Race Rules & Conditions

Race Rules and Conditions

It is important that you read, understand and agree to the Race Rules and Conditions before completing your registration.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

CURRENCY
Registration fee is quoted in NZD ($NZ)

REFUND POLICY
Registration fee(s) is fully refunded for cancellations received 60 calendar days from first event date. A partial 50% of paid fee is refunded for cancellations received 30 days before the same start date. There is no refund for cancellations within 21 days of the start date.

Fees can be 100% transferred to the next event.

RACE RULES

SSS and Events points system is based on swimwear for women and togs for men
The wearing of wetsuits is discouraged for safety reasons and does not qualify for placings / prizes. In tropical climate the wearing of a wetsuit can lend to overheating and dehydration and poses significant risks. However swimmers may wear a wetsuit for their own peace of mind at their own risk.
Points – Series points is based on total times for the swims (SSS and POWC)
Series placings prizes are in two categories – Long and Short distances
Team Relay - any group can make up a Relay team of four Swimmers to contest the Teams Relay
There is no cash prize for the Swim Series and POWC.

For other Conditions of Entry and Term and Conditions please refer below

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
Please read this acknowledgment, waiver and release from liability carefully before continuing with your online entry:
Terms and Conditions and Waiver

I acknowledge that participating in the Samoa Swim Series involves the real risk of serious injury or even death from various causes including overexertion, heart attack, dehydration, hypothermia or accidents with other competitors.
I understand that I must not compete in this event unless I have trained appropriately and confidently and believe that I am sufficiently fit and healthy to compete in this event.
By competing, I accept all risks necessarily flowing from my participation which could result in loss of life or permanent injury. Accordingly, I release all persons or corporations associated directly or indirectly with the conduct of the event from all claims demands and proceedings arising out of my participation and I hereby indemnify them against all liability (including liability for their negligence and/or recklessness and the negligence and/or recklessness of others) for all injury, loss or damage arising out of or connected with my participation in this event.
I consent to receiving medical treatment that the event organisers think desirable during or after the event in the event of an emergency.
I acknowledge that safety precautions undertaken by organisers (such as course supervision, race safety briefing) are a service to me and other competitors but are not a guarantee of safety. I accept that I have an important responsibility to carefully read and listen to all safety briefings and to immediately seek clarification on anything which is not entirely clear to me.
I consent to the event organisers using my name, image and likeness before, during or after the event for event promotional purposes, broadcasting or reporting purposes in any media.
I understand that I am fully responsible for the security of my personal possessions at the event. I accept the organisers will take all care but no responsibility for damage to or loss of my possessions.
I accept my registration is not transferable to other people and is non-refundable (Refer Refund Policy).
I agree to my name and contact details being included on the event database of my chosen event(s). These may be used for promotional purposes by event stakeholders.
I agree to abide by all race rules and directions issued by the event organisers.
I acknowledge that by reason of circumstances beyond the control of the event directors, it may become necessary or desirable to change the format of the event, and if that occurs, I consent to the changes and I agree that each and every of the conditions herein set out shall apply to that changed event.
If the event is cancelled due to poor weather, rough seas or any other condition beyond the control of the organisers, I understand that my entry fee will not be refunded.
I certify that I am 18 years of age or older.
If I am under the ages of 18 years I will have these terms and conditions viewed and/or signed by my legal guardian (on postal entries) or agreed (through the online entry process) which will in effect give consent for me to compete at this event. Children under the age of 15 wanting to compete in this event should have a high level of ability and fitness in their chosen discipline. Parental approval and guidance is required.
I accept there is no refund of the Event entry fee in the event of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.
I accept the event(s) may be cancelled for safety reasons because of adverse weather conditions. The organisers will make this judgement on the day of each swim. The event may also be cancelled for safety reasons in the event of an unforseen natural disaster anywhere in the world that may prevent my participation and / or the event(s) being held as scheduled.

INSURANCE

SSS races and Events do not have Public liability insurance for the races.

Swimmers must have adequate insurance for your personal cover for races in Samoa.

Please ensure your travel insurance policy to Samoa covers you to compete in these races.

PRIVACY POLICY

Samoa Swim Series (SSS) and Samoa Events (SE) have adopted this Privacy Policy to ensure that we handle personal information.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
SSS holds and uses personal information of Event participants, swimmers and non-swimmers. This information is collected via the registration process online and from email correspondence and may include:

your name, address, contact number(s) and email address
information about your preference for goods or services we offer from time to time
a record of any queries you have made

PURPOSE FOR COLLECTING THE INFORMATION

Wherever possible, Samoa Events collects this information directly from you. We use it for the following purposes:

to contact you directly about SSS and Samoa Events and its associated brands
to inform you of events in Samoa and / or NZ we think you may be interested in
to approve transactions you wish to make
to confirm your identity
to provide you with the services you have requested
to follow up or pursue any queries you make
to conduct consumer research on your preferences that we have asked you about

HOW WE MANAGE PERSONAL INFORMATION

SSS is dedicated to keeping personal information secure.
We may enter your details into a database for the purpose of contacting you directly about SSS, its events now and future and special offers. You can advise us if you would prefer not to be directly contacted by contacting us. You may also request an update or correction of the personal information we hold about you by putting the request in writing to the SSS.

INFORMATION WE SHARE
We do not sell, rent or otherwise make available any personal information to third parties. SSS outsources certain business functions such as travel (air fares), accommodation, event partners (hotels and others). For this purpose, and only for the purpose of providing services to SSS, personal information may, as required, be transferred to or handled by the above.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

INTRODUCTION

The Samoa Swim Series & Events will takes place annually on the Samoan Islands of Upolu and Savaii.
Samoa’s marine environment is world renowned for its abundance of fish, sea turtles and coral reef systems. Many of these are fragile and vulnerable to the impacts of human activities such as snorkelling, swimming and sailing. In addition to this, many of Samoa’s reef ecosystems are in stages of recovery following the tsunami which struck the Samoan islands in September 2009.
This Environmental Impact Statement will highlight the potential effects of the Samoa Swim Series on the marine environment in Samoa, and indicate methods by which these impacts may be avoided, reduced or mitigated.

SAMOA’S ENVIRONMENT AND PEOPLE

The coasts of Upolu and Savaii, Western Samoa’s two largest islands, are characterised by lagoon environments surrounded by coral reef systems. These ecosystems are inhabited by a wide range of marine life, including sea turtles, whales and fish.
Samoa is home to a number of endangered species, such as the Loggerhead sea turtle and humphead parrotfish, as well as a range of coral species. The marine environment is pristine in many areas and is susceptible to impacts resulting from human activities, as well as natural phenomena such as tsunami.
It is estimated that 67% of Upolu’s population, and 68% of Savaii’s population, are engaged in fishing. This is as a means of food supply and income, and any changes to the marine environment which affect fish populations can have detrimental effects on local economies and the wellbeing of communities.

EFFECTS OF THE SWIM SAMOA SERIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Recreational activities can have major effects on the fragile marine ecosystems characteristic of the Samoan islands. While more significant human activities associated with fishing and the movement of boats are well known to disrupt the marine environment and damage reef systems, more minor activities such as swimming and snorkelling can also result in environmental impacts.
Where swimmers in the series are entering the water, there is the potential for trampling of sea life such as urchins, sea anemone and coral. These species may also be affected by turbulence resulting from high numbers of swimmers within concentrated areas.
Another impact which could result from the swimming events is the disruption of natural habitat for marine species such as sea turtles and reef-dwelling fish. The movement of swimmers through the water could alter the feeding environment for these species, by displacing prey and affecting visibility due to the disruption of sediment.
Impacts on sea turtles, some varieties of which are endangered, are one of the main areas for concern. This is largely due to their breeding habits, which can be readily disrupted by the movement of swimmers and others associated with the event. However research shows that the nesting season for sea turtles in Samoa is from October until June, which means that the Swim Samoa Series will be held outside of this season.
Indirect effects are also likely to result from the series of events, such as waste associated with the organisation of events as well as spectators at the events. Such rubbish has the potential to enter the ocean and other waterways, where it can be swallowed by fish and entangle birds, turtles and other marine species.

MANAGING THE EFFECTS OF THE SWIM SAMOA SERIES

One of the main means by which the effects of the series on the environment can be managed, is by educating competitors on reducing their impact on the marine environment. Often damage to reefs can occur because swimmers who are unaware of their fragile nature step on coral and other organisms. If swimmers are informed prior to the events of how they can reduce their environmental impact, then such effects may be minimised.
Another method which must be used to reduce environmental impact is in waste minimisation. Events such as the Swim Samoa Series have the potential to generate a large amount of waste, from competitors, organisers and spectators. Special care will be taken to ensure that recyclables are collected and recycled, and other waste is collected in rubbish bins provided at the locations. The use of signage at event locations can help to encourage spectators to dispose of their waste, to ensure as little as possible enters marine and coastal ecosystems.

Race Rules and Conditions

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