1. Policy Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear, fair, and consistent framework for the selection and participation of Junior members (U8–U14) representing Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Life Saving Club (RPSLSC) at surf lifesaving carnivals. This policy aims to:

  • Promote the development of surf lifesaving skills, teamwork, and physical fitness.
  • Ensure fairness, transparency, and merit-based selection.
  • Encourage long-term athlete development and inclusivity.
  • Support the Club’s competitive and community goals.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all U8 to U14 Junior Activities members of RPSLSC participating in surf lifesaving competitions, and their parents or guardians.

3. Responsibilities

Implementation and compliance with this policy is the responsibility of the Junior Activities Committee (JAC), under the oversight of the Management Committee.

4. Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to compete at any surf lifesaving carnival, all competitors must meet the following criteria:

4.1 Financial Membership

  • Competitors must be registered and financial members of RPSLSC for the current season.

4.2 Age Requirements

  • Competitors must be in the U8 to U14 age groups as determined by Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ).

4.3 Proficiency & Competition Evaluation

  • All competitors must have completed the relevant Pool and Beach Proficiency evaluations for their age group.
  • In addition, the following Competition Evaluations must be completed and recorded prior to carnival nomination:
    • U8: 25m run / 25m wade / 25m run
    • U9–U10: Minimum 150m open water swim (majority overarm)
    • U11–U14 Beach Events: Minimum 200m open water swim (majority overarm)
    • U11–U14 Surf Events: Minimum 300m open water swim (majority overarm).
  • Note: Participation in surf events may be subject to an assessment by coaches and the Team Manager during carnival warm-up sessions. See section 10. Safety Considerations.

4.4 Parental/Guardian Involvement

  • At least one parent/guardian per competitor must be available to assist at carnivals in roles such as:
    • Team Manager
    • Water Safety (holding appropriate qualifications),
    • Technical Official
    • Age Manager
    • General set-up/pack-down support.
  • All volunteers must hold a current QLD Blue Card or exemption card.

4.5 Carnival Fees

  • All entry fees must be paid in full to the Club by the due date specified.
  • Non-payment by the due date will result in withdrawal from the carnival.

4.6 Junior Age Awards & Certificates

  • To be eligible for Branch or State Championships, competitors must have completed the relevant Junior Age Award.
  • U14 and U15 competitors must hold a proficient Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) to be eligible for championship events.

4.7 State Championship Availability

  • When nominating for Branch Championship teams, competitors must declare if they are available for the Queensland State Championships.
  • Preference may be given to those available for State Championships.

5. Nominations for Carnivals

5.1 Call for Nominations

  • The Team Manager will issue a call for entries and provide relevant carnival details.

5.2 Competitor Nomination

  • Parents/guardians must notify the Team Manager of their child’s nominated events by the published deadline.

5.3 Volunteer Nomination

  • Parents/guardians must confirm their volunteer role for the carnival at the time of competitor nomination.

6. Team Selection Process

6.1 Selection Committee

  • Comprises Coach(es), Team Manager, Junior Activities Chair, and Age Managers.
  • Selections are made by majority decision and are final.
  • The committee may revise selections at any time at its discretion.

6.2 Volunteer to Competitor Ratios

  • Teams may be limited to comply with:
    • Water Safety ratio: 1:15
    • Technical Official ratio: 1:10

6.3 Priority for Essential Volunteers

  • Priority is given to competitors whose parents/guardians can fill essential roles (e.g. Water Safety, Officials).

6.4 Conflict of Interest

  • Any selectors with a conflict of interest must withdraw from selection discussions for the relevant competitor(s).

6.5 Selection Criteria

Selections are based on the following:

  • Availability and willingness to compete.
  • Commitment to training (attendance and performance), as required by coaches.
  • Past carnival performance and consistency.
  • Workload and team balance.
  • At the start of a season, previous season or preseason training performance may be used.
  • The focus of U8-U10 carnivals is fun and participation so selections should be guided mostly by the Nipper’s availability and willingness, plus the support of parents/guardians to nominate for volunteer roles.

6.6 Relay Teams

6.6.1 U11 to U14 – Relay Teams

  • Pre-Selection Requirement: All relay teams must be selected prior to the commencement of the carnival.
  • Team Selection: Teams are selected based on paired performance. Early training as a team is encouraged.
  • No Changes During Carnival: Teams may not be altered during the carnival unless due to a legitimate withdrawal (e.g. illness or injury).
  • Substitutes: A substitute competitor must be identified prior to the carnival. This substitute must be another Nipper from the same age group or a permitted lower age group who is attending the carnival.

6.6.2 U8 to U10 – Beach Relay Teams

  • Team Selection: Teams should be selected prior to the carnival where possible.
  • Flexibility During Carnival: Teams may be changed during the carnival to allow for greater participation.
  • Participation Focus: Selection should prioritise giving all Nippers the opportunity to participate and gain carnival experience.

6.6.3 Cross-Age Participation

  • Younger Age Group Inclusion: Nippers from the age group below may be included in relay teams.
  • Maximum Participation Limit: Younger age competitors may only make up 50% of a relay team (e.g., 2 competitors in a 4-person relay or 1 in a 3-person relay).

6.6 Withdrawals

  • Competitors who withdraw from team events without prior approval may be excluded from individual events.

6.7 Substitutions

  • Substitutions due to illness or withdrawal may be made on carnival day by Coaches and the Team Manager, in consultation with Age Managers.

6.10 Team Support

  • Competitors are expected to support teammates and may not leave the carnival without Team Manager consent and Age Manager sign-out.

6.11 Removal from Teams

A competitor may be removed from a team for the following:

  • Breach of this policy or other Club/SLSQ/SLSA policies.
  • Breach of the SLSQ Member Code of Conduct.
  • Injury or illness impacting performance or safety.

7. Notification of Selection

  • Team selection for Branch or State Championships will be announced during training at least one week prior to the event.
  • Follow-up notifications will be sent via email to the nominated parent/guardian.
  • If your child is removed from the team an email will be communicated to you by the Junior Activities Chair.

8. Communication

  • Information related to carnivals will be communicated by email and a WhatsApp group chat is created for each carnival.
  • It is the responsibility of the competitor’s parent/guardian to stay informed by reading email communications and WhatsApp messages and notifications before and during competition.

9. Carnival Set Up & Pack Down

9.1 Pre-Carnival Setup

  • Arrival Time: All parents are required to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the scheduled warm up session to assist with setup of the club tent and equipment.
  • Responsibilities: Tasks include, but are not limited to:
    • Transporting and unloading equipment, including tents and boards.
    • Setting up tents and arranging equipment in designated areas.
    • Ensuring all safety measures are in place before the event begins.

9.2 Post-Carnival Pack-Down

  • Immediate Action: All parents must remain after the event to assist with pack-down activities, unless approved by the Team Manager.
  • Responsibilities: Tasks include, but are not limited to:
    • Moving equipment back to trailers and vehicles.
    • Packing up tents and ensuring all materials are accounted for.
    • Cleaning the event area and ensuring it is left in good condition.

Failure to participate in the setup and pack-down activities will be reported to the selection committee and may result in being excluded from selection for future carnivals.

10. Safety Considerations

Coaches and the Team Manager reserve the right to withhold a competitor from an event if safety concerns exist at any time. Competitors must demonstrate appropriate ocean awareness and swimming capability.

Coaches and the Team Manager may require competitors to attend the warm-up session scheduled prior to the start of the carnival to assess the competitors confidence and ability in the conditions. Competitors who do not attend the warm-up session as required will be automatically withdrawn from all surf events they nominated for.

11. Appeals & Complaints

11.1 Conduct Expectations

  • Negative comments about selection or other competitors are not permitted.
  • Poor sportsmanship or “sledging” will result in removal from events or the beach.
  • Parents must not approach Coaches, Age Managers or other parents with complaints.

11.2 Appeals Process

  • Appeals regarding team selection are only permitted for Branch and State Carnivals.
  • Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Junior Activities Chair within three (3) days of team announcement.
  • Any informal discussions with Coaches or Age Managers will invalidate the appeal.
  • Appeals will be reviewed by the Junior Activities Chair and Club President.

12. Policy Review

This policy is to be reviewed annually by the Junior Activities Committee to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness. Feedback from parents, coaches, and members will be considered during each review cycle.

Approved by: Management Committee, Redcliffe Peninsula SLSC
Date: 27th July 2025
Next Review Date: 30th September 2026