5.1

GENERAL POLICIES

5.1.1

RULES OF THE GAME

Each sport shall adopt the game rules that are accepted by that sport's governing body in New South Wales, together with any modifications as adopted by the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association.

5.1.2

NUMBERS AND COLOURS

For the purpose of identifying teams for State Carnivals and State Championships, the numbers and colours are allocated as follows:

5.1.3

COACHING

No coaching, other than where such is part of the rules of the game -eg. Softball and Baseball, shall take place during the actual competition games. The team manager or coach will not be allowed on the court or field of play, unless specifically called upon by the umpire or referee.

5.1.4

TROPHIES/AWARDS, ETC

(a)

An existing trophy (as approved by the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association) for winning teams together with pennants or medallions (winners and runners-up) for individual team members or competitors shall be awarded to record their achievement.

(b)

Appreciation pennants or gifts may be awarded at each activity. The award of these items shall be arranged by the Convener of the sport concerned, in consultation with officials from the host region.

5.1.5

STATE GRANTS/SPONSORSHIPS

All requests for assistance from sporting bodies or sponsors must be sent through the Executive Officer and all grants should be received through this Association.

5.1.6

ADVERTISING

(a)

No advertising is to be shown on Combined High Schools official playing uniform.

(b)

Advertising may appear at a Combined High Schools fixture venue with permission of the ground authority.

(c)

Conveners must consult with the Executive prior to entering into fund raising and sponsorship proposals.

(d)

The words "Department of School Education" must not appear on any written documents which relate to fund raising and sponsorship.

5.1.7

AGE DETERMINATION

The age group students are eligible to compete in, is the age students turn in the year of competition, as indicated by the age group the competition is conducted in.

5.2

KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS

Refer "Knockout Competitions" - Section 2.15.

5.2.1

APPROVED KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS

Knockout Competitions on a school basis are held in the following approved sports as determined by the Council of the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association.

(a)

BOYS

·         Australian Football - 15 years teams only

·         Baseball

·         Basketball

·         Cricket

·         Hockey

·         Netball

·         Rugby League - Open teams and 14 years teams

·         Rugby Union - 15 years

·         Soccer

·         Softball

·         Squash

·         Tennis

·         Touch

·         Volleyball

·         Water Polo - Open teams and 15 years teams.

(b)

GIRLS

·         Baseball

·         Basketball

·         Cricket

·         Hockey

·         Netball

·         Rugby- Open and 15 years teams

·         Soccer

·         Softball

·         Squash

·         Tennis

·         Touch

·         Volleyball

·         Water Polo - Open teams and 15 years teams.

(c)

CO-ED OR SINGLE SEX

·         Lawn Bowls

• Table Tennis
• Swimming

(d)

CENTRAL SCHOOLS ONLY
            Netball (Girls)
            Cricket (Boys)
            Touch (Boys/Girls)
            Lawn Bowls (Co-ed)
            Rugby League (7’s)
(In this context central Schools are Netball (Girls) defined as small K-10 or K-12 schools Cricket (Boys) (usually with less than 250 students in Touch (Boys and Girls) yrs 7-10 or 7-12) serving small rural communities with populations of some 4000 people or less)

(e)

COMBINATION OF COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS
Country High Schools may combine with neighbouring central schools if the central school has insufficient numbers to participate in CHS Knockout Competitions.  For this option to be taken up:

• The central school must have insufficient student/players to enter a team on their own.
• The application to combine must be forwarded to the CHS Office on the ‘Knockout Entry Form’ indicating the schools(s) and the sport(s).
• Regional Sports Associations will have the opportunity to comment on combined entries when the knockout nominations are forwarded from the Combined High Schools to the Regional Sports Association
• If permission is given it is available only for the competition in the year of application.

(f)

COLLEGE COMPETITIONS
In 2001 Year 10 or below College competitions will be conducted for schools that form part of a College. (In this context College Schools will be defined as yr 7 - 10 schools that are part of a named College as determined by the Department of Education and Training)

5.2.2

ENTRIES

Entries for the above competitions will close for all knockout competitions on the last day of term 3.

5.2.3

RULES AND CONDITIONS

(a)

Competition shall be on a school basis. In the case of central schools or small country high schools two or more may combine for knockouts provided the total secondary enrolment of these schools does not exceeds four hundred pupils (400) and also provided the schools are in close geographic proximity to each other.

(b)

Central Schools entering competitions in 5.2.1 (d) may not combine schools.  Two competitions will be conducted.  A Year 10 or below (16 years and under) competition and an Open Age competition (students may not turn 20 years of age in the year of competition).

(c)

ELIGIBILITY OF STUDENTS

(i)

Players must be bona fide students of the State school, or combination of State schools, they represent. Students transferring to another school automatically lose their qualifications to compete for their former school in any competition conducted by this Association.

(v)

Students entered in open competitions conducted by this Association must be below 20 years of age in the year of competition. Students who attain the age of 20 years in the year of competition are not eligible.

(ix)

Where age group competitions are conducted, the maximum age attainable by students eligible to compete, will be the age students turn in the year of competition as indicated by the age group the competition is conducted in.

All teams must be accompanied by a teacher from that school, or group of schools where applicable, and if this does not occur, that team will automatically lose the match by forfeit.

5.2.4

THE DRAW

(a)

Unless specified in the particular knockout rules and where practical Region Conveners make up and conduct the draw in all sports for their Region up to the stage of Regional Finalist. The State convener should stipulate dates and conditions for all aspect of competition including the method considered by them to be most suitable for conducting the final round from sixteen teams through to State knockout winner. This should apply to all sports. All such draws and results are to be forwarded at the earliest possible time to the State Conveners of each respective sport. At the Region level Knockout competitions may be conducted in a competition format deemed appropriate by the Region.

(b)

Where possible with Combined High Schools knockouts the final eight teams remaining in the knockout assemble at a central venue to play the remaining games to finalise the knockout competition.

(c)

The State Convener shall circulate the draw, through the Executive Officer, as soon as practicable after the closing date for entries.

5.2.5

DETERMINATION OF HOME AND AWAY GAMES

All Combined High Schools knockout competitions determine home and away games by the following method (unless specified under the particular knockout competition rules):

(a)

The first mentioned school on the draw is the home school in round 1.

(b)

The home school in other rounds shall be the school which has the least number of home games.

(c)

Where the number of home and away games are equal:

·         The first mentioned school in the draw shall become the home school in odd numbered rounds.

·         The second mentioned school shall become the home school for even numbered rounds.

(d)

In the event of a forfeit in a state knockout the draw as it appears on a home and away basis will remain unaltered and the forfeit will not become a home match to the non forfeiting team.

(e)

In the case of the "home school" not satisfying home school duties with regard to the notification period, the "visiting team" shall automatically become the home school. The visiting school in assuming home school duties, must satisfy all home school requirements with the exception of the notification period which shall be:- give three school days notice, confirmed by fax, with a choice of three dates, or play on a date mutually agreed upon. The offered dates, unless mutually agreed upon shall not be the "new" visiting schools sports day or a weekend. In Knockout Rounds if both schools do not take up the option to be home school, the Region convener or the state convener, where applicable, will decide a time, date and venue for the match to be played prior to the next round completion date.

5.2.6

FIXTURES

(a)

All fixtures shall be played at the earlier possible date.

(b)

Each fixture must be played on, or before, the designated date set down in the draw. Failure to play the fixture by the due date may result in disqualification.

(c)

An extension of time can only be granted by the State Convener and only in exceptional circumstances.

(d)

The duties of the "home school" shall be:

(i)

Give the visiting school five school days notice, confirmed by fax, with a choice of three dates or play on a date mutually agreed upon, except where the away school becomes the home school, due to the original home school not being able to fulfil its home school responsibilities, the notification shall become: Give the visiting school three days notice confirmed by fax with a choice of three dates or play on a date mutually agreed upon.

(ii)

The offered dates, unless mutually agreed upon, shall not be the visiting school's sports day or on a week-end.

(iii)

Provide accommodation/billets as required by the visiting school.

(iv)

Make suitable social arrangements for hosting the visiting team, before, and after the match.

(v)

Make all necessary arrangements for the conduct of the match as set out in the knockout competition rules.

(vi)

Provide suitable first aid equipment.

(vii)

Make facilities available before, during and after the match.

(viii)

A home school unable to comply with the "duties" of the home school may request the visiting school to become the home school. (Original home and away status remains when determining future rounds).

5.2.7

EXPENSES

Each school is responsible for its own travel, accommodation and managerial costs and arrangements.

5.2.8

DISPUTES

(a)

The "Disputes Committee" is elected annually at the commencement of each school year. The Disputes Committee acts as an "Appeals Committee" when:

- sporting conveners have made decisions on disputes/ protests arising out of Combined High Schools knockout competition matches and schools wish to challenge this ruling.

- or the result of the match is protested.

The committee will comprise the CHS convener of the sport involved, plus two named Vice-Presidents of the Combined High Schools Sports Association. The CHS Executive Officer is empowered to act on the Disputes Committee in the absence of the named members.

(b)

DISPUTES IN KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS

Where there is a dispute in knockout competitions (time, venue, etc) schools in the first instance must refer this matter to the respective Sports Convener, who will make a decision which schools are required to comply with. A school which does not comply could be forfeited from the competition.

If a school or schools decide to appeal the decision of the convener, they will do so to the Disputes Committee. Once the Disputes Committee has convened and made its decision, this decision shall be final.

(c)

PROTESTS

Notice of intention to protest after the completion of the match must be made to the opposing team on the day of the match.

The Protest must be faxed, in writing, within two school days of the date of the match on the Dispute/Protest Form, to the convener of the sport concerned, the CHS Executive Officer, the two CHS Vice Presidents comprising the Disputes Committee and the Principal of the opposing school. Protests must be signed by the Principal of the protesting school.

Where a school or schools decide to appeal the decision of a match, the Disputes Committee shall act as an "Appeals Committee" and will make the decision regarding the result. Once the Disputes Committee has convened and made its decision, this decision shall be final.

(d)

Where a knockout is conducted by the Region any disputes be referred to the Region Judiciary. Once the Competition had entered the final rounds, either sixteen, ten or eight the Combined High Schools disputes committee would arbitrate. If the knockout competition was organised by the Combined High Schools Convener any disputes to be referred to the Combined High Schools disputes committee who shall adjudicate and that decision will be final.

(e)

Notice of intention to protest must be made, to the opposing team on the day of the match.

(f)

Protest must be faxed, in writing, within two school days of the date of the match on the DISPUTE/PROTEST FORM found on the Combined High Schools website (www.sports.det.nsw.edu.au) to the State Convener for the sport concerned, the Senior Education Officer - Secondary Sport, and the other two members of the Disputes committee, with a copy to the Principal of the opposing school.

(g)

Protests must be signed by the Principal of the protesting school.

5.2.9

RESULTS

The winning school must phoneresults to either the State Convener or his/her designates or to the Regional Convener, as indicated on the draw, immediately following the match. A written confirmation is to be forwarded within three school days. Failure to notify results may lead to the disqualification of the winning school.

5.3

STATE CARNIVALS (formerly Inter-regional Championships)

Refer "State carnivals)" - Section 2.15

5.3.1

APPROVED STATE CARNIVALS

Carnivals may be held annually at a time and place as determined by the Council of the New South Wales Combined High Schools sports Association, in consultation with the Region Sports Organisers and State Conveners.

Carnivals may be held in any of the approved sports as determined by the Council of the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association.

5.3.2

ENTRIES

Each Region may enter one team. However, in the event of all Regions not participating in a State Carnival or where it is desired to have an even number of teams in the carnival draw, only one Region may enter two teams in any State Carnival. This must be done at the invitation of the host Region, subject to approval of that sport's sub-committee, and the Executive.

In such cases the second team accepted from the one Region shall have full competition rights and members of that team shall be eligible for State selection if applicable.

Other teams may be entered in State Carnivals where geographic location, equity or All Schools selection are factors.
This must be done subject to the approval of the Executive and that Sports Sub committee.
In such cases all teams shall have full competition rights and members of the teams shall be eligible for State selection if applicable.

5.3.3

ELIGIBILITY OF STUDENTS

Competing players must be bona fide secondary students of a State school within the Region they represent as determined by the Assistant Director-General in charge of Sport.

5.3.4

CONFERENCES

Team managers/esses and coaches plus Carnival Organisers be the only persons to attend conferences held during carnivals. Each Region is to nominate before the carnival the one person eligible to vote.

5.3.5

HOST REGION

(a)

The host Region will issue invitations for all State Carnivals at least six weeks prior to the carnival; such invitations will indicate:

(i)

Final date for acceptance of invitation and team lists.

(ii)

Venue for carnival.

(iii)

Billeting arrangements proposed and date for final numbers.

(iv)

Accommodation arrangements for manger/esses proposed including telephone number and cost.

(v)

Suggested travel arrangements.

(vi)

Lunch arrangements.

(vii)

Carnival levy.

(viii)

Time, date and venue of the pre-carnival managers/esses meeting and official dinner.

(b)

Host Regions shall notify, prior to visiting teams departure for the carnival venue, the:

(i)

Itinerary and venue

(ii)

Billets' names and addresses.

(iii)

The draw

(iv)

Other relevant information

(c)

Host Region shall make all arrangements for grounds, first aid, lunches, necessary equipment, publicity, official dinner and qualified umpires or referees who shall be made aware of State Carnival rules. All team managers/esses and/or coaches are expected to attend all official functions organised on their behalf.

(d)

Host Region shall in the case of inclement weather, be responsible for determining whether grounds nominated are fit for play.

(e)

Host Region shall convene all necessary meetings or managers/esses, one of which must be held prior to the actual commencement of competition. Attendance, extenuating circumstances excepted, at meetings of managers/esses is compulsory for all team managers/esses.

At the pre-competition meeting of managers/esses, carnival rules and regulations shall be discussed and local rules for the particular carnival formulated. Carnival rules for the particular carnival formulated. Carnival rules cannot be changed at this meeting.

(f)

Host Region shall be responsible for media and updating the website with results of matches each day of the carnival.

(g)

Team officials are to stay at the accommodation arranged by the host Region.

5.3.6

CONVENER

(a)

Will consult with the host Region, at least two weeks prior to invitations being issued on the details to be included in the invitations.

(b)

Will maintain close liaison with the host Region in all aspect of carnival organisation and assist the host Region as required.

5.3.7

BILLETING
Billeting is an integral component of any State Carnival or Championship. Billeting is strongly encouraged for all State Carnivals or Championships. Billeting should be an enjoyable experience for both the representative and the host families.

(a)

Region Sports Associations are to advise preliminary billeting requirements through the respective Team Advice Sheet distributed by the host Region by the due date.

(b)

Any student who has requested a billet or failed to notify their Association that a billet was not required must accept that billet.

(c)

Any alternation to billeting requirements prior to a carnival/championship must be requested through the representative's Region/State Association.

(d)

Final Billeting requirements are to be submitted to the host Region ten (10) days prior to the commencement of the carnival/championship. No alternation to billeting will be negotiated after 12 noon of the Friday proceeding the commencement of the carnival.

(e)

No team member may withdraw from their billet at any time throughout the carnival/championship without the knowledge and approval of their team manger and the host Region.

(f)

The penalty for falling to abide by the above rules may include disqualification of the offending representative from the carnival/championship.

(g)

Team members being billeted and the Regional team manager must arrive at the billeting point at the time agreed by the host and the competing Region.

5.3.8

EXPENSES

(a)

The Region Sports Organisers (or the Region officer charged with the responsibility of administering Region sporting activities) must present a budget for the running of the State Carnival in their Region to include expenses for which the relevant combined High Schools sports will be liable. He/she should consult with the relevant Combined Schools Convener when finalising the budget and present it for approval to the Combined High Schools Executive one meeting prior to the activity.

(b)

The Region, where applicable, will pay expenses incurred on the following items:

• Lunches for players and managers/esses.
• Internal bus travel
• Laundry of playing uniforms
• Barbecues.
• Dinners
• First Aid Equipment

(c)

The Combined High Schools Council allocation to a particular sport will pay expenses for:

• Ground and/or facility hire.
• Referees or umpires expenses.
• Drinks where the sport rules include them
• Combined High Schools bannerettes or medallions to winning and second positions.
• Expendable items: A ceiling of $100 to be imposed. Amounts above this figure must have prior approval of the Executive.

(d)

If the Convener does not attend the State Carnival in the capacity of an Region manager/ess or coach, expenses at the current approved rate, for his/her attendance to be approved by the Council and payment debited to that sport.

(e)

Selectors expenses will not be met by either Region or Combined High Schools general funds.

(c)

At the State Carnival the panel of selectors be nominated at the preliminary conference, prior to the carnival.

5.3.9

PROTESTS

Refer to individual sports.

5.3.10

ALTERATIONS TO RULES

Alterations to State Carnival rules must be effected in the year preceding the competition.

5.3.11

CARNIVAL REPORTS

.

The host Region shall be responsible for the submission or a written report by the Carnival Organiser to the Executive Officer, within fourteen days of the completion of the carnival

5.3.12

STATE CARNIVAL WELFARE COMMITTEE

A State Carnival Welfare Committee to be established as part of the State Carnival organisation.

This committee to consist of:

• CHS Convener/or Executive Representative
• Carnival Manager
• Principals' Representative
• Community Representative
• Regional Sports Organiser
• Team manager from region of offending team member.

5.4

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

ie Athletics, Canoeing, Cross Country, Golf, Rowing, Sailing, Swimming, Trampolining, Triathlon, Tennis, Table Tennis.

5.4.1

RESPONSIBILITY OF CONVENER

(a)

The Convener through the State Association shall issue invitations to compete at least eight weeks prior to the Championships and shall indicate:

• Closing date for entries on the entry form.
• Venue for championship.
• Date/s and starting time/s of championship.
• Conditions of entry.
• Entry costs, eg. admissions charges to pool or ground.
• Time, date and venue of the manager/esses meeting and official dinner.

(b)

The Convener shall be responsible for:

• Ground or pool hire, first aid, lunches, necessary equipment, publicity, the official dinner and referees who shall be made aware of State Championship rules.
• In the case of inclement weather, determining whether the championship shall proceed.
• Convening all necessary meetings.
• Notifying the press of each day's results at the championship.

5.4.2

GENERAL INFORMATION

(a)

That nomination forms for the position of all officials to State Championships will be advertised annually. No appointments will be made unless an application is received by the closing date.

(b)

Entry of State Swimming, Cross Country and Athletic Championships will be on an Region basis only.

(c)

Swimming and Diving Championships will be two separate championships and each with its own point score and trophies.

(d)

An equipment officer will be appointed at Swimming Athletic and Cross Country championships.