TEACHERS INFORMATION PACK
Primary Sportshall Athletics
Sportshall Athletics provides an exciting and highly popular introduction to athletics competition, for primary aged children. This information pack aims to provide an overview of the competitions and clearly set out the team requirements.
Team Information
Athletes are to be selected from school years 5 and 6.
Teams should consist of a minimum of 9 girls and 9 boys up to a maximum of 15 girls and 15 boys.
Individuals may compete in a maximum of 2 track and 2 field events, drawn from the following (please see pages 4 and 5 for a detailed explanation of each event):
On the track
1 + 1 Lap Relay
2 + 2 Lap Relay
6 Lap Paarlauf
Team sheet (Please complete and hand in to the organiser on the day):
School: ______Track Event (max 2) / Girls / Boys
1 + 1 Lap Relay
2 + 2 Lap Relay
6 Lap Paarlauf
Obstacle Relay
Over/Under Relay
4 x 1 Lap Relay
… and in the field
Chest Push
Soft Javelin
Speed Bounce
Standing Long Jump
Standing Triple Jump
Vertical Jump
Team sheet (Please complete and hand in to the organiser on the day):
School: ______Field Event (max 2) / Girls / Boys
Chest Push
Soft Javelin
Speed Bounce
Standing Long Jump
Standing Triple Jump
Vertical Jump
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Event Overview
TRACK1 + 1 Lap Relay / Two competitors complete one lap of the sportshall each in a relay format.
Start in the centre of the hall, run to a reversaboard/cone at one end, run back to the other reversaboard/cone at the opposite end and then change the baton with partner in the centre who then replicates their partner’s run.
2 + 2 Lap Relay / As above, but two laps each are completed.
6 Lap Paarlauf / A continuous relay whereby the baton must be carried for six laps. The two competitors make up their own tactical strategy i.e. they can do alternate laps or run two laps each and then one lap each or any permutation from 5 & 1; 4 & 2; 3 & 3. As long as six laps are completed by the two person team it is within the rules.
Obstacle Relay / Four competitors compete one lap of the sportshall each in a relay format. This event starts at the end of the hall and commences with a forward roll or a sideways roll for less agile competitors. A Hi-Stepper must be negotiated (0.5 secs penalty for missing out a step) then on to 10 Speed Bounces and then two plastic hurdles to negotiate before reaching a reversaboard/cone at the end of the hall and then sprinting back to the reversaboard/cone at the opposite end of the hall with no obstacles to be negotiated. The competitor then taps the next partner on the shoulder and they then start their leg. No baton is used. The fourth and final competitor replicates what their team has done, but sprints back to the centre of the hall where the race finishes.
Over/Under Relay / This is similar to the above but the difference being that there is a hurdle to negotiate before going under a tunnel and then on to another hurdle before turning at the reversaboard/cone and re-negotiating the course and returning to the reversaboard/cone and tapping their partner on the shoulder. The final competitor sprints back to the centre of the hall and the finish.
4 x 1 Lap Relay / This commences in the centre of the hall with the use of a relay baton. Each competitor completes one lap of the hall. As in all relays, when a competitor is not running they must sit down on their tumble mats as this helps with safety aspects and also allows the timekeeper and judges to identify times and positions.
FIELD
Chest Push / A 1kg medicine ball is used for this two handed standing chest push. 3 attempts are allowed.
Soft Javelin / A Foam or Bull Nosed Javelin is used and must be thrown from a standing position.
3 attempts are allowed
Speed Bounce / This is done for 20 seconds and each bounce is counted. Only two footed landings are counted. 1 attempt.
Standing Long Jump / Two footed take off and landing is required onto the graduated landing mat. The measurement is taken from the point that lands nearest to the take-off end i.e. back of heel on back leg or hand or any part of the body. 3 attempts.
Standing Triple Jump / A hop, step and jump with two footed landing must be completed for a valid jump. The competitor decides where to commence on the graduated mat, usually 3 or 4 metres mark, 5 for more proficient. 3 attempts.
Vertical Jump / The competitor stands with their back against a wall with both feet on the ground and stretches their arms above their heads until the elbows are locked out and they can’t move the sliding scale any further. They then stand sideways to the jump and try to reach as high they can. 3 attempts.
Additional Information
Please note that athletes will not be permitted to compete in bare feet or unsuitable footwear.
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