Bylaws

as at

12^th July 2003

Finswimming Commission
of the
Australian Underwater Federation

Bylaws as at 8^th July 2002................................................................... 1

1. Rules of Finswimming.................................................................................................... 3

2. Australian Records....................................................................................................... 4

3. Australian Teams............................................................................................................ 6

3.1. General................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

3.2. Australian Team Selectors................................................................................................................................................ 6

3.3. Australian Team Selection................................................................................................................................................ 6

3.4. Australian Team Coach..................................................................................................................................................... 7

3.5. Australian Team Manager................................................................................................................................................ 7

4. Australian Finswimming Championships............................................................. 7

4.1. General................................................................................................................................................................................. 7

4.2. Host Organisation.............................................................................................................................................................. 8

4.3. Eligibility to Compete....................................................................................................................................................... 9

5. Other Competitions....................................................................................................... 9

6. DUTIES OF OFFICE BEARERS…………………………………………………………………………………..10

6.1 Guidelines

6.2 Handling monies

6.3 Financial rep[orting

Appendix A...................................................................................................... 11

Approved SCUBA Diving Qualification for Competition Entry.................... 11

1. Rules of Finswimming

1.1.	The CMAS International Regulations for Finswimming are the rules for competitions in Australia except as varied herein.	MYM 1/1/96
1.2.	In-water starts to be allowed in local and state competitions, and also in junior, Master and SCUBA events and where electronic timing permits in relays, at the Australian Finswimming Championships. .	AGM 12/7/03
1.3.	A qualified first aid person or sports trainer be in attendance at competitions. This is in lieu of CMAS requirements for a Doctor.	MYM 1/1/96).
1.4.	The minimum officials required at a National competition are
	(i) Referee (Chief Judge as per CMAS Finswimming International Rules) (ii) Starter (iii) Chief Timekeeper (iv) One timekeeper per lane if electronic timing is used or three timekeepers per lane if manual timing is used.	AGM 8/7/02
1.5.	The events at Australian Finswimming Championships should be those in international competition with an option for the organizing body to add 4x50 metre relays and 25 metre breathhold.	AGM 12/7/03
1.6.	A competitor's age group is determined as in 2.5.	AGM 8/7/02
1.7.	The following exclusions are permitted to the CMAS pool requirements: (i) Pool may have a sloping bottom (ii) Pool may be less than 1.80m deep (iii) Additional width of 0.5m outside the outside lanes is not required.	MYM 1/1/96
1.8.	Pools must be of 50m length for the Australian Finswimming Championships. State and other local competitions may use pools of 25m length,	MYM 22/8/97
1.9.	For each OZFIN competition, a Jury is to be appointed which is to be selected and act in accordance with Section 10 of the CMAS International Regulations for Finswimming, and where possible, the Jury, should comprise a non competing financial adult member from each competing state. Nominated members should have a good understanding of the rules of finswimming.	AGM 12/7/03
1.10.	The fee for lodging a protest is $20. If the protest is successful, the fee will be returned otherwise it will be retained by the Host Organisation.	AGM 18/4/99
1.11.	A one start rule will be adopted for any Australian Finswimming Competition but it must be declared in the meet invitation, otherwise the two start rule applies.	AGM 12/7/03

2. Australian Records

2.1	Record applications are to be on the currently approved Application for National Finswimming Record form and comply with the conditions listed on the form. Records swum at National & International competitions will be accepted on the official results of the competition signed by the chief referee.	AGM 30/7/03
2.2	Recognised AUF time trials for Australian records must have:
	(i) Referee (Principal Judge as per CMAS Regulations for International Swimming	MYM 1/1/96
	(ii Starter
	(iii) Electronic timing or if not available, three timekeepers per lane.
2.3	For Junior records, only two timekeepers are required. For the times to be valid, the two times are to be within 0.3 seconds of each other.	AGM 23/8/96
2.4	An event must be completed for any part of the event to be eligible for a record.	MYM 1/1/96
2.5	The athletic age of a swimmer is obtained by subtracting his/her year of birth from the current year. The junior age groups are 11 years and under, 12/13 years, 14/15 years and 16/17 years. Masters age groups are in 10 year increments from age 25.	MYM 27/9/98
2.6	Two series of records are to be maintained—Australian and Allcomers. (i) Australian records are to be the best times recorded anywhere in the world by a finswimmer or team of finswimmers having Australian Citizenship and who is/are currently registered with OZFIN. (ii) Allcomers records are for the best times in Australia recorded by a finswimmer or team registered with a CMAS registered country including the AUF.	MYM 27/9/98
2.7	The Australian Records for long course (50m pool) shall be for men and women except where otherwise stated:	MYM 22/8/97
	(i) Open: Breathhold — 50m; Scuba — 100m, 400m and 800m; Surface — 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m. Relays — Surface 4x50m, 4x100m and 4x200m.	MYM 22/8/97
	(ii) Juniors: Breathhold — 50m for 14/15 yrs and 16/17 yrs only; Scuba — 100m, 400m and 800m for 15 years and 16/17 yrs only; Surface — 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m for each age group as defined in 2.5. Relays — mixed only for 17 years and under with teams including at least one of each sex; separate boys and girls records for 17 and under, 15 years and under and 13 years and under for Surface 4x50m and 4x100m.	AGM 8/7/02
	(iii) Masters: for each age group as defined in 2.5, Breathhold—50m; Scuba — 100m, 400m and 800m; Surface — 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m. Relays — 35 years and over Surface 4x50m and 4x100m.	AGM 8/7/02

2.8	The Australian Records for short course (25m pool) shall be for men and women except where otherwise stated:	MYM 1/12/01
	(i) Open: Breathhold—25m and 50m; Scuba — 100m, 400m and 800m; Surface — 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m. Relays — Surface 4x50m, 4x100m and 4x200m.	MYM 22/8/97
	(ii) Junior: Breathhold — 25m, Breathhold — 50m for 14/15 yrs and 16/17 yrs only; Scuba — 100m, 400m and 800m for 15 years and 16/17 yrs only; Surface — 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m for each age group as defined in 2.5; Relays — mixed only for 17 years and under with teams including at least one of each sex; separate boys and girls records for 17 and under, 15 years and under and 13 years and under for Surface 4x50m and 4x100m.	AGM 8/7/02
	(iii) Masters: for each age group as defined in 2.5, Breathhold — 25m and 50m, Scuba — 100m, 400m and 800m; Surface — 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m. Relays — 35 years and over Surface 4x50m and 4x100m.	AGM 8/7/02
2.9	The Allcomers Records for long course (50m pool) shall be for men and women separately except where otherwise stated:	AGM 18/4/99
	(i) Open: Breathhold — 50m; Scuba — 100m, 400m and 800m; Surface — 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m. Relays — Surface 4x50m, 4x100m and 4x200m.	AGM 18/4/99
	(ii) Juniors for 17 years and under only: Breathhold — 50m; Scuba — 100m, 400m and 800m; Surface — 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m; and Relays — boys and girls for 17 and under for Surface 4x50m, 4x100m and 4x200m.	AGM 24/4/00
	(iii) Masters: for 25 years and over only: Breathhold — 50m; Scuba — 100m, 400m and 800m; Surface — 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m. Relays — Surface 4x50m and 4x100m.	AGM 12/7/03
2.10	The Allcomers Records for short course (25m pool) shall be for men and women separately except where otherwise stated:	MYM 1/12/01
	(i) Open: Breathhold — 25m and 50m; Scuba — 100m, 400m and 800m; Surface 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m. Relays — Surface 4x50m, 4x100m and 4x200m.	AGM 18/4/99
	(ii) Juniors for 17 years and under only: Breathhold — 25m and 50m; Scuba — 100m, 400m and 800m; Surface — 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m; Relays — boys and girls for 17 and under for Surface 4x50m, 4x100m and 4x200m.	AGM 24/4/00
	(iii) Masters: for 25 years and over only: Breathhold — 25m and 50m, Scuba — 100m, 400m and 800m; Surface — 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m. Relays — Surface 4x50m and 4x100m.	AGM 12/7/03

3. Australian Teams

3.1. General

3.1.1	When nominated for selection as a team member or as a reserve, the finswimmer has four weeks from notification to provide in writing an acceptance or rejection of the selection. In the case of acceptance the letter must include a $200.00 deposit to OZFIN. Failure to do so will result in exclusion from the team.	AGM 12/7/03
3.1.2	Members of the Australian Finswimming Team must make full payment for their tour at least two months prior to the date of departure. Failure to do so will result in exclusion from the team	MYM 28/12/96
3.1.3	Australian Finswimming Team members (competitors and officials) are to be bound by a Code of Behaviour as determined by OZFIN.	MYM 28/12/96

3.2. Australian Team Selectors

3.2.1	A selection panel will be appointed by OZFIN at the AGM or MYM.	MYM 27/9/98
3.2.2	The selection panel will consist three selectors elected by OZFIN	AGM 12/7/03

3.3. Australian Team Selection

3.3.1	The qualifying times for selection in an Australian Finswimming Team are to be set by the competitions Officer 6 months prior to the competition. Times must be achieved according to the requirements of Bylaw 1.4.	AGM 30/7/03
3.3.2	Times for Australian team selection must be achieved at an OZFIN sanctioned event and conducted according to bylaw 1.4	AGM 12/7/03
3.3.3	Close of nomination for selection will be decided at the AGM or MYM prior to the competition.	AGM 18/4/99
3.3.4	A finswimmer trying out for an Australian Finswimming Team is not eligible for the selection panel for that team.	MYM 28/12/96

3.4. Australian Team Coach

3.4.1	The Australian Team Coach is to be voted for at the AGM or MYM prior to the competition.	MYM 27/9/98
3.4.2	The prerequisite for selection as an Australian Team Coach is at least NCAS accreditation.	MYM 28/12/96
3.4.3	All applications must be in writing and will be considered on the merits of the applicants coaching experience, coaching plan and any other relevant attributes. Applications must include team selection criteria. OZFIN at its discretion may seek further applicants.	MYM 28/12/96
3.4.4	Nominations for the position of Australian team coach are to be submitted to the Secretary prior to the AGM or MYM in time to be circulated with the Agenda for that meeting..	AGM 30/7/03

3.5. Australian Team Manager

3.5.1.	Nominations for the position of Australian Team Manager are to be submitted to the Secretary prior to the AGM or MYM and are to be circulated with the Agenda for that meeting.	MYM 27/9/98
3.5.2.	Nominations for the position of Australian Team Manager are to be submitted to the Secretary prior to the AGM or MYM and are to be circulated with the Agenda for that meeting.	AGM 30/7/03

4. Australian Finswimming Championships

4.1. General

4.1.1.	The Australian Finswimming Championships are to be conducted over a minimum of three sessions over at least two days	AGM 24/4/00
4.1.2	The program for the Australian Fin Swimming Championships will be in the following format. Session 1. 50m surface, 400m surface, 100m scuba, 4X50 relay Session 2. 400m scuba, 100m surface, 800m surface, 4X100m relay Session 3. 200m surface, 50m breathhold, 1500m surface, 4X200m relay Alterations and additions can be made with the approval of the Competitions Officer	AGM 12/7/03
4.1.3.	Prior to national competitions, one or more meetings shall be held for officials and/or captains/managers.	MYM 22/8/97
4.1.4.	A Champion State Trophy will be awarded to the most competitive state across all categories of the Australian Finswimming Championships decided by the highest aggregate points:	AGM 18/4/99
	(i) Points are to be allocated as: 1^st place - 20 points 2^nd place - 15 points 3^rd place - 5 points 4^th place - 3 points 5^tt-8^th places - 1 point	MYM 1/12/01
4.1.4	(ii) Only teams nominated by States shall be eligible to contest for "Champion State" points in relay events and each such team must be comprised of finswimmers satisfying the residency status of the nominating State as in 4.3.1	AGM 12/7/03
4.1.5.	A Champion Club Trophy will be awarded to the most competitive club across all categories in the individual events of the Australian Finswimming Championships decided by the highest aggregate points as per 4.1.3 (i)	MYM 1/12/01
4.1.6.	All competitors must submit a registration form and appropriate fees as required by the Host Organisation.	AGM 18/4/99
4.1.7.	In any Australian Finswimming Championships or other finswimming event in which a competitor uses SCUBA equipment, the competitor must produce proof of SCUBA diving proficiency to the satisfaction of the OZFIN Technical Officer or their appointed representative . This will be a qualification equivalent to CMAS one star diver or higher as scheduled in Appendix A of these Bylaws. .	AGM 12/7/03

4.2. Host Organisation

4.2.1.	OZFIN Executive Committee will seek bids from State Fin Swimming Commission or affiliated Clubs to hold the Championships on a rotational basis at least six months before the scheduled date.. Should the State due to run the competition not be able to do so then the next state in line will be asked to nominate. The OZFIN Executive Committee may consider a joint state proposal.	AGM 12/7/03
4.2.2.	The Competitions Commissioner is responsible for liaising with the Host Organisation in all matters relating to the organising and running of the Championships to ensure that facilities and equipment are adequate and that the organisation time frames are met.	AGM 18/4/99
4.2.3.	The Host Organisation is to provide all timekeepers and officials required for the Championships.	AGM 12/7/03
4.2.4.	The Host Organisation is to ensure that competitors are briefed and provide demonstrations of starting procedures and sounding devices.	AGM 18/4/99
4.2.5	The host organisation for the Australian Finswimming Championships is to pay OZFIN an amount per competitor as set down by the Meeting prior to the competition. Any further profits or losses are to be the property of the Host state or club.	AGM 12/7/03
4.2.6	The OZFIN Executive may impose a levy similar to that in Bylaw 4.2.5 for any National or International finswimming meet that the OZFIN sanctions	AGM 8/7/02

Eligibility to compete in the Australian Finswimming Championships is limited to currently registered members of the AUF who are domiciled in a State. For the purposes of this rule domicile shall be established if:

(i) the finswimmer or, in the event of the finswimmer being a minor, the finswimmer’s parents take up permanent residence in a State.

(ii) The finswimmer resides in a State for a period of not less than 90 days immediately prior to competition.

MYM 22/8/97

4.3.2.

Visitors may participate in the Championships but are not eligible to win a Championship or be placed for a Championship medal. The Host Organisation may award visitor medals. A visitor is:

(i) an AUF member who does not satisfy the domiciliary requirements of 4.3.1, or

(ii) a member of another CMAS affiliated federation subject to proof of financial membership.

AGM 12/7/03

5. Other Competitions

5.1.	The SFC or the AUF Branch Committee of that state may approve meets or time trials held within the state. Approval is to be sought prior to the meet or trials being held. Any registered AUF member is eligible to compete.	MYM 22/8/97
5.2.	Finswimmers from other countries are to provide a written clearance from their federation which permits them to compete. This clearance is to be produced before competing and at any time when asked for by an OZFIN official.	AGM 12/7/03
5.3.	Where a finswimming meet is to be promoted as an international event, approval is to be sought from the Competitions Co-ordinator at least three months before the date of the event.	AGM 24/4/00
5.4.	Where an AUF member wishes to compete at an overseas finswimming meet held by a CMAS affiliated federation, a clearance is to be obtained from the OZFIN President. If the application is not already endorsed by the Finswimming Commissioner or AUF Branch Committee of the member's state, then the OZFIN President may consult the Finswimming Commissioner or AUF Branch Committee to enquire if there is an impediment. Clearances should normally be sought in writing at least one month before the meet. Clearances are to be granted unless there is reasonable suspicion of an impediment, for example, the member is under suspension.	MYM 22/8/97

6. Duties of Office Bearers

6.1	Committee members are to follow the guidelines of their duty statement	AGM 12/7/03
6.2	Executive and committee members of ozfin ensure that all monies made in the name of OZFIN be banked in the OZFIN account as soon as possible after receipt and that any expenses incurred may be claimed from the treasurer with supporting documentation such as invoices or receipts	AGM 12/7/03
6.3	OZFIN committee members are to maintain accurate financial records which are to be submitted to the treasurer no later than 3 weeks prior to the end of the OZFIN financial year.	AGM12/7/03

7. Appendix A

Approved SCUBA Diving Qualification for Competition Entry

The following qualifications meet the approval of the AUF Technical Committee as being satisfactory as part of the entry requirements for SCUBA Competitions.

a.	AUF 3^rd class diver	MYM 22/8/97
b.	NASDS (previously FAUI) ‘C’ card	MYM 22/8/97
c.	NQS SCUBA diver	MYM 22/8/97
d.	ARDS SCUBA diver	MYM 22/8/97
e.	NASDS (previously called FAUI) SCUBA diver	MYM 22/8/97
f.	BCAS 3^rd class diver	MYM 22/8/97
g.	BCAS Sports diver	MYM 22/8/97
h.	NAUI Open water SCUBA diver Level 1	MYM 22/8/97
i.	PADI Open Water diver plus Basic Rescue Orientation	MYM 22/8/97
j.	SDF of WA SCUBA diver	MYM 22/8/97
k.	SSI Open water diver	MYM 22/8/97
l.	CMAS one star equivalents for other CMAS Federations not listed above	MYM 22/8/97
	Qualification not listed above shall be examined by the State Delegate of the AUF Technical Committee who will recommend acceptance or not.	MYM 22/8/97

Abbreviations

FAUI Federation of Australian Underwater Instructors (now NASDS)

NASDS National Association of SCUBA Diving Schools – Australasia

NAUI National Association of Underwater Instructors

PADI Professional Association of Diving Instructors

SSI SCUBA Schools International

BSAC British Sub-AQUA Club

SDF Sports Diving Services

NQS National Qualification System

ARDS Australian Recreational Diving Standard

Bylaws as at 12th July 2003

1. Rules of Finswimming

2. Australian Records

3. Australian Teams

4. Australian Finswimming Championships

5. Other Competitions

6. Duties of Office Bearers

6.1

Committee members are to follow the guidelines of their duty statement

AGM 12/7/03

6.2

Executive and committee members of ozfin ensure that all monies made in the name of OZFIN be banked in the OZFIN account as soon as possible after receipt and that any expenses incurred may be claimed from the treasurer with supporting documentation such as invoices or receipts

AGM 12/7/03

6.3

OZFIN committee members are to maintain accurate financial records which are to be submitted to the treasurer no later than 3 weeks prior to the end of the OZFIN financial year.

AGM12/7/03

Bylaws

as at

12^th July 2003