NSWCHSSA

NSW COMBINED HIGH SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION - HANDBOOK

TOUCH

6.25	TOUCH
6.25.1	KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS
	Refer 'Knockout Competitions' - Section 5.2
	(a)	1. COMPETITORS
		(i)	Refer 'Eligibility of Students' - Section 5.2.
		(ii)	All players must sign official registration slip to be counter-signed by opposing coach prior to the commencement of each round match.
		(iii)	AGE LIMITS
			Players who attain the age of 20 years or over during the year of competition are not eligible to compete.
	(b)	ENTRIES
		Refer 'Entries' - Section 5.2.
	(c)	AREAS - ZONES AND THE DRAW
		(i)	In order to reduce travel to a reasonable minimum, entries will be drawn within their departmental Area, and then proceed into a twenty team final draw.
		(ii)	If entries are too few in any Area to constitute an Area draw, entries from that Area will be included in the draw of the closest Area.
		(iii)	THE DRAW
			The entire draw for the knockout competitions will be made following the closing date for entries.
			The draws will be made in accordance with Rule (e) by the Area Touch Conveners, in consultation with the Area Sports Organiser.
			When compiling the draws, the following provisions will apply:
			Any school which forfeits a game in the preceding year will not receive a bye in the year of competition, if possible.
			Any school which receives a bye in the preceding year will not receive a bye in the year of competition, if possible.
			Where possible, the draws will be publicised in the February Bulletin, each year together with rule changes as ratified by the CHS Council.
	(d)	DETERMINATION AND DUTIES OF HOME SCHOOL
		(i)	Refer 'Determination of Home and Away Games' Section 5.2
		(ii)	For duties of the Home School Refer 'Fixtures' Section 5.2, in addition: Provide the best playing surface available, correctly measured/marked out Provide an up-to-date copy of the knockout rules at the playing venue to assist in settling any disputes that may arise.
	(e)	REFEREES - TOUCH JUDGES
		(i)	All fixtures should be controlled by a senior qualified, certificated referee, correctly attired.
		(ii)	The Home School shall arrange the appointment of the referee/s through the Area Touch Contact (appointed by the NSW Touch Association) applicable to the Home School for rounds 1-5, (see attachment to draw), or through the local Touch Association, if one exists. The Away School has the right to supply a 'buddy' referee.
		(iii)	In the Finals Series, all competing schools are to provide a qualified referee and the Convener shall request the NSW Touch Association to assist with necessary appointments of Referees.
		(iv)	If a qualified Referee is not available for games being played in rounds 1-4, a neutral, competent adult may be appointed by the Home School to control the game. Both Coaches must give consent.
		(v)	For all Area Finals, the Area Convener shall nominate a suitable neutral venue and provide qualified and experienced NSW TA Referees.
	(f)	FIXTURES
		(i)	All fixtures should be played at the earliest possible date.
		(ii)	Each fixture should be played on or before the date set down in the draw.
		(iii)	No extension of time shall be granted except for when grounds are in an unplayable condition (as decided upon by the Area convener, eg. if the grounds to be used are closed because of excessive rainfall).
		(iv)	Schools failing to play by the date set down, shall forfeit the match to the opposing school.
		(v)	If both schools fail to agree upon a date and/or venue, the matter shall be referred to the Area Convener (ASO, if no convener) in rounds 1-5.
		(vi)	The appropriate Convener should try to ensure that where a school Touch team has a player(s) with CHS Representative commitments, that school should not be disadvantaged unnecessarily, by being forced to play a Touch Knockout fixture while the player is absent with the CHS team.
		(vii)	Where two schools decide by mutual agreement to play a fixture in rounds 1-4 on neutral ground, they should be permitted to do so. The home and away formula will still apply - you cannot "forfeit" a home game.
	(g)	RESULTS
		(i)	Results MUST be forwarded by telephone to the Area Touch Convener on the day immediately following the match by the coach of the winning team.
		(ii)	Results must be confirmed by forwarding a result slip direct to the CHS Touch Publicity Officer and the Convener of your Area.
		(iii)	Failure to notify results as required will mean automatic disqualification of the school concerned.
		(iv)	Results will be circulated to schools in the relevant CHS Sports Bulletin.
	(h)	PROTESTS
		(i)	Protests must be made, in writing, on the day of the match, and should be forwarded on the following day to: The Area Convener - rounds 1-5. NSW CHS Convener AND Area Convener Round 6 onwards. Finals series, protests lodged with protest committee tabled for the duration of the series. Rounds 1-5, a copy to be sent to the Principal of the opposing school.
		(ii)	Protests must be signed by the Team Coach and the Sports Co-ordinator and Principal of the protesting school.
		(iii)	The Convener concerned shall adjudicate and the decision shall be final. Where necessary, protests may be referred to the CHS Disputes Committee who are the final adjudicator on disputes.
	(i)	PLAYERS SENT OFF
		(i)	All players sent from the field, for the duration of the game, by the Referee for breaches of rules, foul or dangerous play, or for other reasons, must be reported to the Area Touch Convener.
		(ii)	Minimum penalty is a one CHS match suspension.
		(iii)	Report to Convener on players sent off must be made by Coach of winning team.
	(j)	DURATION OF PLAY
		Rounds 1-5 and Final Series Matches (excluding Final 10).
		All Round Games in Knockout Series excluding the Final 10 Series will be two halves of twenty minutes each way, with a five minute half time break, with time off for injury or stoppages as indicated by the Referee.
		Should time keepers not be appointed by the Home team, the Referee is to act as the sole Time Keeper.
		Final 10 Series.
		The Final 10 Series Organising-Committee shall determine the duration of matches and progression.
	(k)	DRAWN GAMES
		(i)	All tries or touchdowns shall be worth one (1) point.
		(ii)	In the event of draw, the 'Dropoff' System will apply as follows: Game starts with 5 a side. Players dropoff every 2 minutes till 3 a side is left. Substitutions will be allowed. Sudden Death - the team scoring first is immediately declared the winner providing both teams have had posession.. The referee or timekeeper judges the time, and indicates when players are to dropoff.
	(l)	FINAL 20 SERIES
		(i)	In Round 1, two teams from each Area progress to the Final 20 series. The Final 20 Series will be conducted on a home and away basis.
		(ii)	In round 2, the Final 10 Series shall be played at a central venue to determine the top ten positions in the state.
	(m)	RULES
		(i)	Fixtures shall be played according to the rules of the Australian Touch Associations so that any new rules adopted by the A.T.A. will automatically apply to any of the Touch competitors organised for NSW Combined High Schools.
		(ii)	The organising committee shall have power to introduce variation of A.T.A. rules, on a trial basis, if considered to be in the best interest of School's Touch.
		(iii)	Alterations or amendments to the rules of any competitions shall only be made at the sub-committee meetings (and, submitted for ratification at a CHS Council meeting).
		(iv)	No change in rules shall become effective during the currency of a competition.
		(v)	Each team has a maximum of fourteen players all of whom can play in any one match.
		(vi)	All games to be played at 6 a side.
		(vii)	DRESS All members of each team are to be dressed in the same "Touch" shirts (school colours). All shirts/jerseys etc. are to be numbered clearly. No footwear with metal studs to be worn. No jewellery to be worn. Girls may wear Briefs / Tights / Shorts (Netball skirts are not an approved item).
	(n)	COACH OF TEAMS
	(i)	The nominated Coach must be a staff member of the respective school.
		It is desirable that coaches should possess a level One coaching certificate.
	(o)	SITUATIONS NOT COVERED BY THESE RULES
		Should any situation or matter arise, not covered in these rules, the matter shall be referred to the Organising Committee, via the CHS Convener, for the decision which will be final.
6.25.2	TOUCH STATE CARNIVAL RULES - BOYS AND GIRLS
	Refer 'State Carnivals' - Section 5.3
	(a)	EVENT
		The carnivals will be conducted annually.
	(b)	ENTRIES
		Area teams shall consist of no more than fourteen (14) players, of open age. All games will be played with 6 a side.
	(c)	UNIFORM
		(i)	Players must wear the same Area uniform.
		(ii)	This will be a numbered Touch Shirt, Shorts, Briefs, or Tights, Bodysuit and Socks with suitable footwear.
		(iii)	An Area team may wear all Bodysuits, shorts, all briefs, or all tights of the same length but not a combination.
		(iv)	Shoes without screw-in studs or cleats are to be worn by all players.
	(d)	EQUIPMENT
		The New South Wales Combined High Schools will provide the Touchballs, which are to be used for the duration of the Championship.
	(e)	MATCH RULES
		(i)	All games to be played under Australian Touch Association Rules.
		(ii)	All games will be 30 minutes duration. Teams will change ends on a score. There will be no time off for injuries.
		(iii)	The carnival will be conducted on a full "Round Robin" basis. Semi Finals and Finals will be conducted. The draw for the Boys and Girls State Carnival will be a random draw.
		(iv)	Each team must be assembled, ready to play, five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled starting time. A warning hooter (two short blasts) will sound 1 minute prior to the start of each game. A second hooter will sound (one long blast), denoting time on.
	(f)	GAME DELAYS AND FORFEITS
		(i)	It is essential that captains report to the referee and teams report to the specified field with the first six on field no later than 1 minute prior to the games starting time.
			Failure to comply with this, the following penalties will apply: The non-offending team will be awarded the winning of the toss. After five (5) minutes from the starting hooter, the referee will declare the non-offending team winners by 5-0. The offending team will be deemed to have forfeited.
	(g)	POINT SCORE
		(i)	Win = 3 Draw = 2 Loss = 1 Forfeit = 0
		(ii)	Where teams finish on equal carnival points (early rounds), then their position will be determined by the following methods in order but no team will miss the semi-finals due to points (a) (b) or (c):
			(a)	Touchdowns For and Against - Highest difference takes the higher position
			(b)	Percentages - Touchdowns for multiplied by 100, divided by Touchdowns Against. The highest percentage takes the higher position.
			(c)	Winner of the round match
			(d)	In the event where two (2) or more teams are equal on points for 4th position, a "drop off" system will be applied to determine outright 4th position. Any "drop off/s" will be played immediately after the last round games. The Drop Off system - teams start with 5 aside. Then 4 a side. Players drop out every 2 minutes until 3 aside. The team scoring first wins. Substitutions will be allowed. See the Drop-off rule.
			(e)	In the event where three teams are on equal points for third (3rd) position, third (3rd) place will be determined by procedures (a) to (c). Fourth (4th) place will be determined by prodecure (d).
		(iii)	In the event of a draw at full time during a semi-final or final, the Drop-off rule is to apply.
	(h)	DISPUTES
		The disputes committee will comprise of:
		(i)	The Carnival Organiser
		(ii)	Two Team Managers of sides not involved in the dispute at hand, and nominated by the Carnival Organiser.
		(iii)	Team Managers of players involved may act as Advocate.
		(iv)	Disputes must be lodged in writing to the Carnival Organiser by the Team Manager within fifteen (15) minutes of the completion of the game.
	(i)	ON FIELD PLAYER CONDUCT
		(i)	Players sent from the field for the remainder of the game will receive an automatic two (2) game suspension at the Championships.
		(ii)	The dismissed player cannot be replaced during the game in which the dismissal occurred.
		(iii)	If based on the referee's report, further action needs to be taken, the Disputes Committee shall adjudicate.
		(iv)	Players seen by selectors to blatantly call a "Phantom Touch" will severely jeopardize their selection to the NSWCHS team.
	(j)	REPRESENTATIVE TEAM
		A NSW CHS Touch Team of fourteen players will be selected at the Championships by a selection panel.
	(k)	SELECTION PANEL
		(i)	The Selection Panel of three, will be elected at the Pre-Carnival meeting.
		(ii)	The CHS Coach, if present, will be a member of the Panel.
		(iii)	The CHS Convener will act as Chairperson of the Panel.
		(iv)	The Selection Panel will also decide the "Player of the Series Award."
		(v)	It is strongly recommended that selectors possess a Level 1 Touch Coach and Level 1 Touch Selector Certificate from the NCAS.
	(l)	ELIGIBILITY OF STUDENTS
		Competing players must be bona fide secondary students of State schools within the Area they represent.
	(m)	CONFERENCES
		(i)	Team managers and coaches plus Carnival Organisers be the only persons to attend State Carnival conferences held during the carnivals. Each Area is to nominate before the carnival the one person eligible to vote.
		(ii)	Host Area shall convene all necessary meetings of managers, one of which must be held prior to the actual commencement of competition. Attendance, extenuating circumstances excepted, at meetings is required of managers.
		(iii)	At the pre-competition meeting of managers, carnival rules and regulations shall be discussed and local rules for the particular carnival formulated. Carnival rules cannot be changed at this meeting.
	(n)	BILLETING
		(i)	Any students who alter their billet without the consent of the Carnival Organiser, will be suspended from all Association activities until the next Association meeting where the matter is to be referred to the full Council to decide any appropriate action to be taken.
		(ii)	Notification of billeting requirements should be in the hands of the host organiser at least two weeks prior to the event.
	(o)	ALTERATIONS TO RULES
		Alterations to State Carnival rules should be effected in the year preceding the competition.
	(p)	SPRINT AND RELAY FORMAT
		(i)	SPRINT: Runner starts on the dead ball line with the ball placed on the score line. On the starter’s signal the runner scoops the ball and carries it across the score line at the opposite end of the field. CHS medals will be awarded to 1st and 2nd position.
		(ii)	RELAY: 1st Runner starts on the dead ball line with the ball placed on the score line. On the starter’s signal the runner scoops the ball and dumps it over the score line at the opposite end of the field. 2nd and 3rd runners scoop the ball and dump it over the opposite score line. 4th runner scoops the ball and carries it over the score line at the opposite end of the field. CHS medals will be awarded to 1st and 2nd position.
6.25.3	TOUCH
	UNDER 16 SELECTION TRIALS
	(a)	Trials for the Under 16 NSWCHS Touch teams will be held over two (2) days on a weekend. The purpose of these trials will be to select the CHS team to complete at the NSW All Schools Championships. Students may participate in the trials in the following manner.
		(i)	Through an Area team - selected after an Area trial.
			or
		(ii)	On an individual basis should an Area choose not to send a team.
	(b)	CHS UNDER 16 TOUCH TRIAL RULES
		(i)	EVENTS
			The Carnival will be run annually.
		(ii)	ENTRIES
			Each Area may enter one boys and one girls team. If an Area chooses not to send a team, then players may enter individually. (These players will be placed into composite teams at the discretion of the convener and the selection committee).
		(iii)	UNIFORM
			(a)		Players must wear the same uniform. This will consist of a numbered Touch shirt, shorts, briefs or tights or body suit.
			(b)		A team may wear all shorts, all briefs etc. but not a combination of both.
			(c)		Shoes without screw in studs or cleats are to be worn by all players.
		(iv)	MATCH RULES
			(a)		All games to be played under Australian Touch Association Rules.
			(b)		A team shall consist of 14 players. Games will be played with 6 a side on the field.
			(c)		The trials will be conducted on a "Round Robin" basis. All games will be thirty minute duration - no half-time - straight turn around on a score.
			(d)		If ten Areas are represented, a two "pool" system will operate. Pools will be determined from the previous years final positions.
			(e)		Each team must be assembled, ready to play, five minutes prior to the scheduled starting time. A warning hooter (two short blasts) will sound one (1) minute prior to the start of each game. A second hooter will sound denoting time on.
		(v)	POINTSCORE
			(a)		Win = 3 Draw = 2 Loss = 1 Forfeit = 0
			(b)		Where teams finish on equal carnival points after all Rounds, then the final positions will be determined by the following methods in order: Touchdowns for and Against - Highest Difference takes the higher position Percentages - Touchdowns for multipied by 100, divided by Touchdowns Against. The highest percentage takes the highest position. Winner of the first round match The 'Drop off' system - starting with 6 aside for two minutes, then 5 aside. Players drop out every two minutes until 3 aside. The team scoring first wins. Substitutions are allowed.
		(vi)	DISPUTES: The disputes committee will comprise of:
			(a)		The Carnival Manager.
			(b)		Two team managers from sides not involved in the dispute at hand, and nominated by the carnival manager.
			(c)		Team managers of players involved may act as an Advocate.
			(d)		Disputes must be lodged in writing to the Carnival Organiser by the team manager within fifteen minutes of the completion of the game.
		(vii)	ONFIELD PLAYER CONDUCT
			(a)		Players sent from the field for the remainder of the game will receive an automatic two (2) game suspension at the Championships.
			(b)		The dismissed player cannot be replaced during the game in which the dismissal occurs.
			(c)		If based on a referee's report, further action needs to be taken, the Disputes Committee shall adjudicate.
			(d)		Players seen by selectors to blatantly call a "phantom" touch shall severely jeopardise their selection to the NSWCHS team.
		(viii)	REPRESENTATIVE TEAM
			A NSWCHS team of up to fourteen (14) players will be selected at the Championship to participate in the All-Schools Championship.
			(a)		SELECTION PANEL The selection panel shall consist of three members: the NSWCHS Coach two NSWCHS selectors the Selection Panel will also decide the Player of the Series Award'. the female Player of the Series will be awarded the Marissa Mckeon Memorial medal.
		(ix)	ELIGIBILITY OF STUDENTS
			Competing players must be bona fide secondary students of State High Schools within the Area they represent. All students must not turn 16 years of age or older during the year of the Championships.
		(x)	BILLETING
			It is the responsibility of each Area participating to find their own accommodation. In circumstances where this is not possible, every effort will be made to provide billets. CHS rules regarding billeting apply in this situation.