Track and Road Etiquette

Please familiarise yourself with the following recommendations to ensure track, field and road safety. It is important that Athletes and Coaches are respectful and considerate at all times!

TRACK ETIQUETTE AND SAFETY

Tracks, runways and throwing areas can be very busy and therefore you need to be respectful and considerate to other users.  It is YOUR responsibility to be vigilant and use common sense.  Members of the public and even some athletes who may also be using the track may be less familiar with track etiquette than you.

The following list provides guidelines for you to follow to get the most from training and competing and to not interfere with other individuals or training groups.

1. Be conscious of what is happening around you at all times.
2. Always run in an anti-clockwise direction when running bends and distances in excess of 100m.
3. Athletes completing reps or laps should step off the track or move out into wider lanes, but in doing so should also be aware of any athletes using these lanes for sprints or other activities.
4. When starting a rep or lap be careful not to impede or restrict an athlete already running on the track.
5. When training in large squads, be aware that other athletes may want to use part of the track that you are using. Share the track accordingly.
6. Good manners and respect for fellow athletes should be exercised at all times irrespective of age.
7. When overtaking an athlete on the track, the over taking athlete must overtake on the outside leaving sufficient space and not cut to the inside until they are clear of the athlete being overtaken.
8. No stretching in any of the lanes.
9. Be aware of throwing events and training in progress at all times and any wayward implements. Never cross the infield unless competing in a competition with officials or with a throws group or having express consent from an official or coach.  Never walk in front of a throwing circle, cage or javelin run up.  For best practice and your own safety go around the infield.
10. When setting up starting blocks and hurdles be aware of other athletes who may be using those lanes, especially athletes who may be running around bends and may not be aware that there are obstacles in their lanes until the last minute.
11. Keep the finishing area clear at all times.
12. Avoid wearing earphones whilst using the track.
13. To avoid excessive wear and tear of the track surface, lane 1 should be used for timed runs and distance events only.
14. To warn others of your oncoming presence, shout out “Track”! so as to avoid collisions and injuries.
15. Don’t linger on the track when there is high traffic. Step off the track as soon as practical.
16. Unless you are taking part in a training or competition event, do not enter the area.
17. Do not wander aimlessly around the track or jumps area when other athletes are training or you have finished a rep or race.
18. When crossing a jumps runway or track, be sure to look in both directions before crossing.
19. Make sure the landing area is clear, dug up and safe to jump in. When training share the pit with other user groups if needs be.
20. Don’t lie, sit or laze on the high jump or pole vault mats when there is no coach or official present.
21. For your safety and the safety of others do not use throwing implements or rakes, brooms etc in any other way except for that in which they were intended. Carry them properly at all times and be aware of anyone around you.
22. Do not interfere with or make fun of any other athlete when they are training or competing. RESPECT EVERYONE AT ALL TIMES.

ROAD ETIQUETTE AND SAFETY

When sharing the streets with cars, bikes, scooters, other runners and pedestrians, it is important to follow some basic rules for everyone’s safety.

1. Always look both ways when crossing a road.
2. When running at night, wear reflective clothing so that you can be seen by cars and bikes and other vehicles.
3. Run facing oncoming traffic so that you can see vehicles approaching. Stay as far away from traffic as possible.
4. Avoid running in the middle of the road even though it may be more comfortable.
5. Be aware when making sudden changes of direction. Always look behind you before turning around.
6. When passing people state your intentions to the person you are passing and to which side you are passing so as to not startle them.
7. When with a running group on a road or path, run single file or two abreast. This allows others to pass safely without forcing them off the path or into oncoming traffic.
8. Consider not wearing headphones on unfamiliar paths as you still need to hear traffic and signals from other users.
9. Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
10. When running through driveways and other places without signage, wait for drivers to see you.
11. Do not interfere with or make fun of any other athlete when they are training or competing. RESPECT EVERYONE AT ALL TIMES!