Running Events

The requirements of this schedule apply to Running Events including sprints, relays, middle/long distance, walks, hurdles and cross-country events.

As part of the process of safety self-regulation, all persons engaging in marine activity should identify the hazards, assess their significance and manage the potential risks including any additional hazards not mentioned here

Hazards that may be encountered in athletics running events include:

• physical environment (e.g. running surface, natural terrain, obstacles)
• spikes
• starting pistols and caps
• equipment (e.g. hurdles, starting blocks); and
• dehydration

The demands on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems during high rates of energy production can cause high levels of stress in the young and the unfit.

Running events should be selected for students after considering their stage of growth and development, their fitness level and the demands of the particular event.

The categorisation of these conditions is subjective and offered as a starting point for risk management planning. The actual degree of risk is best ascertained by persons with intimate local knowledge present at the site of the activity.

Risk levels in athletics running events are divided into two categories:

Low risk (level 1):
Sprints, relays, middle/long distance and walks

Medium risk (level 2):
Hurdles and cross-country events.

One adult present should have knowledge of, and an ability to perform, first aid procedures.

If an adult other than a registered teacher is engaged for instruction, a teacher should be present to take overall responsibility

The qualifications listed in this section are minimums for each type of situation. Leaders are encouraged to seek training to raise their qualification level above the minimum listed.

For Low Risk (Level 1) activities the leader should be:

• a registered teacher with a knowledge of the teaching of the specific event and the potential hazards; or
• an adult who has Level 1 Accreditation from the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association, if a teacher with relevant knowledge is not available.

For Medium Risk (Level 2) activities, the leader should be:

• a registered teacher with experience (previous involvement in the activity) in the teaching of the specific event; or
• an adult who has Level Accreditation from the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association, if a teacher with relevant experience is not available.

A first aid kit should be available at all venues where lessons and competitions are conducted.

Students should be free of any injury, illness or disorder which may affect their capacity to run or hurdle, or which may be aggravated as a result of the activity.

Students should have appropriate foot protection when participating on a tartan or similar surface. It may be deemed safe for them to participate in bare feet on a well grassed surface free of loose obstacles.

The area should be level and free from obstacles and loose objects.

The track should allow sufficient space beyond the finish line for deceleration.

Running lanes should be wide enough to ensure that runners do not contact each other.

Starting blocks, pegs and hammers should be removed from the track and placed in a safe place when not in use.

If starting blocks are used in circular events, any sets which may present a hazard to runners at the finish of the event should be removed immediately after the start.

Non-participants should be kept clear of the running area.

Students should be instructed in safety procedures for the use of spikes.

Sprints

• Finishing tapes should not be used in sprint activities.
• Students should run in lanes.

Relays

• Students should stay in their lanes during baton changes and for a safe period afterwards.
• Relay change-over areas should be supervised at all times during competition.
• All batons should be made of lightweight material, such as aluminium or plastic, and should be regulation size.
• Spikes should not be worn by students when learning baton changing.

Hurdles

• Hurdle weights should not be placed too far from the base of the upright for the height of the hurdle in preparation for competition.
• Hurdling should take place only in the direction for which the hurdles are designed.
• Hurdles used for training beginners and primary school students should be of lightweight construction.
• Hurdle heights and spacings should be set to facilitate learning of the correct technique.

Middle, Long Distance and Walk Activities

• Students should be spaced sufficiently at the start of middle, long distance and walk events to avoid collisions or spike injuries.
• Students should have undertaken sufficient training before competing in distance events.
• Adequate amounts of water should be consumed before long-distance events to prevent dehydration.

Cross-Country

• Cross-country courses should be checked before the event to ensure the course is safe and well defined. The following should be considered when selecting the course:
  • the age of the student group
  • the physical capabilities of the students
  • the environmental conditions prevailing at the time of the race
  • the number of students taking part in the race
  • the type of surface over which the race will take place
  • the steepness of inclines and declines
  • the depth and speed of current at any water crossings
  • the potential dangers of obstacles on the course
  • the supervision being provided at appropriately spaced stations on the course and provision of procedures to account for all competitors; and
  • the availability of first aid facilities.
• Footwear should be worn.
• There should be a vehicle available and designated for emergency transport of athletes injured on the course.
• Students should be instructed to consume adequate amounts of water before and during the session to prevent dehydration.
• Prevailing weather conditions should be considered. If weather conditions are unsuitable, the activity should be curtailed and appropriate shelter should be sought.

• Queensland School Sport
• HLS-PR-013: Developing a Sun Safety Strategy
• SCM-PR-002: School Excursions
• HLS-PR-005: Injury, Illness and Dangerous Event Recording and Reporting
• HLS-PR-003: First Aid for Schools and Non-school Locations