School Sport Unit: Section 2

Handbook Section 2 – By Laws

Amended 2020

Special note
For the purposes of section 2 and section 4 the use of the wording – region and/or regional relates and refers to the constituted schools sports association.

2.1 NSWCHSSA sports and programs

The Association, as part of the representative school sport pathway, will aim to facilitate:

School based state-wide competitions, and
State championships and
Participation of NSWCHSSA teams and NSW All Schools Trials
Participation of NSW All School teams at the School Sport Australia Secondary School Championships and
Participation of NSWCHSSA teams at alternate school interstate and international events, as approved

2.1.1 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 NSWCHSSA.

2.1.2 State-wide competitions

State-wide competitions on a school basis are held in the following sports:

State-wide competitions
sport	sport	sport
australian football	baseball	basketball
bowls	cricket	football (soccer)
hockey	netball	rugby league
rugby union	softball	squash
swimming	table tennis	tennis
touch football	volleyball	water polo

Apart from these state-wide competitions the association facilitates a number of central schools only competitions in the following sports:

Central schools only competitions
Sport	Sport	Sport
netball	cricket	bowls
rugby league	touch football	-

General rules associated with these state-wide competitions can be found in section 2.8 while sport specific rules appear in section 4.

2.1.3 State championships

The association facilitates state championships in the following sports:

State-wide competitions
sport	sport	sport
athletics (track and field)	australian football	baseball
basketball	bowls	canoeing
cricket	cross country	diving
football (soccer)	golf	gymnastics
hockey	netball	rowing
rugby league	rugby union	sailing
softball	squash	swimming
table tennis	tennis	touch football
trampoline sports	triathlon	volleyball
water polo	-	-

General rules associated with these state championships can be found in section 2.8 while sport specific rules appear in section 4.

2.2 Affiliation

Schools and their students will annually affiliate to NSWCHSSA via their respective schools sports association. In some circumstances this affiliation may be via the local zone schools sports association. Thus highlighting the secondary representative school sport pathway is school, zone, associations, NSWCHSSA.

2.2.1 Affiliation fees must be paid by all associations to the association by the 1 May of the current calendar year.

2.2.2 Failure to pay the affiliation fees may result in the association being ineligible for further representation in competition conducted by the association for the current year.

2.3 School/teacher/student eligibility

2.3.1 Only students representing affiliated schools are eligible to participate in association activities and must be endorsed by their school principal and association.

2.3.2 Students transferring to another school automatically lose their qualifications to compete for their former school in any competition conducted by the association.

2.3.3 Students participating in activities conducted by the 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.

2.3.4 Any students enrolled in Distance Education Schools are eligible to participate for that school or for the school/association they represented previously prior to attending distance education.

2.3.5 Only permanent or temporary members of the teaching service employed by the NSW Department of Education from affiliated schools and endorsed by their school principal (director) are eligible to be elected to any association position.

2.3.6 Only affiliated schools are eligible to participate in association activities.

2.3.7 Inclusivity policy and sport participation

Students identifying as gender diverse (gender diverse is an umbrella term that includes different means gender can be experienced and perceived. It can include, but is not limited to, people questioning their gender, those who identify as trans/transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, gender nonconforming) will be considered on their merit and may compete as male/mixed or as a female competitor. A students merit will be determined in consultation with the students’ school, enrolment data, regional association and requirements of the sport.

In line with Sport Australia policy exemption in relation to competitive sporting activity may apply. This is commonly referred to as the ‘single-sex competition’ exemption, although it does not operate to make all single-sex or single-gender sporting competitions lawful. The exemption can be applied on the grounds of sex or gender identity only in any competitive sporting activity in which the strength, stamina or physique of competitors is relevant. It may be lawful to exclude students aged 12 and over from competing in sports at the elite level in certain circumstances. In these instances confidential case-by-case evaluation should occur.

2.4 Elections / nominations

Annually the following association’s positions will be elected:

Association executive: president, vice president x 4, honorary treasurer.
State convener: One convener per sport (see by-law - 2.1.3)

For the sports of athletics, cross country and swimming assistant conveners will be advertised annually with conveners. For all other sports, assistant conveners will be advertised following elections at the annual general meeting. This will only occur when the elected convener requests an assistant.

2.4.1 Elections - executive/conveners/assistant conveners

Nominations for the executive, conveners and assistant convener positions shall be annually advertised to all schools via the NSWCHSSA webpages - elections to take place at the annual general meeting held in November.

A permanent / temporary member of the teaching service employed by the NSW Department of Education at the time of nomination, is eligible to nominate for executive/convener/assistant convener positions. All nominees for an executive/convener/assistant convener position must have completed the online application and be endorsed by their principal by the closing date.

Four vice presidents shall be elected. Each vice president to encompass an identified area of responsibility which will be negotiated at the executive level.

The nominations for conveners/assistant conveners and the executive positions are to close the last day of Term 3. A full list of nominees and their credentials will be circulated to associations for discussion at the association meetings prior to the elections. Such nominations shall be formally accepted by council prior to each election taking place.

Where needed and appropriate positions will be readvertised.

At elections the preferential voting system be used, as acknowledged by the Australian Electrol Commission

2.4.2 Elections – coach/manager

At elections the preferential voting system be used, as acknowledged by the Australian Electrol Commission

The registration process for coach/manager/team officials positions will appear on the NSWCHSSA webpages -

A permanent / temporary member of the teaching service employed by the NSW Department of Education at the time of nomination, is eligible to nominate for coaching/managerial positions. No nominee will be considered for a position of coach/manager unless an application is completed online and endorsed by their principal by the closing date. Where no nominee satisfies the requirements, nominees may be proposed at the council meeting and elected, subject to their principal's approval.

Where needed and appropriate, positions will be readvertised. Where appointments are required for any sport between council meetings, the executive shall make such appointments.

Sports are to conduct their own elections for the positions of coach/manager at a constituted subcommittee meeting, but the council may exercise the right of veto on any decisions made. Where required a postal ballot will be conducted by the vice president in charge of elections.

No nominee can be appointed to more than one coaching/managerial position in any one calendar year.

Successful nominees to comply with coaching/managerial duties information sheet.

Conditions pertaining to elections of NSWCHSSA team officials for individual sports are as follows:

(a) The NSWCHSSA subcommittee recommendations be adhered to providing:

(i) That the recommendations for the positions have been discussed at a subcommittee meeting for the sport in question as indicated by the minutes of that meeting.

(ii) That all subcommittee members be informed of the nomination at least fourteen days prior to the subcommittee meeting at which the election is to take place.

(iii) No objection is raised from the floor of the meeting.

(b) If the above conditions are not met then a full vote is to be taken by the NSWCHSSA council with the subcommittee's recommendation heard prior to the election (only if (i) above applies).

(c) Associations not able to be represented at a subcommittee meeting have the right to exercise a postal vote on all agenda items. The agenda is to be sent to all members of the subcommittee eligible to vote at least fourteen days prior to the meeting.

(d) In elections for NSWCHSSA team officials held as part of the state championship each association has one vote. Associations unable to be represented at the subcommittee meeting where the election is taking place may exercise a postal vote in the ballot. The state convener of the sport shall have a deliberate vote and casting vote, if necessary.

(e) Where subcommittee meetings are held separate to the state championship program, for the purposes of voting for notified agenda items and elections, associations will be entitled to send up to three delegates.

If association are not represented by delegates and take up the option of recording a postal ballot they will be entitled to record two votes.

If association representatives are present at the subcommittee meeting each association delegate will be entitled to one vote, up to a maximum of two votes. The state convener of the sport shall have a deliberate vote and casting vote, if necessary.

(f) Where a postal ballot(s) is held to determine coach/manager positions each sports coordination officer will be forwarded a ballot paper. Each association is entitled to one vote. The state convener of the sport shall have a deliberate vote and casting vote if necessary.

2.4.3 Nominations - School Sport Australia National Sport Advisors

A member of the permanent / temporary teaching service in NSW is eligible to nominate for a School Sport Australia National Sport Advisor position.

The nomination must be endorsed by the NSWCHSSA Council via the NSWCHSSA Executive Officer by the closing date set down.

The candidate to be decided by a council vote and preferential system to apply where required.

Where nominations are required between council meetings, the executive shall make such endorsement and where needed consult with the appropriate NSW non government schools sports association if a non government school teacher nomination is received.

Where secondary and primary nominations are received, the NSWCHSSA President and the NSWPSSA President will decide such appointments with the School Sport Unit manager to have a casting vote.

2.5 Roles

NSWCHSSA Executive

The Executive will be composed of the elected – President, 4 x Vice President, Honorary Treasurer plus the Secondary School Sport Officer (NSWCHSSA Executive Officer). The roles of the NSWCHSSA Executive include:

Lead and facilitate the operations and business of the NSWCHSSA;
Advocate for the NSWCHSSA both internally and externally to the Department of Education;
Attend NSWCHSSA executive and council meetings;
Chair, lead and provide active support to appointed subcommittees;
Represent the NSWCHSSA appropriate meetings, functions funerals as requested or delegate to councillors on request;
Issue invitations to NSWCHSSA functions;
Recognise and acknowledge teachers and community members outside the NSWCHSSA function.

State conveners (and assistant conveners)

General administration

Attend and advocate for your sport at NSWCHSSA council meetings;
Facilitate the promotion and communication of the sport to affiliated schools, in consultation with the NSWCHSSA office, via the available networks including the NSWCHSSA webpages;
Chair the sports subcommittee which must include association conveners/coaches/managers of the sport;
Convene subcommittee meetings to discuss pertinent topics and make recommendations for the running of the sport. Minutes of these meetings to be with the NSWCHSSA executive officer no less than seven (7) days prior to the relevant council meeting. Recommendations and/or changes must be in point form at the conclusion of the minutes (see Section 3.6);
Coordinate the public relations, publicity and additional fundraising for the sport. The NSWCHSSA office to be included in all communications;
Liaise and foster relationships with the state/national association of the sport;
Manage the budget of the sport and where needed negotiate with the NSWCHSSA executive officer regarding needed teacher relief supplementation;
Submit to the NSWCHSSA executive officer a written electronic annual report highlighting:
- State championship results, suggested rule changes and sport recommendations;
- School Sport Australia (or equivalent) results, recommendations and photos of the event;
- State-wide competition results and sport recommendation(s);
- Suggested calendar dates for state championship and state competitions for the sport next year;
- Webpage changes for the sport including promotional, trial and election of coach / manager positions.
Organise the sport within the framework of the NSWCHSSA in such a manner that the sport brings credit to the association and is of a sporting and educational value to the schools and students participating.
Acknowledge support for the sport via correspondence to appropriate stakeholder(s) e.g. local councils, sporting clubs and volunteers.

State-wide competition responsibilities (where applicable)

Oversee, in conjunction with the NSWCHSSA office the conduct of the competition;
Comply with the general by-laws covering state-wide competitions as set out in the handbook;
Ensure that all rules and information for the competition are up to date and clearly stated in the handbook and all rules are strictly adhered to;
Facilitate, with the NSWCHSSA Executive Officer, resolutions to all disputes in a timely matter;
Manage the recording of accurate match results. This roles can be delegated to the assistant convener;
Nominate participant(s) for a NSWCHSSA Blue (where appropriate).

State championship responsibilities (where applicable)

Oversee, in conjunction with the host association executive officer, the conduct of the championship. The state convener may delegate this responsibility to the assistant convener.;
Comply with the general by-laws covering state championships as set out in the handbook;
Nominate participant(s) for a NSWCHSSA Blue (where appropriate).

State team responsibilities

Develop team levies utilising national championship information and team itineraries, in consultation with the NSWCHSSA Executive Officer.
Ensure, in consultation with team management and the NSWCHSSA office, all online consent registrations are endorsed and uniform orders provided in sufficient time to allow distribution to team members. Apparel may be ordered through the NSWCHSSA executive officer or with their approval. The state convener may delegate this role to the assistant convener.
Conform to NSWCHSSA dress regulations for team uniforms.
Nominate participant(s) for a NSWCHSSA Blue (where appropriate) and in negotiation with team management.

Manager

The manager will administer the state team and generally facilitate the off field duty of care and conduct of team members and the affairs of the team.

Specific roles include

Develop, in consultation with the state convener and NSWCHSSA Executive Officer, tour information, team communication strategy, itineraries and levies for team members;
Attend selection trials;
Obtain selected players names and contact details;
Communicate with all team members and their family the roles and responsibilities involved in representing NSWCHSSA and the sport specifically;
Arrange team meetings / briefings as necessary;
Facilitate ordering of NSWCHSSA apparel, team levy payments and online registration by players;
Provide duty of care for players during the entire tour experience, whenever parents are unable to supervise;
Stay at the accommodation provided by the host association when appropriate:
Lead the teams off field presence at the championship;
Attend all functions/activities arranged by host organiser including the sporting matches;
Compile all needed reports and photos, including match and injury reports, as needed, and provide to the NSWCHSSA office within seven (7) days of the teams return;
Return all equipment, as necessary, to the NSWCHSSA office within seven (7) days of the teams return;
Consult with coach(es) and state convener regarding nomination of a NSWCHSSA Blue.

Coach

The coach will be responsible for developing team-work, spirit and harmony amongst all the players and manage the duty of care of all players during competition periods.

Specific roles include

Attend selection trials;
Develop game strategy while role modelling fair play and sportsmanship at all times;
Encourage fair play and sportsmanship by all players at all times;
Initiate immediate disciplinary action on any player who resorts to foul tactics or openly brings discredit to NSWCHSSA through poor sportsmanship, e.g. verbally attacking an umpire's decision;
Manage the physical well-being of all players both on and off the field - take note of injuries received by players and ensure that any necessary medical attention is forthcoming;
Assemble the players at least once a day for either team discussions or active coaching routine while on tour;
Stay at the accommodation provided by the host association when appropriate:
Liaise with the manager around the administration of the team;
Acknowledge players to principals and parents, as appropriate;
Provide appropriate playing taking into account the ability and experience of the player and the level of competition.

2.6 Sport subcommittee

2.6.1 State conveners in consultation with the assistant convener will create an email list which must include at least one delegate from each association (normally the association convener) and may include non-teachers as necessary. The NSWCHSSA Executive Officer must be included on all email lists.

2.6.2 It is unnecessary for any NSWCHSSA subcommittee to record the names of the mover and seconder of proposed motions.

2.6.3 The state convener must discuss and seek approval prior to any contentious issues to be included in group emails (email list) with the NSWCHSSA executive officer prior to distribution.

2.6.4 Where a state convener is absent for three (3) consecutive NSWCHSSA council meetings their position may be declared vacant. Leave is to be granted to the state convener when involved in NSWCHSSA activities. This is to be recorded in the apologies section of the attendance book. If the state convener is absent the assistant convener may be delegated to attend the meeting(s).

2.6.5 The following guidelines are given to assist state conveners of subcommittees formed to organise approved sports. The guidelines set down are binding on all sports except where the council gives permission otherwise on receipt of a written request.

(a) Members of the subcommittee are to be members of the teaching staff of public secondary schools or sports coordination officers, who are willing and able to attend the subcommittee meetings. Visitors and NSWCHSSA Life Members can attend but have no voting rights.

(b) Where a member of a subcommittee is absent for three (3) consecutive meetings their position may be declared vacant. Leave is to be granted to a member if involved in NSWCHSSA activities. This is to be recorded in the apologies section of the relevant subcommittee meeting's minutes.

(c) The subcommittee to consist of a maximum of twelve (12) members providing there is no more than a maximum of three members from any one schools sports association and for a subcommittee of eight (8) members or less a maximum of two (2) members from any one schools sports association. The quorum for a subcommittee meeting to be four (4) schools sports association represented.

(d) Members of the subcommittee to be selected from

Association conveners of the particular sport;
Zone conveners of the particular sport;
Interested teachers.

2.6.6 Where a schools sports association convener of a particular sport, and who is a member of the subcommittee, is unable to attend due to teaching commitments and lack of teacher relief - the schools sports association delegate to NSWCHSSA Council be able to attend and vote at the subcommittee meeting.

2.7 Awards and recognition – students / teachers / community member

Student recognition – NSWCHSSA Blues

2.7.1 A Blues committee be elected at the March council meeting. This committee to consist of four (4) councillors at least one (1) of whom must be a member of the executive. This is a committee to scrutinise all nominations from state conveners and present nominations to the council for ratification at the November council meeting.

2.7.2 NSWCHSSA Blues nominations
In the first instance the state convener will send the nomination(s) to the Blues Committee. These must be received by the advertised closing date. (However, nominations should be sent in as soon as possible, ie. at the end of the competition season/ national championship).

(a) Nominations must be submitted via the online NSWCHSSA Blues nomination process.

(b) Only Blues nominations received by the closing date will be considered. The chairperson of the Blues committee will advise the due date at the March council meeting and the NSWCHSSA Executive Officer will communicate this to each state convener.

(c) There will be no other nominations considered for the presentation of an award at the current years Blues presentation function.

2.7.3 Blues award conditions

For a student to receive a NSWCHSSA Blue they must satisfy the following requirements:

(a) That in any one year the maximum of two (2) Blues per sex per sport may be nominated.

(b) Must represent the association:

(i) As a team member at the open level OR represent in a NSW All Schools Team at the open level providing they were selected to trial through the association's selection process and is currently enrolled in an affiliated school.

(ii) In an individual open event.

(iii) Win an open individual event in a competition conducted by the association.

(iv) Be a member of a crew that wins an open event at a NSWCHSSA championship(s) or be a member of a crew that wins the overall point score at a NSWCHSSA championship.

(v) In the sport of australian football a Blue may be awarded to a student who is a member of the NSW team that competes at the School Sport Australia Australian Football Championships.

(vi) In the sport of cross country a competitor competing in the 17yrs age group and the 18 years + age group shall be eligible for the award of a NSWCHSSA Blue.

(vii) As an umpire or referee who has officiated at a School Sport Australia event or an interstate exchange, providing they were selected after officiating at either a NSWCHSSA championship or a NSW All Schools trial, and is currently enrolled in an affiliated school. (This Blue would be in addition to the two (2) blues per gender per sport by law. Sports would be able to nominate a maximum of one (1) umpire/referee Blue per gender per sport in any one (1) year).

(c) Must satisfy the state convener, coach and the Blues committee that they have the spirit of NSWCHSSA at heart. This would include attending all games and coaching sessions when physically able to do so.

(d) Their demeanour and dress on and off the field to satisfy requirements as stipulated.

(e) It must be emphasised that the nominee’s ability on the field is in the first instance paramount for their nomination.

(f) A student can only receive a maximum of two (2) Blues in any sport, one (1) as an official and/or one (1) as a competitor.

(g) Where there is more than one (1) nomination in a sport, an order of merit be used by the convener when presenting their nominations.

2.7.3 The Blue Award

The award shall consist of:

A medallion.
A portfolio outlining the award and how it was obtained.
A copy of the recipients certificate for the school principal.

2.7.4 The Val Lembit Memorial Award

The nominee must be a male NSWCHSSA Blues recipient (past or present) or have represented the Association at the highest level in three (3) or more sports, and will be the most outstanding sportsman for the year in NSWCHSSA and/or NSW All Schools and/or School Sport Australia activities. Nominations can be submitted by a state convener or the Blues committee. A separate nomination must be submitted with the blues nomination or submitted separately if a previous blues recipient to the Blues committee by the closing date. The Blues committee will consider all nominations and recommend the successful candidate to council for ratification at the November council meeting.

2.7.5 The Betty Bowen Memorial Trophy

The nominee must be a female NSWCHSSA Blues recipient (past or present) or have represented the Association at the highest level in three (3) or more sports, and will be the most outstanding sportswoman for the year in NSWCHSSA and or NSW All Schools and or School Sport Australia activities. Nominations can be submitted by a state convener or the Blues committee. A separate nomination must be submitted with the blues nomination or submitted separately if a previous blues recipient to the Blues committee by the closing date. The Blues committee will consider all nominations and recommend the successful candidate to council for ratification at the November council meeting.

2.7.6 Blues Award presentation

Blue recipients are requested to be in NSWCHSSA uniform or school uniform when attending the Blues Award presentation.

Teacher and community member recognition – NSWCHSSA Life Membership

2.7.7 Gold life membership

A gold badge will be awarded to a recipient of a NSWCHSSA Life Membership as follows:

(a) An employee of the Department of Education who has given a minimum of ten (10) years active involvement across NSWCHSSA activities.

(b) The individual has made a significant and dynamic contribution that has led to positive improvement or development at the NSWCHSSA level and/ or above.

(d) Nominations must be received by the August meeting. At the annual general meeting a citation will be read and a secret ballot will be held.

(e) The nominee may not be present when nominations are being considered or voted upon.

(f) Life members must be elected by a two-thirds majority.

2.7.8 Sports specific life membership

A silver badge be awarded to a recipient of a NSWCHSSA Sport Specific Life Membership as follows:

(a) A teacher who has given ten (10) years of active service to the sport subcommittee including attendance, participation and contribution to meetings of the subcommittee as well as having served in an elected NSWCHSSA subcommittee position during this time.

(b) A teacher who has made a significant and dynamic contribution to the sport subcommittee in such a way that it has led to obvious and significant changes, improvement or development of their sport at the NSWCHSSA level.

(d) A silver badged life member should fulfil criterion (a) and (b) or (c) listed above, and should be supported by a two-thirds majority vote of the subcommittee of that sport.

(e) The decision of the sport subcommittee must then be endorsed by the NSWCHSSA Council.

(f) Information/procedures

(i) The nominee must not be present at the sport subcommittee meeting when the nomination is being considered/discussed and voted upon.

(ii) Nominations for sport specific life membership can be made as a motion presented at a subcommittee meeting of that sport; or a ‘notice of motion’ signed by two members of the subcommittee of that sport and circulated as a postal ballot to associations through the NSWCHSSA office and countersigned by the NSWCHSSA executive officer.

(iii) Voting on the motion can be done at a subcommittee meeting or by postal ballot conducted by the NSWCHSSA executive officer. Where the vote takes place at a subcommittee meeting the motion is to be circulated to associations one month prior to the subcommittee meeting taking place. A postal ballot will have a one month period for consultation and decision from the date of the motion being forwarded to the NSWCHSSA office.

(iv) The state convener of the sport will be responsible for the preparation/research and writing of the citation.

(v) Where possible, the presentation of sport specific life membership will occur at that sports state championship or state championship officials dinner.

(vi) The presentation will include silver life member badge to include the sport (if/where possible) embellished on it and a citation.

2.7.9 Sport specific life membership community member

Life membership - sport specific community member be awarded as follows

(a) A person who has given ten (10) years of active service and/or who has made a significant and dynamic contribution to the respective sport in such a way that it has led to obvious and significant changes, improvement or development of the sport at the NSWCHSSA level. Except in very exceptional circumstances it would be expected that this active service be carried out in a voluntary capacity.

(b) A community member life member should fulfil criteria (a), and should be supported by a two-thirds majority vote of the subcommittee of that sport.

(d) Information/procedures

(i) The nominee must not be present at the sport subcommittee meeting when the nomination is being considered/discussed and voted upon.

(ii) Nominations for life member of a sport must be made at a subcommittee meeting of that sport, as a ‘notice of motion’ and distributed to delegate/subcommittee members of that sport one (1) calendar month prior to the meeting being held.

(iii) Nomination for life members of a sport must be made by a member of the subcommittee of that sport.

(iv) The convener of the sport will be responsible for the preparation/research and writing of the citation.

(v) Where possible, the presentation of sport specific life membership – community member will occur at that sports state championship or state championship officials dinner

(vi) The presentation will include a silver Life Member Badge to include the sport (if/where possible) embellished on it and a citation.

2.8 State-wide competitions

2.8.1 Approved state-wide competitions.

State-wide competitions on a school basis are held in the following sports and age groups as determined by the NSWCHSSA council.

(a) Boys

sport	age group	sport	age group
australian football	15 years	baseball	open
basketball	open & 15 years	cricket	open
football	open	hockey	open
rugby league	open & 14 years	rugby union	15 years
softball	open	squash	open
tennis	open	touch football	open
volleyball	open	water polo	open & 15 years

(b) Girls

sport	age group	sport	age group
baseball	open	basketball	open & 15 years
cricket	open	football	open
hockey	open	netball	open & 15 years
rugby union	open & 15 years	softball	open
squash	open	tennis	open
touch football	open	volleyball	open
water polo	open & 15 years

sport	age group	sport	age group
bowls	open	table tennis	open
swimming	rule specific

(d) Central schools only

sport

age group

sport

age group

bowls (co-ed)

open

cricket (20/20 format)

open

netball

open & 15 years

rugby league (7s)

13 years, 15 years & open

rugby union

open & 15 years

touch football (boys and girls)

15 years & open

softball

open

squash

open

squash

open

tennis

open

volleyball

open

water polo

open & 15 years

In this context central schools are defined as small K-10 or K-12 schools (usually with less than 250 students in years 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 NSWCHSSA state-wide 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 NSWCHSSA office on the state-wide competitions entry form indicating the schools(s) and the sport(s).
Associations will have the opportunity to comment on combined entries when the state-wide competitions nominations are forwarded from the NSWCHSSA to the association. If permission is given it is available only for the competition in the year of application.

(f) Multi campus colleges and collegiates

Where multi campus colleges and/or collegiates enter teams as either a college or as separate campuses, these teams are to remain the same for the duration of the competition. Once the competition has commenced (ie schools have played their first match) there is to be no interchange of players permitted between these teams. School principals are responsible for ensuring that these teams remain the same for the duration of the competition and there is no interchange of players under any circumstances.

(g) College competitions

From 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 year 7 – 10 schools that are part of a named college as determined by the Department of Education).

2.8.2 Entries

Entries for the above competitions will close for all state-wide competitions on the last day of term three (3). NSWCHSSA State-wide Competitions Online entry.

2.8.3 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 state-wide competitions 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 2.8.1 (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).

(i) Players must be bona-fide students of the affiliated secondary school, or combination of affiliated secondary 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.

(ii) 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.

(iii) 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.

(d) 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.

(e) Each school is responsible for its own travel, accommodation and managerial cost and arrangements.

2.8.4 The draw

(a) Unless specified in the particular state-wide competitions rules and where practical association conveners make up and conduct the draw in all sports for their association up to the stage of association finalist. The state convener should stipulate dates and conditions for all aspects of competition including the method considered by them to be most suitable for conducting the final round from sixteen teams through to the state-wide competitions winner. This should apply to all sports. . The online nature of recording results of state-wide competitions allows for association conveners to advise directly appropriate finalists.

(b) At the association level, state-wide competitions may be conducted in a competition format deemed appropriate by the association. (eg round robin)

(d) The state convener shall circulate the draw, through the NSWCHSSA executive officer as soon as practicable after the closing date for entries.

(e) Where school teams withdraw from final series competitions the state convener will have the authority to invite team(s) to fill the place of the team(s) that withdraw.

Preference will be given to a team from the association the withdrawing school(s) came from.

If this association does not provide a team, the state convener will have the power to invite a team from another association.

2.8.5 Determination of home and away games

All NSWCHSSA state-wide competitions determine home and away games by the following method (unless specified under the sport specific state-wide competition rules):

(a) The first mentioned school on the draw is the home school in round one (1).

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

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-wide competition 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 email 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 state-wide competition Rounds if both schools do not take up the option to be home school, the association 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.

2.8.6 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.

(d) The duties of the 'home school' shall be:

(i) Give the visiting school five (5) school days’ notice, confirmed by email, 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 fulfill its home school responsibilities, the notification shall become; give the visiting school three (3) days’ notice confirmed by email 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 weekend.

(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 state-wide 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).

(e) Association finalists notification procedure where the state convener conducts the draw

Schools reaching the association final rounds must send team names and sporting details to the state convener by the date set in the calendar or in the state-wide competition draw as the notification date for that sport. (where the association does not have a association convener and the state convener organises the state-wide competition)

(f) association finalists notification procedure where the association convener conducts the association draw

(i) Associations must notify teams to the state convener for the final section of the state-wide competition by the notification date as indicated on the draw or in the NSWCHSSA calendar.

(ii) Where the 'home' association fails to notify the state convener by the due date, the "away" association shall automatically become the home team and assume all "home" school duties, with the exception of the notification period which shall become; give the visiting school three days days notice, confirmed by email, 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 on a weekend.

(iii) If both associations drawn to play each other do not nominate schools or take up the option of home school within the specified time period, the state convener will decide a time, date and venue for the match to be played prior to the next round completion date. A team which does not comply will automatically forfeit.

2.8.7 Results

The winning school must email results to either the state convener or his/her designate or to the association convener as indicated on the draw immediately following the match. Failure to notify results may lead to the disqualification of the winning school.

2.8.8. Expenses

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

2.8.9. Disputes and protests
Refer to section 2.11 for information relating to disputes and protests.

2.8.10 Judiciary procedures
Refer to section 2.12 for information relating to judiciary procedures.

2.9 State championships

2.9.1 General practices

Numbers and colours

For the purpose of identifying teams for state championships, the numbers and colours are allocated as follows:

Sydney East – red/white/blue
Riverina – black/white
Hunter – royal blue/gold
South Coast – aqua/yellow/navy
West Darling sub-area – brown/yellow
North Coast – gold/green
Sydney North – black/red
Sydney West – sky blue/black/gold
Sydney South West – bottle green/white
Western – red/green
North West – sky blue/black

Coaching

No coaching other than where it is part of the rules of the game 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 or if permitted in accordance with the rules.

Trophies and awards

(a) An existing trophy (as approved by NSWCHSSA) for winning teams together with medallions (for teams finishing first and second for individual team members or competitors shall be awarded to record their achievement.

(b) Appreciation gifts may be awarded at each activity. The award of these items shall be arranged by the state convener of the sport concerned in consultation with officials from the host association.

State grants/sponsorships

All requests for assistance from sporting bodies or sponsors must be in consultation with the NSWCHSSA executive officer and all monies held within the NSWCHSSA accounts.

Advertising

No advertising is to be shown on NSWCHSSA official playing uniform.

2.9.2 State championships (individual sports)

(athletics, canoeing, cross country, diving, golf, rowing, sailing, swimming, tennis, trampoline sports, triathlon)

The state convener, in conjunction with the NSWCHSSA executive officer, will manage the logistics of arrangements prior to the championships including entry form, venue, budget, managers meeting, championship officials, official dinner, publicity including championship results on the NSWCHSSA webpages..
The state convener will ensure the NSWCHSSA office has all information relating to their state championship, including dates, times, venue,entry details, program etc, by the end of the preceding school year for use on the NSWCHSSA webpages and other association communication strategies.
Nominations for official's positions to state championships will be advertised annually on the NSWCHSSA webpages – all applications to be submitted online. No appointments will be made unless an application is received by the closing date.
Entry to state swimming, cross country and athletic championships will be on a association basis only.
Swimming and diving championships will be two separate championships and each with its own point score and trophies.
An equipment officer will be appointed at the swimming, cross country and athletic championships.
Sport specific rules for each state championship are available in section 4 NSWCHSSA Handbook
Where needed, the state convener will manage weather / environmental contingencies.
State conveners must consult with the NSWCHSSA Executive prior to entering into fund raising and sponsorship proposals.
The words 'Department of Education' must not appear on any written documents which relate to fund raising and sponsorship.

2.9.3 State championships (team sports)

State championships may be held annually at a time and place as determined by the council of the NSWCHSSA, in consultation with the host association executive officer and state conveners.

Entries - each association may enter one team. However in the event of all associations 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. This must be done at the invitation of the host association subject to approval of that sports subcommittee and the NSWCHSSA Executive.

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

Other teams may be entered in state championships where geographic location, equity or NSW All Schools selection are factors.This must be done subject to the approval of the NSWCHSSA Executive and that sports subcommittee.

In such cases all teams shall have full competition rights and members of the teams shall be eligible for state team selection if applicable.

Where associations are unable to field a full team they will advise the state convener and NSWCHSSA Executive Officer who will notify the host association. The host association will communicate an expression of interest to all associations for additional players. The association requesting the assistance will administer the team.

Championship meetings - team coaches and managers plus championship organisers are the only persons to attend meetings held during championships. Each association is to nominate before the championship the one (1) person eligible to vote.

At the pre-championship meeting, rules and regulations shall be discussed for the particular championship. NSWCHSSA championship rules cannot be changed at this meeting.

(c) Host responsibilities – the host association will issue invitations/championships information at least six (6) weeks prior to the event and must include:

(i) Final date for acceptance of invitation and team lists,
(ii) Venue for championship,
(iii) Accommodation arrangements for team officials including telephone number and cost,
(iv) Suggested travel arrangements,
(v) Lunch arrangements,
(vi) Championship levy,
(vii) Time, date and venue of the pre-championship meeting and official dinner,

Additionally, prior to team departure for the championship the host association will:

(viii) Notify of official team photo time and venue, championship draw, other relevant information, plus

(ix) Make all arrangements for venue, first aid, lunches, necessary equipment, publicity, official dinner and qualified umpires or referees who shall be made aware of state championship rules.

(x) Manage venues and venue alternatives in the event of inclement weather,

(xi) Facilitate pre-championship/championship meetings and official championship dinner. All team coaches/managers are expected to attend all official functions organised on their behalf,

(xii) Responsible for media and updating the website with results of matches each day of the championship.

(d) State convener responsibilities – the state convener will consult with the host association executive officer prior to the issuing of state championship invitations on all aspects of championship organisation.

(e) State championship expenses

The host association executive officer will present a budget for the running of the state championship, which will include expenses the sport will be liable for. In consultation with the state convener, the host association executive officer must present the budget to the NSWCHSSA Executive one meeting prior to the state championship.

Upon the receipt of the budget, the NSWCHSSA Treasurer will allocate a sum of money to assist in offsetting costs for the state championship. This amount will be based on a tier system developed by the executive according to each sports specific costs requirements. The remainder of the costs associated with the championship are to be borne via a levy payable by each participating team.

The association will pay expenses incurred on the following items:

(i) Lunches for players and managers, where applicable,
(ii) Internal bus travel,
(iii) Laundry of playing uniforms, where applicable,
(iv) Barbecues, where applicable,
(v) Dinners,
(vi) Ground and/or facility hire,
(vii) Referees or umpire’s expenses,
(viii) Drinks where the sport rules include them,
(ix) First aid.

The NSWCHSSA funding allocation will cover the expenses for:

(i) NSWCHSSA medallions to winning and second positions,
(ii) Expendable items - a ceiling of $100 to be imposed. Amounts above this figure must have prior approval of the executive.

(iii) If the state convener does not attend the state championship in the capacity of an association manager/coach, expenses at the current approved rate for their attendance to be approved by the council and payment debited to that sport.

(iv) Selectors expenses will not be met by either the host association or NSWCHSSA general funds.

(f) NSWCHSSA Team Selectors

At the state championship the panel of selectors be nominated at the pre- championship meeting.

(g) Managers/coaches accommodation

Managers/coaches to stay at the central venue (during state championships) for all championships and that all requirements be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.

Protests – refer to section 2.11.
Alterations to rules - alterations to state championship rules must be effected in the year preceding the competition.
State championship reports - The state convener shall be responsible for the submission or a written report to the NSWCHSSA executive officer, within fourteen days of the completion of the state championship. The report is to be prepared to a standard befitting a tabled report for the next council meeting.

(k) State championship welfare committee - a state championship welfare committee to be established as part of the state championship organisation to address any student disciplinary situations that may arise.

This committee to consist of:

State convener/or executive representative
Championship manager
Principals' representative
Community representative
Host association executive officer
Team manager from association of offending team member.

(l) Billeting is not the preferred option for students attending state championships and whilst representing NSWCHSSA. Preferably students will stay with parents at events or if needed under team management supervision. However where billeting is needed any students who alter their billet without the consent of the championship organisers, may be suspended from all NSWCHSSA activities until the next association meeting where the matter is to be referred to the full council the decide any appropriate action to be taken.

2.10 Selection policy

(a) NSWCHSSA teams will be chosen by selectors appointed by the sport subcommittee. These appointments can be done at a subcommittee meeting or by postal ballot.

(b) The chair of the selection committee will be the state convener.

(d) Where students are unable to attend a championship due to sport representation at state or Australian level, or their association is not sending a team, they may be considered for selection providing their association submits an application (endorsed by the relevant sporting association) to the NSWCHSSA executive officer and the state convener no later than seven (7) days prior to the commencement of the championship.

2.11 Disputes/protests processes

2.11.1 The disputes/protests committee is elected annually at the commencement of each school year and will comprise the NSWCHSSA state convener of the sport involved, plus two named NSWCHSSA vice presidents. The NSWCHSSA executive officer is empowered to act on the disputes committee in the absence of the named members. The disputes committee acts as an appeals committee when:

State conveners have made decisions on disputes/protests arising out of NSWCHSSA state-wide competition matches and schools wish to challenge this ruling or the result of the match is protested.

2.11.2 Disputes in state-wide competitions

Where there is a dispute in state-wide competitions (time, venue, etc), schools in the first instance must refer this matter to the respective state 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 state convener they will do so to the disputes/protests committee. Once the disputes/protests committee has convened and made its decision, this decision shall be final.

2.11.3 Protests in state-wide competitions

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

The protest must be emailed within two (2) school days of the date of the match via the dispute/protest section found on the NSWCHSSA webpage to thee state convener of the sport concerned, the NSWCHSSA executive officer, the two NSWCHSSA vice presidents (comprising the disputes/protests 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/protests committee shall act as an appeals committee and will make the decision regarding the result. Once the disputes/protests committee has convened and made its decision, this decision shall be final.

Where a state-wide competition is conducted by the schools sports association, any disputes/protests must be referred to the association disputes/protests committee. Once the competition has entered the final rounds either sixteen, ten or eight the NSWCHSSA disputes/protests committee will arbitrate.

If the state-wide competition was organised by the NSWCHSSA state convener any disputes are to be referred to the NSWCHSSA disputes/protests committee who shall adjudicate and that decision will be final.

2.12 Judiciary procedures

Judiciary procedures for NSWCHSSA and schools sports associations (to be used in circumstances where individual sports do not have a specific sport judiciary policy included in their rules and guidelines).

(a) The judiciary will consist of:

(i) State/ association convener (or nominee)
(ii) A state/ association vice president (or nominee)
(iii) A nominee of the state sporting organisation
(iv) Principal (or nominee) of the school the student attends
(v) Executive officer (in the situation where the association is responsible for the convening of judiciary committee)
(vi) At the state level the chairperson of the judiciary will be the state convener (or nominee). At the association level the chairperson of the judiciary will be a vice president (or nominee).

(b) Procedures for judiciary hearings:

(i) The judiciary will be activated upon receipt of a report of the match referee/umpire to the local executive officer/ state convener. This report should be forwarded within forty eight (48) hours of the completion of the match.
(ii) The judiciary should be convened within seven (7) days of the receipt of the report.
(iii) Student(s) involved will be notified through their school principal. The student must be given at least three (3) school days’ notice of the date of the impending judiciary hearing.

(i) The student maybe represented if so desired by: one parent and/or one community representative.
(ii) The chairperson will always prioritise the welfare of the student together with their educational well-being and future.
(iii) The chairperson will introduce the judiciary panel to the student and their representative(s).
(iv) The chairperson will read the charge(s) to the student and their representative(s).
(v) The referee(s) will be given the opportunity to present supportive evidence to the charge.
(vi) The judiciary will then table any documentary evidence pertinent to the charge(s).
(vii) The student will be asked whether they are pleading guilty or not guilty to the charge(s).
(viii) The chairperson will give the student and their representative(s) adequate time to present their case. This may include supportive documentary evidence.
(ix) At the conclusion of evidence all persons except the judiciary will leave the room.
(x) The student will be advised in writing through their school principal of the outcome of the judiciary within five (5) days of the judiciary hearing.

(d) Where distance is a factor, the judiciary hearing can be convened by teleconference or other appropriate online platforms.

(e) Suspensions:
All suspensions by NSWCHSSA/schools sports associations will be notified to the respective state/national sporting organisations.

Suspensions by state/national sporting organisations.
Suspensions imposed by respective state/national sporting organisations will be recognised by all school sport associations.

(f) Appeals:

Any appeals to the finding of the judiciary will be held by the appeals tribunal and will occur at the schools sports association level and consist of:

(i) The Principals representative to the schools sports association;
(ii) A representative of the NSW state sporting organisation;
(iii) The schools sports association president, who will act as chairperson;
(iv) The decision of the appeals tribunal is final. In coming to a determination the appeals tribunal may decide to uphold the suspension, increase the suspension, amend the suspension or decrease the suspension.

2.13 State team disciplinary action

All disciplinary action must be initiated by the NSWCHSSA/NSW All Schools team management.

In the case of team management referring the team member to the NSWCHSSA for disciplinary action the welfare committee to adjudicate will comprise:

An executive member
The state convener (or delegate) for that sport
The executive officer from the association that the team member represented
Principals' Council representative
Community/parent representative
Team management representative

2.14 Adverse environment procedures

All NSWCHSSA activities will follow departmental policies regarding adverse environmental factors, such as, sun protection, lightning and smoke conditions etc.

Decisions will be based on the local conditions at the commencement of play.

Where appropriate, the national and state sporting association rules will be used as a guide.

2.15 Injury

If an injury occurs at a NSWCHSSA activity the supervising teacher will complete the Department of Education appropriate accident report and lodges it with the appropriate sports coordination officer. If hospitalisation is necessary the NSWCHSSA executive officer and state convener must be informed.

NSWCHSSA will not be liable for medical expenses of any student(s) injured in trials leading to or representing NSWCHSSA or NSW All Schools.

2.16 Minimising violence in school sport procedures

At times, some violence will occur in sport and school sport. These procedures are provided to address possible concerns and ensure isolated incidents do not detract from the enormous benefits gained by students and teachers through participation in school sport.

(a) Types of violence include

Physical
Racial vilification

(b) Ways in which violence can occur

Physical - On Field
Physical - Off Field
Verbal - use of foul language etc
Racial Vilification - including lack of understanding and tolerance of different cultures

Why does violence occur at school sport

(a) Lack of pre-match preparation

Venue, suitable referee(s), ground administration, pre-match organisation and discussions;
Unrealistic player expectations (often transmitted by team officials);
Unprofessional conduct by team officials eg. comments from the sideline;
Lack of acceptance of authority by student(s);
Lack of understanding of the rules of the game;
Lack of self-discipline by players and spectators

(b) Crowd behaviours:

Student teacher ratios;
Uninvited spectators;
Spectators made up of absentee teachers’ classes;
Negative ex-student influences.

Procedures

(a) All members of school sporting groups (school/zone/association/state) must formulate and implement a code of behaviour for competition sport officials. This code of behaviour should be relevant and appropriate to the needs and expectations of their respective community.

(b) Anticipate and pre-empt potential problems

have clearly defines roles
- The host (home school)
- The guest (away school)
- Exchange pleasantries prior to and after game
Venues
- Suitably enclosed ground
- Safety of players / spectators
- Crowd control avenues
Spectators
- Strategically placed spectators;
- At state-wide competitions, school executive member(s) to be present;
- Crowd control officials be placed strategically as fulltime approaches;
- Appropriate signage relating to uninvited guests;
- Possibly employ positive roles for ex-pupils;
- Discourage negative ex-pupil role models;
- Appropriate student/teacher supervision ratios;
- Schools must be responsible for their spectators

(c) Focus on the interface of participation rather than winning. Emphasise the image of the school on display and only take students in school uniform to state-wide competitions, who have exhibited acceptable behaviour. ie even if this means entering fewer state-wide competitions.

(d) All sporting codes are to be encouraged to introduce into their rules/laws, provision for a cooling off period and/or a sin bin. The cooling off period will be for all members of both teams.

(e) In the case of the sin bin, team members will be sent to a position as indicated by the relevant sporting association rules and guidelines. They must not interact with the crowd and/or reserve players.

Referees/umpires

State conveners or their nominee(s) should arrange to visit the referees association of their respective state sporting organisation to in-service referees/umpires in regard to violence in school sport to ensure that they understand the cultural make up of different areas so that they become tolerant in understanding cultural differences.

Punitive action

(a) In the event of these guidelines not being adhered to, to the extent that school sport has been brought into disrepute, it is expected that schools (under their School Sport Policy), zones, associations and state associations under their judiciary policy, would have in place, clear guidelines and procedures to deal immediately with such incidents that occur under their control.

(b) State conveners must ensure that the state sporting organisation has in place clear guidelines for addressing the problems that may occur in relation to violence in their sport. In matters of suspension, school/ state sporting organisation suspensions should carry over.

(i) Should a school bring the NSWCHSSA into disrepute in any code, that school may be disqualified from that sport state-wide competition in that year or denied entry into the statewide competition in the following year.

(ii) Should a school bring the NSWCHSSA into disrepute in two or more state-wide competitions in any one year that school may be disqualified from that sport state-wide competition in that year or denied entry into all state-wide competition in the following year.

(iii) Should a student bring the NSWCHSSA into disrepute they may have consequences placed on their involvement in NSWCHSSA events including being denied involvement in competitions organised by NSWCHSSA in the following year.

(iv) Should a teacher bring the NSWCHSSA into disrepute and breach the Department’s Teacher’s Code of Conduct it will be referred to their principal for EPAC notifications. They may have consequences placed on their involvement in NSWCHSSA events including being denied involvement in competitions organised by NSWCHSSA in the following year.

(d) Zone/schools sports association activities

(i) Should a school bring the zone/schools sports association into disrepute in any code, that school may be disqualified from that sport state-wide competition in that year or denied entry into that sport state-wide competition in the following years competition.

(ii) Should a school bring the zone/schools sports association into disrepute in two (2) or more sports in any one year that school may be disqualified in all state-wide competition to be completed that year and also be denied entry into all state-wide competitions in the following year.

(iii) Recommendations regarding the participation of schools in zone, schools sports association or NSWCHSSA sporting or state-wide competitions, should be forthcoming from a constituted judiciary/disciplinary committee at the appropriate level where the school was deemed to have committed the act.

(e) Reporting serious violent incidents

In sporting competitions where an incident of a serious violent nature occurs, participating schools should immediately notify the relevant association executive officer. This officer in consultation with the NSWCHSSA Executive Officer will arrange with participating schools the completion of the sporting competition incident report.

Participating schools

This report must be forwarded to the NSWCHSSA Executive Officer within 48 hours of the incident.

(f) Managing serious violent incidents

Where a serious violent incident has been notified, a 'Sport Disciplinary Committee' will be convened to investigate, and where appropriate take disciplinary action.

This committee will comprise-

- Three (3) NSWCHSSA Vice Presidents
- The relevant state convener

- The NSWCHSSA Executive Officer

2.17 Approval for interstate / international NSWCHSSA sport tours

The following processes are applicable for NSW All School teams coordinated by NSWCHSSA participating in School Sport Australia events, NSWCHSSA teams participating in interstate events and NSWCHSSA teams participating in international events.

All selected students must complete honestly and appropriately the online representative consent form including endorsement of parent / caregiver and principal.

For School Sport Australia events processes and timelines will follow the accepted practices and policies of School Sport Australia.

For international tours / NSWCHSSA interstate tours, the state convener must seek NSWCHSSA Council approval at least twelve (12) months prior to the tour and meet the appropriate deadlines and paperwork approvals in the Department’s Excursion Policy. Approval must be gained by the Secretary, NSW Department of Education or their delegate for intention to tour and the final international tour paperwork.

2.18 Finances

The NSWCHSSA finances will operate through an independent bank account and follow all NSW finance and audit processes. The NSWCHSSA finance account will use a ‘Chart of Accounts’ approved each year at the annual general meeting. Approval will be an ordinary majority of voting delegates. All NSWCHSSA funds and finances will operate through this account.

A financial statement will be produced for each council meeting utilising an appropriate digital finance system.

All expenditure must be approved at each council meeting.

2.18.1 Some sports will receive one annual grant from the levy money raised. This allocation must be maintained within the NSWCHSSA accounts. The allocation will be reviewed annually, on submissions presented by the state convener to the executive.

2.18.2 Sports will commence each year with a balance of $5,000.00.

2.18.3 All major expenditure for activities must receive prior approval of the executive.

2.18.4 Conveners, members of the executive, managers and coaches receive the following rates

(a) Managers and coaches be paid a daily rate as set by the council at the annual general meeting where overnight accommodation is required.

(b) Telephone calls and postage expenses paid on production of itemised accounts.

2.18.5 Managers and coaches are liable to a levy as calculated on the same basis as team members. Managers and coaches expenses be met out of each sport's fund.

2.18.6 All international tours should be financially self-sufficient and be costed as such. Note: $200 per manager and coach be paid by from the NSWCHSSA general fund.

2.18.7 That a supplementary budget must be provided for all interstate and international tours.

2.18.8 Sundry debtors are not entitled to hold a position in the NSWCHSSA.

2.18.9 Team members are to be levied for fares, apparel and accommodation, if applicable.

2.18.10 Conveners and members of the executive from non-metropolitan schools sports associations shall have travelling expenses to attend council meetings paid from the general account. Claims for this to be made prior to the annual general meeting each year.

(a) Non-metropolitan associations are; Hunter, North Coast, North West, Riverina, South Coast and Western.

(b) All claims are to be accompanied by relevant receipts.

Train fares.
Motor vehicle – NSW Department of Education specified journey rate (casual rate) as per engine capacity.
Air fares.
Accommodation costs at the standard daily rate.

(d) Conveners and members of the executive from non-metropolitan association should submit their intended form of travel and associated arrangements, for approval by the NSWCHSSA Treasurer, on or before the March meeting date.

Budgets and levies

2.18.11 A detailed budget should be prepared in respect of all proposed exchanges and tours. A levy shall be imposed on all team members who take part in exchanges and tours.

2.18.12 For international tours, the budget including details of the proposed levy should be fully documented and submitted as per Departmental approval, after endorsement by the NSWCHSSA Treasurer.

2.18.13 The levy should cover the cost of travel, apparel, accommodation and any other expenses which can reasonably be expected to be met by the team members. The levy on individual team members can be reduced to the extent of the funds raised by them.

2.18.14 Levies and other funds collected by way of fund raising activities should be remitted, in full, to the NSWCHSSA Executive Officer / Administrative Officer with the names of the participating students. Tour manager will be responsible for ensuring that monies covering the levy set have been received prior to departure.

Note: Cases of genuine hardship should be the subject to special consideration by the NSWCHSSA Council and in such cases, costs could be met from association funds, sponsorship, etc.

2.18.15 NSW Combined High Schools Apparel
The Executive, conveners, coach and manager of state teams will be subsidised 100% for a tracksuit and a polo shirt. Any other apparel is to be purchased by the official at cost price.

2.18.16 Sponsorship

All sponsorships must meet the Department’s Sponsorship Policy.

No advertising is to be shown on NSWCHSSA official playing uniform.

Advertising may appear at a NSWCHSSA fixture venue with permission of the ground authority.

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

2.19 Handbook amendments

Handbook amendments must be submitted in the form they will replace, amend or be additions to the current handbook rules as published.

This should be done digitally to the NSWCHSSA executive officer four weeks prior to a council meeting or presented as part of the state championships report/subcommittee minutes submitted four weeks prior to a council meeting.

Where appropriate the sport subcommittee should have approved the amendment changes.

Where the handbook amendment change is to the rules of competition – either state-wide competition or state championship – these rule changes cannot occur within the calender year or the currently started competition.

Handbook amendment changes can only be made via a notice of motion and approved by an ordinary majority at any council meeting.

The allocation granted to sports will be reviewed annually, on submissions presented by the state convener to the executive

2.20 Introduction of new NSWCHSSA Sports / Programs

Preliminary information
Sports seeking endorsement entry to become NSWCHSSA competitions must not be a Banned Activity within the Department’s Sport and Physical Activity in Schools, Safe Conduct Guidelines.

Implementation guidelines

(a) A sport subcommittee to be established that will be prepared to nominate an interim coordinator who will prepare a submission for presentation as a ‘notice of motion’ to the NSWCHSSA Council.

(b) This coordinator will be a permanent / temporary secondary teacher employed by the NSW Department of Education and prepare a sport submission outlining:

Short and long term goals of the sport;
Budgetary planning and full resource implications (eg. relief days);
Proposed calendar;
Proposed handbook inclusions;
Format of competition: state championship (team), state championship (individual), state-wide competition or other competition;
Subcommittee composition: Six (6) members, all permanent / temporary secondary teachers from six (6) different schools sports associations.Each subcommittee member to be endorsed by their schools sports association. Each subcommittee member will be responsible for liaison with their particular schools sports association

(c) The co-ordinator to liaise with the respective "state sporting organisation" and other interested bodies to ensure an integrated submission, as necessary, is prepared.

(d) Before endorsement can be granted to a sport, a definite commitment in principle to compete in this program and provide the necessary resource to enable this to happen, must be given by five (5) schools sports associations.

Timelines
For sports seeking access to the NSWCHSSA program, the submission for entry must be forwarded as a ‘notice of motion’ for consideration no later than the May Council meeting, the year prior to the sports intended inclusion.

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School Sport Unit

Section 2 - By Laws

Handbook Section 2 – By Laws

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