Sports Shear Australia Association Inc. (SSAA) National Protocols

1. Organisations wishing to host the National Championships should apply to their SSAA State organisation seeking approval and support, before that State makes application to SSAA to host the National Championships on their behalf. (Re: Constitution clause 36).
2. Host committee’s will be notified in writing from SSAA National Committee of approval to conduct the National Shearing, National Woolhandling, National Blade, National Team Championships and Trans Tasman test Matches.
3. The Host committee shall agree to conduct the National Championships in accordance with SSAA Rules and Protocols, set down for hosting SSAA National Championships.

1. The hosting and running of the National events
   1. The National and Open competition will be coordinated between the Host Committee and the National Committee.
   2. International Events and World Championships when held in Australia.
2. Ascertain date and venue of National Championships in liaison with the Host Committee.
   1. It is anticipated that the National Championships Venues will be known 2yrs in advance and selected at the SSAA AGM each year.
   2. The Nationals will be staged in the last quarter of the calendar year.
   3. Preference for the National Championship events to be run on the Saturday and the Host committee Heats to be run on the Friday.
   4. Applications to vary may be considered upon written application.
3. Selection for World Championship Teams
   1. Selection of National Championship venue should take into account the ability of the Host Committee to secure sheep that are of similar type to those that will be shorn/ handled in the World Championships and practice for visiting competitors on similar sheep.
4. Liaising with Host Committee as to sheep, judges, competitors, officials and sponsors' requirements.
5. International Shearing, Wool handling and Teams Test Matches. (Re: Trans Tasman test)
6. Verify sponsors and their requirements. Negotiate sponsorship for National Championship events. (Re: National Championships Events 2)  
7. Inviting the International Teams (shearing and wool handling), Judges (shearing and wool handling), and Manager.
8. Australian Teams travel arrangements and requirements.
9. Invitation to States to nominate in an official capacity: 2 Shearing Judges and 2 Wool handling Judges to officiate at National Championships. SSAA may request as required additional judges.
10. Liaising with the Host Committee as to the selection of the above Judges and Disputes Committee for its own events.
11. States to inform SSAA of Team representatives with a copy of member profiles for program. (to be forward to the Host Committee)
12. The Judges Roster for National and International events is compiled by the appropriate National Committee representative.
13. Nominating Chief Shearing and Wool handling Judges for National and International events, and will appoint Disputes Committee for same.
14. National Trophies are available at Nationals for presentations - Trophies are:
    1. National Shearing Champion Shield
    2. (Euroa Shearing Association - Walker, Harahan, and Artridge Shield).
    3. National Wool handling Cup (Des Cook Memorial Cup).
    4. National Blade shearing Shield (Herb Hutchins Memorial Shield).
    5. Trans Tasman Cup (Walker- Keats Cup).
    6. Trans Tasman Wool handling Plaque.
15. Appointing Official Photographer.
16. Organise Media Coverage (World Championships)
    1. Contact media outlets with reports eg; Rural Press, Local press, ABC sport, Australia All Over and other. (May need to write or contact prior to event.)
    2. Information kit for media including such things as team profiles, photos (For local press - could be sent over prior to arrival).
    3. Ongoing media reports to come back to Australia.
    4. Inform Australian ambassador that Australian team has arrived.
    5. Define official World Championship events.
17. SSAA reserves the right to withdraw or reprimand a Team Member, Manager, or Judge if deemed to be appropriate course of action.
18. SSAA Secretary to acquire permission to use Australian Coat-of-Arms annually.
19. Organise National Shearing, Blade shearing and Wool handling finalist’s singlets and polo shirts in State colours.
20. Liaise with Euroa Shearing Association Re: World Council Meeting.
21. Provide prizes and sashes for all National Championship events (Re: National Championships Events 2)
    1. Sashes and/or medals for Trans Tasman Test.
    2. Best individual score award (optional) Mark Conlan Medal for the highest placed shearer in the Trans-Tasman when held in Australia.

1. Type of sheep to be selected on proportional representation of national flock:
   1. 12 months wool
   2. Preferably Merinos.
   3. Prem/Lambs wools and crossbreds may be used with the approval from the National committee.
2. National events are.
   1. National Shearing Semi-Finals. 3 heats of 6 shearers.
   2. National Shearing Final. Top 6 shearers from semi-finals.
   3. National Woolhandling Semi-Finals. 6 or 3 heats of 3 or 6 Woolhandlers.
   4. National Woolhandling Final. Top 6 Woolhandlers from semi-finals.
   5. National Blade Shearing Semi-Finals.
   6. National Blade Shearing Final. Top 6 shearers from semi-finals.
   7. National Teams Event - State Representatives 2 Shearers and 2 Woolhandlers on 2 stands and 1 table.
3. Other National events may be included with the approval from the National Committee.
4. Open events run in conjunction with the National Championships are the responsibility of the host Committee and must not conflict with National Championship events or the National Protocols and Rules.
5. Sheep numbers and type:
   1. National Machine Shearing – Semi finals will be 16 sheep if crossbreds and 10 sheep if merinos, mixed breed will be 6 crossbred and 6 merinos (per Competitor). Finals 20 sheep if crossbred and 12 if merinos, mixed breed will be 8 crossbred and 8 merinos (per Competitor).
   2. National Woolhandling and State fleece numbers. (Re: National Woolhandling rule Section 5. Sheep)
   3. National Blade Shearing – sheep must be evenly prepared and of type, Semi-finals 1 or 2 sheep, Finals 2 merinos or 3 crossbred sheep.
   4. National Teams – 6 to 10.
6. All National Semi-finals must be seeded (when possible).
   1. (i) National Woolhandling Final draw – where there is 2 heats in the final the draw will be seeded as the same as the semi finals. All other National Woolhandling finals draw for tables.
7. State Team Manager or nominated representative (not a Team Member) will be present for the draw for stands or tables where a stand or table will be allocated to each state for each semi final, where upon the representative will nominate the state team member to compete in each of the semi final heats.
8. The Host Committee must provide sheep for practice for all state teams.

1. Shearing Test – (Sponsors name at the time) Trans Tasman test match. (3 Australian Shearers, 3 NZ Shearers.)
2. Wool handling Test – (Sponsors name at the time) Trans Tasman test match. (2 Australian Wool handlers, 2 NZ Wool handlers.)
3. Sheep numbers and type –
   1. Trans Tasman Shearing Test - 6 merino sheep and 6 crossbred type sheep per competitor. (See National shearing rules section 3 sheep)
   2. Trans Tasman Wool handling Test – Two breeds – 4 full wool Merinos (is preferred) and 4 Crossbred Prem or Lambs (short wools). With equal numbers of each type in line with current National Wool handling Rules, Sheep must be even within each breed.
4. SSAA to invite NZ Team which includes 3 Shearers and 2 Wool handlers, Judges 1 Shearing and 1 Wool handling and Manager.
5. SSAA to invite the return Australian Shearing team which includes 3 shearers, 2 Wool handling along with the Manager, shearing Judge and Wool handling Judge.
6. Draw for International Shearing and Wool handling Test.
7. Nominated representative toss coin, visiting Team Manager to call. Toss is for choice of odd and even stands. Managers then allocate shearers/wool handler to stands/Tables.
8. SSAA and Sponsor present the Trans Tasman Walker/Keats Cup and the Trans Tasman Wool handling Cup.
9. The Host Committee must provide sheep for practice (similar type and preparation) for the Australian and NZ Teams.
10. Arrange shearers for Trans Tasman Wool handling test with the Host committee in conjunction with National Wool handling Chairperson and or National Chief Judge.
11. Arrange suitable accommodation and pay for- (Host Committees responsibility)
    1. Trans Tasman teams competitors and Manager only. (International guests must have ensuite)
    2. Return Australian Test Team.
12. Arrange information on local transport, practice venue, Dinner venue, dates and times, Rules and regulations for all Trans Tasman test competitors along with gate entry fees, meal tickets etc. for judges and officials. (Host Committee in consultation with SSAA)
13. The National Shearing Champion, plus second and third placements will be the Australian Shearing Team to compete in the following Trans-Tasman Test in NZ, and the return Test at the following National Championships.
14. The National Wool handling Champion and the runner-up will be the Australian Wool handling Team to compete in the following Trans-Tasman Test in NZ, and the return Test at the following National Championships.
15. All Trans Tasman Competitors will be nominated by SSAA in their appropriate Open competition class; they will be required to pay their own entry fee before competing. (Unless otherwise arranged by SSAA)

The Host Committee will arrange a meeting with SSAA and their State body to discuss the requirements and expectations including documents and information from SSAA on procedures to run a National Championships and International events and assist available from SSAA.

1. Provide venue and facilities to run National and International events.
   1. 6 stands and at least 3 Woolhandling competition tables required.
2. Guarantee non-conflicting sponsorship as may be required by contracted Sponsors of National Championship Events.
3. Requirements of Sponsors of National and International events are met.
4. Promote SSAA National Championships and their Sponsors on all media releases pre and post competition.
5. Invite local media to be present at the Championships
6. Provide and prepare sheep for the Nationals (Re: National Championships Event 5) and National Woolhandling Rule 5 Sheep. (Re: Trans Tasman Test 3) SSAA Protocols 30-06-13 Page 5 of 9
7. Arrange shearers for National Woolhandling semi-finals and finals, and Trans Tasman Woolhandling Test in conjunction with National Chief Woolhandling Judge and or National Woolhandling Chairperson.
8. Provide sufficient stewards, pen handlers, wool personnel, timekeepers, and other staff as required to run the event.
9. Public Liability Insurance is in place and compliant.
10. Work care/OHS compliant - Safety officer to be appointed by Host committee. Host Committee must ensure that all competitors sign a disclaimer.
11. Provide sharpening equipment for competitors. (Re: Shearing Rule 2i)
12. Provide changing rooms and washing facilities.
13. Provide a First Aid Kit, and needle, thread and antiseptic. (Re: Shearing Rule 15a)
14. Arrange suitable accommodation for -
    1. Trans Tasman teams competitors and Manager only. (SSAA committee to pay) (international guests must have ensuite)
    2. Return Australian Test Teams. (SSAA committee to pay)
    3. Provide information on accommodation for States teams, State Team to fund their own accommodation.
    4. It is not expected that accommodation costs be covered for spouses, partners, children etc.
15. Arrange and pay for gate entry fees, meal tickets etc. during events, for judges & officials.
16. Arrange information for the NZ, Australian and State teams on competition entry forms and fees.
    1. All competition entry fees to be paid by the competitor.
    2. Arrange information on local transport, Practice venue, Dinner venue, dates and times, Rules & regulations for all National team members & Trans Tasman test competitors.
17. Provide judges/officials with a kit including all the information, E.g. official functions, judging timetable, accommodation details etc.
18. Supply a list of all National event results to the National Committee, together with the original score sheets.
19. Supply copy of Master Score Sheets to all National finalists if requested. (Re: Shearing Rule 2w)
20. Arrange a suitable venue for the SSAA Annual General Meeting.
21. National Dinner – Formal Welcome
    1. Arranged by the Host committee in conjunction with SSAA.
    2. To be held the night before the National Championships.
    3. Formal greetings and introduction of all the Teams and Sponsors and special guests.
    4. A welcome pack to all State Teams and Trans Tasman Teams (optional)
    5. SSAA award - Each year individuals or a group of people will be recognised for their contribution to shearing and Woolhandling as special Quests of SSAA (States/others can nominate people for this honour)
    6. MC is the SSAA Chairperson or his appointed representative.

1. To abide by the rules and protocols of SSAA.
2. Competitors will ensure they meet the citizen requirements (Re: National Representation.)
3. National events shall be open class only.
4. Three competitors from each Member State will contest for the Nationals Championships events.
5. Semi-finals must be seeded. (One state competitor per heat.)
6. Top 6 shearers, Wool handlers and Blades from semi-finals to contest the finals.
7. Finalists may be requested to even pens prior to the draw, no reject sheep after stand draw.
8. To provide handpieces, combs, cutters, blades, brooms and sweeps of their choice.
9. More than two handpieces or blades may be used where more than one sheep breed or wool type are used.
10. Competitors enter and compete at their own risk.
11. A Competitor who has been removed due to the blood ruling may compete in the last heat if available. (In Finals the Competitor will be relegated to the lowest finals placing.)
12. Competitors are to make sure their Profiles are provided to SSAA as soon as they are aware that they are representing their State at the Nationals. Eg: Name, address, marital status, kids, occupation, history, competition and other achievements.

Judges and Officials understand and agree:

1. To abide by the rules and protocols of SSAA.
2. Nominated Shearing and Woolhandling judges selected from each State to attend the National event are the only judges to be used in the National Events whenever possible.
3. Chief Judges for the National Championships are – SSAA Shearing and Woolhandling Sub Committee chairpersons or their nominated representatives.
4. It is preferred that the Referee’s to be visiting Judge’s (not from the Host State/Committee) approved by the National Committee.
5. Hand held counters to be used by board Judges.
6. Single judging to be used in the pen.
7. Woolhandling judges see National Woolhandling rules.
8. SSAA reserves the right to withdraw or reprimand a Judge or Official if deemed to be appropriate course of action.
9. Where ever practical judges appointed on an official capacity representing SSAA and/or Australia shall be considered as Team members.

State should ensure competitors are aware and understand and agree to the following requirements;

1. To be eligible to Manage, Judge or compete for your state, at National Championships level or to represent Australia. The person /competitor must be an Australian Citizen and a resident in the state they are representing prior to their state selection, to the National Championship event.
2. Competitors must provide proof of Australian citizenship if requested by SSAA member committee, the Disputes Committee or National Executive.
3. Competitors in the National Championships must be prepared to represent Australia here and/or overseas, and be prepared to meet any sponsorship obligations where possible and practical.
4. Three approved representatives from each state are eligible to compete in the National championship events.
5. Competitors can only seek to represent one state in any given year.
6. The National Shearing, Blade shearing and Wool handling Champions and runner-up will be the Australian representatives to the World Championships.
7. For representation of Trans Tasman Test Matches (Re: Trans-Tasman Test.)
8. If one or more members of the above teams are unable to fill their position, the next highest placing competitor will take their position, 2 months notice is appreciated. (Re: Shearing Rule 14d or Wool handling rules 12h)
9. Sports Shear Australia will only acknowledge Shearing and Wool handling teams selected at recognised Sports Shear Competitions and shows.

SSAA in conjunction with the Host Committee to appoint a MC, Usually the Chairpersons or their nominee’s.

1. Appoint a marshal to gather relevant people 5 minutes before presentations; inform them that they will be required to have photos taken following the results.
2. Introduce the sponsor or guest who is presenting the awards for each event, while competitors are assembling.
3. Trans Tasman Tests
   1. Introduce team manager and individual team members onto stage.
   2. Have both teams (Australia and NZ) on stage with managers.
   3. Announce results.
   4. Have team managers respond.
   5. Assemble for photographs - preferably off to the side so that presentations can continue.
4. National Championships
   1. Competitors from 7th to 18th to be presented first by National Chairperson or their nominee.
   2. Competitors from 6th to 1st to be called on to stage, and then presented from 6th to 1st by National Chairperson or their nominee.
   3. Winner responds.
   4. Assemble for photographs - preferably off to the side so that presentations can continue.
5. The new National team for that year is to be presented to the public and congratulated and photographed. SSAA Protocols 30-06-13 Page 8 of 9
6. Thank you to the Judges and officials to be done at a convenient time, Photographs of the Judges to be taken.
7. A Thank you to all involved.

1. SSAA appoints Managers to the Trans Tasman Tests matches in consultation with ECOM.
2. SSAA appoints a Shearing and Wool handling Judge to the Trans Tasman Tests matches.
3. The nominations for the positions of Team Manager, Shearing Judge and Wool handling Judge for
   International events, include a profile of the nominee, and that the Shearing Committee, Wool handling
   Committee and ECOM make the final decision for the representatives. Nominations to be submitted a
   fortnight prior to the National Event.

1. To agree to abide by the rules and protocols of SSAA.
2. To check Passport validity.
3. Liaison with SSAA in regard to fitting, matching and obtain National SSAA uniforms and promotional clothing.
4. To send a profile of themselves including photo to the National committee.
5. Prepare speeches with thanks to all sponsors (named) host committees etc.
6. To correspond with the other Team members and Manager in regard to flights, work and travel arrangements.
7. To conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Australia, good sportspersons and not embarrass or bring disrepute to Australia or the Team through their behaviour.
8. To wear approved sponsors clothing during their travel and training as the Australian Team.
9. To be present at all functions and events the National committee or host committees require them to attend.
10. The Manager has authority to replace a Team member/s at any time due to improper - conduct, behaviour, condition, legal or illegal, or medical reasons, and SSAA executive agree, the member/s will not represent Australia, and will stand down. (Re: National representation 8) The Team member/s will be replaced by the person/s appointed by the Manager and SSAA executive.

1. Liaise with SSAA in regards to competition clothing for Team.
2. To ensure team members are aware of travel requirements.
   1. Vaccinations.
   2. Visa’s and passports requirements.
   3. Customs and quarantine regulations.
   4. Excess baggage limits. (airlines)
   5. Organise local transport for team if required.
3. Liaise with SSAA in regard to accommodation for team. SSAA Protocols 30-06-13 Page 9 of 9
4. Assist team members with –
   1. Selection of shearing gear needed for shearers and brooms/sweeps for Woolhandlers.
   2. Acquire rules for competition and ensure the team members understand the competition requirements.
   3. Enter team in events at competition.
   4. Organise practice/work for Team.
   5. Prepare Team members for the events.
   6. Develop strategies with teams, opposition awareness etc.
   7. Arrange for teams to participate in activities outside of the competition.
5. Correspond with SSAA and host committee for Team duties is expected to be present.
   1. Prepare speeches for functions, presentations and host committees.
6. Prepare information for meetings if acting as a delegate on behalf of SSAA.
7. Acquire Australian Flag for display by host committee if required.
8. Provide a tape of Australian National Anthem for host committee if required.
9. Organise camera and video for Team pictures and press releases.
10. Acquire Australian mementos and badges for the host committee members or helpers.
11. Acquire copies of all results of competitions - send photos, press releases and results to National Committee for sponsors.
12. Contact the SSAA committee members with updates on the team.
13. Provide a report on the competition, including recommendations for future teams, to SSAA Committee.
14. Write thank you letters to host committees and helpers.
15. Write thank you letters with team members to sponsors.

1. (a) A win in Development grade at National Event does not count as a win in your State.
   (b) Development grades are only able to represent in a single National development grade once, this is for shearing and wool.
   (c) Development Members who represent their State in one class but have stepped up to a higher grade during the year. They should compete in the higher grade if there is a local event in combination with Nationals.
   (d) Shearing Grades;
   1. Novice - A novice shearer is one who meets the following criteria.
   i. Has not shorn for a calendar year; ie- starts shearing in March 2001, concludes
   March 2002
   ii. Has not won more than 4 Novice shearing competitions, or any shearing competition
   of a higher grade.
   2. Intermediate- An Intermediate shearer is a shearer who has not won more than 4
   Intermediate shearing competitions and has not won a senior or open competition.
   3. Senior- A senior shearer is a shearer who has not won more than 4 Senior shearing
   competitions or has not won an open competition.
   4. Open- An open shearer is a shearer who has won more than 4 Senior shearing
   competitions or has won an Open competition.

1. Application to add/alter a Protocol can be made to the SSAA committee for consideration and approval. Approval must be granted before any Protocol is changed.