No doubt many of you have been following the news updates on our website. We have however had some queries regarding the 16-19 youth-age competition, which could also be referred to as the U20’s, so we thought we would use this opportunity to tell you a little bit more about what is proposed.

For the first time, the ILS has agreed to conduct a youth-age competition for competitors between 16-19 years in both female and male categories. The competition will be conducted in the National Teams and Interclub Championships.

The ILS has stipulated that competitors 16-19 years may enter either the Open or the youth age-group competitions, however not both.

The 16-19 competition will mirror that of the Interclub and National Team Championships, with the youth-age National Team competition taking place at Glenelg Beach from Thursday 8 November through to Sunday 11 November 2012, which includes the pool, ocean and beach competitions.  The Interclub youth competition will take place from Tuesday 14 November through to Sunday 18 November 2012, again this includes pool, ocean and beach.

To qualify for this age group, you must be 16 years of age on the first day of competition, that being Thursday 8 November 2012 and no older than 19 years old. If you turn 20 after the first day of competition, you are still eligible to compete.  

Awards will be presented to the first, second and third place national youth team, based on the overall point score for all pool and ocean events and the Simulated Emergency Response Competition. Individual awards shall be presented to each member of the first, second and third place teams, and to a maximum of two management or coaching personnel per team. Each team participating in the National Team Championships will be presented with a memento of participation.

We encourage you to stay tuned to the website for further updates on the Youth Competition, alternatively email rescue2012@slsa.asn.au.