SSG International Beach Games to be held on Clearwater Beach
EVENT: 2017 SSG International Beach Games, an amateur, multi-sport festival, held on the sands of Clearwater Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. The Beach Games are presented by the Florida Sports Foundation, the state’s lead sports promotion and development organization, in conjunction with St. Pete/Clearwater Sports and Events and the Sheraton Sand Key Resort.
COMPETITION DATES: Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1, 2017.
LOCATION: Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Beach. All events of the 2017 SSG Beach Games are free.
EXPECTED TO COMPETE: Approximately 500 athletes are expected to compete in seven sports of the 2017 SSG International Beach Games.
SPORTS OF THE SSG INTERNATIONAL BEACH GAMES: Beach Rugby, Beach Tennis, Beach Ultimate, Beach Powerlifting, Scottish Heavy Athletics, Under 19 Super Weight Throw and Ultra Weight Pentathlon.
ONLINE REGISTRATION FEES AND DEADLINE: Online Registration is currently available for all sports, with the exception of Beach Powerlifting, at www.ssgbeachgames.com. Beach Powerlifting has reached the maximum number of entries and registration is closed. Entry fees and registration deadlines vary by sport. Competition and registration inquiries can also be made by calling toll free 1-866-FLGAMES (354-2637) or by email to games@flasports.com.
AWARDS: Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be presented to all top three individual finishers and members of the top three teams within each sport. The First Place teams in Beach Rugby, Beach Ultimate will receive team trophies. In Ultimate, a trophy will be awarded to the team that best exemplifies the “Spirit of the Game.
SSG BEACH GAMES SPORT PREVIEWS
Beach Rugby is a fast-moving game suitable for male and female athletes of all ages. Tags are worn and removed for the “tackle.” The dimensions of a Beach Rugby pitch are 31 meters in length (101 feet, 8.4 inches) by 25 meters wide (82 feet), with an in-goal on both sides measuring three meters (9 feet, 10 inches) by 25 meters. The lines of the playable enclosure will be of an inflatable surround. Teams are made up of five players and matches last no longer than ten minutes plus time lost, extra time and any special conditions. A match is divided into two halves each of not more than five minutes of playing time. One point will be scored on a try when a player is first to ground the ball in the opponent’s in-goal.
Beach Tennis is played on a court similar in size to a beach volleyball court (16 meters long X 8 meters wide. The net is 1.7 meters in height and the game is played with a paddle (no strings) and a stage 2 (low compression) orange ball. The scoring is exactly the same as regular tennis, except with the permanent use of no-Advantage, after Duece. Plus, there is no second service and no service let. The game is predominantly played between doubles teams, although singles can be played on a narrower court (4.5 meters). Under and overmarm serves are permitted and either member os the receiving team may return the service. A point is won if the ball hits the ground in the opposing court or if the opponents hit or serve the ball out or into the net.
Beach Ultimate is variant of grass Ultimate. The rules are the same with the exception that Beach Ultimate is played on a smaller field (75x25m) and is generally played 5-a-side. The Spirit of the Game Award is still selected by the players in the tournament and awarded to the team that best shows the sportsmanship and spirit of the game of Ultimate.
Beach Powerlifting will follow the regular rules of USA Powerlifting with athletes competing in one or more of any of the bench press, deadlift and squat lifts. Age groups begin at 13 years old and go through 70+. The platform will be set up on Clearwater Beach for a unique setting.
Scottish Heavy Athletics are a traditional part of Scottish Highland Games and Gatherings that create an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual satisfaction between the various hosting organizations and the athletic community. The competition will consist of the Open Stone Put, Heavy Weight for Distance, Light Weight for Distance, Hammer Throw, Caber Toss, Sheaf Toss and Weight for Height.
Ultra Weight Pentathlon involves a series of throws including the hammer throw, shot put, discus throw, a weight throw, super heavy weight throw and ultra weight throws. Some meets limit themselves to the Shot and Discus, while others add the Javelin and/or the Hammer. At indoor meets you’ll find the Weight (sometimes outdoors too), and occasionally the Superweight. The Ultras attract a special breed. Prior to the Ultra Weight Pentathlon, the Under 19 Weight Throw – Florida Championship, will be contested, featuring athletes under the age of 19.
Schedule of Events – More info to be added as event approaches
Friday, September 29
9:00 a.m. – Beach Tennis
Saturday, September 30
9:00 a.m. – Beach Tennis
9:00 a.m. – Beach Powerlifting
10:00 a.m. – Ultra Weight Pentathlon
TBA – Beach Rugby
TBA – Beach Ultimate
Sunday, October 1
9:00 a.m. – Beach Tennis
TBA – Beach Rugby
TBA – Beach Ultimate
TBA – Scottish Heavy Athletics