Stawell Bonus Incentive 25/26

The bonus system for the 2025/26 season will operate as follows:

Wins for the first seven 100m/120m Gift races of the season will attract 0.75m bonus lift for Stawell, subject to the eligibility requirements being met.

From 1^st January 2026, a tiered bonus approach based on the individual’s handicap at the time of winning any race over the 100m/120m Gift distance will apply to all subsequent race carnivals in Victoria and NSW (except Ringwood and Braybrook, where athletes may instead be able to retain their winning mark).
0m-3m = +1m
3.25m-5.75m = +0.75m
6.00-7.75m = +0.5m
≥ 8m = +0.25m

Eligibility requirements will apply as per the Handicapping Regulations, and include competing a set number of times over the 100m/120m sprint distance in the previous and current season:
For elite (top 20 nationwide / international / marquee runners) – none specified
Below novice handicap – 4 runs
Interstate athletes – 4 runs (but at least 2 in the current season)
Established athletes > 6m – 6 runs

For full eligibility criteria, see the Handicapping Guidelines on the VAL website