(a) The rules in this Manual are made in the best interests of surf lifesaving, competition and competitors. The purpose of the rules is to establish and maintain a safe and fair system in which competition can be conducted.
(b) Competitors must adhere to the courses and the rules detailed in this Manual, the Entry Conditions Bulletin and as directed by the relevant official for the conduct of various events. Where a competitor fails to adhere to the prescribed course or breaches or fails to follow a rule in this Manual, they may be penalised or disqualified by the Referee or Sectional Referee at their discretion.
(c) Any alleged breach of any rule in this Manual shall be reported in the first instance by an official to the Referee or Sectional Referee or the Starter (relating to the starting of events only) who shall investigate the circumstances and make a decision. In the event of a Rule infringement a competitor or team may be disqualified by the Referee or Sectional Referee or the Starter (relating to the starting of events only) or otherwise penalised as determined by the Referee, Appeals Committee and/or the Competition Committee (e.g. reversal of placings, time penalties etc.).
(d) Competitors who consider they have been disadvantaged or have been subjected to a breach of the rules may (subject to these rules) protest to the Referee or Sectional Referee in the manner prescribed in Section 14.
(e) Appeals arriving from decisions of an official under these rules will be determined in the manner provided for in Section 14.
(f) SLSA may also, in its absolute discretion, investigate and take action on any matter of “competing unfairly” prior to, during or following of the completion of competition.