The School Sport Unit has recently been asked by a variety of school sport stakeholders (principals and parents) as to why the NSWPSSA does not allow students younger than 8 years old to participate in the representative school sport pathway in the sports of Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming.
In answering the question it’s important to note - school principals in consultation with their school community determine the sport and physical activity programs offered to their student population. Many primary schools encourage the participation of all students at their school’s annual athletics, swimming and cross country running carnivals.
The School Sport Unit through the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (NSWPSSA) manages the representative school sport pathway for students in primary schools. This gifted and talented pathway provide students with the opportunity to progress from school, zone (district), region, state and national level participation commensurate to their ability.
Students must be turning 8 years old in the year of competition to enter these pathways. The NSWPSSA believes students under this age lack the physical, emotional and social maturity to cope with the competitive stresses and competition processes involved in representation.
This ruling is reviewed annually by the NSWPSSA and opportunities to participate will be available for these students in future years.