Competition Manual
Contents Page About the Competition 3 Competition Details Contact Information 4 Eligibility 4 Locations 4 Costs 4 Entries 4 Pink Vests 5 Uniform 5 Team Composition/Size 5 Timetable 5 Events 6 Event Descriptions 6 Point Score 6 Rules and Regulations 6 Changing the Program of Events 7 Equipment 7 First Aid 8 Sun Smart 8 Water Quality (Environment Protection Authority) 9 Alternative Dates/Venues 9 Life Saving Club Information 9 Program of Events 10 Page 2
About the Competition Life Saving Victoria s (LSV) School Surf League is an exciting summer event that encourages Victorian secondary school students to participate in Surf Life Saving events. The School Surf League aims to educate students about the importance of aquatic safety and lifesaving rescue, whilst providing them with an opportunity to test their endurance, strength, speed and agility in Life Saving sports. The event encourages students to adapt existing skills to a new environment and to become involved with local surf life saving clubs, with the ultimate aim of increasing club, patrolling and competition team members at Victorian clubs. In 2013 School teams will participate at Surf Life Saving Carnivals held at Point Leo, Ocean Grov and at Mordialloc. Carnivals consist of a series of Individual and team surf sport events which include surf swimming, board paddling, beach sprints and beach flags. What s new for School Surf League in 2013! Term 4 competition Unlimited entries per school Competitors must be in years 7, 8 or 9 3 School Surf League Locations No finals round All events to be run as heats, no recording of results Traditional Surf Life Saving Events Page 3
Competition Details 1. Contact Information Event Coordinator: LSV Aquatic Sports department Email: luke.gavin@lifesavingvictoria.com.au Phone: 03 9676 6957 Mobile: 0421 381 169 *Please use the mobile number listed above for contact with the Event Coordinator on the day of all competition rounds 2. Eligibility The competition is open to all Victorian Secondary Schools Each school is able to enter unlimited entrants from Years 7, 8 and 9 3. Locations The competition consists of separate Male and Female Events Schools can enter to compete at any of the 3 locations Carnival No. 1 is at Point Leo SLSC on Monday 11 November 2013, competition commencing at 9am Carnival No. 2 is at Mordialloc LSC on Wednesday 13 November 2013, competition commencing at 9am Carnival No. 3 is at Ocean Grove SLSC on Friday 15 November 2013, competition commencing at 10am *This year there will be no finals round of the SSL. *Each carnival will be capped at a maximum number of competitors. If the maximum is reached at one location, schools that wish to enter will be asked to select another date/location. 4. Cost The entry fee is $20.00 (GST inclusive) per participant. Schools are able to enter any number of students (i.e 4 students will cost 4 x $20 = $80) 5. Entries Students are able to compete in every event once only Schools will be invoiced and payment will be required before the event The entry fee covers the cost of the following: Administration by Life Saving Victoria staff The provision of Officials to assist in the management of the event The use of Life Saving Victoria water safety and event equipment (excluding racing mal boards) Competition prizes Each school is required to submit a entry form before 5.00pm Friday October 11 via https://lifesavingvictoria.wufoo.com/forms/school-surf-league-2013/ An attached entry form is required to complete the registration, entry forms are located at www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au/schoolsurfleague Each Student Competitor will be required to read and sign the Application for Community Membership Form. A signature from a Parent/ Legal Guardian is also required. Please visit www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au/schoolsurfleague for a copy of the Form Competitors may not compete without completing the Application for Community Membership Form The Community Membership forms must be returned before 5.00pm Friday November 1. If a school fails to return the documents, schools/teams will not be able to compete Documents will not be accepted on the day of competition Please send all Application for Community Membership forms to either: Email: luke.gavin@lifesavingvictoria.com.au Fax: 03 9676 6932 Post: PO Box 353, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Page 4
6. Pink Vests LSV has created a policy whereby all competitors are now required to wear pink competition vests while competing at all Surf Life Saving Carnivals, including the School Surf League. Please see LSV s Circular 054.09.12 for more information. Schools are encouraged to contact a life saving club to borrow pink vests or alternatively are able to purchase their own pink vests with school logo printed on. Vests can be purchased from Engine swimwear http://www.engineswim.com/contact Life Saving Victoria may have a supply of pink vests that can be borrowed at the start of each race but must be return once students cross the finish line Current Life Saving Club members may already have a pink vest No competitors will not be allowed in the water without wearing a pink vest 7. Uniform Competitors should be dressed in the following attire: Bathers Pink Vest (compulsory) Competition skull cap/swimming cap (compulsory). Team members must be wearing matching caps. Required for safety reasons and so announcers/officials can easily identify schools and teams. Please see Appendix 3 for manufacturer contact details. LSV has one set available that can be loaned to a school. Wetsuits will be permitted at each round for every water event Team Managers are asked to have their competitors dressed as uniformly as possible for all events. This will enable event officials to easily identify competitors with their school/team Jewellery must be removed or taped for all events The Area Manager/Event Coordinator reserves the right to deem a competitor inappropriately attired and therefore can restrict participation 8. Team Composition / Size Each school can enter as little or as many competitors as they wish The only students eligible to compete are those in Years 7, 8 or 9 9. Timetable Students may only compete in their year level for individual events, competitors may compete up a year level for team events (i.e a Year 7 may compete in a Year 8 or 9 team event, but a Year 8 may not compete in a Year 7 team event) Mixed teams (male and female) are allowed but must compete in the Male Division Schools may also combine to form a team for team events. This is in order to encourage participation; however they will not be awarded prizes if they achieve a top 3 placing. Please note that Beach events will run at the same time as water based events, so if a competitor leaves their year level group to make up numbers in another year levels team event they may miss his/her year level events. Additional non-competing personnel required (per team): 1 x Team Manager Minimum 1 x Parent/teacher helper is required for every 15 competing students, if a school has 20 competitors 1 parent/teacher is required, if 35 competitors 2 parent/teacher helpers Event times: Team Manager Meeting 8.30am for Point Leo and Mordialloc, 9.30am for Ocean Grove Start Time 9.00am for Point Leo and Mordialloc, 10.00am for Ocean Grove Finish Time 3.00pm - 3.30pm (dependant on the number of team entries per Round) Schools will also be notified of confirmed start times via email confirmation from the Event Coordinator Page 5
A Team Manager meeting with Event Coordinators and key Officials will take place 30 minutes prior to the competition start time All teams are expected to have minimum one representative in attendance Meetings may be called throughout competition to discuss and/ or notify teams of any changes to events, timetable or if weather and environmental factors are of concern The Event Coordinator and Area Managers/Chief Referee reserve the right to modify or cancel any events and also have the right to change the order of events, on the day of competition, if safety, weather conditions, time or other conditions warrant. 10. Events Competitors may participate in every event once only. Event Surf Race Board Race Flags Beach Sprint Aqua Cameron Board Relay Board Rescue Beach Relay Competing as Individual or Team Individual Individual Individual Individual 3 per team *The order of events will be decided by the Carnival Referee. Competition will finish at 3.30pm regardless of how many events have been completed There is no entry system in place to determine who will be competing in which events. If competitors want to compete in an event they simply need to marshal for the event in the correct area when marshalling is called. 11. Event Descriptions A description of events can be found at www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au/schoolsurfleague 12. Point Score There will be no recording of finishing places for overall point scores. Competitor s arms DO NOT need to be marked with the school code, age category and team letter 13. Rules & Regulations LSV Sport refers to the 34 th Edition Surf Sports Manual when determining the rules and regulations of the School Surf League event A copy of the manual can be purchased from the Life Saving Victoria online shop at www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au. The manual can also be downloaded via Surf Life Saving Australia s Website www.slsa.com.au under members Club and member resources Summary of Rules & Regulations from the 34 th Edition Surf Sports Manual: Starting of Events (Section 2.19): The process of starting events (excluding Beach Flags- refer to Page 26) will be as follows: 1. Competitor s Ready 2. Set 3. A start signal (whistle or starter s gun) Start Lines will be established with a designated line, drawn in the sand or with a cord, between two poles and/or with flags Competitors toes shall be on or behind the line but parts of the body (or parts of craft i.e. Boards) may overhang the line Page 6
False Starts (Section 2.19) In all events and all age categories one false start per race shall be allowed The first competitor who breaks after the first false start has been declared shall be disqualified except in beach Flags where that competitor shall be eliminated If one competitor false starts, others may follow. Any competitor who follows will not be deemed to have false started Note: If in the opinion of the Starter/Area Manager/Chief Referee, the start was not fair because of a technical defect or other matter not caused by competitors, the Starter must recall all competitors and recommence the starting process Completion of Courses (Section 2.20) Competitors/teams must compete fairly and adhere to the courses and rules as detailed in this Competition Manual and as directed by the relevant Officials conducting the specific events If a competitor/team misses a turning buoy or turning flag they may, without penalty, alter their direction and return to correct the course error and continue to finish the event If a competitor/team misses a turning buoy or turning flag but fails to return and correct the error, the competitor/team will be disqualified from the event In events where it is required to cross a line to finish, should a competitor or team incorrectly cross the finish line as described in Section 2.22, they may recover and correctly re-cross the finish line to have their place recorded Where a competitor or team fails to correctly complete the prescribed course, compete fairly or incorrectly cross the finish line, they may be penalised or disqualified by the Area Manager/Chief Referee Change-Over (Tagging in relay events) (Section 2.21) In all relay events (excluding the Beach Relay where a hose piece is required), changeovers shall be effected by a competitor tagging the next competitor Tagging is defined as the incoming competitor, after completing the course, using either of their hands to visibly touch the outgoing competitor on either the hand or other part of the body The outgoing competitor shall have toes on or behind the line but parts of the body/craft may overhang the line Finish of Events (Section 2.22) All events shall be judged and placings decided by designated finish Judges Where decals indicating allocated finish positions are issued to competitors/teams, it is the responsibility of the competitor to return the decal to the Recording Official to have their school/team and finish place recorded In events where competitors run to and cross a finish line, the finish of the race is judged when the competitor crosses the line on their feet. The finish is judged on the chest of the competitor when crossing the finish line Note: Falling across the finish line is not deemed to have finished the event 14. Changing the Program of Events Please refer to the Program of Events on Page 12 It is envisaged that the entire program will be completed within the scheduled timeframe The Event Coordinator and Area Managers/Chief Referee reserve the right to modify or cancel any events and also the right to change the order of events, on the day of competition, if safety, weather conditions, time, or other conditions warrant Team Manager Meetings will be called during the competition to notify all teams of any changes In case of extreme conditions or a major emergency, the event/competition will cease immediately and: a) The emergency will be dealt with appropriately. At this time, Team Managers are responsible for their competitors. b) Once the emergency has been rectified, a Team Manager s meeting will be called to discuss an appropriate plan of action for the remainder of the event. Page 7
15. Equipment Life Saving Victoria will source and supply the following equipment: IRB/s and qualified driver and crew member/s who will be utilised for course judging and water safety Additional qualified water safety personnel (where required) Set of swimming buoys Turning flags and posts Hose pieces for Beach Flags and Beach Relays Position markers Radios for communication between event staff Additional shade shelters (where available) Signage First aid kit including ice SPF 30+ sunscreen Schools required to bring*: Malibu Racing boards Note: Please be aware that in events that you need Malibu racing boards (particularly the Individual Board Race), schools will only be able to enter as many competitors/teams equal to the amount of boards that they have. The start of the next heat will not be held up while boards are being brought back to the start line after each heat. Please contact a local Life Saving Club to organise the borrowing of some boards. A set of competition skull caps or school swimming caps (see Appendix 3 for further information) Shade shelter (highly recommended) Mobile phone (phone number provided to LSV Event Coordinator) First aid kit SPF 30+ sunscreen *Schools are responsible for the transport of their own equipment **Please contact the LSV Event Coordinator on 9676 6957 or 0421 381 169 to discuss board hire and loan options if required Competitors required to bring: Towel Bathers Long sleeved shirt to wear when marshalling (sun protection) Wide brimmed hat SPF 30+ sunscreen Sunglasses Water bottle Plenty of food, snacks and drinks to have between events Wetsuit (optional) Jackets/ blankets/ warm clothing and spare towel (in the case of cool weather) 16. First Aid Schools are required to bring a first aid kit to be used for students with minor injuries such as cuts, abrasions, sand in eyes and minor jellyfish stings, etc. NOTE: Please ensure to have a number of ice packs for the treatment of minor jellyfish stings Life Saving Victoria will provide first aid assistance for major first aid incidents including bites, major jellyfish stings, dislocations, resuscitations, etc. 17. Sun Smart The Cancer Council Australia and LSV recommends Victorians take five steps to protect against sun damage when the Sun Smart UV Alert indicates the UV Index is at 3 or above: Page 8
Slip on some sun-protective clothing - that covers as much skin as possible Slop on SPF30+ sunscreen - make sure it is broad spectrum and water resistant. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun Slap on a hat - that protects your face, head, neck and ears Seek shade - LSV will provide a shade shelter where available Slide on some sunglasses - make sure they meet Australian Standards 18. Water Quality (Environment Protection Authority) Life Saving Victoria conducts daily checks of the water quality at program destinations by referring to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Website (www.epa.vic.gov.au/beachreport)* Here, the EPA provide daily forecasts on expected bacterial levels present in the water, that may put swimmers at risk after swimming. The water quality forecasts are predictive only and as a general precaution, EPA Victoria advises people not to swim near stormwater drains, rivers, streams and other outlets into the bay during and for at least 24 hours after rainfall The following is an overview of the beach water quality ratings: Good Fair Poor Unacceptable Water quality is expected to be suitable for swimming Water quality is expected to be generally suitable for swimming but may be affected by stormwater Not recommended for swimming A no swim advisory has been issued for this beach *EPA water quality forecasting runs from December through to March only What does this mean for the School Surf League competition? For the health and safety of our participants, Life Saving Victoria does not run water based activities if the EPA deems water quality as poor or unacceptable Therefore if on the day of competition for any Rounds, the EPA rates the water quality as poor or unacceptable, the events will be cancelled and will be moved to an alternative date. 19. Alternative Dates/Venues If the surf conditions or the water quality is deemed unsafe or poor quality the carnival will be run at an alternative location, or on an alternative date 7 days after the original date. Back up dates are: Carnival 1 Point Leo SLSC, Monday November 18 Carnival 2 Mordialloc LSC, Wednesday November 20 Carnival 3 Ocean Grove SLSC, Friday November 22 Back up venues are: Cosy Corner Torquay Front Beach 20. Life Saving Club Information Schools may wish to contact Life Saving Clubs to inquire about facility usage and hire, equipment hire and/ or school-club partnership possibilities Facilities and club equipment are subject to availability and at the discretion of the Life Saving Club. Victorian Life Saving Club contact details are available at www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au Alternatively, please call the LSV Sport department on 9676 6957 or 9676 6937 Page 9
School Surf League Program of Events WATER AREA BEACH AREAS Order No. Name of Event No. of Competitors Order No. Name of Event No. of Competitors 1 Year 9 Male Surf Race 32 per heat 1 Year 7 Male Beach Flags 10 per heat 2 Year 9 Female Surf Race 32 per heat 2 Year 7 Female Beach Sprints 10 per heat 3 Year 8 Male Surf Race 32 per heat 3 Year 7 Male Beach Sprints 10 per heat 4 Year 8 Female Surf Race 32 per heat 4 Year 7 Female Beach Flags 10 per heat 5 Year 9 Male Board Race 16 per heat 5 6 Year 9 Female Board Race 16 per heat 6 Year 7 Male Beach Relay (Year 7s move to water area) Year 7 Female Beach Relay (Year 7s move to water area) 10 teams per heat 10 teams per heat 7 Year 8 Male Board Race (Year 8s move to beach area) 16 per heat 8 Year 8 Female Board Race (Year 8s move to beach area) 16 per heat 9 Year 9 Male Cameron Relay 10 Year 9 Female Cameron Relay 7 Year 8 Male Beach Flags 10 per heat 8 Year 8 Female Beach Sprints 10 per heat 11 Year 7 Male Surf Race 32 per heat 9 Year 8 Male Beach Sprints 10 per heat
WATER AREA BEACH AREAS Order No. Name of Event No. of Competitors Order No. Name of Event No. of Competitors 12 Year 7 Female Surf Race 32 per heat 10 Year 8 Female Beach Flags 10 per heat 13 Year 9 Male Board Relay 3 per team 11 Year 8 Male Beach Relay (Year 8s move to water area) 10 teams per heat 14 Year 9 Female Board Relay 3 per team 12 Year 8 Female Beach Relay (Year 8s move to water area) 10 teams per heat 15 Year 7 Male Board Race 16 per heat 16 Year 7 Female Board Race 16 per heat 17 18 Year 9 Male Board Rescue (Year 9s move to beach area) Year 9 Female Board Rescue (Year 9s move to beach area) 9 teams per heat 9 teams per heat 19 Year 8 Male Cameron Relay 20 Year 8 Female Cameron Relay 21 Year 7 Male Cameron Relay 22 Year 7 Female Cameron Relay 13 Year 9 Male Beach Flags 10 per heat 14 Year 9 Female Beach Sprints 10 per heat 15 Year 9 Male Beach Sprints 10 per heat 16 Year 9 Female Beach Flags 10 per heat 23 Year 8 Male Board Relay 3 per team 17 Year 9 Male Beach Relay 10 teams per heat Page 11
WATER AREA Order No. Name of Event 24 Year 8 Female Board Relay BEACH AREAS No. of Competitors Order No. Name of Event 3 per team 18 Year 9 Female Beach Relay No. of Competitors 10 teams per heat 25 Year 7 Male Board Relay 26 Year 7 Female Board Relay 27 Year 8 Male Board Rescue 3 per team 3 per team 9 teams per heat 28 Year 8 Female Board Rescue 9 teams per heat 29 Year 7 Male Board Rescue 9 teams per heat 30 Year 7 Female Board Rescue 9 teams per heat Students are encourage to have their own food, snacks and drinks in between their events The Event Coordinator and Area Managers reserve the right to modify or cancel any events, and also have the right to change the order of events, on the day of competition, if safety, weather conditions, time, or other conditions warrant It is envisaged that the entire program will be completed within the scheduled timeframe Team Managers meetings will be called during the competition to notify all teams of any change Page 12