Little Athletics Basics (L.A.B.)
Assisting at our athletics meets requires very little knowledge. But it is going to be more enjoyable if you take a little time to learn about the events, their procedures and rules. The easiest way to do that is Little Athletics Basics!
To work through the St George LAB, all you need to do is ‘study’ each of the Event Briefs below and then answer the Quiz (10 – 12 multiple choice) questions in the column adjacent.
This is also the place to start for anyone interested in becoming an athletics official (in one or more events).
Supervising Field Events
Field Events generally work best with 4 parent roles assisting as follows:
| Official 1 (Age Manager) | Official 2 (Parent) | Official 3 (Parent) | Official 4 (Parent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ensure Officials in Place Call Next Athlete Judge Fouls Read & Record Result | Pull Tape Measure & Read Result | Spike throws Judge Javelin Landing Set / Adjust HJ bar | Retrieve Implement Rake Pit / Spray water Set / Adjust HJ bar |
Officials 2 – 4 will generally be “signed-up” to supervise at that particular field event location for the evening. On occasion, a qualified official from the Committee, or invited by the Committee, will be present and that person shall then take the role of judging fouls.
The Video Resources and Fact Sheets below provide guidance on how to perform each of these roles.
Field Events – Video Resources
The following provides helpful guidance for parents supervising athletic events. Click on the links below to see a selection of short videos covering each Field Event including Discus, Shot Put, Javelin, High Jump, Long Jump & Triple Jump:
Parent Helping (Officiating) Throwing & Jumping Events
Hints & Tips for Parents/Helpers
Supervising Track Events
The following roles are required to supervise races conducted on the Track on the main oval.
| Role | What's Involved / Documentation |
|---|---|
| Age Managers | Advise the Marshall with clipboard that your Age Group has arrived (for 100m, 200m, 4/800m Start). Keep Order at Start Lines while waiting turn to race. Assist Starter and/or Marshalls to guide athletes onto the Start Line - particularly for pack races where up to 16 runners may enter a race. In the Longer races, it is desirable to run separate "fast" and "slow" heats if needed and to choose runners accordingly. Mixing Age groups is permitted. |
| Track Starter | Starts Races. Here is a comprehensive guide: Race Starters' Brief Basic Starters Guide Electronic Race Starting - explains how to use the Starter's Equipment See Track Procedures below for further information. |
| Track Recorder (Finish Line) | Use a computer application to manage the Timing Gates and collect race results. If the 'Start Line Process' is not in use, then the Recorder also enters the identity of each runner at the end of each race. Follow these procedures: Recording Race Results See Track Procedures below for further information. |
| Track Marshalls | At the Start Line with Clipboard: Keep track of which Age Groups are next to run. Move runners onto the Track. At the Finish Line: For pack races, hand out 'place numbers' to runners and guide them in order to the Track Recorder (for recording of their bib number). For laned races, guide runners in their lane order (assuming 'start line process' not operating. See Track Procedures below for further information. |
| Start Line Recorder | Required whenever the 'Start Line Process' is in operation. Use your mobile phone and a web app phone to record the Bib Nbr of athletes and their lane numbers in advance of the race start. See the following: Start Line Process Overview See Track Procedures below for further information. |
| Hurdle Helpers | Straight Track - Move hurdles into position and adjust heights / positions as necessary. On the straight track, Hurdle positions are marked on a tape running the length of the track. The main task for Hurdle Helpers is to ensure the correct number of hurdles are in the correct locations and set to the correct heights for the Age Group about to run. Hurdle Specs - Straight Track Circular Track - Hurdle positions on the Circular Track (for 200, 300 & 400m hurdles) are marked on the Track (in the lower numbered lanes). 13s do the 200m Hurdles with 5 flights. 14s & 15s do 300m Hurdles with 7 flights. 16s & 17s do the 400m Hurdles with 10 flights. All CT hurdles are set to 76cm. Hurdle Specs - Circular Track |
Track Procedures
The Straight Track and the Circular Track operate according to the procedures set out in the following documents. These provide guidance for the Starter, Recorder and Race Marshalls who supervise the operation of each track:
| Track | Procedures |
|---|---|
| Straight Track | Straight Track Procedures V6 - Week A Straight Track Procedures V6 - Week B |
| Circular Track | Circular Track Procedures V14 - Week A Circular Track Procedures V14 - Week B |
Track Events – Briefs
Briefs: Middle Distance; (For Parents & Athletes)
Videos: Starting a Race; Track Rules
Becoming an Official (under construction)
The first steps is to complete the Little Athletics Basics program (see above). You may also find the content included in the Age Manager Online Video Training very helpful. More information about becoming an accredited official is coming soon…
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