, Theory paper and a rescue scenario. A great way to polish your skills as a Surf Lifesaver. FIRST AID COMPETITIONS This is an event based solely on your first aid knowledge; competition involves every facet of first aid practices as well as practical tests. Great events to fine tune your skills as a Surf Lifesaver. We have been very successful in these events over the years. [15]

20 MARCH PAST Each team consists of 12 people and is generally recognised as a demonstration event. If low intensity exercise, with a strong focus, is your number this event is the one for you. IRB RACING For the warm blooded folk who don t mind getting in the water over winter. IRB racing has been around for years with great success within our club. You will need to complete your IRB driver s award to be a driver or IRB Crew award to be allowed to race, events for both men and women. For those that like adrenalin and water, this one is for you. RESCUE & RESUSCITATION (R&R) This event is basically a drill exercise that involves retrieval of a patient from the water, pick up and carry to beach and then perform resuscitation. Teams are five man and six man, and are judged on technique. Great event if you re keen on low physical activity, great for a group of younger crew, men and women. SUNDAY CLUB EVENTS Every Sunday 8am club swim, all members welcome. CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS Club Championships will be conducted: Sunday 26 th April 2015 Time commence at 10.00am Age groups U15s, U17s, U19s, Opens, Masters Events sprint, flags, swim, board Awards Age Champions, Club Champions PATROL GAMES Patrol Games will occur on the last patrol day of the season: Sunday 26 th April 2015 Time commence after Club Champs Events sprint, flags, swim, board plus other novelty games as decided on the day [16]

21 CARNIVAL VENUE DATE INFO Hunter Branch Championships Caves Beach Sat 7 th to Sun 8 th February 2015 Opens & Juniors Hunter Branch Championships Caves Beach Sat 14 th February 2015 Masters (& Boats) Hunter Branch Surf Board Riding Championships Merewether Beach Sun 15 th February 2015 Open NSW State Championships Umina/Ocean Beach Fri 6 th to Sun 8 th March 2015 Juniors NSW State Championships Umina/Ocean Beach Wed 11 th & Thurs 12 th March 2015 Masters NSW State Championships Umina/Ocean Beach Fri 13 th to Sun 15 th March 2015 Opens Australian SLS Championships (Aussies) North Kirra, QLD Mon 13 th to Sun 19 th April 2015 Opens and Masters To compete in carnivals you are required to be proficient in your bronze medallion and complete all your rostered patrols. If a carnival clashes with a rostered patrol, you are required to find a substitute for your patrol. If you cannot find a substitute, you are to attend your patrol. PATROLS MUST COME FIRST. The Director of Surf Sports will list carnivals on the Notice Board, advertise on the website and in the newsletter. If you would like to compete in a carnival, advise the Surf Sports Officer, so you can be entered into the carnival. Please keep in mind accommodation should be booked well in advance for all of the above carnivals. If any assistance is needed please contact the Surf Sports Officer. [17]

22 JUNIOR ACTIVITIES There are over 27,000 junior surf lifesavers (Junior Lifesavers) in Australia. Junior Lifesavers start learning about surf awareness and safety through Surf Life Saving Education Program (Surf Ed). They are also able to participate in board paddling, swimming, running, wading and other activities and games. Practicing these skills allows children to compete in Branch and State Surf Life Saving Carnivals representing their club. Merewether Surf Life Saving Club offers a program of surf awareness, skills coaching and competition over various levels, similar to the events Australia s Surf Life Savers participate in. While competition is an important element, the surf awareness and education aspect is a primary aim. Children are taught from the youngest ages how to respect the surf, read the surf and use the surf to their advantage. This is done in an environment of fun, healthy lifestyle and camaraderie which is unique to surf lifesaving. Juniors / Nipper start date - Sunday 5th October 2014 Finishes 1st March 2015 A child may join Junior Lifesavers as soon as he/she turns 5 years of age but not before. Junior Lifesavers are divided into 9 age groups. Age is determined as at midnight 30th September each year. If a child is 10 years of age on or before 30th September, they will be in the Under 11 age group for the entire season. Participation outside your own age group is not possible as this is against SLSA regulations and makes point scoring difficult for both your child and the age manager involved. U6 AND U7 Junior Lifesavers do not enter the surf but do play age related surf games. They must not enter the surf without the permission of their age manager whilst in their care. This age group does not compete at carnivals. Parents are encouraged to assist the age manager in the coordination of these age groups. U8 S do not compete in the surf or board races but do the wade event. They are required by Surf Lifesaving Australia to pass a 25-metre pool swim and a survival float prior to commencing junior activities. The swim can be any stroke, even dog paddle. Surf education lessons are compulsory. All under 8 s are encouraged to attend carnivals, which are just big Junior Lifesaver days with other Hunter clubs. A great place to meet new kids! U 9 TO 14 S compete every club day in both beach and water events and surf education lessons are compulsory. At no time will an age manager force a child to enter the surf; they will encourage them to have a go. Parents are asked to encourage their children only, as scare tactics almost always fail. Friendly bribes as we all know sometimes work. [18]

23 PRELIMINARY EVALUATION Depending on the age group and prerequisites required by Surf Life Saving (SLSA & SLSNSW), all juniors need to be proficient every season with a minimum preliminary swim. This will allow them to contest all events at our beach only. COMPETITION EVALUATION If your child passes a 200 metre timed pool swim and ocean swim in accordance with SLSA rules, their attendance at a carnival would be appreciated. There are many team and individual events to contest. It also enables them to contest at the Club Championship days. Surf Education is a major component of Surf Lifesaving that every child must complete for their relevant age Surf Education Award. These modules are conducted during Junior Lifesaver days and must be completed prior to 31st December. The junior development program is designed to ensure children from ages of 5 to 12 have fun at the beach while participating in lessons that will pathway them to becoming a lifesaver. The specially designed program pathways knowledge and skills with learning outcomes through lessons that are tailored to each of the age groups; ensuring the content is relevant, in line with lifesaving and surf sports and to the most up to date training standards. Each Age Group has its own individual set of lessons between 10 to 16 lessons depending on the age group. The lessons will be coordinated by the Director of Education in conjunction with the Age Managers. Your age managers for the season have volunteered their time to help make your child s age group an enjoyable surf learning experience. Please respect their decisions and trust that they have your child s best interest at heart. Many are Surf Lifesavers themselves. If you are interested in being an age manager please contact the Age Manager Coordinator. There is a SLSA Age Managers Course which will provide you with the skills and knowledge to become an age manager. In order for Junior Lifesavers to run smoothly on Sunday please take note of the following: Junior Lifesavers commence at 9.00am. Children are required to be assembled behind the age group signs with sunscreen applied at 8.50am so age managers can mark the roll. Children must wear a club skull cap to participate, sun hat and long sleeve club shirt for sun protection. Please assist your child s age manager by helping with flags, buckets, judging etc Collect your child promptly at end of Junior Lifesavers and sign them out [19]

24 Please assist with BBQ and beach set up when rostered on Depending on the age group, Junior Lifesaver activities include: Surf safety education Beach flags Board races, rescues and relays Beach sprint and relays Surf races and surf team races (swim) SRC for under 14s Lots of fun! JUNIOR LIFESAVER SCHEDULE 7.45am Beach & BBQ Set Up 8.30am Committee Meeting 8.40am Age Managers Meeting 8.50am Junior Lifesavers Roll Call 9.00am Briefing 9.15am ON the Beach WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT AWARDS The Age Manager will give an award weekly to a child who displayed a positive attitude, who strived for personal development, showed good sportsmanship, is willing to help others and showed respect for their Club and gear. Parents are invited and encouraged to share the experiences of Junior Activities with their children, especially with the younger age groups. Involvement within other aspects of the Club also welcomed. This may include: the gaining of awards to assist in providing water safety, coaching specific disciplines, officiating and administration along with participating in social and fundraising activities. Parent membership is encouraged and is vital for the operational success of the club. There are many ways you can assist in both the juniors and/or the club in general. Assisting in setting up of beach and carrying down equipment. Washing off boards or helping pack up the beach equipment at the end of training Assist the Age Group Leader during training Assist in fundraising activities Volunteer to help with the BBQ Gain your Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion to become a Water Safety Officer. Become an Official. Clubs are required to supply Officials at all carnivals. Short training courses are provided by SLSA. Allocating Age Group families to BBQ and beach set up to ensure the work is shared by all. A roster will be provided to all families by the first club day, you will also receive an SMS reminder during week prior. If you are unable to complete your duties it is your responsibility to organise a substitute, or contact your Age Manager. Please arrive promptly at 7.45am and meet with The BBQ Coordinator and the Beach Manager. The BBQ is part of Junior Activities fundraising and a great way to meet other families. There will be a BBQ every club day. Funds raised through the BBQ go towards gear and equipment for your children to use. [20]

25 Requirements Assessors Under 6 Under 7 Under 8 Under 9 Under 10 Under 11 Preliminary Skills Evaluation Every junior member is required to participate in this evaluation, conducted by the club, prior to any junior water activity training or competition being undertaken. JAC personnel inducted and approved by Hunter Branch or Approved SRC/Bronze Assessor Nil (shallow water activities only) Nil (shallow water activities only) 25 metre swim (any stroke) 1 minute survival float 25 metre swim (any stroke) 1 minute survival float 25 metre swim (freestyle) 1.5 minute survival float 50 metre swim (freestyle) Timed Pool Swim Competition Skills Evaluation The timed pool swim and competition evaluation must be achieved before being eligible to compete. This is a minimum standard water proficiency requirement. Approved SRC/Bronze Assessor (may be assisted by inducted JAC personnel Age Manager, Level 1 Coach or Official, Training Officer SRC Bronze) Nil (no competition) Nil (no competition) Nil (no competition) 200 metre pool swim within 6 minutes 200 metre pool swim within 6 minutes 200 metre pool swim Nil (no competition) Nil (no competition) Nil (no water competition, except for wade which takes place in waist deep water) Minimum 150m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual) Minimum 150m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual) Minimum 288m open Junior Development Program (Surf Education) The relevant age Surf education award must be completed each year prior to 31 December. Age Managers Trainers Patrol Members Surf Play One Surf Play One Surf Aware One Surf Aware Two Surf Safe One Surf Safe Two [21]

26 Under 12 Under 13 Under 14 2 minute survival float within 5 minutes 100 metre swim (freestyle) 2 minute survival float 150 metre swim (freestyle) 3 minute survival float 200 metre swim (freestyle, in less than 5 minutes) 3 minute survival float 200 metre pool swim within 5 minutes 200 metre pool swim within 5 minutes 200 metre pool swim within 5 minutes water swim (competition course as per competition manual) Minimum 288m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual) Minimum 288m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual) Minimum 288m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual) Surf Smart One Surf Smart Two Surf Rescue Certificate 1. No child will be able to participate on club days until they are fully registered. They must have PASSED Preliminary Evaluation. 2. All events that are conducted will be in line with the National Surf Sports Manual. 3. To compete in Water Events at Carnivals members must have completed the minimum standard water proficiency requirement (see Preliminary, Competition Evaluation Chart p.17). 4. Merewether s competition cap is compulsory for all members and must be worn on Club Days and at Carnivals for identification and safety. 5. The Patrol Captain is responsible for the management of the beach and will determine the most suitable area for Junior Lifesaver activities and has the right to cancel Junior Activities if the conditions are unfavourable. 6. Members, who represent the Club at another endorsed Surf Life Saving related venue and cannot attend a Club Day, can receive their attendance points for that day. It is the responsibility of members to inform the Recorder to obtain a letter of attendance that can be signed off. When representing the Club at non programmed venues, approval must be sought from the Committee. 7. Flag and Sprint events will be contested separately for males and females. Surf race and Board events will be contested as an Age Group and, where possible, points will be allocated males and females separately. [22]

27 A certificate of 100% attendance will awarded to members who have attended all club days and club championship rounds at Merewether Beach. CLUB DAYS AND CARNIVALS ATTENDANCE 100% attendance will be awarded to members who have attended all club days, club championships and carnivals, excluding State Championships and the optional events listed on the program. RECOGNITION OF ABSENCE WILL BE ACCEPTED AS AN ATTENDANCE ONLY: If any member is disadvantaged due to medical, joint custody or similar reasons, the member can appeal to the Committee for leniency. A letter describing the member s disadvantage must be lodged with the Recorder each season, with the dates listed that the child will be unable to attend for Attendance points to be awarded. 1. Members will be required to appear before the Committee for use of bad language or improper behaviour on the beach or at Carnivals. 2. Any interference to another competitor in any event will mean instant disqualification to the offending party. Final decision on disputes will be adjudicated on by club officials See Member Services section for Code of Conduct that ALL members are to abide by. Club Championships will be run over five (5) rounds and are open to Competition Qualified Juniors. Club Championships Events will consist of the surf swim, board race, beach sprint, flags and Ironperson for U9-U14s and beach sprint, flags and wade for U8s. Points gained over the five (5) rounds will be totalled to determine placing in each event for each age group U8-U14 e.g. Swim, Flags, Wade Points will be allocated as follows: 1st 6 per event 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 5 per event 4 per event 3 per event 2 per event 1 per event A carnival takes all day to contest with the exception of Branch Championships which takes two days and State Championships takes three days. Assistance is required at carnivals and when we host carnivals. [23]

28 Competitors will be under the control of the Team Manager, assisted by the Age Managers. All competitors are to report to their age manager on arrival at the carnival and must remain with the tent area, unless permission from the age manager to leave the area is approved. Many events, including team events, have been missed as a result of competitors wandering from the area. For carnival dates, please see the club calendar and website How to enter carnivals? If your child would like to compete in carnivals, they are required to advise their Age Manager, two weeks before the carnival. Teams will be selected by the Age Manager and Coaches. Hunter Surf Life Saving Carnival entry fees are approximately $11.00 and these will be paid by MSLSC. Any entries not received on time will incur a late fee. This will be paid by the competitor s parents. CARNIVAL NOTES Club swimwear is required to be worn at carnivals and in Team Events as all team members must be attired in the same uniform. Competitions caps - must remain on and securely tied under the chin, particularly in competition Jewellery watches, earrings, chains, bracelets etc must not be worn Alcoholic Beverages - SLSA has banned the consumption of alcoholic beverages whilst a carnival is in progress. Licensed areas may be available at the conclusion of the carnival. The Team Manager is the only person from our club eligible to lodge a protest regarding any alleged infringement of the rules No parents are allowed into the competition arena Adverse Conditions if conditions are adverse, the Carnival Referee will cancel or relocate the carnival. The Club Team Manager will notify competitors via a text message from Surfgaurd WHAT TO PACK? Competition cap Club swimmers Sun hat Sunscreen Beach chairs Wet weather jacket Warm clothing Plenty of fluids i.e. water or sports drinks Towels Swimming cap & goggles Rash vest/singlet CARNIVAL DAY Allow plenty of time to get there on time, find a park and get down to the beach Parents can assist with carrying carnival gear down to the beach i.e. tent, boards, march past reel and at the end of the carnival assist with carrying back to the trailer When competitors arrive they are to report the Team Manager All competitors must have their name marked off & arm stamped prior to competition. There will be a designated area. NO STAMP - NO MARSHALL (cannot start race). Competitors should remain around the Merewether tent, advise your Age Manager if leaving the beach. Events will not be held up while parents try and find children on beach. [24]

29 The program can change on short notice and the Water or Beach areas could move. You will need to listen to the carnival announcements for your child s age group and events. Please advise others if you hear something. Carnivals are lots of fun and require the patience and cooperation from everyone! For every ten (10) competitors that compete for Merewether SLSC, the club is required to supply one (1) official. The more officials from MSLSC the less time parents will have to spend officiating, so please participate in officiating and share the work load, it is a great experience and you have the best vantage point on the beach to watch events! To become an official you are required to complete a Level 1 Surf Officials Course, which is conducted by Hunter Surf Life Saving. Please let the Junior Services Director know if you are interested in completing an official s course. For every ten (10) competitors that compete for Merewether SLSC, the club is required to supply one (1) proficient and financial water safety personnel. Water safety are supplied with a fluro orange skull cap and rash vest, if you are assisting the club with water safety you are required to supply your fins, rescue tube or rescue board (which you can borrow from the club). Teams will be selected based on results of recent club days and club championships, and in consultation with Age Managers. In some age groups we are fortunate to be able to field two teams. We also have the option if teams are short or because of injury, to run children up an age group, you cannot go down. Teams will be selected prior to each carnival and parents will be notified of your child s selection. If your child is selected and unable to attend please notify your age manager so that another child may have the opportunity to compete. On the following page is a brief descriptions of the main events conducted at Carnivals. For more details on event rules please refer to the 33rd Edition of the Surf Sports Manual, a copy is found on MSLSC website under Surf Sports. [25]

30 Beach Events Event March Past Beach Sprint Beach Relay All Age Relay Beach Flags Water Events Age Group U8 to U14 U8 to U14 U8 to U14 U8 to U14 U8 to U14 Description The March Past Team is made up of 12 members all of whom are provided with a costume from the club. Points are deducted for drill, dress, marching, turning, reel discipline and self-control. Beach sprint races are the most closely contested events at any Carnival. Competitors in these events sprint 70m. Teams of four (4) runners make up the beach relay team. The relay is run over the same course as the beach sprint, with the runner using a piece of rubber hose as the baton. The All Age Relay is run the same as the beach relay with seven (7) runners representing one (1) runner from each age group U8 to U14. Competitors in this event lie face down on the sand (looking the opposite direction to the flags), after the whistle blasts, competitors spring to the feet, turn around, sprint and dive for the baton located in the sand. The beach flags are a knock out event and each round one or more competitors are eliminated after each heat until there is only one (1) competitor remaining who is the declared the winner. Wade U8 Competitors line up on the beach approximately 10 meters above the water line. On the start signal, run into the water and then proceed to wade through waist deep water around water safety personnel and finish between to flags 15 metres above the water line. Wade Relay Surf Race Surf Teams U8 U9 to U14 U9 to U14 This is a team event of four (4) competitors who repeat the wade event. One (1) runner at a time starting from the same point, completing the course and taping the hand of the next runner, the last runner has to finish between the flags 15 metres above the water line. Competitors sprint from a line on the beach into the surf where they swim around a set of buoys and return to the beach. The finish line is approximately 15 metres from the water s edge. Surf Teams consists of four (4) swimmers and may be either all male, all female or mixed. Team members must be clearly identified by a marking. Points are awarded for the position the swimmer finished e.g. 1st=1 point, 2nd=2 points, 3rd=3 points etc. The points of each team are then added and the team with the lowest number of points is declared the winner. [26]

31 Board Race Board Relay Ironperson Board Rescue Cameron Relay U9 to U14 U11 to U14 U11 to U14 U11 to U14 U11 to U14 On the starters command competitors will run to the water with their board, paddle out through the surf around the course set by the referee and return to shore and finish between two flags approximately 15 meters from the water s edge. U9 & U10s paddle a foam board, U11s to U13s paddle a fibre glass board and U14s paddle a mal. This is a repeat of the board race with three (3) competitors to a team each entering the water after being tagged by the previous paddler. The final paddler is required to run to the finish line between the flags with their board. This event is conducted over a course which shall include a swim leg, a board leg and a run. The order will be decided at the Team Managers Meeting prior to the carnival. Each team consists of two competitors, one swimmer and one board paddler. On the starters command the swimmer will swim to an allocated can, when they reach the can they are to raise one arm in the air to notify the rescuer that they have reach the can. The rescuer (board paddler) paddles out to the swimmer. On the seaward side of the can, the swimmer mounts the front of the board. The swimmer and rescuer then paddles to shore, they both carry the board across the finish line. Each team consists of four (4) competitors, a swimmer, a board paddler and two runners. The sequence of legs shall be a ballot. The first competitor (swimmer/board paddler) completes the set course, when returning to the shore they tag a runner, the runner then completes the run course and tags the second water competitor, who completes their set course, on returning to shore they tag the second runner who completes the run course and finish between the finishing flags. CLUB CHAMPION OF CARNIVALS The Carnival Champion Trophy is decided on individual performances by male and female at Hunter Branch Carnivals only. CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR Club Person of the Year is an optional annual award. It does not have to be awarded every year and it can be awarded to any child or an adult who stands out as a Club Person of the Year. Club Person of the Year will be voted on by the Committee. Final decision will be by secret ballot of the Committee with votes being scrutinized by two selected Committee Members. [27]

32 General attitude, behaviour and Club involvement will be considered when determining the recipient. PERPETUAL TROPHY Perpetual Trophy is a Junior Girl Encouragement Award for participation and motivation. CLUB SPIRIT AWARD Club Spirit Award will be awarded to a male and female in the U8-U14s and is determined by Age Managers. AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES Age Group Championship Trophies will be determined by adding results of the Championship Rounds and will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each event for each Age Group (Male & Female) U8-U14. U6 & U7 AGE GROUP U6 & U7 Age Group will be awarded a Medallion provided they have attended 75% of Club Days. All other children who attended during the season will receive a Participation Certificate. JUNIOR SURF LIFE SAVER OF THE YEAR All U14s should submit an application to the Director of Junior Member Services by the end of November outlining achievements, interests and involvement in surf and the community for consideration in this award. A male and female will be selected by a nominated committee member for submission to Hunter Branch. JUNIOR CLUB CAPTAINS A male and female from the U14s will be nominated by the Junior Activities Committee to become the Junior Captains. The committee may change these rules as they see fit [28]