TRACK events

LAQ Event Descriptions
LAQ Info - Video 

Get to know: HURDLES

LAQ Info - Video -  Starting​
What is the basic technique:
Hurdles are built to tumble easily, when knocked, provided they are hurdled from the correct direction. Hurdles must never be jumped from the reverse direction as they will not tumble and could cause serious injury.
​Hurdling is basically an extension of running. The first leg over the hurdle is called the ‘lead leg’ and the second leg over is called the ‘trail leg’.
  • Lead leg – straight up (bent knee raised to chest), straight out (extend the leg over the hurdle), straight down over the hurdle (plant the foot on the other side of the hurdle).
  • Trail leg – lift the leg to the side with heel to bottom. Pull the knee around and through to the chest, and then foot plant in the direction the athlete is running. (Some coaches like to tell their athletes to pop the balloon for this part of the action).
When can an athlete be disqualified:
  • If in the opinion of the referee, an athlete deliberately knocks down a hurdle by hand or foot.
  • If an athlete interferes or impedes another athlete’s performance.
  • If an athlete goes under or around a hurdle.
  • If an athlete trails their foot around the side of a hurdle.
  • If an athlete jumps a hurdle not in their own lane.
The event is run over 60m (6 flights), 80m (9 flights), 90m (9 flights), 100m (10 flights), 110m (10 flights), and 200m (5 flights) and 300m (7 flights) depending on the age group.
Heights vary for age groups: 20cm for U6’s, 30cm for U7’s, 45cm for U8 & U9’s, 60cm for U10 & U11’s, though to 68cm or 76cm U12 to U17’s.
USING RUNNING SPIKES
Athletes from U11-U12 are allowed to wear running spikes in LJ, HJ,TJ, Javelin and all laned track events.

Athletes from U13-U17 are allowed to wear running spikes in LJ, HJ, TJ, Javelin and all track events (except the walk).

Athletes must only wear their spikes in the event, not to and from the event. 

On synthetic track events spikes must be no longer than 7mm.
On synthetic field events spikes  must be no longer than 9mm.
On grass track and field events spikes must be no longer than 12mm.

GET TO KNOW: 
track relays

LAQ Info - Video -  Starting​
Relays: Two types may be run – shuttle and circular
​In the shuttle, runners face each other from opposite ends of the straight and pass the baton as they reach their partner waiting at the other end of the straight.​In the circular relay, all children run in the same direction around the track with the baton being carried in the right hand (1st runner) left hand (2nd runner) right hand (3rd runner) and left hand (4th runner). Runners 2 and 4 should be towards the outside of the lane when moving the baton. If this is done, changing hands with the baton is not necessary so the possibility of dropping it is reduced.

GET TO KNOW:
​Race Walking

LAQ Info - Video -  Starting​
What is the basic technique?
  • Posture – have the head and body tall, shoulders parallel to the front.
  • Arms – bend the arms at elbows and swing them with shoulders relaxed and low.
  • Legs/feet – The basic action of the walk is a heel-toe action. The athlete lands on their heel and rolls forward on to their toe. From the time the heel hits the ground to the time the foot passes underneath the body the advancing or “lead” leg must be straight.
Disqualification at LAQ events:
What is a CAUTION?
A caution is given when an athlete is “close” to breaking the rules. e.g. it looks like they might be starting to bend their knee too early. You can get a caution from each judge.
What is a RED CARD?
​A Red Card is issued when an athlete has “broken” the rules. This can be for knees (not keeping the leg straight from first contact to a vertical position) or loss of contact with the ground.
  • The Chief Race Walk Judge must report to the Referee immediately after the end of the event, the details of all athletes disqualified AND all athletes who received red cards.
  • At the Senior Carnival, Regional, Winter & State Championships, for U12 – U17 athletes, Race Walk Judges will not call ‘Red Card’ for relevant infringements, only written reports will be made.