Health and Safety

SunSmart Policy

QLAC’s representative for Little Athletics ACT, Health and Safety Officer Ken Hopkins

The Little Athletics Association acknowledges that exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause damage to the skin and eyes. As an organisation which seeks to enhance health, LAACT and QLAC promote sun protective behaviours to all its members.

Queanbeyan Little Athletics encourages participants, staff and officials who are involved in outdoor activities to:

• Slip on a shirt, preferably a tight woven long-sleeved shirt with a collar;
• Slop on a sunscreen, which is SPF 15 or above, broad spectrum and water-resistant. Preferably, this should be applied 20 minutes prior to exposure and re-applied every two hours. Noses, lips and ears can be given additional protection with zinc cream;
• Slap on a wide brimmed or legionnaire style hat that protects the face, neck and ears;
• Wear a pair of sunglasses (that meet the Australian Standard AS 1067) to protect the eyes from the sun’s rays.
• Encourage coaches, officials and staff to act as role models by practicing the Slip, Slop, Slap “SunSmart” behaviours during general sponsorship/grant activities.

Safe technique

Generally QLAC has problem-free meets. However, we have noticed that there can be issues with technique for less experienced and younger athletes, especially with high jumps. High jumping requires correct technique using scissors jumps and a dry approach so the athlete will not slip on jumping. Little Athletics NSW provides a video to teach the basic technical models for safe and successful scissors high jump.

Safety around the running track

Please treat the track like a busy road: look before you cross and do not let small children wander around unsupervised.

We ask that all athletes and spectators walk around the outside of the track to get to an event on the other side.

Furthermore, spectators are not allowed within 20m of the finish line, as crowding near this area makes the job of the timekeepers more difficult. Timekeepers need to be able to see the starter, so please do not stand too close to the track and avoid standing in areas between these officials.

Safety around throwing events

Areas around these events are clearly marked and it is essential that everyone takes great care to obey rules set by the officials running the events. Remember, we are dealing with children learning these events so some throws can be rather unpredictable. Keep yourself and small children clear of the entire area when an event is in progress.

First Aid

A First Aid kit for minor injuries is available at the announcing tent. All injuries should be reported to the officials at the recording table and recorded in the Injury Register.

Our First Aid Officers are on hand to assist with any injuries.

Also check the Play by the Rules website for additional information.