Section 5: General rules governing State-wide Competitions and State Championships (Team and Individual Sports)
Amended 2019
5.1 General policies
5.1.1 Rules of the game
Each sport shall adopt the game rules that are accepted by that sport's governing body in New South Wales, together with any modifications as adopted by the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association.
5.1.2 Numbers and colours
For the purpose of identifying teams for state championships, the numbers and colours are allocated as follows:
1. Sydney East – red/white/blue
2. Riverina – black/white
3. The Hunter – royal blue/gold
4. South Coast – aqua/yellow/navy
5. West Darling sub-area – brown/yellow
6. North Coast – gold/green
7. Sydney North – black/red
8. Sydney West – sky blue/black/gold
9. Sydney South West – bottle green/white
10. Western – red/green
11. North West – sky blue/black
5.1.3 Coaching
No coaching other than where such is part of the rules of the game - eg. softball and baseball shall take place during the actual competition games. The team manager or coach will not be allowed on the court or field of play unless specifically called upon by the umpire or referee.
5.1.4 Trophies/awards, etc
(a) An existing trophy (as approved by the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association) for winning teams together with pennants or medallions (for teams finishing first, second and third) for individual team members or competitors shall be awarded to record their achievement.
(b) Appreciation pennants or gifts may be awarded at each activity. The award of these items shall be arranged by the convener of the sport concerned in consultation with officials from the host regional association.
5.1.5 State grants/sponsorships
All requests for assistance from sporting bodies or sponsors must be sent through the NSWCHSSA Executive Officer and all grants should be received through the association.
5.1.6 Advertising
(a) No advertising is to be shown on NEW South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association official playing uniform.
(b) Advertising may appear at a New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association fixture venue with permission of the ground authority.
(c) Conveners must consult with the Executive prior to entering into fund raising and sponsorship proposals.
(d) The words 'Department of Education' must not appear on any written documents which relate to fund raising and sponsorship.
5.1.7 Age determination
The age group students are eligible to compete in is the age students turn in the year of competition as indicated by the age group the competition is conducted in.
5.2 State-wide competitions
5.2.1 Approved state-wide competitions.
State-wide competitions on a school basis are held in the following approved sports as determined by the council of the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association.
(a) Boys
Australian Football – 15 years team
Baseball
Basketball- Open team and 15 years team
Cricket
Hockey
Rugby League – Open team and 14 years team
Rugby Union – 15 years
Football (Soccer)
Softball
Squash
Tennis
Touch Football
Volleyball
Water Polo – Open team and 15 years team
(b) Girls
Baseball
Basketball - Open team and 15 years team
Cricket
Hockey
Netball - Open team and 15 years team
Rugby Union - Open team and 15 years team
Football (Soccer)
Softball
Squash
Tennis
Touch Football
Volleyball
Water Polo – Open team and 15 years team
(c) Co-ed or single sex
Lawn Bowls
Table Tennis
Swimming
(d) Central schools only
Netball (Girls)
Cricket (20/20 format) (Boys/Girls)
Touch Football (Boys/Girls)
Lawn Bowls (Co-ed)
Rugby League (7’s) (Under 14 Boys/Open Boys)
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).
Regional Sports Associations will have the opportunity to comment on combined entries when the state-wide competitions nominations are forwarded from the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association to the Regional Sports 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).
5.2.2 Entries
Entries for the above competitions will close for all state-wide competitions on the last day of term three (3).
5.2.3 Rules and conditions
(a) Competition shall be on a school basis. In the case of central schools or small country high schools two or more may combine for 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 5.2.1 (d) may not combine schools. Two competitions will be conducted. A year 10 or below (16 years and under) competition and an open age competition (students may not turn 20 years of age in the year of competition).
(c) Eligibility of students
(i) Players must be bona fide students of the state school, or combination of state schools, they represent. Students transferring to another school automatically lose their qualifications to compete for their former school in any competition conducted by this association.
(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.
5.2.4 The draw
(a) Unless specified in the particular state-wide competitionsrules and where practical regional conveners make up and conduct the draw in all sports for their regional association up to the stage of regional 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. All such draws and results are to be forwarded at the earliest possible time to the state conveners of each respective sport.
(b) At the regional level state-wide competitions may be conducted in a competition format deemed appropriate by the regional association. (eg round robin)
(c) Where possible with New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association state-wide competition the final series teams remaining in the state-wide competition assemble at a central venue to play the remaining games to finalise the state-wide competition.
(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 convener will have the authority to invite team(s) to fill the place of the team(s) that withdraw.
Preference will be given to the regional association the withdrawing school(s) came from.
If this regional association does not provide a team the convener will have the power to invite a team from another regional association.
5.2.5 Determination of home and away games
All New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association state-wide competitions determine home and away games by the following method (unless specified under the particular 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.
(c) Where the number of home and away games are equal:
The first mentioned school in the draw shall become the home school in odd numbered rounds.
The second mentioned school shall become the home school for even numbered rounds.
(d) In the event of a forfeit in a state-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 fax/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 Regional 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.
5.2.6 Fixtures
(a) All fixtures shall be played at the earlier possible date.
(b) Each fixture must be played on or before the designated date set down in the draw. Failure to play the fixture by the due date may result in disqualification.
(c) An extension of time can only be granted by the state convener and only in exceptional circumstances.
(d) The duties of the 'home school' shall be:
(i) Give the visiting school five (5) school days’ notice, confirmed by fax/e mail, 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 fax/e mail 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) Regional finalists notification procedure where the state convener conducts the draw
Schools reaching the regional 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 regional association does not have a regional convener and the state convener organises the state-wide competition)
(f) Regional finalists notification procedure where the regional convener conducts the regional draw
(i) Regions 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' regional association fails to notify the state convener by the due date, the "away" regional 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 fax/e mail, 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 regions 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.
5.2.7 Disputes and protests
(a) The 'Disputes Committee' is elected annually at the commencement of each school year. The disputes committee acts as an 'Appeals Committee' when:
Sporting conveners have made decisions on disputes/protests arising out of New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association state-wide competition matches and schools wish to challenge this ruling or the result of the match is protested.
The committee will comprise the NSWCHSSA 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.
(b) 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 sports convener who will make a decision which schools are required to comply with. A school which does not comply could be forfeited from the competition.
If a school or schools decide to appeal the decision of the convener they will do so to the Disputes Committee. Once the disputes committee has convened and made its decision, this decision shall be final.
(c) Protests
Notice of intention to protest must be made to the opposing team on the day of the match.
The Protest must be faxed/emailed in writing within two (2) school days of the date of the match on the dispute/protest form found on the NSWCHSSA website- NSWCHSSA website to the state convener of the sport concerned, the NSWCHSSA Executive Officer, the two NSWCHSSA Vice Presidents (comprising the disputes committee) and the principal of the opposing school.
Protests must be signed by the principal of the protesting school.
Where a school or schools decide to appeal the decision of a match the disputes committee shall act as an 'appeals committee' and will make the decision regarding the result. Once the disputes committee has convened and made its decision, this decision shall be final.
(d) Where a state-wide competition is conducted by the regional association any disputes must be referred to the regional disputes committee. Once the competition has entered the final rounds either sixteen, ten or eight the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association disputes committee will arbitrate. If the state-wide competition was organised by the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association convener any disputes are to be referred to the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association disputes committee who shall adjudicate and that decision will be final.
5.2.8 Judiciary procedures
Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook Section 4.7.6 for information regarding judiciary procedures.
5.2.9 Results
The winning school must phone/email/fax results to either the state convener or his/her designate or to the regional convener as indicated on the draw immediately following the match. A written confirmation is to be forwarded within three (3) school days. Failure to notify results may lead to the disqualification of the winning school.
5.2.10 Expenses
Each school is responsible for its own travel, accommodation and managerial costs and arrangements.
5.3 State Championships (team sports)
5.3.1 Approved state championships
State Championships may be held annually at a time and place as determined by the council of the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association, in consultation with the Regional Sports Co-ordination Officer and state conveners.
Championships may be held in any of the approved sports as determined by the council of the New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association.
5.3.2 Venues for state championships
Venues for state championships only be published after the venue has been agreed upon by the host regional association in consultation with the state convener.
5.3.3 Entries
Each regional association may enter one team. However in the event of all regional 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 regional association may enter two teams in any state championship. This must be done at the invitation of the host regional association subject to approval of that sport's sub-committee and the Executive.
In such cases the second team accepted from the one regional association shall have full competition rights and members of that team shall be eligible for state selection if applicable.
Other teams may be entered in state championships where geographic location, equity or 'NSW All Schools' selection are factors.
This must be done subject to the approval of the Executive and that sports sub-committee.
In such cases all teams shall have full competition rights and members of the teams shall be eligible for state selection if applicable.
Where regional associations are unable to field a full team they may nominate to the sports convener through the Executive Officer who notifies the host association. The host association communicates an 'expression of interest' to all regional sports associations. The regional sports association requesting the assistance will administer the team.
5.3.4 Eligibility of students
Competing players must be bona fide secondary students of a state school within the regional association they represent as determined by the Director in charge of sport.
5.3.5 Conferences
Team managers/esses and coaches plus championship organisers be the only persons to attend conferences held during championships. Each regional association is to nominate before the championship the one person eligible to vote.
5.3.6 Host regional association
(a) The host regional association will issue invitations for all state championships at least six (6) 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 proposed and date for final numbers.
(iv) Accommodation arrangements for manger/esses proposed including telephone number and cost.
(v) Suggested travel arrangements.
(vi) Lunch arrangements.
(vii) Championship levy.
(viii) Time, date and venue of the pre-championship managers/esses meeting and official dinner.
(b) The host regional association shall notify prior to visiting teams departure for the championship venue the:
(i) Itinerary and venue.
(ii) Billets' names and addresses.
(iii) The draw.
(iv) Other relevant information.
(c) The host regional association 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. All team managers/esses and/or coaches are expected to attend all official functions organised on their behalf.
(d) The host regional association shall in the case of inclement weather be responsible for determining whether the grounds nominated for games are fit for play.
(e) The host regional association shall convene all necessary meetings for managers/esses one of which must be held prior to the actual commencement of competition. Attendance, extenuating circumstances excepted, at meetings of managers/esses is compulsory for all team managers/esses.
At the pre-competition meeting of managers/esses, championship rules and regulations shall be discussed and local rules for the particular championship indicated. NSWCHSSA championship rules cannot be changed at this meeting.
(f) The host regional association shall be responsible for media and updating the website with results of matches each day of the championship.
(g) Team officials are to stay at the accommodation arranged by the host regional association.
5.3.7 Convener
(a) Will consult with the host regional association at least two (2) weeks prior to invitations being issued on the details to be included in the invitations.
(b) Will maintain close liaison with the host regional association in all aspects of the championship organisation and assist the host regional association as required.
5.3.8 Billeting
Billeting is an integral component of any state championship. Billeting is strongly encouraged for all state championships. Billeting should be an enjoyable experience for both the representative and the host families.
(a) Regional Sports Associations are to advise preliminary billeting requirements through the respective team advice sheet distributed by the host regional association by the due date.
(b) Any student who has requested a billet or failed to notify their association that a billet was not required must accept that billet.
(c) Any alteration to billeting requirements prior to a championship must be requested through the representative's Region/State Association.
(d) Final billeting requirements are to be submitted to the host regional association ten (10) days prior to the commencement of the championship. No alteration to billeting will be negotiated after 12 noon of the Friday proceeding the commencement of the championship.
(e) No team member may withdraw from their billet at any time throughout the championship without the knowledge and approval of their team manager and the host regional association.
(f) The penalty for falling to abide by the above rules may include disqualification of the offending representative from the championship.
(g) Team members being billeted and the regional team manager must arrive at the billeting point at the time agreed by the host and the competing regional association.
5.3.9 Expenses
(a) The Regional Sports Co-ordination Officer will present a budget for the running of the state championship in their regional association to include expenses for which the relevant New South Wales Combined High Schools sports will be liable. The Regional Sports Co-ordination Officer should consult with the relevant New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association convener when finalising their budget and present it for approval to the New South Wales Combined High Schools Executive one meeting prior to the activity.
That upon the receipt of the budget prepared by the regional association the Treasurer of the NSWCHSSA 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 NSWCHSSA 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.
(b) The regional association where applicable will pay expenses incurred on the following items:
(i) Lunches for players and managers.
(ii) Internal bus travel.
(iii) Laundry of playing uniforms.
(iv) Barbecues.
(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.
(c) The New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association council allocation to a particular sport will pay expenses for:
(i) New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association 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.
(d) If the convener does not attend the state championship in the capacity of a regional manager/ess or coach expenses at the current approved rate for his/her attendance to be approved by the council and payment debited to that sport.
(e) Selectors expenses will not be met by either the regional association or New South Wales Combined High Schools Sports Association general funds.
5.3.10 Selectors
At the state championship the panel of selectors be nominated at the preliminary conference prior to the championship.
5.3.11 Managers/coaches accommodation
Managers/coaches to stay at the central venue (during state championships) for all championships and that all entries be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
5.3.12 Protests
Refer to individual sports.
5.3.13 Alterations to rules
Alterations to state championship rules must be effected in the year preceding the competition.
5.3.14 Championship Reports
The host regional association shall be responsible for the submission or a written report by the championship organiser to the NSWCHSSA Executive Officer, within fourteen days of the completion of the championship.
5.3.15 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:
NSWCHSSA convener/or executive representative
Championship manager
Principals' representative
Community representative
Regional Sports Co-ordination Officer
Team manager from regional association of offending team member.
5.4 State Championships (individual sports)
(Athletics, Canoeing, Cross Country, Diving, Golf, Rowing, Sailing, Swimming, Tennis, Trampoline Sports, Triathlon)
5.4.1 Responsibility of convener
(a) The convener through the state association shall issue invitations to compete at least eight (8) weeks prior to the championships and shall indicate:
Closing date for entries on the entry form.
Venue for championship.
Date/s and starting time/s of championship.
Conditions of entry.
Entry costs, eg. admissions charges to pool or ground.
Time, date and venue of the manager/esses meeting and official dinner.
(b) The convener shall be responsible for:
Ground or pool hire, first aid, lunches, necessary equipment, publicity, the official dinner and referees who shall be made aware of state championship rules.
In the case of inclement weather determining whether the championship shall proceed.
Convening all necessary meetings.
Notifying the press of each day's results at the championship.
5.4.2 General information
(a) Nomination forms for official's positions to state championships will be advertised annually on the NSWCHSSA website: NSWCHSSA website. No appointments will be made unless an application is received by the closing date.
(b) Entry to state swimming, cross country and athletic championships will be on a regional basis only.
(c) Swimming and diving championships will be two separate championships and each with its own point score and trophies.
(d) An equipment officer will be appointed at the swimming, cross country and athletic championships.