Club stripped of championship

MAROOCHYDORE Surf Life Saving Club has been stripped of its first junior state club championship in 26 years after an investigation by the club.

MAROOCHYDORE Surf Life Saving Club has been stripped of its first junior state club championship in 26 years after an investigation by the club and Surf Life Saving Queensland.

Maroochydore won the title in March.

The team scored a total of 326 points, finishing four ahead of powerhouse Gold Coast club Northcliffe.

However, it has since been revealed the Sunshine Coast club broke competition rules by fielding club members who were not listed to compete in those races.

The Daily understands competitors were younger than the age team in which they competed.

SLSQ issued a statement to the Daily last night, saying “the issue is currently being investigated”.

However, Northcliffe has already been awarded the trophy.

A photograph on the club's website shows the under-11 to under-14 junior team celebrating with the trophy.

Maroochydore president Tim Ryan told the Daily last night that he became aware of some anomalies after the titles.

Mr Ryan said a club committee launched an investigation and the outcome was referred straight to SLSQ.

 The club had been congratulated for taking its stance on the issue.

He said it had set a “benchmark for sportsmanship”.

Mr Ryan said the club had taken disciplinary action against two members.

One was suspended for one month and another for three months.

He said he had no problem personally with Northcliffe being awarded the trophy.

Maroochydore will host next year's junior championships from March 9 to 12.

The club is also in a consortium of Sunshine Coast clubs – with Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba – bidding for the rights to host the senior Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.

Originally published as Club stripped of championship