Following consultation with Greyhound Racing NSW, Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (GBOTA) and Greyhound Clubs NSW, the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) is pleased to announce that the minimum age for associate attendants to box greyhounds has been lowered to 14 years of age.

Chief Executive Officer, Steve Griffin, said that the decision to lower the age is intended to support the sports focus on family and community participation, in addition to ensuring the increased participation of young people in the sport.

“Provided a Commission steward confirms they are capable, Associate Attendants as young as 14 are now permitted to box greyhounds on race day,” Mr Griffin said.

“We have seen an increase in younger people joining the industry and we know that greyhound racing is very much a family sport, so lowering the age to box greyhounds allows greater participation by younger family members providing them with valuable experience learned from existing participants.”

“Having spoken with industry groups and participants, I know that there are many young people keen to get involved in race day events and we have received overwhelming support for lowering the minimum age for boxing greyhounds.”

Previously the minimum age for boxing greyhounds was 16, with those 14 and 15 years old permitted to kennel and catch greyhounds after a race.

NSW GBOTA Membership & Advocacy Manager, Kristy Harper, said she is confident that there is a bright, exciting and promising future for greyhound racing in NSW.

“It’s vital that we continue to attract, support and invest in young people joining our industry. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to develop their skills appropriately guided by experienced mentors,” Ms Harper said.

For more information, including how to apply for an associate attendant registration, visit the GWIC website.

Contact: media@gwic.nsw.gov.au | 0448 193 270