Track and Field 
Rules of Competition
SECTION A - GENERAL RULES
The competition will be conducted under International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) rules except where otherwise stated.
Websites for the above organisations can be found at:-
- International Association of Athletic Federation - www.iaaf.org
- International Paralympic Committee - www.paralympic.org
Entry Requirements
All competitors must be bona fide school students, with a minimum age of 10 years and a maximum age of 19 years in the year of competition.
For age groups 13 - 19
If a team wishes to select more than two competitors for an individual event, or more than four for the 100m then all competitors selected for that event must have reached the qualifying standard as out lined in the qualifying standards.
For age groups 10, 11 and 12 years
No additional athletes may be entered into an event.
Age Groups
10 years – born 1998
11 years – born 1997
12 years – born 1996
13 years – born 1995
14 years – born 1994
15 years – born 1993
16 years – born 1992
17 years – born 1991
18 years – born 1990
19 years – born 1989
Entering up an age Group
A team may select an athlete to compete up an age group for an event that is not offered in their own age group. The athlete must have reached the qualifying standard for that event and fulfilled the selection requirements for their team. E.g. a 12 year old competitor may be selected to compete in the 13 years Javelin if they have reached that qualifying standard.
Athletes with a Disability
All track events will be conducted as Multi-disability seeded ‘time finals’.
Competitors must indicate their classification on the entry form. Australian athletes should be classified in their own State/Territory prior to competition. Other athletes will be subject to a classification process upon arrival if they have not already been classified. Athletes must show verification of their classification to the PSG Organising Committee.
There must be a minimum of 3 entries for an event to be confirmed. Some events may be run concurrently with another age group. In the case of throwing events, athletes will use the implement weight as per their own age group and classification.
Each competitor is permitted to compete in a maximum of 4 individual events plus a relay.
The qualifying standards should be used as a guide. i.e. they are indicators of the standards required to participate at this level of competition. The relays are "Open"; no classification structure/requirements.
Class 20(Intellectual Disability) athletes must be able to have their classification validated by Ausrapid.
Classes 11-13 (Vision Impaired), Classes 31-38 (Cerebral Palsy), Classes 40-46 (Amputee and les Autres) and Classes 51-58 (Wheelchair) are encouraged to register with the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC).
Class 01 (Deaf), and Class 60 (Transplant) athletes should be registered with their appropriate organisations. These athletes will be required to give their membership numbers when registering.
Seated Field Events:
For field events where competitors require a throwing frame, each competitor will take their six trials consecutively. Throwing Frames must be taken to the Call Room with the Athletes. They will be transported to the field of play. Each competitor is to supply their own throwing chair.
Time Limits:
Seated field athletes will be subject to a time limit for preparation in their event. A reasonable time will be permitted for an athlete to place the frame in the circle before the commencement of their first trial. This time shall not normally exceed 2 minutes for Classes F32 - 34, F54 - 58, and 3 minutes for Classes F 51 - 53. (IPC Rule 180 par. 5).
"Tie Down Crews" will be available to assist seated athletes anchor their throwing frames to the platform.
Track Events:
Competition track chairs must be used. No day chairs will be allowed.
Wheelchair athletes must wear helmets in all track events. This is a PSG requirement.
Track races, which include hearing impaired competitors, will be started by another device.
Vision Impaired Athletes:
Black glasses or blindfolds for Vision Impaired athletes in T/F11 must be supplied by Team Management.
Guide Runners:
Guide runners for Vision Impaired athletes must be supplied by Team Management. These guides will need to wear bright orange vests to distinguish themselves. These vests need to be supplied by Team Management. Guide runners must attend the Call Room with the athlete.
Callers:
Callers for the 100 metres and Long Jump for Vision Impaired athletes in class T/F 11 or T/F 12 (T/F 12 may only have a Caller or an Escort where as T/F 11 may have both a Caller and an Escort) are to be supplied by Team Management. These callers must wear a bright orange vest supplied by Team Management. Names of callers and the classification of the athlete must be submitted at the time of Entry.
Escorts:
Escorts required for athletes competing in Classes 32 : 51-53 events must be supplied by Team Management and will be required to wear a bright orange vest supplied by Team Management. The Escorts, having assisted their athlete into and out of the throwing area will be seated to the side of the competition site. Names of Escorts and the classification of the athlete must be submitted at the time of Entry. If an athlete in a classification other than those specified requires an Escort then they must complete a request form and present it to the person responsible for AWD Athletes in the TIC. Automatic approval is not to be expected. Escorts must attend the Call Room with the athlete.
Vision Impaired (Class F11 and F12) competitors will use a Long Jump take off area of 1m x 1.2m in their events. All other classifications will use the normal Long Jump equipment and procedures.
The long jump boards at the AIS are situated 2 metres from the pit. This measurement is taken from the front edge of the pit to the edge of the board nearest the pit. Some pits at the AIS are fitted with 1m take off lines.
In events for Athletes with a Disability, one Gold, one Silver and one Bronze Pacific School Games medal will be awarded per event, per age group, per sex. The medals will be determined by calculating the percentage of the current Multi-Disability Score as developed by Athletics Australia AWD Commission.
SECTION B - COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS
Competition Uniform
All athletes must wear the uniform provided by their state/territory or country. The medal ceremony is considered part of the competition for this purpose.
Competition uniforms must comply with IAAF standards regarding advertising and State/Territory or Country logos.
Competition Numbers
Competition numbers will be given to Team Management for issue to competitors. These will be distributed to team management at the Technical Meeting to be held at 5:30pm on Saturday 29 November in the Theatrette situated in the Frank Stewart Training Facility at the AIS.
Each competitor will be issued with two (2) copies of competition numbers. The competition numbers serve a dual purpose in that they identify the competitors for officials and they provide a significant recognition opportunity for sponsors and announcers.
The competition numbers issued must be worn firmly attached with no fewer than four (4) pins to the front and four (4) pins to the back of their competition uniforms (high jump and pole vault one only) so the entire number and sponsorship information can be easily read. No part of the number shall be folded under. The PSG Committee will enforce IAAF Rule 143.8, which disqualifies an athlete from competing if he/she tampers in any way with the competition number.
Wheelchair track athletes will be issued with three (3) copies of competition numbers. One number attached to the back of the seat of their competition chair. The additional numbers shall be attached to the back of their day chair and the front of their competition uniform.
Wheelchair field athletes will also be issued with three (3) numbers. One number to be placed on the back of their throwing chair/frame and one number on the front of their competition vest. The other number shall be attached to the back of their day chair.
Requirements for HIP/LANE Numbers
The main purpose of the hip number is to assist Photo Finish Judges in identifying competitors as they cross the finish line for those events in which competitors do not start or remain in lanes.
Hip numbers will be allocated to competitors in all track events including 800 metres and above, with each competitor wearing the number of the lane/order as listed on the start sheet. This will include the final runner in the 4x400 Relay events.
Hip numbers will be issued to competitors in the Call Room, with the Call Room Judges ensuring that they are worn correctly and the Starter’s Assistants will verify prior to the race.
Wheelchair track competitors will wear their lane number on their helmet.
Call Room procedures
All athletes are required to report in to the Call Room prior to their event.
Athletes in seated throwing events must take their throwing frames into the Call Room for measuring. All throwing chairs will then be transported to the event site.
The location of the Call Room for all events is in the Brumbies Muster pavilion at the southern end of Canberra Stadium which can be accessed in the following ways:
- From out of stadium warm up areas: through eastern entrance to Canberra Stadium.
- Through Holding Area pavilion which is situated parallel to the back straight at the south eastern end of the Track & Field facility.
- Through the compound area inside main entrance of the Track & Field facility.
All access points will be clearly signed.
Athletes will proceed to the start of their event from the Call Room accompanied by a PSG official. Athletes who proceed to the event site, not accompanied by an official, may not be allowed to compete.
The times at which athletes should report to the Call Room prior to scheduled start time of their event are:
|
70 minutes |
|
50 minutes |
|
40 minutes |
|
30 minutes |
|
25 minutes |
This time allows for all Call Room procedures and movement to the competition site. The remainder of the time may be used to complete the warm-up at the competition site, if the site is not in use for another event.
If an athlete is already competing in another event at the designated call time, the Team Manager must notify the Call Room of this prior to the designated call time.
Final confirmation of Entries
All athletes are deemed to be confirmed.
Confirmation of entries is the responsibility of Team Management. Changes must be confirmed on the appropriate form at the Technical Information Centre no later than 1200 (midday) of the day prior to the event.
Team Managers are encouraged to make any scratchings as soon as possible. This should be done by the Team Manager in the Technical Information Centre (Commonwealth Room) which is located in the Grandstand opposite the finishing line not later than one hour (90 minutes for pole vault) before the scheduled starting time of each event. After close of confirmation for each event, heat allocations and lane draws will be conducted for those events. Draws for all events will be posted on notice boards as soon as they become available.
If the original competitor is to be replaced (heats & preliminary rounds only) then the substitution may be made at the time of confirmation.
Substitutions after confirmation must be completed on the separate substitution form and no later than two (2) hours before published start time with the Technical Information Centre (TIC).
Team Management will need to indicate if two or more athletes with a disability are using the same throwing chair. Team Management must complete and submit the “Additional Information Form’ at the Technical Briefing to be held at 5:00pm on Saturday 29 November in the Theatre at the AIS.
Withdrawals/Subsitutions
It is the responsibility of the Team Manager to ensure that the
Withdrawal /Substitution Form is completed and handed into the Technical Information Centre (TIC) for any competitor wishing to withdraw from an event after confirmation. This should be done as soon as possible and no later than two (2) hours prior to the commencement of the event.
NOTE: An athlete shall be excluded from participation in all further events in the competition including relays, where he/she qualified in preliminaries or heats for further participation in an event, but then failed to participate further.
The provision of a medical certificate, endorsed by a medical officer appointed or approved by the PSG Committee, may be accepted as sufficient reason to accept that the athlete became unable to compete after confirmation closed or after competing in a previous round, but will be able to compete in further events on a subsequent day of the competition.
NOTE: (IAAF Rule 142.4 and notes (i) (ii)) – Failure to Participate.
It will be at the discretion of the Competition Director following a written report from the appropriate Referee (Track/Throws/Jumps) together with a medical certificate, whether an athlete may be permitted to continue in the competition.
Relay Confirmation Forms
The Team Manager must complete relay confirmation forms. These forms must list the members of the relay team in running order and must be handed in at the Administration Room at least two hours prior to the start of the event. Any changes after declarations close must be supported by a medical certificate from the appointed Medical Officer (IAAF Rule 170.18).
Procedures for Seedings and Draws
Track Events 100-800 metres including hurdles, competitors will be seeded according to the performances submitted on entry and a random draw will take place for lanes. Where possible, two competitors from the same state/territory or country will not be placed in the same heat.
Track Events greater than 1500m, competitors will be seeded according to the performances submitted on entry and a random draw will occur for start positions.
Up to ten (10) lanes may be used in heats of straight track events and up to eight (8) lanes in heats of circular events. In heats of 800m events, two (2) athletes may be drawn to share a lane to avoid additional heats.
The order for field events will be a random draw for preliminary and first round.
In field events for Athletes with a Disability who require a throwing frame, the draw will be random. However, in the case of two competitors using the same throwing chair they will compete one following the other. Team Management must notify the PSG Office of the sharing of chairs on the “Additional Information form” which must be submitted to the PSG Office at the time of Team Entry.
If additional rounds are required (other than those scheduled) all competitors will be notified through Team Management.
If entries received in any event are such that only a final will be required then the final will be held at the scheduled heat time.
Progression to Finals (TRACK)
Rules for progression and qualifying rounds are as follows. These are the numbers of athletes checked-in and over-ride the IAAF Rules, and remain subject to changes directed by the Competition Director of Athletics Australia.
|
**1-8 Over 8 |
Final only Two rounds only |
|
1-9 Over 9 |
Final only Two rounds only |
|
Final only # | |
|
Final only # | |
|
Final only |
* In the case of straight events, up to 10 athletes, and for 800m up to 12 athletes, may be included in some heats or finals to eliminate unnecessary rounds. If more than 30 confirmations are received for 100m or straight hurdles, and more than 24 confirmations for the 200m or 400m or 200m / 400m hurdles events, additional rounds may be programmed.
**May be conducted in two divisions, if necessary.
Progressions:
For events up to 800 metres:
- 6 heats: Winner of each heat plus next 2 fastest to final
- 5 heats: Winner of each heat plus next 3 fastest to final
- 4 heats: Winner of each heat plus next 4 fastest to final
- 3 heats: First 2 per heat plus next 2 fastest to final
- 2 heats: First 3 per heat plus next 2 fastest to final
Where it is decided that semi finals shall be conducted, adjustments to the above progressions will be made and notified either at the Technical Meeting, or as soon as practicable thereafter.
The ‘next fastest’ will be decided on times. If the times are equal then the highest placing in the round will determine who will progress to the next round, unless there is more available space in the final. Reserves will not be placed in finals, where a withdrawal occurs.
Where the number of entrants for a track event is such as to require the running of heats, the names of all competitors shall be listed in the program. The draw shall be made one hour before the advertised starting time of the event. Where all scheduled rounds of a competition are not required then the first round shall be cancelled, unless otherwise advised at the Technical Meeting.
Progression to Finals (FIELD)
If qualifying rounds are required in field events then a qualifying mark shall be set and all athletes who better the performance shall proceed to the final or the top 10 athletes, whichever is the greater number. Qualifying marks will be available at the Technical Meeting.
Starting Heights
The following starting heights will apply:
Pole Vault |
High Jump |
|
| 10 years (Boys) | 1.05 |
|
| 10 years (Girls) | 1.00 |
|
| 11 years (Boys) | 1.10 |
|
| 11 years (Girls) | 1.05 |
|
| 12 years (Boys) | 1.30 |
|
| 12 years (Girls) | 1.20 |
|
| 13 years (Boys) | 2.00 |
1.40 |
| 13 years (Girls) | 1.80 |
1.35 |
| 14 years (Boys) | 2.40 |
1.65 |
| 14 years (Girls) | 2.10 |
1.40 |
| 15 years (Boys) | 2.40 |
1.65 |
| 15 years (Girls) | 2.10 |
1.45 |
| 16 years (Boys) | 3.00 |
1.70 |
| 16 years (Girls) | 2.30 |
1.50 |
| 17 years (Boys) | 3.10 |
1.75 |
| 17 years (Girls) | 2.40 |
1.50 |
| 18-19 years (Boys) | 3.20 |
1.80 |
| 18-19 years (Girls) | 2.50 |
1.60 |
Progressions will be determined at the Technical Meeting.
Triple Jump:
The following boards will be used in the Triple Jump:
| Age Group |
|
| 13 years (Boys) |
|
| 13 years (Girls) |
|
| 14 years (Boys) |
|
| 14 years (Girls) |
|
| 15 years (Boys) |
|
| 15 years (Girls) |
|
| 16 years (Boys) |
|
| 16 years (Girls) |
|
| 17 years (Boys) |
|
| 17 years (Girls) |
|
| 18-19 years (Boys) |
|
| 18-19 years (Girls) |
|
SECTION C - EQUIPMENT
Personal Implements
Competitors who wish to use their own implements during the PSG MUST lodge them with the Technical Manager at the Equipment Room located on the back straight before 1700 hours on the day prior to competition. Implements will be impounded until after the event when competitors may collect them from the Equipment Room.
Athletes must provide their own vaulting poles. The Organising Committee will not provide vaulting poles. Poles must also be lodged at the Technical/Equipment Room for overnight or pre-competition storage.
Poles, Racing Wheelchairs and Throwing Chairs will be placed in secure storage on site until required for competition.
Spikes
If worn, the maximum length of the spike which projects from the sole or heel shall be:
|
7mm |
|
7mm |
|
7mm |
A maximum of 11 spikes may be used in any one shoe with a maximum diameter of 4mm.
Markers (IAAF Rule: 187.21)
Competitors in field events must only use the markers supplied by the Technical Manager. Each competitor may use a maximum of two (2) markers.
Relay teams, will be supplied with strips of tape for acceleration markers. No other markers are to be used.
Under no circumstances, is powder or any other substance, permitted to be used as a marker in any event.
Starting Blocks:
Starting blocks must be used for all events up to and including 400m and only those supplied by the Organising Committee may be used. Private blocks will not be permitted. Starting blocks will be available for pre-competition training.
SECTION C - GENERAL
Pole Vault Rule Dispensation:
AA Competition Rule 20.2.27: Rule 183.2 (a) – For the under 18 age group and lower for women and the under 16 age group and lower for men, this rule, at the discretion of the chief judge of the event, may not be applied to a particular trial, where in the opinion of the chief judge, a competitor made a reasonable attempt to push the pole back in the direction of the runway, but the wind then caused the bar to be dislodged by the pole.
This dispensation shall apply for the relevant age groups at all meetings held in Australia.
Protests
Protests in the first instance may be made verbally to the Referee (Throws/Jumps/Track) by the athlete as per IAAF Rules.
Protests concerning the result or conduct of an event shall be made within 30 minutes of the official announcement of the result of the event. Protests to the Referee by a Team Manager on behalf of an athlete must be made on the relevant form through the Technical Information Centre.
Protest to the Referee: If the protest is to the Referee, the Referee will consider the matter and advise the Team Manager and the Administration Delegate of the decision via the Technical Information Centre. The Technical Information Centre Manager will pass the information to the Administration Delegate who will record the details of the decision.
Appeals to the Jury: The Team Manager on behalf of the athlete, through the Technical Information Centre may make an appeal, against the decision of the Referee. Such an appeal should be made in writing to the Jury.
All protests must be accompanied by 100 Australian Dollars ($100). This may be returned at the discretion of the Jury. Team Management will be informed of the result of the appeal by the Technical Information Centre Manager.
At the PSG an approved team official may be present to assist an athlete whenever an athlete is being addressed or questioned by a Referee or the Jury of Appeal.
Exit from the Field of Play
All athletes must exit the Field of Play through the Post Event Control area, which is located near the finish line. Officials will direct athletes to this area. Athletes MUST NOT exit the Field of Play other than through this area.
Medal Ceremonies
Medals will be presented as soon as possible after the final of each event. All placegetters will be escorted to the Ceremonies Area at the completion of their event by an Event Official.
Medal presentation ceremonies will be held at the times indicated in the program and are an official part of the competition.
All medal winners will be told at post–event of the time they are required to be at the Ceremonies Area.
Gold, Silver and Bronze Pacific School Games medallions will be awarded to the first three athletes/ teams in each event.
All members of winning teams will be awarded medals. Only the members of the relay teams who have competed in the final will receive their medals at the Medal Presentation Ceremony. All other members’ medals will be given to Team Managers to pass on to their respective athletes.
In the event of a protest the Medal Ceremony will be delayed until the result of the protest is known.
All Medallists must be dressed in their Team Tracksuit for the Presentation Ceremony. This includes appropriate sports shoes. Bare feet is NOT acceptable. Only hats that are a part of the official team uniform are to be worn.
It is the responsibility of Team Management to ensure medallists are dressed correctly, are punctual and ready for the presentation.
Once in the assembly area, all medal winners are under the control of the Ceremonies Co-ordinator until official photographs have been taken at the conclusion of their medal presentation.
Athletes must wait until their name is announced before stepping onto the Presentation Dias.
Medallists will be escorted to and from the Presentation Area.
Only the Official Photographer is permitted on the Field of Play for presentations.
Track AWD Qualifying Standards
Field AWD Qualifying Standards
Implements Weights
Able Bodied Implement Weights 45kb (PDF)
AWD Implement Weights 78kb (PDF)
Hurdles Specifications
Girls Hurdles Specifications 42kb (PDF)
Boys Hurdles Specifications 44kb (PDF)
Last updated on: 1 October 2008
