Competition is another aspect of the S.L.S.A. Its functions are primarily two fold:
1. To provide a means by which our members are able to achieve and maintain high fitness levels for the involvement in their patrol duties of caring for the surfing public.
2. To provide a means for promoting the movement through the media
The competition aspect of Surf Lifesaving is its 'shop window' and as such creates flow-on benefits to the Association with respect to fund raising and membership (recruitment).
CARNIVALS
Most carnivals are held on Illawarra/South Coast beaches. i.e.: from Stanwell Park to Shellharbour, to cater for the Sydney Water Carnival series. Inter-branch, State and National carnivals are held at locations announced prior to the commencement of each season. There are generally around 6 local carnivals held each season and most carnivals cater for children aged from U/8 to U/14 years.
Local carnivals usually take about half a day while major carnivals i.e.: Inter-branch, Branch Championships and State Titles take all day to contest. Most Carnivals start at 8.30 am with the March Past the first event at Branch and State Carnivals only. We assemble by 8.00 am at our tent. Hands are needed, both at Carnivals your Club hosts and at Carnivals you attend, to help put up and take down tents, to transport gear etc. If the weather is such that surf conditions necessitate cancellation or relocation of the Carnival this is usually announced on radio or you can ring the Team Manager, Chairperson or Secretary.
Make sure you pack hats, sunscreen, chairs, and food you require and plenty of fluids for both yourselves and your children. Note: The Surf Life Saving Association has banned the consumption of alcohol whilst Junior Carnivals are in progress. Licensed areas are quite often open at the conclusion of carnivals. Competition caps must remain on and securely tied under the chin, particularly in the competition area where disqualification will occur if this is not the case. Jewellery, watches, earrings, chains etc., must not be worn. Parents, unless performing as an Official, are not allowed into the competition area. The Team Manager is the only person from your Club eligible to lodge a protest regarding any alleged infringement of the rules.
The Carnival generally is under the control of the Carnival Referee who is, at the Branch Level, generally the Branch Superintendent, and at State Titles, the State Superintendent. The Referee can alter or even cancel a Carnival Program if adverse surf, beach or weather conditions prevail.
Sometimes misunderstanding and confusion arises with Competition Carnival Activities. Problems that may arise from the member's view may include team selection, location of Carnival, starting time of Carnival, judging of events, cancellation of Carnival or relocation of Carnival through surf conditions, loss of clothing, towels etc., loss of children etc., missing an event, dehydration, excess hunger - to select a few.
PARTICIPATION AT CARNIVALS
All children from U8–U14 age groups are encouraged to attend carnivals throughout the season.
E.g.: 4 x Sydney Water Series within Illawarra and South Coast and 1 x McDonalds Carnival within Illawarra.
To attend Illawarra Branch and State carnivals it is a requirement to have attended at least 3 carnivals prior to Branch.
There is a charge to attend carnivals but the process will be explained on registering.
TEAM SELECTION
Club Selectors are - Age Group Manager, Team Manager and the respective coach(es) i.e.: Beach & Water Coaches etc. Factors other than 'speed' affect selection e.g. reliability in turning up, good baton changes in relays, reliability in finishing a surf team event. We try to give a start
to as many juniors as possible. Some Carnivals restrict numbers in events, some do not. Often, only four per age group per Club are allowed to compete. No team is to be altered without consultation of the team manager.
JUDGING
If you feel you have been judged unfairly, a protest may be lodged through the Team Manager (i.e. not directly with the Official). If there is a direct challenge to a Judge's decision e.g. in sprint placing, no protest will be accepted! Protests must be submitted in writing within five (5) minutes of the incident.
OFFICIALS
It is an Illawarra Surf Life Saving requirement that for every 10 children competing at carnivals their club must provide 1 official
. Illawarra Surf Life Saving normally runs Level 1 official courses at the beginning of each season so if you have a child competing at carnivals we would encourage you to undertake the officials training. To find out more please contact one of the junior club executives.