Sports Shear Australia Association Inc. (SSAA) National Protocols
Updated 24-10-13
SSAA will have the final say in all matters relating to National Championships, National Representation and the selection processes of all people representing Australia on behalf of SSAA. These Protocols should be read in conjunction with the SSAA National rules.
The Protocols Address:
- National Championships, The National Committee, International Events, The Host Committee, National Competitors, Judges and Officials, National Representation, Uniforms, Presentations and Team Members responsibility.
- The State Committee’s.
- National Sponsorship.
- Promotion and Media.
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.
- Provide venue and facilities to run National and International events.
- 6 stands and at least 3 Woolhandling competition tables required.
- Guarantee non-conflicting sponsorship as may be required by contracted Sponsors of National Championship Events.
- Requirements of Sponsors of National and International events are met.
- Promote SSAA National Championships and their Sponsors on all media releases pre and post competition.
- Invite local media to be present at the Championships
- 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
- 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.
- Provide sufficient stewards, pen handlers, wool personnel, timekeepers, and other staff as required to run the event.
- Public Liability Insurance is in place and compliant.
- Work care/OHS compliant - Safety officer to be appointed by Host committee. Host Committee must ensure that all competitors sign a disclaimer.
- Provide sharpening equipment for competitors. (Re: Shearing Rule 2i)
- Provide changing rooms and washing facilities.
- Provide a First Aid Kit, and needle, thread and antiseptic. (Re: Shearing Rule 15a)
- Arrange suitable accommodation for -
- Trans Tasman teams competitors and Manager only. (Host committee to pay) (international guests must have ensuite)
- Return Australian Test Teams. (Host committee to pay)
- Provide information on accommodation for States teams, State Team to fund their own accommodation.
- It is not expected that accommodation costs be covered for spouses, partners, children etc.
- Arrange and pay for gate entry fees, meal tickets etc. during events, for judges & officials.
- Arrange information for the NZ, Australian and State teams on competition entry forms and fees.
- All competition entry fees to be paid by the competitor.
- Arrange information on local transport, Practice venue, Dinner venue, dates and times, Rules & regulations for all National team members & Trans Tasman test competitors.
- Provide judges/officials with a kit including all the information, E.g. official functions, judging timetable, accommodation details etc.
- Supply a list of all National event results to the National Committee, together with the original score sheets.
- Supply copy of Master Score Sheets to all National finalists if requested. (Re: Shearing Rule 2w)
- Arrange a suitable venue for the SSAA Annual General Meeting.
- National Dinner – Formal Welcome
- Arranged by the Host committee in conjunction with SSAA.
- To be held the night before the National Championships.
- Formal greetings and introduction of all the Teams and Sponsors and special guests.
- A welcome pack to all State Teams and Trans Tasman Teams (optional)
- 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)
- MC is the SSAA Chairperson or his appointed representative.
Judges and Officials understand and agree:
- To abide by the rules and protocols of SSAA.
- 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.
- Chief Judges for the National Championships are – SSAA Shearing and Woolhandling Sub Committee chairpersons or their nominated representatives.
- It is preferred that the Referee’s to be visiting Judge’s (not from the Host State/Committee) approved by the National Committee.
- Hand held counters to be used by board Judges.
- Single judging to be used in the pen.
- Woolhandling judges see National Woolhandling rules.
- SSAA reserves the right to withdraw or reprimand a Judge or Official if deemed to be appropriate course of action.
- 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;
- To be eligible to represent Australia, a competitor must be a resident of Australia and must have Australian citizenship prior to the National Championships.
- Competitors must provide proof of Australian citizenship if requested by SSAA member committee, the Disputes Committee or National Executive.
- 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.
- Three approved representatives from each state are eligible to compete in the National championship events.
- Competitors can only seek to represent one state in any given year.
- The National Shearing, Blade shearing and Woolhandling Champions and runner-up will be the Australian representatives to the World Championships.
- For representation of Trans Tasman Test Matches (Re: Trans-Tasman Test.)
- 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 Woolhandling rules 12h)
- Sports Shear Australia will only acknowledge Shearing and Woolhandling 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.
- 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.
- Introduce the sponsor or guest who is presenting the awards for each event, while competitors are assembling.
- Trans Tasman Tests
- Introduce team manager and individual team members onto stage.
- Have both teams (Australia and NZ) on stage with managers.
- Announce results.
- Have team managers respond.
- Assemble for photographs - preferably off to the side so that presentations can continue.
- National Championships
- Competitors from 7th to 18th to be presented first by National Chairperson or their nominee.
- Competitors from 6th to 1st to be called on to stage, and then presented from 6th to 1st by National Chairperson or their nominee.
- Winner responds.
- Assemble for photographs - preferably off to the side so that presentations can continue.
- 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
- Thank you to the Judges and officials to be done at a convenient time, Photographs of the Judges to be taken.
- A Thank you to all involved.