Volunteer Roles

The Age Marshall has one of the most important roles in Little Athletics. An athlete’s enjoyment of the sport will depend on their experience at the Centre, and as an Age Marshall you have a great opportunity to contribute positively to every athlete’s experience. Age Marshalls are responsible for accompanying the athletes through their events.

The key roles of Age Marshall include:

1. Collect the Age Group folder (containing the evening’s program & iPad for recording events, notices etc).

PLEASE NOTE: If the iPad is not working, please contact a committee member and you will be issued recording sheets.

2. Take attendance as the athletes arrive.

3. Leading the Age Group from one Event to the next.

4. Call the ‘next’ Athlete who is to perform the Event.

5. Read & record results achieved at Track and Field Events.

6. Alert an Official where an athlete is on the verge of setting a Record in a Field Event, so that an Official can be present. A Official must be present if a throw or jump is to be recognised as a Record. On the track please alert Head Timer & Starter prior to a track event if an athlete is on the verge of setting a record.

7. Assist at each event (e.g. working with the Starter and Head Timer to place the athletes onto the start line for each race, etc).

8. Encourage the athletes.

9. The Age Marshall assures documentation is clear, complete, and accurate prior to returning the Age Group Folders.

10. Return Age Group folders (containing the iPad and recording sheets (if applicable) to the Canteen at the conclusion of the group’s events for the evening. Please note that it is the responsibility of the Age Marshall to return the Age Group Folders.

The Age Marshall and Parent Helpers are the only parents who move around with the athlete Age Group. If athletes need assistance from their parents, please inform the Age Marshall. Other parents will spectate at an appropriate distance if not performing a duty that week. The only persons permitted (inside the cordoned off area and track) during competition are Centre Officials, Committee Members, Age Marshalls and Parent Helpers carrying out a duty.

Age Marshalls and Parent Helpers, please be mindful of athletes and events when crossing the track.

Avoid obstructing any track or field events.

Age Group Parent Helpers:

Parent Helpers play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth, safe, and supportive environment for athletes.

They assist the Age Group Marshall and help manage events.

Each age group needs at least four Parent Helpers to ensure efficient and safe operations. The Age Group Marshall will assign specific roles to each Parent Helper at each event.

Field events:

Long Jump: 1 Spiker,1 Racker, Measurer, and 1 Line Manager (maintaining athlete order).
Triple Jump:1 Spiker,1 Racker, Measurer, and 1 Line Manager (maintaining athlete order).
High Jump: 2 Bar Assistants, 1 Measure, and 1 Line Manager (maintaining athlete order).
Shot put: 1 Spiker, 1 Retriever, 1 Measurer, 1 Line Manager (maintaining athlete order).
Discus: 1 Spiker, 1 Retriever, 1 Measurer, 1 Line Manager (maintaining athlete order).
Javelin: 1 Spiker, 1 Retriever, 1 Measurer, 1 Line Manager (maintaining athlete order).
Turbo Javelin: 1 Spiker, 1 Retriever, 1 Measure, 1 Line Manager (maintaining athlete order).

Track Events:

2 x Parents to Line Manager (maintain athlete order at start line)
1 x Parent to assist the Age Marshall with recording results at the finish line.

Track Volunteers

Starters (2):

The Starter positions the runners for the start of each race and instructs the athletes with any race details:

Confirms the events and assure athletes are in their correct starting position
Ensures the athletes know to stay in their lanes, except for those events with a staggered start (400 meters).
Ensures the athletes know the proper start commands and are familiar with the process of a false start.
The starter confirms that the Head Timer and Finish Line Coordinator are ready and will shoot off the starting gun to start the race.
The Starter determines if a false start has taken place and will recall the runners.
Start line iPad Coordinator (1) (Timing Gates).
Enters athlete numbers and lane assignments into the iPad prior to the start of the race and notifies the starter.
Makes sure that those athletes remain in the assigned lanes.

Head Timers (2):

The Head Timer is responsible for the finish line coordinator and the timing system.

The Head Timer makes sure the timing system is set and ensures the clock is ready for the next race. They coordinate the start of the race with the Starter.
Responsible for instructing the finish line coordinator (when applicable).
Records the time for 100m, 200m, 400m and non-lane races (800 meters, 1500 meters, walks), and assists with track position (placing) of runners in multi-lap races.
responsible for signalling (bell) the remaining laps to athletes in multi-lap races.
Upon completion of the race, report the results to the Age Marshall.

Finish Line Coordinator (2):

The Finish Line Coordinator will work closely with the Starter and Timers to assure all athletes are set in their lanes and remain in their lanes (if applicable) following their race.