For our Athletic Club to function effectively and efficiently, parental involvement in the running of the Centre is essential. Parents are encouraged to help run events each Monday night. All events in which the children compete require parental assistance as well as Age Group Marshalls.
LAANSW Event and Technique Information
https://lanswresourcehub.com/volunteers-1
https://lanswresourcehub.com/event-fact-sheets
Guidelines for Parent Helpers
Age Managers
Keep group together and supervise at all times. Take care when moving from one event to another e.g.: crossing running tracks, shot put/discus areas etc. Assist officials if, whenever, wherever needed. Fill out results sheets for each event
In all Field Events
Each athlete will have three trials only, the best distance will determine athletes performance and placing.
Long Jump and Triple Jump
To measure, place the zero end of tape at edge of sand break. Distance read to take-off point, i.e. take-off board for ages U13 and to toe impression on metre square for ages U6 – U 11. It is a “foul” if the competitor does not take off from the metre square or if their toe protrudes past the take-off board. They will also be fouled if on completing their jump, they walk back through the landing area. Do not measure foul jumps; place an “F” on the sheet. Fouls are included in the three trials.
Shot Put
Place zero end of tape measure where shot first breaks soil. Distance is read on inside edge of throwing circle, in line with circles centre. Distance to nearest 1 cm. Competitor must always enter and leave from rear of the circle. Wait until all children are behind throwing area before allowing next competitor to throw. It is considered a foul if they step over the front of the circle, if the shot lands outside the lines marked, if hand moves in any other direction except forward during the “push” action, or shot not held in the correct position on the neck. Do not measure fouls, place “F” on the sheet and explain to athlete why they received it. Fouls are included in the three trials.
Discus
Zero end of tape measure is placed where discus first breaks soil. Distance is read in inside edge of throwing circle, in line with circles centre. Distance to nearest 2 cm. Competitor must enter and leave from the rear circle. All other children must be behind and to one side of the circle before competitor is allowed to have a throw. It is considered a foul if they step over the front of the circle or if the discus lands outside of the marked lines.
High Jump
Measuring stick is placed in the centre of cross bar, measure to top of bar. Each competitor is allowed three trials at the set height. If they succeed they rest until height is reset. If they fail three times at a set height, they are out of the competition. It is considered a foul if the bar is knocked off. Competitors are allowed to pass at any height prior to their third attempt at that height and attempt the next height.
Scissor Jump
Same as High Jump above but the athlete MUST use a scissor jump technique as follows.
- The head of the competitor does not go over the bar before the leading foot; (the foot closest to the bar at take-off).
- The head of the competitor is not below the buttocks when the buttocks clear the bar.
- The competitor’s lead foot must touch the mat before any other part of the body.”
Timekeeper
Chief timekeeper announces “gun up” – reset watch – Start timing on smoke not sound. Give placing card to competitor and time for that child to Chief timekeeper.
Event Recorder
Record times/distances of competitors in each running/field event on the result sheet.
Starter
Call athletes to line then “on your mark”, allow time for them to get comfortable in starting positions. The next command is “set”, they stay in this position until the starter is satisfied that they are still. The starter may then fire the pistol, a second shot is fired if there is a false start.
Support for Children
We ask all Parents to encourage their children as much as possible but please try not to push them to the stage where they feel they are competing just to please you. Athletics is run for the purpose of developing a child’s athletic ability and competitive spirit. Remember the Athletic’s Slogan: “…family, fun, fitness” All parents are encouraged to make this season a rewarding and fun filled experience for their children by letting them achieve their goals and supporting their involvement.
Codes of Behaviour
Parent’s Code of Behaviour
- Encourage children to participate if they are interested
- Focus upon the athletes efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists the athlete in setting realistic goals related to his/her ability by reducing the emphasis on winning
- Teach children that an honest effort and the achievement of a ‘personal best’ is as important as victory, so that the result of each event is accepted without undue disappointment
- Encourage athletes to always participate by the rules
- Never ridicule or yell at a athlete for making a mistake or losing an event
- Remember children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment, not yours
- Remember children learn best from example. Applaud good efforts by all athletes
- If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember most officials volunteer their time and effort for your child’s involvement
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities
- Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the athletes and deserve your support
- Remember children take part in athletics for fun. They are not competing for the entertainment for spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals
- Applaud good performances and efforts from all athletes. Congratulate all participants upon their performance regardless of their placing
- Alcohol must not be consumed by spectators while competition is underway
Spectator’s Code of Behaviour
Safety in the park
Strictly no Dogs (and other pets) or ball games while Athletics competition night is in progress.
Parent Safety
Parents are encouraged to act as age managers, completing forms, results, measuring, timing etc. Please be alert and be on the lookout for objects such as a javelin, discus or shotput which may fly through the air unexpectedly. In order to be covered by insurance, you must sign the event result sheets in the folders for the age group you are managing.
Children’s Safety
Children must NOT be left at the park without a parent or guardian. The committee members and other parents WILL NOT act in the capacity of baby sitters. ALL children MUST be supervised by a parent/guardian otherwise they will not be allowed to compete in competition. Children should be discouraged from entering the car park unattended. From time to time the police are called to deal with undesirable persons who loiter in the car park or behind the club house and the committee members feel that this area is not safe for children.
Get Involved
Ask a committee member how you can help out!
Canteen
On competition nights the club operates a canteen at which food is available such as drinks,(hot and cold) and a small variety of lollies. Most nights the club runs a BBQ Save yourself the trouble of going home and preparing the evening meal by supporting the Canteen. This is a major source of revenue for the Club, and enables the funding of the Christmas Party and supports the Presentation Night.
Groundskeeper and Equipment
On competition nights the club would like volunteers to assist in putting away the equipment. At any other time of the season, if you have the time to spare, our groundskeeper would appreciate assistance in cutting the grass, marking the track, etc. If you have the time to spare, please speak to a committee member who will be able to provide you with more information.
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