Getting Involved >> Chaperoning

Chaperones are very important in the running of a little athletics meet. These are the people who look after a group of children for the evening. Although not a hard task, little athletics can not function without them.

Every group of children requires a chaperone. If a group of children does not have a chaperone they will not be permitted to compete. In the past, some groups have been left sitting idle as no one has been prepared to chaperone them.

The chaperones duties can be summarised as follows:

• Collect the recording folder for your group.
• Mark off the names of the athletes present, and add any extras to the bottom of the list. Indicate in the check box if the athlete is in correct centre uniform.
• Recruit some of the other athletes parents to assist you during the evening. Move to each event in the order indicated on the recording sheet.
• Liaise with the appropriate officials at each event to ensure the smooth running of the event:
  • At the track events, this will usually involve asking the starter how many runners can be put in a race, and then allocating your athletes to heats.
  • At field events, this will usually involve working with the chief official for the event, who will ensure the correct conduct of the event.
• Record all results on the recording sheet:
  • For track events, collect the time sheet from the chief timekeeper and enter each athletes time on your recording sheet. If an athlete starts and fails to finish, record a result of DNF. If an athlete is disqualified, indicate this on the recording sheet with DISQ.
  • At field events, record each of the athletes three attempts, and write down their best performance at the end of three rounds. When an athlete fouls, record an F. Use a dash (-) for a passed attempt.
  • For high jump, indicate a successful attempt with a tick, a failure with a cross and a passed height with a dash. Remember to write down the best height cleared in the 'best' column.
  • In any event where an athlete does not compete, write DNC in the performance column.
• If a qualified official was judging at your field event, get them to sign the recording sheet below that event.
• Distribute performance tickets to all athletes who competed.
• The chaperone is responsible for maintaining discipline within their group. All children are expected to behave appropriately. Any particularly unruly children should be referred to a committee member. Refer to the code of conduct in this hand book.
• Children who need to leave their group MUST advise the chaperone FIRST!
  • Do not permit a child to leave the group without an acceptable reason (eg going to the toilet, getting a drink, etc.)
• At the end of the evening, return the recording folder to the collection point.

Although this list may appear long, the job is not a hard one, particularly if you have other parents to lend you a hand. The committee and the children will be especially grateful for your help.