Track & Field
Safety is an important issue to all of us and athletics has many different activities taking place usually at the same time. So if you are coach athlete or a parent/carer it is essential that you are fully aware of what is happening around you at all times. These safety rules and guidelines are put in place to make the training and competition environment a safer place for everyone please adhere to it all times.
General
- Listen to instructions given by coach/official/team manager at all times.
- Wear the correct clothing for the training/competition.
- Parents/relative or friends must not enter the track or infield and must stay behind the barriers
- Keep off the cycle track
- Be aware of the emergency procedures and fire exits in the stadium.
- Make sure any equipment to be used is checked and is safe to use.
- Report any faulty equipment to a club officer or stadium staff.
- Return equipment to where it was taken from placing tidily in the same location it was found.
- No ball games are permitted within the track or field area at all times.
- Do not wear headphones or use mobile phones while training
- Coaches liaise with each other if working in the same area of the track/field.
Track
- Stop look and listen look both ways before you step on to the track.
- Only run anticlockwise (the way you race).
- Only run in the designated lanes.
- Lanes 0 1 2 middle distance running.
- Lanes 3- 7 sprints and hurdles home straight
- 6mm spikes maximum allowed on the track and field runways
- Be aware of runners coming up quickly behind you.
- Shout TRACK as a warning to fellow athletes as you approach runners ahead.
- As soon as you have finished your effort/training session step off the track
- Do not jog on the inside lanes.
- Jogging or walking should take place on the outside perimeter of the track.
- Step off the track as soon as you have finished.
- Do not run across the infield (throwing area) go around the outside.
- Do not jump hurdles in the wrong direction.
- Spikes must not be worn on the cycle track.
- Keep drinks kit bags and bicycles and footballs off the cycle bank and track.
- Please show consideration for all other users at all times. Bad behaviour and foul language will not be tolerated and may result in your exclusion from the stadium.
- Lastly, you must remember to show RESPECT to your fellow club members at all times. These rules are for safety reasons only.
Throws
- Throwing should only take place under the supervision of a qualified coach
- Only throw implements from the designated throwing areas.
- Discus & Hammer: Throwing cage
- Shot: Shot circle.
- Javelin: Javelin runways.
- Never throw towards anyone, check the landing area is clear
- Retrieve implements only when nobody else is throwing.
- Carry implements back to the throwing area and do not throw back.
- Carry javelins vertically with point down.
- Blow a horn as a warning to other users in the infield area for long throws
- Never throw when standing water is in the circle
- Throws area should be checked any hazards to be removed.
Jumps
- Only jump when the landing area is clear.
- Do not cross the runway without looking in both directions first
- Place markers at the side of the runway and not on it.
- Place rakes outside of the pit.
- Do not bounce or jump on and off landing beds.
- Take off areas should be checked any hazards to be removed.
Road
- Stay on the pavement at all times avoid running on the actual roads.
- Run towards on coming traffic on the pavement.
- Make sure you are visible. No dark clothing at night wear reflective bibs and hats.
- Children under 16 must have parent consent before going on the road.
- Try to run with a group.
- Tell someone the route you are taking in case someone gets lost.
- Parent or club volunteer to follow group in car if necessary.
If you do have an accident or a near miss or an incident that we need to know. Please report it to the coach, team manager, first aider or stadium staff as soon as possible and fill in an incident form.
