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UKA is currently requesting comments on a number of rule changes that have been proposed. Individuals, clubs and other organisations are able to submit their views. The comments and views will then be considered by the Rules Revision Committee of UKA who will then make recommendations to the UKA Board who will make the final decision.

Comments should be made to rules@uka.org.uk and the deadline for submitting views is 7 November 2011.

Track and Field

Proposal 1
Proposal: Start rule to apply to all age groups
Rule number: 111
Proposed by: Starters Peer Group. Supported by Technical Advisory Group & T&F Advisory Group
Background: Get the athletes introduced to the Rule when they commence in the Sport rather than when they reach Seniors
Other comments: This has nothing to do with False Start equipment. A draft briefing paper to go out to starters if this rule were to be implemented
Notes: See DRAFT briefing paper to Starters attached (No 1)

Proposal 2
Proposal: 400m event is fundamentally inappropriate for the Under 15 Age Group
Rule number: 107 (3)
Proposed by: UKA/ England Athletics
Background: Rationale set out by Richard Wheater (Head of Coaching) to support this proposal
Other comments: Intention to ban Under 15 Boys from competing at 400m but encourage them to do 300m.
Notes: See Coaches rationale attached (No 2)

Proposal 3
Proposal: Under 15’s should not be allowed to run two 1500’s on same day. If agreed extend to U17’s. Also U13’s not allowed to run two 800’s on same day.
Rule number: 107
Background: As an U15 athlete cannot do an 800 & 1500 on the same day it would appear logical that they should not take part in two 1500’s. Likewise for Under 13’s and two 800m’s on the same day. Usually occurs at events such as County/District champs (heat/final)
Other comments: Track & Field Advisory did not agree that this rule should apply to the Under 17 Age Group

Proposal 4
Proposal: U17 athletes only permitted to move up one age group
Rule number: 107 (4)
Proposed by: Swansea H AC
Background: Rationale set out by Swansea to support this proposal
Other comments: T & F Advisory Group supported the proposal except that they considered the “Exceptional athletes” exception should apply to all meetings
Notes: See Swansea’s paper attached (No 3). Recommend “Exceptional athlete” is an Under 17 athlete who appears in the top 10 “Power of 10” rankings in the Senior Age Group

Proposal 5
Proposal: Eligibility
Rule number: 5 & 6
Proposed by: England Athletics supported by Celtic Nations representatives at T & F Advisory Group.
Background: Delete four months and permit one club change per calendar year without penalty subject only to a one month admin transfer period. If more than one change a year then need to refer Their transfer to an Eligibility committee who will decide the period before they can join their new club (normally not more than four months)
Other comments: So few athletes are being given anything longer than one month. Four months hardly ever given
Notes: Being referred to UKA Eligibility Group who meet on 2nd November

Proposal 6
Proposal: Track and Field Permitting
Proposed by: UKA & Home Country Athletics Associations
Background: From 1st April 2012 all track and field events will be required to receive a permit either directly from UKA or the appropriate Home Country. Permits will be issued as per the levels of the competition pyramid system of which details can be found at http://www.uka.org.uk/competitions/rules/
Other comments: Full support from UK Fixtures Planning Advisory Group, Technical Committee Advisory Group, Competition Advisory Group, Track and Field Advisory Group
Notes: UKA Rules for Competition, including Permitting

Endurance

Proposal 7
Proposal: Date when Age Group transfers can take place
Rule number: 207/507
Proposed by: Westbury Harriers & Leeds Athletic Network
Background: Overlapping proposals recommending slightly different Age Group change dates for endurance events
Other comments: John Temperton (UKA) has prepared the attached paper setting out the proposals and resultant effects across the Age Groups and whether Road or Cross Country
Notes: See Paper Attached (No 4)

You can download the following documents by clicking on them:

• Summary 2012 Proposed Rule Changes
• Number 1 - 2012 Proposed Rule Change - Guidance for Starters
• Number 2 - 2012 Proposed Rule Change - U15 400m Proposal
• Number 3 - 2012 Proposed Rule Change - U17 in Senior Competition Proposal
• Number 4 - 2012 Proposed Rule Change - Age Groups in Endurance Events

Remember: Comments should be made to rules@uka.org.uk and the deadline for submitting views is 7 November 2011.

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