(a) A competitor or team may be disqualified if a competitor, team or handler is deemed to have competed unfairly.
(b) For the purpose of this rule “competing unfairly” or whether a competitor or team has “competed unfairly” will be determined by SLSA, the Referee and/or the relevant officials(s) in their absolute discretion. Examples of “competing unfairly” include:
- Competing without entry or for another club without clearance or transfer.
- competing without membership, award, or proficiency or patrol hour obligation eligibility.
- Impersonating another competitor.
- Attempting to defeat the ballot or draw for events or positions.
- Competing twice in the same event in different teams.
- Using equipment in competition not meeting SLSA specifications.
- Purposely interfering with a course to gain an advantage.
- Deliberatley impeding that includes jostling or obstructing another competitor or handler so as to impede their progress.
Note: Deliberate impedance during the run to the finish line is defined as “the deliberate use of hands, arms, feet or legs or a deliberate and significant change of direction to impede another competitor’s progress towards the finish line”. Any competitor, who commits a deliberate impedance of another competitor or handler may be penalised, eliminated or disqualified, dependent on the circumstances and the event. If two or more competitors are guilty of deliberate impedance, the competitor who first deliberately impeded will be penalised, eliminated or disqualified. For Beach Flags refer to Section 9.
- Receiving physical or other outside assistance (other than verbal or other direction except where specifically excluded by the rules of the event).
- Competing and/or participating contrary to the specific direction of the Referee or designated official.
- Participating contrary to the spirit of the competition (as described in the Code of Fair Play).
(c) SLSA may, in their absolute discretion, investigate and take action on any matter of “competing unfairly” prior to, during or following completion of competition. This includes, but is not limited to, referral to the Competition Disciplinary Committee or other judicial processes.