Track Etiquette
The following is a guide on the behaviour and conduct which must be adhered to by athletics track and field arena users. This is intended as a guide only and should be used in conjunction with any instructions provided by any coaches or officials in attendance.
Basic Rules and Guidance
- Lane numbering (Lane 1) is the inside lane through to Lane 8 (the outside lane).
- Lane 1 is to be used mainly by race walkers
- Lanes 2-4 should be used mainly by the distance runners during training sessions. (lane 4 for jogging between reps)
- Lanes 5-8 should be used mainly by sprinters.
- Lanes 8-9 should be used mainly by hurdlers on the finishing straight
- Treat the track and infield like you would a road. Look both ways and make sure it is safe to cross at all times. If athletes need to exit the track and cannot move to the outside they can step on to the edge of the infield checking for field events.
- When you finish an interval always look over your shoulder to make sure it is clear before moving to the right. Only in the instance that a group is passing as you finish, should you consider moving to the inside of the track.
- We encourage rolling recoveries to continue the flow of the track. If you find yourself in the recovery lane 4, athletes must be aware of other athletes who will be mid rep and over-taking. Those within lane 4 should also ensure, they avoid going over the cones, into sprinting lanes. This lane is the highest risk that you may become a hazard to an athlete running faster than you.
- If you are a runner or walker looking to overtake another athlete or group, you should call the safety call of “track” to alert others you are about to overtake. Ensure you do this at the earliest possible time you think a group of athletes will hear you and take responsibility to call track if you are at risk of an obstruction. Only overtake if this is safe and possible to do so, otherwise slow down and wait for a clearer opportunity to go around.
- If a faster runner or walker comes up behind you and also wants to pass, they should shout “track”. Please be aware an athlete will be overtaking, if you can move to the inside of your lane. When passing someone, always give plenty of warning of your approach from behind and shout “track” wait for it be safe before you overtake.
- Never stand on the track. Especially in lanes 1 to 6. Always look both ways before crossing the track.
- At the point of finishing your rep, keep moving. Go straight into the recovery lane and wait until you reach a florescent cone until you can cross and go back on yourself should your next rep start at the same place.
- Don’t use headphones or your mobile phone on the track or infield. This is potentially dangerous and may stop you hearing other track users or safety announcements.
- During training sessions, the in-field/Throwing area is out of bounds other than throwing athletes collecting implements and for throws coaches. Not at any time is it acceptable for any athletes other than the above to enter the in-field/Throwing area.
- Be polite and respectful to coaches – they are giving up their time to help you and should always be thanked after training.
- We recommend 2 qualified adults should be present for all sessions involving children. Adults are defined as someone aged 18 or over. Therefore, young athletes should be supervised at all times. The supervision ratio is recommended between ages 8-12 years is ; 1 adult to 8 children. Between 13-18 years; 1 adult to 10 children. This could be made up for example of 1 U20 to 7 U13 children or 1 U20 to 9 U17’s whilst 2 qualified adults supervise the session.
- Experienced runners: Be patient with new runners. It will take a little time for them to learn Track Etiquette.
- Coaches: Always liaise with other coaches to ensure there is adequate space on the track for your session and that prior to set off, you have assessed the hazards and it is safe to train.
- In general, give everyone the courtesy and respect you would expect them to give to you. Consider your respective code of conduct. Let’s make this an enjoyable experience for all.
- Please do not leave litter, spit or leave chewing gum on the track for others to clear up and make sure you keep your valuables safe.
What to do if it goes wrong.
Should an athlete appear to be infringing, obstructing or jostling in lanes which do not follow AFD basic track etiquette, please remember one another’s well-being over performance.
If you have a concern about poor track etiquette practice, please report it to your coach and coaches should report this to the Club Chair or Welfare Officer.
In the incidence of any track collision, call an adult or supervisor towards you. Check your fellow athlete is okay and prepare if necessary to call 999.
Should an accident occur, please apologise to one another should you be able to sort out the incidence yourself. If you can, be prepared to recall events to your coach and to fill out a club incident, accident or Report a Concern which can be found on the Clubs website.