Hints for Track Events:

Notes on various running events

Do not look at the starter, listen only for the gun. Keep within your lane during sprint and hurdle events. Never look around to see where your opponents are. Always run through the finish line (do not slow down until you are past the finish line). During longer distance races start slow and gradually build up speed as the race progresses.

Age Group	Distance (maximum)
U6	300 metres
U7	500 metres
U8	700 metres
U9 and U10	800 metres
U11 to U17	1500 metres

Hurdles

Do not attempt to jump hurdles in the opposite direction. Disqualification will occur if the hurdles are deliberately knocked down with any part of the body or if an athlete trails any part of their leg in an adjoining lane. These events will be cancelled due to wet weather.

A marking tape for hurdle positions will be used to help with set up. Hurdles must not touch each other.

Age	Distance	Flights	Height	R-In	Between	R-Out
U7 to U9 Boys and Girls	60 metres	6	45 cm	12 metres	7 metres	13 metres
U10 and U11 Boys and Girls	60 metres	6	60 cm	12 metres	7 metres	13 metres
U12 Boys and Girls	60 metres	6	68 cm	12 metres	7 metres	13 metres
U13 Boys and Girls	80 metres	9	76 cm	12 metres	7 metres	12 metres
U14 Girls	80 metres	9	76 cm	12 metres	7 metres	12 metres
U14 Boys	90 metres	9	76 cm	13 metres	8 metres	13 metres
U15 to U17 Girls	90 metres	9	76 cm	13 metres	8 Metres	13 metres
U15 to U17 Boys	100 metres	10	76 cm	13 metres	8.5 metres	10.5 metres
U15 to U17 Boys and Girls	200 metres	5	76 cm	20 metres	35 metres	40 metres

Walks

Walks is only contested by athletes U10 and above. IAAF rules define walking as a progression of steps, so taken that unbroken contact with the ground is maintained. At each step, the advancing foot of the walker must contact with the ground before the rear foot leaves the ground. During the period of each step in which a foot is on the ground, the leg must be straightened (i.e., not bent at the knee) at least for one moment, and in particularly the supporting leg must be straight in the vertically upright position. Three verbal cautions are given prior to disqualification. Because of these rules, cautions and disqualifications in race walking are a technical not a moral censure. The walker is not punished for cheating, however disqualification at Centre level enables walkers to work on their faults and avoid disqualification at championship level.

Please Note:  Our centre policy requires athletes wishing to particpate in walks, to have their technique checked by our Club Coach before competing and having times recorded.

Notes on various jumping events

High jump

Each jumper is allowed three jumps at each height, dropping out of the competition after 3 consecutive failures. Athletes may commence jumping at any height, usually 10cm below their personal best. The bar may not be lowered during competition.

A foul will be recorded if the bar is dislodged, an athlete jumps from two feet, takes longer than 60 seconds to jump, has two consecutive baulks or gains an advantage by touching the bag with their hand or foot.

U6 & U7 athletes are only permitted to use the Flex Bar and must only use the Scissors Kick. During wet weather this event may be cancelled if the run up is considered unsafe.

Long jump

All age groups compete in long jump. Three jumps are taken by each competitor. At Championship level the top eight competitors are allowed three extra jumps which decide the final placings.

• U6 to U12 use a 1m X 50cm (half metre) rectangular mat. The rectangular mat is placed with the front edge (white line) 50cm from the pit. A jump is measured from the landing point back to the take-off point (front foot mark) within the rectangle mat.

• U13 to U15 use a take-off mat (with white band approx 200m width placed minimum of 1m from pit), the jump is measured from nearest break in sand back to front edge of band (measured perpendiclur to mat and not to exact take off point).
  

All jumps are measured from the nearest break in landing area (sand pit) (Zero end of tape) made by any part of the body or limbs back to the the take-off board, or in the case of the rectangle, to the foot mark (measure).
A foul occurs when the athlete's foot extends over the front edge of white band (nearest the pit).

Please rack the pit as needed and make sure the sand is not compacted.

Triple jump

Triple jump is only contested by athletes U11 and above. The conduct of the event is the same as that of Long Jump. The take off mat is positioned at whole metre distance in front of the pit.

The Triple Jump consists of a hop, step and jump. It is defined as "The hop shall be made so that the competitor lands first upon the same foot as that from which he/she has taken off; in the step he/she shall land on the other foot from which the jump is performed".

Additional information:

In the long jump and triple jump events each competitor has 3 jumps before their best performance is recorded. In championships events the contenders are allowed 3 initial jumps and then the eight leading contenders are allowed 3 further jumps. All 6 performances are considered in the final placings.

Notes on various throwing events

The shot and discus are both thrown from a circle. A foul shot is called if an athlete steps out of the circle or leaves from the front of the circle, and also when the shot or the discus lands outside of the throwing segment. Do not leave the throwing circle until the shot put, discus or javelin has landed.

SAFETY RULE: All athletes must keep well back from the throwing circle until it is their turn to throw. Do not throw until the sector is clear.

Javelin

The javelin must be thrown over the shoulder or upper part of the throwing arm. No round arm throws, the elbow should come through first with the hand coming through above the shoulder or head.

Weights for each age group
400 g	U12 to U13 Girls U12 Boys
600 g	U14 to U17 Girls U13 to U17 Boys

Shot Put

Three attempts are allowed for each athlete. A foul is recorded if the Shot Put is thrown or if the athlete steps out of the circle or leaves from the front of the circle. The Shot must not land out of the segment. All other athletes must stand behind the circle.

Shot Puts are colour coded for easy selection:

Weight	Colour	Age Group
1 kg	Blue	U6 & U7 Girls and Boys
1½ kg	Yellow	U8 Girls and Boys
2kg	Orange	U9 to U11 Boys U9 to U12 Girls
3kg	White	U12 & U13 Boys U13 to U17 Girls
4kg	Red	U14 to U17 Boys

Discus

Three attempts are allowed for each athlete. A foul is recorded if the whole discus does not land inside the sector. All other athletes must stand behind the throwing circle.

Weights for each age group
350 grams	U6 & U7 Girls and Boys
500 grams	U8 to U10 Girls and Boys
750 grams	U11 & U12 Boys U11 to U13 Girls
1 kilogram	U13 to U17 Boys U14 to U17 Girls

Additional information:

In throwing events each competitor has 3 throws and their best performance is recorded. In championships the contenders are allowed 3 initial throws and then the top eight athletes are allowed 3 further throws. All 6 performances are considered in the final placings.