Section 5 – State Championships
Amended 2021
5.1 – General rules
5.1.1 Championships shall be held annually at a time and place as determined by the Council of the New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association.
5.1.2
(a) Competing players shall be bona-fide pupils of and enrolled at an affiliated school (Primary Eligibility) in New South Wales for at least one (1) month immediately preceding the date of the commencement of the championship. Students enrolled through Distance Education will be eligible to compete for their DoE association based on their place of primary residence.
(b) All team officials must be currently employed, permanent, temporary or casual teachers of the New South Wales Department of Education or the relevant education authority of the invited Associations and be appointed by the relevant associations.
Any other personnel must apply to and be approved by the NSWPSSA Executive.
(c) State Championship shall be conducted on a Boys/Girls basis. The concept shall apply to all events for all children 8-13 years, with the exception of Rugby Union and Rugby League where students turning 13 in the year of competition are ineligible to play, within the K-6 concept of New South Wales Primary School Sport.
(d) Access may be provided for "accelerated learners", 11 years old or under attending secondary and/or central schools. It will be the responsibility of the feeder school, or nominated primary school, in liaison with the secondary school to provide the participation in NSWPSSA activities.
5.1.3 Each DoE Association/invited Association may enter one (1) team. However, in the event of all Association not participating in a State Championship or where it is desired to have an even number of teams in the championship draw, only one association may enter two (2) teams in any State Championship at the invitation of the host an association, subject to approval of that sport's sub-committee, and the Executive of the New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association. In such cases the second team accepted from the one (1) Association shall have full competition rights and members of that team shall be eligible for State selection if applicable.
5.1.4 State Championship may be held in the following sports:
Athletics – Boys and Girls
Australian Football
Basketball – Boys and Girls
Cricket – Boys and Girls
Cross Country – Boys and Girls
Football – Boys and Girls
Golf – Boys and Girls
Hockey – Boys and Girls
Netball
Rugby League
Rugby Union – Boys
Softball – Boys and Girls
Swimming – Boys and Girls
Tennis – Boys and Girls
Touch – Boys and Girls
The highest possible level of competition is provided for girls in all competitions except for: Australian Football – Boys, Rugby League – Boys, and Rugby Union – Boys. Girls will have access to these sports, taking into account strength, stamina and physique.
5.1.5 At State Championships the number of members in association team shall be:
Athletics Boys – as per entry sheet
Athletics Girls as – per entry sheet
Australian Football – 22
Basketball Boys – 10
Basketball Girls – 10
Cricket Boys – 12
Cricket Girls – 12
Cross Country Boys – as per entry sheet
Cross Country Girls – as per entry sheet
Football Boys – maximum of 12
Football Girls – maximum of 12
Golf Boys – as per entry sheet
Golf Girls – as per entry sheet
Hockey Boys – 13
Hockey Girls – 13
Netball – 10
Rugby League – 17
Rugby Union Boys – 22
Softball Boys – 12
Softball Girls – 12
Swimming Boys – as per entry sheet
Swimming Girls – as per entry sheet
Tennis Boys – 5
Tennis Girls – 5
Touch Boys – minimum 12 to a maximum of 14
Touch Girls – minimum 12 to a maximum of 14
Note: Variations in team size due to unforeseen circumstances immediately prior to the event must be tabled at the Pre-Championship Managers' Meeting.
5.1.6 For the purpose of identifying teams for State Championships, the numbers and colours are allocated as follows:
1 – Sydney East – Red/White/Royal Blue
2 – Riverina – Black/White
3 – The Hunter – Royal Blue/Gold
4 – South Coast – Aqua/Yellow/Navy
5 – Barrier (NSWPSSA Sub-Area) – Gold/Red/Navy
6 – North Coast – Gold/Green
7 – Sydney North – Black/Red
8 – Sydney West – Blue/Black/Gold
9 – Sydney South West – Bottle Green/White
10 – Western – Red/Green
11 – North West – Sky Blue/Black
12 – MacKillop – Maroon/Sky
13 – Polding – Maroon/Gold
14 – Combined Independent Schools – Navy/Red/White
5.1.7 Host association
(a) The New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association will pay an amount to be determined at a meeting of the Council to the host association towards the running costs of each State Championship except Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country.
(b) The host association will issue invitations for all sports except Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country at least eight (8) weeks prior to the championship; such invitations will indicate:
(i) Final date for acceptance of invitation and team lists.
(ii) Venue for championship.
(iii) Billeting arrangements (if host association participates in the billeting program) proposed and date for final numbers.
(iv) Proposed accommodation arrangements for managers including telephone number and cost.
(v) Suggested travel arrangements.
(vi) Lunch arrangements.
(vii) Championship levy.
(viii) Time, date and venue of the pre-championship managers meeting and official dinner.
(c) Managers and coaches will abide by the accommodation conditions provided.
(d) The host association shall notify, prior to visiting teams departure for the championship venue, the:
(i) Itinerary and venue.
(ii) Billet's names and addresses (if host association participates in the billeting program).
(iii) The draw.
(iv) Other relevant information.
(e) Host associations 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 Championship Rules.
(f) Host associations shall, in the case of inclement weather, be responsible for determining whether grounds nominated are fit for play.
(g) Host associations 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 of managers is compulsory for all team managers. At the pre-competition meeting of managers, Championship Rules and Regulations shall be discussed and local rules for the particular championship formulated. Championship rules cannot be changed at this meeting.
(h) Host associations shall be responsible for notifying newspapers of the results of matches each day of the championship. Information to the press other than championship results may only be released through the President (or nominee) of the New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association or the Championship Manager.
(i) Host associations shall be responsible for the submission of a written report by the date advised: to the Senior Education Officer, New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association.
5.1.8 Billeting
(a) DoE Associations and invited Associations are to advise preliminary billeting requirements through the respective Team Advice Sheet distributed by the host r association by the due date.
(b) Any child who has requested a billet or failed to notify his/her association that a billet was not required, must accept a billet.
(c) Any alteration to billeting requirements prior to a championship must be requested through the representative's invited association.
(d) Final billeting requirements are to be submitted to the host area ten (10) days prior to the commencement of the championship. No alterations to billeting will be negotiated after 12.00 (noon) of the Friday preceding the commencement of the championship.
(e) No team member may withdraw from his/her billet at any time throughout the championship without the knowledge and approval of their team manager and the host association.
(f) The penalty for failing to abide by the above rules may include disqualification of the offending representative from the championship.
(g) Team members being billeted and the relevant association team manager must arrive together at the billeting point at the time and place agreed by the host and competing DoE Association/ invited Associations.
5.1.9 Playing conditions
In all State Championships, except Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country, Cricket, Football and Rugby Union where points are allocated to a team, the system to be used shall be:
Win – 3 points
Draw – 2 points
Loss – 1 point
Forfeit – 0 points
5.1.10 Conduct of competition
A State Championship may be conducted in one of two ways as follows:
(a) Full round robin
(i) Where there are seven (7) teams or less a full round robin will be played.
(ii) Each team shall play each other team at least once.
(iii) The team scoring the highest number of competition points shall be the winner.
(iv) Where a complete round robin is played and two teams or more finish in equal first place they will be declared joint premiers.
(v) Where two teams or more finish level on points for second or lower places, places shall be determined on percentages, i.e.:
Points scored for/points scored against x 100
Or
(b) In pools
(i) Where there are more than seven (7) teams a two (2) pool championship will be played, except where rules for individual sports contradict.
(ii) The competing teams shall be drawn equally into two (2) pools. Placings to be decided on previous year’s results at that age level. For example: Pools:
A 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12. 13
B 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14
(iii) In each pool each team shall play each other at least once.
(iv) In the event of teams finishing level on points in a pool, the placings shall be determined on percentages, except where specifically indicated in the sport concerned.
Rules of percentages
Applies as follows: points scored for/points scored against x 100
(v) Once the placings have been decided in the two pools, two semi-finals will be played: Winner Pool A v Runner-Up Pool B. Winner Pool B v Runner-Up Pool A. The winning teams of each semi-final will meet in the final. In the event of a drawn final, joint premiers will be declared.
(vi) The losers of the semi-final shall meet to decide 3rd and 4th place in the championship and the other teams shall play as follows to decide the remaining places: 3rd in each pool will meet to decide 5th and 6th places; 4th in each pool will meet to decide 7th and 8th places; 5th in each pool will meet to decide 9th and 10th places; 6th in each pool will meet to decide 11th and 12th places.
Note: CRICKET: The losers of the semi-finals shall be declared joint 3rd placegetters. The method of determining pool placements for teams placed equal 3rd for the following year shall be determined by: placement in pool; points; and quotient.
(vii) Drawn semi-finals
See rules for individual sports
5.1.11 Protests
Refer to individual sports.
5.1.12 Coaching by team management
Coaching in the designated game intervals (ie quarter and half time, specific time-outs as in Basketball), through the 'unlimited interchange' or where such is part of the rules of the game eg Softball is permissible. Any such coaching must be appropriate and be conducted within the specified technical area by the Team Management.
In the sports of Golf and Tennis coaching is only permissible prior to the commencement of each match.
Only the Team Manager or medical adviser shall be allowed on the field of play when specifically called for.
5.1.13 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 Primary Schools Sports Association.
5.1.14 Trophies/awards
(a) An existing trophy (as approved by the New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association) for the winning team together with New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association medals (winners and runners-up and 3rd place overall) for the individual members of the teams shall be the awards at any championship conducted under the auspices of the New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association.
(b) At the championships involving team sports no individual awards will be presented for performance.
(c) Appreciation gifts may be awarded at each State Championship. The distribution of these shall be arranged by the Executive , New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association, in consultation with the Championship Manager.
5.1.15 Alteration to rules
Alterations to the State Championship rules should be effected in the year preceding the competition except in the case of Cricket, Softball, Golf and Athletics which may be effected at the second meeting of the year of competition.
5.1.16 State teams
(a) Pupils must compete at and be in attendance for every component of the relevant State Championship in order to be eligible for selection in that State Team, except in the case of unforeseen circumstances which must be supported by appropriate documentation and pending consideration by the NSWPSSA Executive Committee. The student must be representing their association. (Students in Invitation teams, while not called such, are also representing their association and are therefore also eligible for State selection.)
(b) State teams are selected according to rules as laid down by School Sport Australia.
(c) At the pre-competition meeting of managers, state selectors shall be elected. If in attendance, the State Coach shall be, by virtue of the position, a member of the selection panel.
(i) It is the responsibility of the Selection Panel and/or Convener to: Prior to selection ensure all team managers have identified ineligible competitors. Competitors who turn 13 in the year of competition are ineligible for selection.
(ii) Prior to the announcement of the State Team the Selection Panel in consultation with Team Managers and Convener must check that the nominated members meet the necessary criteria.
(iii) It is the responsibility of the Selection Panel and/or Convener to provide the full name, school and area of each student selected to the official nominated to announce the State Team.
(d) A levy shall be imposed for all team members taking part in Interstate Championships.
(e) The New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association will not be responsible for the cost of transportation of children involved in State selection trials, nor their costs involved in State teams assembling in Sydney or designated centres.
(f) The following is to be listed as a championship rule in the program of any State Championship where a State team is selected.
"Interstate competitions are played under the rules of School Sport Australia. These rules state that the age limit of a competitor is 12 years in the year of the competition. Since we have some 13 year old children in our Primary Schools, we allow them to compete for their Association at this open age championship with the exception of Rugby Union. 13 year old children are ineligible for selection in the 12 year old State team."
(g) Discussions on candidates under consideration for State team selection during a State Championship are confidential. Under no circumstances are personnel involved in a State Championship to indicate to team members, parents, etc., that a certain child is under consideration for a position in the State team.
5.1.17 Abandoned state championships – contingency plans
(a) If a State Championship has to be aborted after the championship has commenced, the championship placings and the method of selection of a State team shall be determined by the Team Managers at a meeting chaired by the Convener/Championship Manager in consultation with the President of the New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association, or his/her nominee.
(b) If at any time conditions should arise causing a State Championship to be abandoned the decisions for such actions shall be determined by the President of the New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association or his/her nominee in discussion with the Championship Manager in a manner that they determine will cause least disadvantage to competing teams and individual children.
(c) Notice of proposed actions will be made with maximum media coverage and fax messages sent to Head Office and Education Offices.
5.1.18 Responsibility swimming, athletics, cross country and golf
(a) The Convener through the State Association shall issue invitations to compete at least eight weeks prior to the championship and shall indicate:
(i) Closing date for entries on the entry form.
(ii) Venue for championship.
(iii) Date/s and starting time/s of championship.
(iv) Conditions of entry.
(v) Entry costs, e.g. admission charges to pool or ground.
(vi) Time, Date and venue of the Managers meeting and official dinner.
(b) The Convener shall be responsible for:
(i) Ground or pool hire, first aid, lunches, necessary equipment, publicity, the official dinner and referees who shall be made aware of State Championship Rules.
(ii) In the case of inclement weather, determining whether the championship shall proceed.
(iii) Convening all necessary meetings of Managers and/or officials.
(iv) Notifying the press of each day's results at the championship. Information to the press other than championship results may only be released through the President (or nominee) of the New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association.
5.1.19 State grants/sponsorships
All requests for assistance from sporting bodies or sponsors must be sent through the Senior Education Officer, New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association, and all grants should be received through this Association.
5.1.20 Serious incident
In all State Championships when an incident of a serious nature occurs the following people should be immediately notified.
School Principal(s)
Relevant Sports Coordination Officer(s)
Relevant NSWPSSA Convener
Senior Education Officer NSWPSSA
Relevant Director, Public Schools.
A serious incident report is available from the NSWPSSA office or the DoE Association/ invited Association Sports Officer.
5.1.21 Student officials
Student officials selected to accompany association teams to school sporting events will not be paid.
Only student officials selected by associations to attend state championships will be considered as "Student Officials" to accompany NSWPSSA teams to School Sport Australia events.