TRACK MEET RULES ( SANCTIONED EVENTS)

Athletes who are members of B.C. Athletics may only compete in events sanctioned by B.C. Athletics.

BC Athletics insurance policy does not cover athletic events that do not meet their safety requirements. Elementary, Secondary School and University Meets are covered by their own insurance and are exempt.

Sanctioned track meets are highly structured events governed by a set of detailed Rules for Competition. Infractions of the rules by athletes, parents or coaches can result in disqualification, or dismissal of the athlete or the whole Club from a meet.

1.In most situations, officials or competing athletes only are allowed on the track or infield during a meet.

2.Parents, coaches or other athletes may not coach, advise or pace (run beside an athlete) within the competition area. Athletes may communicate with others during competition only when those persons are in the area designated by the officials for doing so.

3.Protests concerning the conduct of an event or the actions of an athlete are registered with meet officials by a senior club coach within a determined time period. Usually there is a $40.00 “protest fee” payable by the Club. Parents must not harass meet officials.

4.Athletes may not scratch from events unless suffering from illness or Injury. Scratches must be authorized and entered by the Coach. At higher level competitions unauthorized scratching can result in an athlete being disqualified for the remainder of the competition. Athletes who fail to compete in an event for which they are registered must reimburse the Club for the cost of that entry (unless a scratch is authorized). Athletes may switch events only on the basis of the Senior coach striking an agreement with the meet director.

Athletes should develop a preparation plan that works. This may take some time to refine. Included in the preparation plan should be the time it takes to reach the competition site, the time it takes to warm-up properly and strategies and tactics to enable the athlete to perform to their best ability. A successful plan will result in successful performances.