Track and Field Competition
Since 1960 Nowra Athletics Club has been offering Track and Field competition for athletes of all ages – toddlers to masters athletes – and all abilities. It’s a perfect way to spend time with the family whilst participating in friendly athletic competition. We love seeing all family members having fun competing in their chosen track and field events.
If you enjoy jumping, throwing and running, we have it all.
Track and Field competition takes place during the warmer months, usually starting in September each year and finishing in February/March.
Competition is held on Wednesday evenings from 5.30pm at Shoalhaven High School Athletics Track, located on Park Road, Nowra.
Our competition operates under a graded point-score system.
Graded Point-Score Competition
How it works
Competitors are divided by age into Grades, A,B,C,D,E & Vet’s (or Masters). Competitors earn points for each event they participate in each week and points are tallied at the end of the season to determine the overall placings. Points for all running events determine winners of the Track category and then separate points for throwing and jumping events determine winners of the Field Category. This is undertaken for all Grades.
Athletes must compete in at least 50% of competition nights to be eligible for end of season medals/trophies.
Definition of Grades
The age grading for our point-score competition is based on the age of the athlete as at 31 December of the year the season commences.
A Grade – 16 years & above
B Grade – 13-15 years
Vets (V’s) or Masters – 30 years & above
C Grade – 10 – 12 years
D Grade – 7 – 9 years
E Grade – 6 years & under
Club Track and Field Records
Rules
Club Records can only be achieved by athletes registered and financial with Nowra Athletics Club for the affiliation year that the record is achieved.
Records are calculated using the athletes age on the day of competing.
Performances are eligible for Club Record status if they occur at Nowra Athletics Club Track and Field competition and are in an event which has been programmed for the relevant age group (e.g an athlete can’t break the 18 years discus record if the 18s don’t have discus on that night).
If an athlete contests an event multiple times in one competition night, then only their first competition results will count for record-keeping practices.
Records are noted on the weekly results. A history of records can also be found in the records tab on this website.
Throws Records
For throw events, the weight of the implement will be checked to ensure the correct weight was used. Measurements must be double-checked and be verified as a record and signed by a Club official or a committee member before the measuring spike is removed. They must verify that the throw has been correctly measured by placing the zero end of the tape at the marker and pulled the length tight and straight across the centre point of the throwing circle (shot put or discus) or that they pulled the tape through the centre of the sector lines intersection point on the javelin run-up area). It must be verified that the javelin did strike the ground with the tip of the metal headfirst.
Jumps Records
Long jump and triple jump records will be verified by checking that the spike is positioned at the mark that the athlete has made in the sand that is closest to the take-off board.
For high jump, the jump height will be verified by measuring the height of the top of the bar at its centre. The two ends of the bar shall be measured to verify that the bar is level.
Track Records
For track events, it is preferable to have 2 timers to verify the record.
Track records at Club level are not impacted by wind speed.
For the sake of efficiency, we routinely allow mixed ages and genders to compete together in track events. Club records may be set in these circumstances.
However, a record cannot be ratified if it is determined that an athlete was being coached or intentionally paced during their performance. As in professional athletics, athletes must achieve qualifying times or distances through their own effort, without any form of external assistance. Pacing is not permitted when club records are being sought, as it provides an unfair advantage that is not consistently available across all competitive scenarios.
Additionally, parents, athletes, or other non-participants are not permitted to run on or alongside the track during any part of a race if a record is to be verified. Records set under such conditions will not be recognised.
That said, as a family-oriented club, we understand that some younger children may occasionally need emotional support or gentle encouragement, particularly when starting longer events. In these cases, encouragement from the sidelines or running alongside younger children is absolutely fine – provided the child is not attempting to set a record – as it helps build confidence, enjoyment and a supportive family atmosphere.
Weekly Track and Field Events
Athletes must be financial members of Nowra Athletics Club to compete in the track and field competition.
We don’t expect that everyone attends each week; only as they are able. Competitors can choose the events they want to compete in each week. They do not have to do all the events listed.
Weeks 1, 2 and 3 are repeated in a cycle.
We do not skip rounds so if rain should cancel competition, the Week affected will be conducted when competition resumes.
Our Wednesday night program starts at 5.30pm. Athletes should arrive before then, to allow enough time to warm up and prepare.
Our program is designed to wrap up by 7:30 pm – perfect for busy families and school nights.
|
2024/2025 Track & Field Competition |
||
|
Week 1 |
Week 2 |
Week 3 |
|
Track events: All Grades |
||
|
600m 60m 1500m |
800m 200m 2000m |
400m 100m 3000m |
|
Field events: C, D & E Grades |
||
|
Shot Put Discus High Jump |
Long Jump Discus |
Long Jump Shot Put
|
|
Field events: A, B & Vets Grades |
||
|
Javelin Shot put High jump |
Shot Put Discus Triple Jump |
Discus Javelin Long Jump |
Relays
Relays are a fun and exciting part of our program and are held periodically throughout the season, depending on the schedule, time available, and participant numbers.
These events are always popular, but to run them smoothly, we rely on the support of parents, carers, and athletes to help organise teams and be ready to compete as soon as the event is called.
Relays are run with a handicap start, based on the age and ability of the team members, which adds a great element of fun and fairness to the race. The specific makeup of each team isn’t important—participation and enjoyment are the main goals!
Volunteers
Our volunteers are vital to ensuring our weekly competitions run smoothly – we simply couldn’t do it without you! No prior experience is necessary, as our committee members are always available to provide guidance and support.
Please note, without enough volunteers, some events may unfortunately need to be cancelled. To show our appreciation, free club membership is available for all volunteers.
We ask that parents and helpers lend a hand each week to keep the competition running efficiently. You don’t need to help at every event – sharing the load with other parents/helpers works perfectly. We do ask that parents who also compete assist with their child’s events where possible. While we recognise and value the importance of you taking part in your own events, we also rely on your support to ensure all athletes, including your own children can participate safely and fairly.
Weather Cancellations
Nowra Athletics Club follows the Athletics NSW Weather Policy to ensure the safety of all participants during inclement weather or other emergencies that may impact our ability to provide a safe competition environment.
If competition is already underway and lightning is detected nearby, events will be suspended in accordance with the 30-30 rule: if there are 30 seconds or less between a lightning flash and the sound of thunder, competition will pause. Activity will only resume once 30 minutes have passed since the last observed lightning.
In the case of rain, competition may continue provided it is safe to do so, though the program may be modified for safety.
For full details, please refer to the Extreme Weather Policy
Please note: If there has been consistent rain leading up to competition day, the school may decide to close the track. This decision is outside our control. If we need to cancel, members will be notified via our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Safety Rules
Every member under the age of 16 must have a parent in attendance.
No Smoking – Our facility is a designated no smoking area. This includes vaping
NEVER walk or run across the inner field. Always use the outside of the track when going to an event area. Failure to follow this simple rule could result in serious injury from a field event in progress.
REMAIN within the close proximity of the track at all times. School buildings are strictly ‘Out of Bounds’.
REMOVE spikes at the conclusion of your event unless you are progressing directly to another event that requires spikes. This will prevent injury to yourself or someone else!