oceansidetrack

PARENTAL JOB LIST - MEETS

As a club, our main responsibility at all of the Vancouver Island Track and Field Meets is to officiate the Javelin event for all age groups and to help out at the Finish Line. Four parents are needed for each Javelin age group over the course of the two-day meets, and two parents must assist at the Finish Line during all track events. A sign-up sheet will be circulated at practice for participation in javelin or finish line officiating prior to each meet. A Javelin officiating clinic will be held during one of our first practices in order for parents to become familiar and/or refresh their skills. A short summary follows:


Javelin Officiating

Four parent volunteers at each session (eg. Boys 1991; Girls 1993, etc.) are needed to officiate this event properly. The four officials are:

Recorder - The recorder is responsible for running the entire event. The recorder must check in all competitors, and affix their stickers to the recording sheet. They must call out the throwing order of the competitors (eg. "A" is Throwing, "B" is on deck, "C" is retrieving). The recorder is responsible for calling all faults affecting the throwing arc (eg. Athletes are not allowed to go over the throwing arc(line), and they must exit the throwing area correctly). After the throw, the recorder is responsible for reading the tape measure and recording the distance (after the tape is pulled tight). After the final competitor throws the last javelin of the competition, the recorder is responsible for determining final competitor finish order.

If there is an additional volunteer, they may read the tape and inform the recorder of the distance.

Tape Puller - After each fair throw the distance must be measured and the tape pulled tight before the distance is recorded. The tape puller has to ensure that the tape is tight, and is pulled through a designated spot five metres before the foul line. This spot is generally clearly marked on most tracks.

Spotter - The spotter is responsible for watching the flight of the javelin and marking the point where it is to be measured from, which is the point closest to the throwing arc. The spotter is responsible for calling faults in relation to the flight of the javelin. The javelin must hit point first (it need not stick in or break ground) and land within the marked sector. The spotter usually is supplied a spike or large nail that they stick into the ground to mark the spot that is to be measured. The spotter then must hold the "zero" end of the tape against the marker. It is essential (for safety reasons) that the spotter remains alert for the entire competition, and always closely follows the flight of the javelin.

Tape Dragger - The tape dragger brings the tape to the spotter. They remove the javelin after it has been marked and gives it to the athlete who is retrieving. The tape dragger must also remain alert for the entire competition, and always closely follow the flight of the javelin.



Other Meet Tasks

Meet First Aid Volunteer - The first aid volunteer is in charge of the first aid kit and ice packs. They will hand out minor first aid items (eg. Band-aids) and ensure that parents are informed if their children are in need of additional first aid treatment.

Meet Javelin Volunteer Coordinator - The Javelin Volunteer Coordinator ensures that those parents who have signed up are at the Javelin for their event. They are also responsible for enlisting additional volunteers, if needed.

All parents are responsible for ensuring that their children get to their events on time, with their singlets, sticker, spikes etc. They are also responsible for ensuring that their children are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. (from warm, waterproof clothes to sunscreen and hats).


WAYS TO VOLUNTEER LIST - PRACTICES

At each practice there are a large number of areas where parents can provide assistance. A partial list is below:

Fundraising Coordinators (Ongoing all season) – The Fundraising Coordinator organizes fundraising events and activities.

Volunteer Coordinators (Tuesday, Thursday) – The Volunteer Coordinator ensures that all volunteer positions and tasks are being carried out, and recruits parents to assist as required.

Equipment Coordinators (Tuesday, Thursday) – The Equipment Coordinator ensures that all of the required equipment gets set out and returned to the storage shed and that the shed is kept tidy.

Event Monitors (Tuesday, Thursday for each of the following events – Long/Triple Jump, High Jump, Shot Put, Javelin, Discus/Hammer, Hurdles) – The Event Monitors help the coaches at each of the events (such as raking pits, measuring distances, etc) and assist in the supervision of the athletes.

First Aid Coordinator (Tuesday, Thursday) – The First Aid Coordinator attends to minor scrapes and bruises and assures that the First Aid kit is stocked and available.

There are always additional tasks that pop up from time to time, and all assistance is appreciated at those times.