This Sunday will see many of our under 13, under 15 and under 17 athletes pull on their CoNAC stripes to compete as a team for the first time this year. For some, this could be a brand new experience, so here is a little more information about how a league match works.
Each track race will have an A race, a B race, plus non scorers. With the exception of the 800m and 1500m, where all athletes will run together. Ideally the A race will comprise the fastest athletes from each club (one representative from each), and the B race the next fastest. All others will compete in the non-scoring races. If there are insufficient numbers for separate races, some races may be combined. If you are competing in a track event, you will need to be at the start area around fifteen prior to the start, ready to be called by the marksman.
In the field events, all athletes compete together. The best scoring athlete will become the A string and the next scoring athlete will become the B string. All athletes will get three trials and the best performance counts. In the high jump, athletes can choose what height they start jumping at, and the bar will go up in 5cm intervals. For field events, you should ideally go over around 15-20 minutes before the event start time in order to register with the officials and practice.
Track events take priority over field events. So, if you are doing events at similar times, please contest the track event first. If you need to leave a field event to go over to another event, please let the officials know. Often, they can adjust your position in the round and allow you back into the competition. Otherwise, please stay for the entire event in order to thank the official and the other athletes.
The A and B string events will be ranked in order separately, scored and then totalled at the end of the day to give the overall winning team.
Please note that athletes cannot compete in both the 800m and 1500m on any one day and each athlete is restricted to three individual events plus the relay. Therefore, some athletes may only have one or two events.
The great thing about the league competitions is that it provides an opportunity for the athletes to support each other and compete together as a team. The emphasis will be on giving your all and trying new things.
What you need to know:
Athletes must wear CoNAC vests – ask your team manager before the match if you don’t already have one.
Numbers must be worn which correspond to the string/number declared. So, some athletes may be doing a combination of A, B, and non-scoring events. Your team manager will give you the numbers on the day. Pins can be used to attach the numbers to the vest. Please bring your own.
You should arrive around an hour prior to your first event in order to collect your numbers, prepare and warm up. Your team manager will let you know where to find them – you must report to them on arrival.
Come prepared for a fairly long day, with potentially large breaks between events. Hopefully the weather will be nice, but we would recommend coming ready for any conditions. You will need to be well stocked with snacks and water as well to keep your energy levels high.
All athletes will be limited to one ‘plus one’ on the day due to the Sportspark’s Covid restrictions. Siblings are also not permitted.