MANAGING TRACK & FIELD EVENTS TRACK EVENTS The 400m track layout will vary according to site and local conditions. However at all tracks: 1. The inside lane should be bordered by: • a plinth/kerb, or • defined by a 50mm white line and a series of flags at not more than 4 metre intervals 2. A lap indicator board should be set up near the finish line for events longer than 400m 3. The finish line should be flanked by timekeepers and judges stands. These stands should be placed in line with the finish line and at least 5m from it. Preferably they should be stepped to allow a maximum number of judges / timekeepers a full view of the line. The timekeepers should be on the outside of the track. 4. The starter should wear identifying clothes (usually a red shirt and hat). A starter’s stand should be used and should be placed so that the starter has a clear view of all of the athletes and also so that the starter’s gun is clearly visible to the timekeepers 5. The referee should take up a position where there is a full view of the track. If umpires are available, they should be positioned around the track to check for lane infringements and illegal interference. 6. All races should be run in an anti-clockwise direction. STARTING The starter is a key official and should be selected carefully. Poor starting can ruin a competition. For primary school children, and those under 10 years of age, a standing start is preferred. For those aged 10 and over, a crouch start (preferably from starting blocks) is preferred. School athletes may not have been taught to start from blocks, but Club athletes should be learning to do so. In events up to and including the 400m (and 4 x 400m) the starter’s commands are: Whistle: (To indicate that a race is about to start, that non-participants should be quiet, and everybody not involved should get clear of the track.) “On your marks” “Set” “Gun” (go) In events over 400m there is no “set”, i.e. “On your marks”, “Gun (Go)” If the starter considers that an athlete broke or that the start was unfair, the race is recalled by a second firing of the gun, or by a whistle. A “break” is committed when an athlete leaves his blocks or start position before the gun. A “break” results in automatic disqualification and is usually signalled with a red card.. If the athlete moves between “on your marks” and “set” (usually by standing up, or raising a hand) it usually means some problem, and more tolerance is allowed. Athletes are expected to take their marks promptly. Unduly delaying the start (taking more than 12-15 seconds to prepare) can result in a yellow “warning” card. A second yellow card, at any stage of the meeting, will result in disqualification from the whole meeting (not just that event).

THE RACE All races up to 400m (and 4 x 400m) are in lanes. The 800 metres race may be started from a curved line and be run completely without lanes or the first 100m may be run in lanes with athletes breaking for the inside lane at the beginning of the back straight. All races over 800m are started from a curved line and are run without the use of lanes. A lap time may be called out to all athletes each time they pass the finish or start line in all races of more than one lap. An indicator board should be used to display the number of laps remaining. The board is only changed when the leading runner enters the straight where the indicator board is placed. It is not changed back for runners who have been “lapped”. (Their lap call should be given orally). It is important that lap calls are given accurately, since it is unfair to spur a runner through the “last” lap and then tell them they have another one to go! Races longer than 1500m are unlikely at children’s events. If they are held, individual “lap counters” should be considered. RULES In laned events, athletes must stay in their lanes throughout the race. The lane is defined as beginning at the outside edge of the inside line and finishing at the outside edge of the outside line (putting a foot on the inside line is “out”). Athletes who step on or inside the left hand lane on a curve, thereby shortening the distance run, should be disqualified. Athletes leaving the outside of their lane on bends or in the straight are not liable for disqualification provided they do not interfere with another athlete. Athletes must not interfere with other competitors either by jostling or cutting them off. When passing another athlete, (in “unlaned” events), they should be completely clear, before cutting in to the inside. • The onus is on the “overtaking” athlete to make sure he is clear. • There is no obligation on the athlete “being overtaken” to make way. (The practice of moving out to make way for others to pass on the inside causes confusion, and generally more obstruction than it saves. It should be discouraged by coaches and managers). THE FINISH The race finishes when the athlete’s torso reaches the front edge of the finish line. The torso does not include the head, arms, legs or outside shoulders.The place judges should determine positions. Placings should NEVER be allocated according to the manual times taken. (Ideally the timekeepers and judges are on opposite sides of the track). The track referee should resolve any disputes with respect to the finish. Ideally there will be a “finish marshal” to make sure the athletes stay in their lanes until the judges have finished with them. Where electronic timing is not available, the chief timekeeper must organise the timekeepers. Each timekeeper should be allocated a finishing position to time. Preferably three timekeepers should be used for first place. The watches are started when the smoke or flash of the gun is seen and the watches are stopped when the athlete crosses the front edge of the finish line. Timekeepers should not attempt to judge their action to coincide with the athlete crossing the line. They should react only when the athlete reaches the line.

In all events, hand-times are rounded up to the nearest 1/10th second. When three watches are used, the middle (median) time is taken. If two watches are used, the slower time is taken. (If one time is obviously inaccurate, it may be discarded) Timekeepers should be alert for possible records on the track and warn the referee. Track Marshal: The Marshal’s job is to make sure that heats are fair and balanced and that each runner starts in the correct lane, for the distance to be run. Marshalling Relays: • • • • •

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In the marshalling area, line up teams in order of running with first runner at the front and the last runner at the back. Give runners starting instructions, rules of baton changing and the importance of staying in lanes and not causing obstruction at change zones. Allocate teams to the appropriate lanes as per the marshalling sheet, making sure that each school or club gets a chance to start in a different lane each time. Send 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th runners (in case of 5 x 80m relays) to the appropriate change over areas. Place first runners on staggered starting lines for the lanes you have allocated. (nb: If there are a number of staggered markings at the start, for different events, make sure you are using the 400m mark (and not for example, the 4 x 400m relay mark or the 800m mark!) Relays begin and finish at the finish line, but starting lines are staggered with lane 1 being the finish line and each lane advanced from there The race order should follow the programme unless the Meeting Manager has directed otherwise.

Marshalling Sprints: • • •

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Place the runners into the lanes as allocated in the marshalling sheet, if the sheet has been properly prepared. You must ensure that there are, (approximately), the same number of teams in each heat and that each team is given a different lane in each heat, as much as it is possible to do so. Sit the runners down well behind the start line in their lanes and give them the starting instructions and how the finalists are picked. (2 heats the first 4 placegetters, 3 heats the first three placegetters make the finals). Remind them to stay in their lanes after the finish, until the judges have issued the place batons. Make sure that athletes waiting for a race stay stretched out: either on the ground or standing, but definitely NOT with arms and legs crossed! If it’s cold, or if there are delays, keep the waiting runners warm and active with movement such as running or jumping on the spot. At the end of their race they are to return to the start line, sit down and wait for the finals or the end of the rotation. All runners must be quiet for the start of each race. For finals, lanes are to be allocated with the heat winners in the central lanes, the second placegetters on either side of them, and the thirds in the remaining outside lanes. Keep the races moving through so that the meeting remains on time, ensuring a rest period of about 20 minutes between the last heat and the final, if you can do so. Start lines alter for different distances (50m, 60m, 80m), and you should ensure that they are marked by cones and lines across the track. Girls’ heats in each age group are held first followed by boys.

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After all heats in an age group are completed and there has been an adequate rest time (20 minutes?), the finals race for both girls and boys will be held. Athletes with Disabilities usually run 60m and will compete immediately after the Year 4s have completed their heats over this distance. All Athletes with Disabilities, except the visually impaired must be able to run independently. Those with a visual impairment may be accompanied by an assistant. Assistants guide athletes. They don’t help by pulling or pushing! Wheelchair racers, or those with walking frames, should not compete with ambulant athletes, unless the fields are very small and you can separate the ambulants from the wheels by at least one lane.

Starter: The starter’s job is to ensure that every competitor has a fair and equal start. EQUIPMENT: 1 horn/gun/blocks 1 Whistle Earmuffs (optional) • •

The starter is in sole charge of the start of the race. The starter must: o receive a signal indicating the judges and timekeepers are ready, before starting each race. o stand in a position where there is a clear view of each athlete o be able to be heard by all athletes o be able to see and be seen by the judges and timekeepers o visibility means the starter should wear a distinctive red hat and shirt or jacket. If other officials are wearing fluoro-vests, the starter’s should be quite distinctive.

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Instructions about the starting procedure may need to be given to the runners prior to each event. The start marshal may attend to this but the starter has to be sure that the instructions have been clearly understood.

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Starting instructions are: Whistle: (to alert athletes and bystanders that the event is about to start: no noise and no movement!) “On Your Marks” (The athletes move to the start line: toes and fingers behind the line. Those using starting blocks should have set them up as soon as the start area for their race is clear) “Set” (The athletes adopt their starting position…. those starting in blocks may take longer than those doing a standing start)

“Horn/gun/blocks” (Don’t keep the athletes too long in the “set position”, but you must be sure that all athletes are quite still. If you can’t achieve that, ask them to stand up, step back, and then start the start procedure again. It is usual to allow about 2 seconds between “set” and the gun, but younger children find it harder to hold their stance, so its better to start them the instant they are all still). • If there is a false start, blow one whistle or fire the recall gun. (A false start is when an athlete moves before the gun. It requires an instant decision from the starter. In the event of a false start, international rules require a disqualification, notified with a red card. If the starter is satisfied that the false start was caused by an extraneous event and not by the athlete, he should display a green card) Delay Athletes who are too slow moving to their marks, or adjusting to their set position delay the start and unsettle their competitors. 12 to 15 seconds should be allowed for each movement. Extended pre-start rituals are not encouraged. Athletes delaying the start incur a yellow card. If they earn a second one, at any stage of the meeting, they are disqualified from all track events for the remainder of the meeting. • •

You and the Marshal should try and allow rest time (20 minutes?) between heats and finals. Your start will be unfair if the runners in the last heat have not had time to recover for the final. At the completion of track events, take all gear to the designated collection area.

EVENT RULES: • •

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A false start is when an athlete leaves the mark with hand or foot before the horn/gun is fired. A runner will be disqualified if they: a. False start in any race. They will be disqualified for that event only. (Because any athlete “breaking” will draw several others with them, it is usual to disqualify only the principal offender). b. Cross into another lane (thereby shortening the course) at any stage during the race. c. Cause obstruction to another athlete in any way d. Are twice warned for unnecessary delay at the start. The disqualification applies to all track events for the rest of the day. A runner can compete in one year level above their actual year level but may only compete in one relay team. Nor may they contest individual races in both grades. A runner may not run in a lower year level.

Lane Umpires: The umpires’ job is to watch that runners stay in their lanes and do not infringe on or impede other athletes. It is usual to position an umpire where he/she can observe the straights and a major part of the curves. Where there is a shortage of umpires, the start marshal can observe runners in the straight, from behind the start line, or the referee or starter can move onto the track, (clear of the athletes).If an infringement is observed, the umpire raises a yellow flag to alert the judges and the Referee. The umpire then reports to the track referee who has sole responsibility to decide what action to take. Likely infringements are: • • •

Moving out of own lane Causing obstruction to another athlete Shortening the course by running on, or over the inside lane on a bend.

Relay Change Umpires: The relay change umpire is there to ensure that athletes are in their correct lanes, that the starter is told as soon as the athletes are ready, and that the passing of the baton between runners is performed correctly. RELAY RULES: For 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m the zones are usually marked on the track. “Change Zones” are 20m long and the complete baton change must happen within this 20m area. In addition there is an “acceleration zone” a further 10m back from the start of the change-over zone. Athletes may start running in that area, but may not receive the baton until they enter the official change zone. They may not start before this acceleration zone. Athletes may place one check marker within their lane. It is to be adhesive tape and MUST be removed after the change-over. Most children will not need the “acceleration zone”, but if they do use it, it must be used correctly. Zones for 5 x 80m are usually not marked. Cones are placed on the inside of the track, and a chalk line might even be used, but there will be no “in or out of zone” rulings. (The principle for the very young athletes is that, if the children start from the correct stagger at the beginning, and stay within their lanes, the whole team will have run 400m by the finish). • • • • •

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Umpires will be allocated by the referee to each of the change-over zones. Umpires should ensure the correct runners are in the allocated lanes and that each team is represented. You should show the runners where the change-over zone begins and ends. You should signal the starter with a raised arm or a white flag when ready for the race to commence. (Try and be as quick as you can when getting your athletes ready!) Umpires will ensure that the changing over of the baton is performed within the change-over zone. The hand-over is considered to be completed when the baton is in the hand of the receiving runner only.

The umpire must ensure that the runner who drops the baton picks it up without impeding the progress of any other runner. The umpire will also report any runner who impedes the progress of any other runner during the change-over, or at the completion of their lap, or by running outside their allocated lane. You should keep the runners in their lanes until all competitors are through the change-over area. If there is any infringement, the umpire should raise a yellow or red flag to draw the attention of the referee and judges. Only the referee may make a disqualification, so you need to clearly identify the offending team, the offence, and who was impeded, and make your report as quickly as you can. Keep your flag raised until you speak to the referee!

Judges: The judges’ job is to ensure that a placing is given and recorded for each of the placegetters required for semifinals or finals, or for the final result. Ideally there will be a “chief judge”, and a separate judge for each placing required. The judges call their placings as they saw them, and the Chief Judge confirms them. In short races (60m etc) the finishes can be very close, so you must be positioned exactly square with the finish line, ideally on a tiered stand from which each judge has a clear view over the one in front. In long distance races (where athletes are not finishing in lanes) it may be necessary to move onto the track and marshal the finishers in order, beyond the finish line. Judging, however, still occurs at the line! Judges should be supported by a finish line marshal and a recorder. EQUIPMENT:

Several sets of place batons, or cards Recording sheets

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The Chief Judge allocates the placing which each judge is to observe The judging team needs to be clear on the number of heats per event and the number of placings required for the next round (or the final). Usually it is the first two or three, but if the requirement is for the two fastest losers, you may need to record 4th and 5th as well. Judges must be above ground level, position themselves exactly square and in line with the finish, approximately 5 metres from the track and must all be on the same side. (A judges’ stand is usually available).

When the judges and the timekeepers are ready, the chief judge must signal to the starter (with a white flag) that the next race can begin. Judges are responsible for deciding on the finishing order of the runners A competitor has finished when any part of the torso (not head, neck, arms, legs, hands or feet) crosses the front edge of the finishing line.

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NOT FINISHED NOT FINISHED (Torso not crossed)

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The chief judge must confirm/decide the final placings. Accuracy is required. Usually the place judges call their selection and the chief judge confirms them, before the judges leave the stand. (This may take a moment or two, so don’t lose sight of your selection!) Equal placings may be awarded if the judges and the Chief Judge cannot differentiate placings. If there are ties, they are to be recorded as such. In the case of two first or second placings being awarded, the next placing is not awarded. If two third placings are awarded, all placings are to be given and recorded. When the judges have agreed the placings they give a place baton or card to their selection If you have a finish marshal the athletes should still be in their lanes. In any event, you must keep visual contact with your selection until you’ve awarded the place! (After all, there may be other athletes in the same uniform). After receiving their baton, the placegetters register with the recorder. If there is a finish marshal, he can escort the athletes to the recorder, while you get on with the next heat. For Athletes with Disabilities, all placings must be recorded, as there are usually several different categories of impairment in a race. The Chief Judge should make sure that all results are handed to the meeting manager at the end of competition. All equipment must be returned to the designated area.

Finish Marshal: • •

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Make sure that the athletes stay in their lanes at the finish, until the judges have awarded their placings (athletes will be tempted to congregate and congratulate one-another which can confuse the awards!) In unlaned events, keep the finishing athletes in their finish order (well clear of the line) until the placings have been awarded. (It may be necessary to keep the inside lanes clear, in case there are any “lapped” runners who need to run on through) Escort the placed runners to the recorder Keep the finish area clear of spectators, supporters and finished athletes, who might impede the finish of the next race!

Recorder: • • • • • • •

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The Meeting Manager should have supplied recording forms setting out the information required: grade, gender, placing, team, time etc. The finish marshal or the judges will send you the athletes, with their place batons or cards. Don’t take the baton off the athlete until you have the details recorded: (they may all throw them onto your table!) When you’ve got all the details you need, collect the batons or cards and return them to the judges for the next races. If times are being recorded, match them to the placings. (The judges decide places, not the time-keepers!) Don’t be involved in any protests or arguments. They should all be referred to the team manager, who can take them up with the Meeting Manager or the Referee. You may be required to prepare schedules for semi-finals or finals. If you are, place the winners in the middle lanes (4 & 5), the seconds outside them, and the thirds (or fastest losers) on the outside (lanes 1 & 8 and 9) Then send the sheet to the start marshal. Ensure that all results get to the Control Desk directly, or through the Chief Judge.

Timekeepers: The timekeeper’s job is to record times for event records, for selection for subsequent competitions, or for deciding “fastest losers” for semi-finals or finals. At best hand times are dubious evidence for records, unless a full panel of experienced time-keepers is used. Experienced electronic timekeepers using photo-timing equipment are preferred. Never-the-less, all timekeepers are volunteers and the meeting must use the services which are offered. Try to time with accurate stop-watches, rather than the timing function of wrist watches. For longer races, where finishers will be spaced apart, multi timers with a print-out function are available and would be preferred. Try and have spare watches available. If one timekeeper is erratic, it may be the watch that is at fault! Ideally, the timing team should have a head timekeeper and two ore more other timekeepers covering first place, and one or more covering as many minor places as may be required. • • • • • • •

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Timekeepers should be positioned on the outside of the track, elevated (tiered if possible) and squarely in line with the finish line (and at least 5m back from it) Use a white flag to signal to the judges that you are ready. (They will then signal the starter) The watch is started from the flash or smoke from the starting gun (not from the sound!), so you must have a clear view of the starter, who will probably be wearing red. Stop the watch as the torso of your designated athlete reaches the front edge of the finish line. Timekeepers work independently. Don’t show your watch, or discuss your timing with others, until the Chief Timekeeper has made his decision. For all hand timing, the time is taken to the next higher 1/10th of a second. (e.g. 10.11 should be recorded as 10.2) If two of the three watches agree and the third disagrees, the time recorded by the two shall be the official time. If all three watches disagree, the middle time shall be official. If only two times are available, the longer time shall be official. The Chief Timekeeper decides which times to use, particularly if there is disparity between the times for the winners and the minor places. You need to make you decisions promptly, as the conduct of the meeting may be affected by how long you take. Likewise, you may need a “runner” if you have to get your times to the recorder after each race, so that you don’t delay getting ready for the next. Where electronic timing is used, manual timers are also used for “back-up”. In these circumstances, the manual times are passed to the electronic time-keeper for verification. Electronic times are recorded to the nearest 100th of a second. Fractions of 100th are rounded up to the next 100th. Alert the referee to possible records. He may want to see the watches before you clear them!