Field Events – Parent Helper Roles
The roles of the parent officials for Field Events are generally as follows:
| Age Manager/ Official 1 | Official 2 | Official 3 | Official 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Group Call Next Athlete Read & Record Result | Judge Fouls Pull Tape / Measure | Spike throws Judge Javelin Landing Set HJ bar in place | Retrieve Implement Set HJ bar in place Rake Pit / Spray water |
Note: While the table shows 4 officials (and this is ideal), it may be necessary to operate with fewer on occasion.
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/Volunteers
Field Events – Fact Sheets
The following 1 page sheets explain the key rules and techniques for each event and are helpful for both Athletes & Officials. Parent officials should pay particular attention to the sections on ‘fouls’ and ‘measuring’.
Throws: Discus; Shot Put; Javelin
Jumps: Long Jump; Triple Jump; High Jump
Track Events – Parent Helper Roles
The following roles are required to supervise races conducted on the Track on the main oval. Noone should be on the main oval unless they are and Age Manager escorting their group to an event or Signed-up to fill one of these roles:
| Role | What's Involved / Documentation |
|---|---|
| Age Managers | 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: Keep track of which Age Groups are next to run. Move runners onto the Track. At the Finish Line: Assist the Track Recorder to collect the bib number of each runner in their finishing order (pack races) or lane order (races conducted fully in lanes - when 'start line process' not operating. See Track Procedures below for further information. |
| Start Line Recorder | Required whenever the 'Start Line Process' is in operation. Uses a mobile phone to capture the identify 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 Age Group about to run. Hurdle Specs (straight track - brief) Circular Track - Hurdle positions on the Circular Track (for 200 & 300m hurdles) are marked on the Track (usually just in lanes 1 to 3). Under 13 do the 200m Hurdles with 5 flights set to 68cm. Under 14 do 200m Hurdles with 5 flights set to 76cm. Under 15 - 17 do 300m Hurdles with 7 flights 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 V5 - Week A Straight Track Procedures V5 - Week B |
| Circular Track | Circular Track Procedures V5 - Week A Circular Track Procedures V5.1 - Week B |
Track Events – Briefs
Briefs: Middle Distance; (For Parents & Athletes)
Videos: Starting a Race; Track Rules
Australian Athletics Officials’ Education Scheme (AAOES)
Level 1 of the AAOES addresses the needs of club level officiating and includes short, easy to complete on-line courses covering each of the Event areas in Little Athletics. Each course (eg. “Discus”) requires about 45 – 90 minutes of your time, and you will receive a Level 1 Certificate for each course you complete. The scheme also provides pathways to Level 2 and Level 3 programs which provide the higher levels of expertise required to officiate at State & National level championships.
To find out more about Officials Education, visit: Australian Athletics Officials’ Education Scheme.
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