NSW greyhounds lower age limit to 12yrs to encourage younger participants
The New South Wales greyhound racing regulator yesterday announced a new licensed participant category to allow young greyhound racing fans as young as 12-years-of-age to be actively involved in the sport.
The NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) has announced a new license category to be known as a Junior Associate Attendant. The license will allow 12 and 13-year-olds to start playing an active role in the industry.
GWIC Chief Executive Officer, Steve Griffin, said the new role will be an important introduction into the industry for young people.
“The Junior Associate Attendant permit allows 12 and 13-year-olds to participate in trials at registered greyhound tracks as the greyhound catcher,” Mr Griffin said.
“We know that lots of young people assist their families at home with greyhound husbandry and we are keen to see them get involved at the track as well.”
“The industry is currently looking at ways to promote the sport to our younger generations, and we are pleased to support this initiative.”
The Junior Associate Attendant permit will require approval from a parent or guardian, and a nominated industry participant to supervise them when they are performing their roles on track.
“In 2021, we introduced the Associate Attendant registration which allows for 14 to 18-year-olds to perform a number of roles at the track in an attendant or race official capacity,” Mr Griffin said.
“It is our hope that our juniors will then move into these roles as they get older, and the industry develops a young cohort of experienced and passionate participants with a strong understanding of welfare and integrity.”
NSW GBOTA Membership & Advocacy Manager, Kristy Harper, said she is very excited for the many young people who are keen to get involved in the industry.
“We are really pleased to see the development of pathways which encourage and support young people to join our industry.”
Information on how to apply for a Junior Associate Attendant permit will be available on the GWIC website from next week.
That’s awesome. Let’s help 12 year olds become gambling addicts!!!
Is the child catcher going to attend his/her dog with a broken leg while it is euthanased?
Those comments are crazy sounding. And at any time folks can become addicted to anything at any time. And the truth is that not all greyhounds are put down for breaking something on the track. Some mend and can race again, or even help their trainers train other racers, while others are medically retired, and get to find their people that love them off the track.