Every Summer at the start (and during) the Track and Field season we are asked questions by the many new parents about the procedures for the various Inter-club meetings and Leagues we participate in. It's also worth reminding everyone.

1. At Inter-club League meetings for each event there are only 2 places available, an "A" string and a "B" string, so it would be impossible, for example for everyone to do a sprint. The exception is at "Open Graded meetings" which are open to any number of individuals.
2. At most meeting there is only a selection of events on the programme for each age group, so sometimes a preferred event may not be on.
3. For the well-being of younger competitors there is a restriction on the number of events that anyone can do, eg 2 x Track & 1 x Field, or 1 x Track and 2 x Field, plus a relay. For those competi9ng in longer track races we try not to select them for other strenuous races. The minimum we usually need in a team for each age group to cover all the individual events plus the relay is 4, but we usually aim for 5.
4. Sometimes there is a clash of events on the timetable which makes it difficult for a competitor to do both.
5. In the younger age groups we try to give most participants a go at different events over the season until we all see what everyone is best at.
6. In some age groups in some events we will be very strong, therefore we do have to rotate selection to give everyone an opportunity.
7. In the older age groups, some of the athletes start to train for a specific group of events and attain a high standard. They will be selected primarily for their stronger events.

In order to provide as many opportunities as possible, the club participates in more leagues and team events than most clubs of our size. We need active parental support to maintain this.

1. We don't always know who is confirmed until a day or two before a meeting.
2. There are ALWAYS last minute withdrawals (and occasionally additions). This means re-arranging the events that the remaining or replacement team members do. As with any sport, if someone drops out, positions or events will be changed.

1. Same reason as 2 above.
2. Transport: We depend on parents to provide lifts – there and back. For trips further afield we organise coaches, but that requires everyone to travel together.
3. Team sheets have to be completed accurately and lodged with the organisers before the meeting starts. The only way we know for certain that everyone is coming is for everyone to be there in time for the start.
4. Many of the juniors enjoy being away for the day with their team-mates.

1. The coaches select the teams for each meeting. Each coach will take an age group and contact a group of members, taking into account everyone's ability for the mix of events on the programme, family groups etc. (We also collect details of travel arrangements.)
2. The confirmed list of team members (plus all those yet to be confirmed!!) and likely events they will be doing is passed to the Team manager for that League. The Team Manager is then responsible for the logistics of getting 20 – 40 competitors to and from the venue; confirming any last minute changes to the team or the events everyone is doing; completing the team sheets (!!!); ensuring we provide the appropriate number of officials / helpers; getting each competitor to the right event at the right time during the meeting and sorting out everything else imaginable with the organisers or club members. There is a separate section on Team management.

"Who organises the sport (clubs, training, meetings, leagues etc)?"

At our level the sport is entirely amateur and voluntary. Nearly everything is organised by parents who have got involved through their children. Most parents will be asked to take a turn in assisting at training, providing transport to venues or helping out at meetings. Please be ready to help.

"What should competitors (& parents) take to meetings?"

1. Eight safety pins for numbers. We do have a supply but we hand out hundreds every year!
2. Plenty to drink - Fruit Juice, diluted water, or even plain water. Fizzy drinks (in spite of their advertising) are not recommended. Parents may find that a flask of something hot is essential.
3. Light Snacks - Competitors should not have a heavy meal before competing (or training!)
4. A small amount of spending money: There is often a cafeteria at the venue, however we do not like to see junior members eating sweets all day! There may also be a small transport charge for those who are provided with lift. (Please provide coins rather than large notes!)
5. (All) Warm extra layers of clothing including waterproofs (unless it's a guaranteed heatwave). A change of clothing is highly advisable in wet weather. Make sure your child knows what he or she has brought with him/her
6. (Parents) A rug and/or folding camp chairs if seating at the venue is limited, or you want to sit in the sunshine.
7. If any competitor is taking medication, or suffers from asthma, please ensure that he/she has all the necessary stuff, and that the coach or team manager knows. A parent coming along is strongly recommended.
8. Running gear, trainers and spikes, shorts, socks etc.
9. Sun tan lotion. Occasionally we do get very sunny days.

"How do the leagues work?"

From April – September we compete in several different inter-club Track and Field leagues. As these are club events, all competitors must compete in club vests. (In really awful weather sensible officials will let competitors in throwing events stay wrapped up.)

The scoring system in each league is slightly different, but all have the same basic features as explained below.

1. Every competitor scores points according to their position in their event, eg 16 pts for 1st "A" string competitor, 15 pts for 2nd "A" ... , 8 pts for 1st "B", 7 for 2nd "B" etc. (The actual number used may vary in different leagues.)
2. The sprints are run as separate "A" and "B" races.
3. For all the field events and the distance races (800m upwards) all the competitors ("A" & "B" strings) compete together. The first ranked competitor from each club in these events counts as the "A" string, irrespective of which way round they may have been declared on the team sheet. If a club has only one competitor then he / she is counted as an "A" string.
4. Each competitor has to wear numbers front and back. There are "A" and "B" string numbers. We try to organise the team sheet to minimise the amount of number changing.
5. Everybody's contribution is important. Someone finishing third in three "B" events will score more points than someone who only competes in, but wins, one A string event.
6. At the end of the meeting the total points scored by each club are calculated, and subsequently scrutinised (which is why it sometimes takes a while for us to get the details). Match points are awarded to each club based on their position, eg 8 points for 1st club, 7 pts for 2nd etc. (Again each league is slightly different according to the number of clubs). There are usually three of four meetings for each league, and the total match points determine promotion and relegation.