Comox Valley School District

COMOX VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TRACK AND FIELD

Responsibilities for Event Organizers

Clerk of the Course : Job description

 Responsible for the overall smooth and efficient running of the meet  Attempt to keep the meet on schedule, adjusting times and events if/as necessary  Be aware of any rules and guidelines that have been set for these meets  Settle any disputes that require a ‘final decision’ and enforce, if necessary, rules and guidelines if such have been set (this is ‘the buck stops here’ person!)  Respond to any claims of track interference by an athlete and make decisions regarding athlete disqualification. (This happens RARELY!!) Try to keep an eye on each race on the track so you can personally witness such claims and thus make a more informed decision.  Be aware, and advise others (teachers, parents, students) as necessary of the appropriate lines and markings on the track to be used for the various track events, i.e. finish line, start line for 60 m and 60 m hurdles, 60 m hurdle placement markings, start line for 100 m, start lines for 200 m, start lines and ‘cut in line’ for mass start 400 m and 800 m, start lines and exchange zones for the 4x100m relay.  Be aware of and check for the proper method to be used to set up the hurdles and ensure they are set at the proper height and at the proper marks on the track.  Distribute the ribbons to the people necessary just prior to the beginning of the meet … all track event ribbons to the finish line people, all long jump, high jump, and ball throw ribbons to the people responsible for those events.  Supply extra and/or replacement ribbons to finish line judges and field event officials as necessary. (Sometimes necessary in the event of a tie, an athlete losing a ribbon, etc.)  Assist as necessary with the set up and take down of the P.A. system.  Stay in communication with the announcer throughout the meet, asking him/her to make announcements as deemed necessary (e.g. for schedule changes, groups that need to be called to an event, introducing attending dignitaries, etc.).

Ian Craigon Revised May 2006 COMOX VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TRACK AND FIELD

Starter : Job description

Note: The main task of the Starter is to ensure a fair, timely start to each race. Establishing a clear and regular procedure, such as “On your mark... set... (gun)” and using it consistently, is critical. For mass start races such as the 400, 800 and 1500, eliminate the “set” command.

 Obtain the starting equipment prior to the event or from the clerk of the course  Position yourself on the infield adjacent and slightly down track from the start line  When the Marshal indicates that she or he is ready, call each heat to the start line one at a time  Ensure that the Finish Line coordinator has indicated they are ready before you start the race  Call the appropriate starting instructions and start each race, ensuring that you are loud enough for all athletes to hear you.  Call athletes back to the start in the event of a false start by firing the gun a second time immediately  Keep spectators away from the starter’s area on the infield

Rob Grantham May, 2006 COMOX VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TRACK AND FIELD

Marshal : Job description

Note: Effective and timely marshaling can make the difference between the track meet running efficiently and on time, or running over time. The marshal needs to keep a constant eye on the timing and progress of field events, and adjust/adapt the running of track events to compensate for field event overruns as much as possible. Ongoing communication with the announcer, starter and clerk of the course is crucial to successful marshaling.

 Ensure that the Announcer calls athletes to the marshaling area when you are ready for them, not before  Marshal athletes for the 60m hurdles and sprints near the end of the track, away from the finish line; all other track events are marshaled in the infield  Call for ALL participants in each event to the marshaling area at once; this decreases announcements, pulls more kids out of the stands, and reduces kids crossing the track  Establish and maintain regular lanes for each school  For each event, determine which grade and gender should run first when the athletes arrive. Determine this by referring to progress of field events. Typically, run the group that is doing the high jump FIRST, so they can get there to compete, followed by the groups that are at long jump and ball throw so they can then make those field events once they are done on the track.  The remaining three groups of athletes can be run in any order, as they are not in a conflict with field events.  Require patient, quiet waiting from athletes while in the marshaling area  Keep spectators away from the marshaling area  Ensure that the Announcer is giving regular “early warning” calls out for the upcoming track event If track events are running ahead of time, take a break and remain close to the determined schedule.

Rob Grantham May, 2006 COMOX VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TRACK AND FIELD Responsibilities for Event Organizers

Finish Line : Job description

Normally that is needed is up to 9 people to be at the finish line to act as finish place judges. No stop watches or any other supplies are required and results are not recorded.. The 9 people each take a set of ribbons in their hand for each race (i.e. 1st place or 2nd place, etc. We normally have ribbons 1st through 8th place, plus Participation.). Each person is then asked to keep their eye on the finish line and count as the runners cross. When they see the athlete that crosses in the place that matches their finish place ribbons, they follow that athlete down the track, congratulate him/her, and hand out the ribbon.

If there is a tie and two or more judges cannot decide after some discussion and maybe after consulting another official who was watching the race, such as the clerk of the course, then they can decide to present the same place ribbon to more than one athlete. I usually would give them both/all the ribbon of the lower/est place. (I.e., if three runners come across tied for first, give them all a 1st place ribbon. However, we hope this happens rarely, as we order only so many 'extra' ribbons for each place and do not want to run out. Judges should try to make a clear decision on finish order if they can.

If there are more judges than there are runners (for the district meet in the hurdles for example, we may only have 6 runners per race), then someone gets a rest for that race. If there are fewer place judges than you have lanes or runners, then someone will have to try to watch for more than one place finisher and hand out more than one type of ribbon.

Judges must be ready when the starter is about to fire the gun. They must remember to avoid interfering with the runners as they cross the finish line. Some get excited after the first few cross the line and they step out on the track to give out ribbons and interfere with a later finisher. They must look up the track before they step out. Also, the judges should attempt to move the runners away from the finish line after they complete the race. Otherwise there gets to be a big glob of people right at the finish line and later finishers have no where to go as they cross the line ... resulting often in collisions and injury. Many of these late finishers come in fast trying to beat out one or two more opponents.

Sometimes two schools are both responsible for Finish line. It would be a good idea for them to call each other a day or two prior to the meet to see how many parents/helpers each is bringing. If both schools have 9, the two groups can share the work by alternating responsibility for each type of race or some other arrangement. If neither school is able to get that many volunteers, but can get 4 or 5 each, then that combined crew would do all the races. Sometimes a couple of Vanier work experience or leadership students are available to help at the finish line as judges.

Ian Craigon June 2004 COMOX VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TRACK AND FIELD Responsibilities for Event Organizers

High Jump : Job description * The person running the event must be assertive by sitting the athletes down and telling all the students the rules at the beginning of the event. * Rules for jumping: breaking these rules constitutes a miss at that height 1. One foot takeoff only. Scissors style is recommended (since it is deemed a safe lead up to the favored ‘flop’ style) and the remaining guidelines pertain to the use of a scissors style jump. (However, the Western roll and Straddle styles of jump would also be legal in that they do not endanger the athlete’s neck and back on landing.) 2. At the lower heights, the competitor must land on their feet. As the height increases, the athlete must attempt to land on their feet but may land on their hips and back. 3. Always, the leg nearest the bar and the same shoulder lead the body across the bar. 4. If the competitor lands on their hips and back, their body must land roughly parallel to the high jump bar. They may not land with the head pointing more than 45 degrees toward the opposite long side of the mat (pointing between opposite corners of the mat). Routines for managing the event: 1. Each athlete will be given up to 3 jumps at a single height until they are able to jump that height. If the athlete is unsuccessful in the 3 attempts, they are out of the event. 2. An athlete is allowed 2 balks in a row and on the third balk, a missed jump is marked against the athlete. (Balk: when a jumper runs up to the bar but does not attempt a jump.) 3. The bar is raised in increments of 8 cm for the first 3 increases, then 5 cm thereafter. 4. The starting heights are: Gr. 4 - 84 cm Gr. 5 - 92cm Gr. 6 - 1 m. 5. Athletes who leave the high jump to go to a track event before being eliminated, must take their next jump when they return, at whatever the height of the bar is at that time. (i.e. the crossbar is NEVER put down to a lower height once it has been raised).6. If the cross bar falls from the supports after the jumper has exited the pit, the jumper is not charged with a miss. Recommendations to help run the event efficiently and finish it on time: a. Use two high jump pits. b. Either split a category (e.g. Gr. 6 Girls) into two groups and send one group to each pit, or call two categories at one time (e.g. Gr. 6 Girls and Gr. 6 Boys) and use one pit for each category. c. Have a minimum of one official plus two helpers at each pit. The official (a teacher) explains the rules, calls the athletes in turn to jump, and records the results on the record sheet. The helpers re-set the crossbar after any knockdown and raise the bar for each new height as required. d. Don't waste any time getting the event started at the beginning of the meet and keep the event moving quickly throughout the day. Mike McComb and Ian Craigon, Revised April 2005 COMOX VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TRACK AND FIELD

Long Jump : Job description

Materials: cones, measuring tape, meter stick, metal rake

1. Set up the pit area by raking the sand, lifting the colored take-off board and positioning the end of the tape underneath ensuring it is held in place properly. Place a cone beside the track marking the take-off board and another at a reasonable starting point on the track. 2. As kids arrive, order them according to the recording sheet and give them a clear number i.e. “Airport jumper # 2.” Jot names next to numbers on the recording sheet if you like. Line kids up along the fence at the starting point. 3. If kids have another event to attend, record them as entered and allow them to jump as soon as they can return. 4. Visually clarify for all kids exactly where the take-off board is, and remind them that any part of their foot over the edge is a fault. 5. Position your helpers so you have one raker, 1 measuring tape person, and 1 person who watches the board for faults and records distances. 6. If you have time, allow a practice jump. Large groups may not have time for this. 7. Call each jumper individually by turn. Ensure they have a clear runway before signaling they may jump. 8. If a “fair” jump occurs, measure and record the distance from the landing point that is closest to the take-off board.. “Fault” jumps count as a jump. 9. Rotate through the jump list in order until all athletes have taken 3 jumps, circling their best distance after their third attempt. 10. Have the kids wait while you tally the results, then present ribbons as appropriate. Be sure to encourage lots of recognition and positive encouragement! 11. Inform the announcer when you are done so the next group can be called at the appropriate time.

By Kathy Hryko, Revised by R. Grantham May 2006 COMOX VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TRACK AND FIELD

Ball Throw : Job description

Prepared by Martin Hartig EPPS – revised 2006

Materials List:

12 – 14 identical softballs (label with school name)

32 flag markers – stakes with number flags from 1 to 32 visible

Toe plate or rope – for marking foot faults

Large spikes or tent pegs for fastening toe plate and ropes to ground

Poly rope to lay down as traffic control and for throwing zone

Four large traffic cones to indicate limits of throwing sector

50m tape with solid anchor point on the zero end one or two ski poles with the basket removed OR Large screwdriver or old chisel. Paint or flag with bright colour for visibility

Clipboards (2) and pens

Duct tape and large permanent marker

 label everything or risk losing it!

Station Set-up

1. Set up along the track side of the throwing cage - throws toward Vanier Drive 2. Install toe plate and throwing lane 3. Fix zero end of tape to foul line – make it solid so it stays in place the whole time 4. Install cones to make a wedge-shaped sector. One side lines up with fire hydrant near fence 5. Use a second rope to create a waiting area for athletes for before and after throws 6. Lay flag stakes out in order on the ground along the side of the cage 7. Set balls out on the lid of your tote 8. Get scoring sheets and ribbons from the announcer’s area 9. Let the games begin! Running the Event

Competition – 1 practice throw and 2 marked throws per athlete TIP: run all practice throws first round assembly-line style, then redo all athletes for 2 marked throws

Roles and Responsibilities: Spotter: marks where the ball lands. This needs to be the most consistent. Do NOT change spotters in mid-group to ensure most consistency in marking. 1- Mark the rearmost point of the ball’s impact crater with ski pole or other tool. 2- Use the second tool to mark the second throw in a similar fashion. 3- Only place a stake for the longer of the two throws. TIP: If the second of the two throws is clearly longer, pull the ski pole and mark the better throw. No need to mark the shorter of the two.

4 – enlarge the marking hole to receive the flag and tap the flag in place. 4 – WAIT for the athlete who just threw to run the next competitor’s flag out to you. This saves a lot of leg work.

Equipment Returner: their sole concern is to make sure the thrown balls are returned safely to the start area. Find the most effective way for your team to do this. NOTE: the spotter CANNOT return balls because their sole concern is to accurately mark the ball impacts.

Marshals: two adults work best 1- have lists of events on their clipboard 2- welcome athletes and have them sit in the appropriate roped-off area 3- Explain how the event is run 4- Demonstrate appropriate use of flag markers 5- Be sure to mention the “foot-fault” concept, practice throws and 2 marked throws 6- Ask for any athletes with time conflicts with track events to come forward 7- Process those athletes first and then they may go to their event UNLESS they need to go right away and throw for a measurement after their track event 8- Call athletes by school and rank number (i.e. Arden 1) and assign them their correct flag number – these numbers MUST correspond to the score sheets or else chaos ensues 9- Line up athletes in number order outside of the throwing lane NOTE – Marshals are the only ones who can call the foot fault – they must be vigilant for this 10- Efficiently have them do their practice throw – “hand flag to marshal, throw ball, get flag, return to waiting line” 11- Athletes then throw two balls in succession. NEVER throw until spotter waves the go-ahead. 12- Balls must land in the defined sector to be measured. Foot faults are not marked. 13- After 2 throws, marshal sends athlete out to spotter with the NEXT thrower’s flag 14- Athletes can carry back thrown balls then move to waiting area for results.

Scoring the Event

After all throws are completed, measure the longest throw using the long tape against the back edge of the flag stake.

Measure from the back of the stake (foul line side) to be consistent.

Indicate the ranking on the score sheet as well as the actual measurement.

Continue measuring and ranking the next longest throws until you have the top ten results.

BEFORE announcing the results, have the athletes run out and fetch the flags, placing them back along the cage in proper order.

Announce the results and hand out ribbons for top 8 placings and participant ribbons to others.

TIP : to streamline the process, have a marshal begin with briefing and check-in of the next group while the previous group gets ribbons.