STARTING TIMES
    Saturday - The On Track program for u6 and u7 athletes starts at 8:30am, and finishes at 10:00am.  Athletes in u8 to  u15 should arrive at 9:45am to warm up.  With the competition starting at 10:00am and finishing at 12:30pm
    Friday - All athletes, u6 to u15 should arrive at 5:15pm, ready for a 5:30 pm start.

    COMPETITION REGULATIONS
    The Competition Regulations for the Conduct of All Victorian Little Athletic Championships (August 1998) will be
    used as a guide for Centre competition.  The instructions to officials, printed on this web site and in the handbook,
    will be adhered to where practical for normal competition and will be enforced during Centre Championships.  Any
    variations made will be due to the age and skill level of the children, time restraints or lack of officials.

    CODE OF ETHICS
    Parents, coaches and officials, by example of behaviour, have an enormous influence on our children.  All adult
    participants in Little Athletics should form an accepted pattern of behaviour based on the following ideals.

       1.     Do not criticise children in front of others, but offer constructive criticism in private.
       2.     Do not criticise opposing athletes or supporters by word or gesture.
       3.     Accept decisions made by officials as being fair and called to the best of their ability.
       4.     Set a good example by your own personal appearance and actions.
       5.     Make every athletics meeting serve as a training ground for life and as a basis for good mental and physical health.
       6.     Place the welfare and development of the individual child above the need to win.

   DEFINITIONS
Start:   At first sign of smoke from starters' gun, or sound if smoke not visible.  Also the flash of a gun can be used.
Finish: When any part of the runners' torso crosses the plane of the finish line.
Torso:  That part of the body not including the head, neck, arms and legs.

   PREPARATION
             Get a watch and have a few practices starting, stopping and resetting it.
Clarify which race and what place you will be timing and be alert.

   POINTS TO WATCH
             Hold the watch between the thumb and forefinger with forefinger on the button.
The watch must always be held still.  You should eliminate all waste motion.
With about 30 metres of the race still to run, note the athlete you are timing and prepare to stop the watch.  Do not anticipate the finish.
Always look at your watch prior to starting.
Remember to reset the watch to zero should a false start occur.
Never reset your watch prior to agreement being reached with either the chief timekeeper or other timekeepers.

   RUNNING WATCH
             When timing distance or race walking events it is not necessary or practical to time each     runner with an individual watch but it is required that 3 timekeepers are used for recording of the first place.  One timekeeper may use 2 watches and as the winner finishes, one watch is stopped for an accurate measurement of first place.
The second watch is kept running and as each other runner crosses the line, times are called by
the timekeeper and recorded by a person standing with the timekeeper.
If 3 watches are on first place, the middle time is accepted as the correct time.  If 2 watches   are used the slower time is accepted.

   PRINTOUT STOPWATCH
            Where a printout stopwatch is used it is required to have two standard type stopwatches recording first place in case of a record.

   DUTIES OF A CHIEF TIMEKEEPER
           Ensure that timekeepers are placed in such a position that they:
                 (A) Know what place he/she is to time;
                 (B) Are in line with the finish line;
                 (C) Have a good view of all lanes; and
                 (D) Have a clear view of the starter.

   The above can be achieved by the use of an elevated stand at least 5 metres from the track.
 

    80 Metre Hurdles
    There shall be nine (9) flights in each lane - 12 metres from start to the first flight. 7 metres
    between each hurdle, then 12 metres from the last flight to the finish line.

    90 Metre Hurdles
    There shall be nine (9) flights in each lane - 13 metres from start to the first flight. 8 metres
    between each hurdle, then 13 metres from the last flight to the finish line.

    100 Metre Hurdles
    There shall be ten (10) flights in each lane - 13 metres from start to the first flight. 8.5 metres
    between each hurdle, then 10.5 metres from the last flight to the finish line.

    300 Metre Hurdles
    There shall be seven (7) flights in each lane - 50 metres from start to the first flight. 35 metres
    between each hurdle, then 40 metres from the last flight to the finish line.
 

   For all hurdle events the height of the hurdles shall be:

                   Under 7 to Under 9         45cm
                   Under 10 & Under 11     60cm
                   Under 12                       68cm
                   Under 13 to Under 15    76cm
                   300 metre Hurdles         68cm
 

   BEFORE COMPETITION

• Chief Judge shall ensure that all aspects of landing area and run - up are safe for athletes.
• Ensure that the platforms that support the cross bar are facing the opposite upright
• Allow competitors a practise jump(s) to check their run up.
• Set bar at correct starting height, measurement shall be checked with the measurement stick perpendicular to the ground of the lowest point of the cross bar and top of the bar, ie.  "Middle of bar". Measure outer edges higher so middle of bar is the correct height.
• The uprights and landing area should be designed so that there is a clearance of at least 100mm between them to avoid displacement of the cross-bar through a movement of the landing area causing contact with the uprights.

• The bar should be raised in 5cm increments until there are 6 competitors or less, then in increments of 2cm or increments not less than 2em unanimously agreed by the remaining athletes.
• The final competitor may continue to jump, at height raises agreed with the chief Judge, until the competitor has three successive failures.
• An athlete may commence jumping at any height above the starting height.  Three consecutive failures regardless of the height disqualifies the athlete.
• An athlete may pass on his second or third trail at a particular height (after failing first or second time) and still jump at a subsequent height.
• An athlete may approach the bar from any angle.
• An athlete must take off from one foot only.
• Diving over the bar is not recommended.
• If the bar falls after an athlete has landed and left the mat it MAY be considered a failure.  It is   the decision of the judge if the bar fell because it was touched by an athlete.
• If the athlete touches the ground or equipment (including the landing area beyond the plane of the uprights either between or outside the uprights), with any part of the body and fails to complete a successful jump, it is considered a failure.  At the discretion of the Chief Official, an athlete has 90 seconds to complete a jump, and may have an unlimited number of baulks within   this time frame.  If the athlete does not complete a jump within the prescribed time it shall be considered a failure.

    DETERMINING THE RESULTS
        1. The athlete who jumps the greatest height is the winner.
        2. If there is a tie the athlete with the lowest number of jumps at the height at which the tie occurs shall be
            awarded the higher place.
        3. If the tie still remains, the athlete with the lowest total of failures throughout the competition up to and including
            the height last cleared shall be awarded the higher place.

    IF THE TIE STILL REMAINS:
        i) If it concerns first place, the competitors tieing shall have one more jump at that height at which they failed,
           and if no decision is reached the bar shall be lowered or raised to the heights which shall be announced by the
           Chief Judge of the event; they shall then attempt one jump at each height until the tie is decided.
        ii) If it concerns any other place the competitors shall be awarded equal place in the competition.

    OFFICIALS REQUIRED
        Two officials to return the cross-bar to the supports.
        One official to judge the jump.
        One official to record.

    SAFETY
        The uprights/posts may be moved during a competition only if the chief judge in consultation with the arena
        Manager/Referee considers the take-off or landing ground has become unsuitable or dangerous.  The uprights/posts
        may then be moved at the finish of the round.
        The landing area should be maintained in a safe condition.  If a number of small bags are used then it should be
        ensured that there are no gaps.
 

    PREPARATION FOR EVENT
    * Ensure sand pit is level with run-up.
    * Sand may need to be dampened if it is dry.
    * Indicator markers shall be distributed to all competitors to mark run-ups.
    * The front edge of the take-off mat should not be less that 500mm from the front edge of the pit.

    BASIC RULES
    * Each athlete is allowed a maximum of 4 trials.
    * To be a valid jump the athlete:
    (a) Must take-off from one foot;
    (b) Must place take-off foot on or behind the board/mat.  If any part of foot is over front edge of board/mat then
          it is a foul jump.
    *No markers may be placed on runway but may be placed alongside runway.
    *No markers in landing area of sand pit.
    *If in running up to take-off an athlete passes the edge of the mat farthest from the pit, it shall be called a trial even
      if the jump is not complete.
    *The run-up may not exceed 40m.
    *If after competing the jump an athlete walks back through the landing area it is a 'no jump'.
    *In the course of landing an athlete must not touch the ground outside the landing area nearer to the take-off point
      than the nearest break (imprint) in the landing area.

   MEASURING THE JUMP
   *Official selects break (imprint) made in sand by foot, hand, etc., which is  closest to imprint made in take-off mat by
     take-off foot.  This point in the pit is marked by spike, the zero end tape is held at the spike.
   *The tape is straightened so it lays over and in contact with imprint made by take-off foot in the take-off mat.
     The tape is drawn tight and the distance is measured to the nearest cm below distance jumped.  For U13-U15
     athletes using a board/mat the measurement must be taken perpendicular to the take-off line of its extension
     (ie.  Straight back from the imprint in the sand).
   *The competitor who has the longest measured distance from all jumps recorded is the winner. In the event of a tie
     then a decision is made on  the next best jump recorded.
   *If an athlete takes off before the take-off mat of board, then the jump shall be measured from the break in the sand
     to the back edge of the take-off mat or the front edge of the take-off board.

   OFFICIALS REQUIRED
     Two officials at take-off area. Tasks include watching for foul jumps,   recording measurements(see above for
     measuring the jump)
     Two officials at side of pit.  Tasks include finding break (imprint) made in sand (see above for measuring the jump)
     and raking and levelling sand in pit.
    One official for recording.

    RECORDING
    * Best performances should be circled or highlighted.
 

    PREPARATION FOR EVENT
    * Ensure sand pit is level with run-up.
    * Sand may need to be dampened if it is dry.
    * Indicator markers shall be distributed to all competitors to mark run-ups.
    * Take off mats should be set at correct distance from sand pit.

    BASIC RULES
    * Each athlete is allowed a maximum of 4 trials.
    * Definition of Triple Jump, consisting of three distinct sections:
          (a) Hop - Athlete takes off and lands on the same foot as that from which they have taken off.
          (b) Step - Athlete lands on the other foot (to that used on the hop)
          (c) Jump - Athlete jumps from one foot and lands on one or both feet in the sand pit
    * A foul jump is recorded if.-
          (a) Any part of the athletes take off foot protrudes over the front line, or side edge of the take off mat or board
          (b) After completing ajump the athlete walks back through the pit
          (c) In the course of landing the athlete touches the ground outside the landing area nearer to the takeoff point
             than the nearest break in the landing area made by the jump
            NB  The trailing leg may make contact with the runway during the jump.
    * No markers may be placed on runway but may be placed alongside runway.
    * No markers in landing area of sand pit.
    * If in running up to take-off an athlete passes the edge of the mat farthest from the pit, it shall be called a trial
       even if the jump is not complete.
    * The run-up may not exceed 40m.
    * In the event an athlete lands in the pit on their step they should be allowed another trial after the position of the
       take off mat is altered.
    * To be a valid jump the athlete must land in the pit.

    MEASURING THE JUMP
    * Official selects break (imprint) made in sand by foot, hand, etc., which is closest to imprint made in take-off mat
       by take-off foot.  This point in the pit is marked by spike, the zero end tape is held at the spike.
    * The tape is straightened so it lays over and in contact with imprint made by take-off foot in the take-off mat.
       The tape is drawn tight and the distance is measured to the nearest cm below distance jumped.
       For U13-U15 athletes using a board/mat the measurement must be taken perpendicular to the take-off line of its
       extension (ie.  Straight back from the imprint in the sand).
    * The competitor who has the longest measured distance from all jumps recorded is the winner. In the event of a tie
       then a decision is made on the next best jump recorded.
    * If an athlete takes off before the take-off mat of board, then the jump shall be measured from the break in the
       sand to the back edge of the take-off mat or the front edge of the take-off board.

    OFFICIALS REQUIRED
    * Two officials at take-off area. Tasks include watching for foul jumps, recording measurements (see above for
       measuring the jump)
    * Two officials at side of pit. Tasks include finding break (imprint) made in sand (see above for measuring the
       jump) and raking and levelling sand in pit.
    * One official for recording.

    RECORDING
    *  Best performances should be circled or highlighted.
 

     IMPLEMENT WEIGHTS
     350gm U6 - U8 Girls and Boys (recommended)
     500gm U9 - U10 Girls and Boys
     750gm U11 - U13 Girls & U11 - U12 Boys
     lkg       U14 - U15 Girls & U13 - U15 Boys

    EQUIPMENT
     * Sector and circle clearly marked
     * Measuring Tape (50m)
     * Discus (as above)
     * Place Tickets
     * Recording Sheets
     * Cloth

     TO BE A VALID THROW
     *Each athlete is entitled to four trials.
     *The throw must be commenced from a stationary position.
     * The competitor may enter the circle from any direction but must leave from the rear half of the circle.
     * The athlete must not leave the circle until the discus has landed
     * The athlete must not touch the top of the circle or the ground outside the circle during the trial with any part
        of their body.  They may touch the inside of the ring.
     * The discus must land so that the point of impact is within the inner edges of the lines marking the sector.
     * The athlete may, during the course of each trial, stop and place the discus down in the ringand then recommence
        the attempt again, providing that this occurs only once in any trial, and that no other infringement has occurred.

     METHOD OF MEASUREMENT
     * Officials select the edge of the imprint mark made by the discus closest to the ring whenlanding.  The selected
        point is marked by the zero end of the tape.
     * The tape is drawn tight and back through the centre of the circle.
     * The distance is measured at the point where the tape crosses the inner edge of the ring.
         Each measurement is to the nearest cm below the distance thrown.
     * Ties are broken by referring to the next best throw.

     OFFICALS REQUIRED
     * Two officials at throwing circle.  Tasks include watching for foul throws, recordingmeasurements and pulling
         the end of the tape through centre of the circle.
     * One official at side of sector.  Tasks include finding and marking the point of impact of the implement and
        returning the discus to the circle.

     RECORDING
     * Best performances should be circled or highlighted.

     SAFETY
     * Everyone should stand behind the thrower and the sector should be clear
     * The discus should be carried back to the circle, never thrown.
     * No one should stand on the right side of a right handed thrower attempting to turn and vice  versa.
 

    The shot is 'put' from a circle into a sector of 40 degrees.  The inside diameter of the circle is   2.135m.
    All lines used to mark the circle and sectors are 5cm wide.
 

   * The circle is divided into halves as shown.
   * A stop board l.22m long, 100mm high and 114mm wide may be used.

    IMPLEMENT WEIGHTS
    lkg     U6-U7 Girls & Boys
    1.5kg U8 Girls & Boys
    2kg    U9-U12 Girls - U9-11 Boys
    3kg    U13-U15 Girls - U12-U13 Boys
    4kg    U14-U15 Boys

    EQUIPMENT
   * Shot Put Circle and Stop Board
   * Measuring Tape (20m)
   * Shot (as above)
   * Place Tickets
   * Recording Sheets
   * Cloth

   TO BE A VALID PUT
   * Each athlete is entitled to four trials.
   * The put must be commenced from a stationary position.
   * The competitor may enter the circle from any direction but must leave from the rear half of the circle.
   * The athlete must not leave the circle until the shot has landed
   * The athlete must not touch the top of the circle or stop board, or the ground outside the circle during the trial
      with any part of their body.  They may touch the inside edge of the stop board.
   * The shot must land so that the point of impact is within the inner edges of the lines marking the sector.
   * The shot shall be put from the shoulder with one hand only. At the start of the trail the shot shall touch the jaw line,
      close to the ear and shall not be dropped below this position during the action of putting.
   * The shot must not be brought from behind the line of the shoulders.
   * The athlete may, during the course of each trial, stop and place the shot down in the ring and then recommence
      the attempt again, providing that this occurs only once in any trial, and that no other infringement has occurred.

   METHOD OF MEASUREMENT
    * Officials select the edge of the imprint mark made by the shot closest to the ring when landing.
       The selected point is marked by the zero end of the tape.
    * The tape is drawn tight and back through the centre of the circle.
    * The distance is measured at the point where the tape crosses the inner edge of the ring.  Eachmeasurement is
       to the nearest cm below the distance putted.
    * Ties are broken by referring to the next best throw.

   OFFICIALS REQUIRED
    * Two officials at throwing circle. Tasks include watching for foul throws, recording measurements and pulling
       the end of the tape through centre of the circle.
    * One official at side of sector. Tasks include finding and marking the point of impact of the implement and
       returning the shot to the circle.

   RECORDING
    * Best performances should be circled or highlighted.

   SAFETY
     * Everyone should stand behind the putter and the sector should be clear.
     * The shot should be carried back to the circle, never thrown..