Centre Championships 2020-21
The Centre Championships are a special time for our athletes to put all their training and hard work to the test, and marks the final time each event is run for the season.
This seasons Centre Championships will be held:
- Saturday 13 February 2021 (Program 4)
- Saturday 20 February 2021 (Program 5)
- Saturday 27 February 2021 (Program 6)
These days are generally longer than a normal meet due to heats and finals being conducted in all track events run entirely in lanes (excluding hurdles).
Special Ribbons are presented to all competing athletes in every event, with presentation ceremonies, and the first three place-getters standing on our dais. Don't forget your camera!
There are a few rules surrounding the Championships that everyone needs to be aware of:
1. Athletes must have competed in 25 events AND competed in the event at least twice during the season, and at least once at a Kingborough meet to be eligible.
It is a requirement that the 25 badge is attached to the back of athlete's shirts. If an athlete has not competed in 25 events, they will be invited to compete, however, they will not be officially placed and cannot receive a ribbon for the event.
If an athlete has not competed in the event at least twice, but have competed at least once at a Kingborough meet, they may be invited to compete.
Alternatively athletes may request an exemption in writing from the 25 events or competed twice requirement by the advertised consideration date (usually the last regular Saturday meet each season). These are generally only granted in exceptional circumstances.
2. Athletes must be in Centre Uniform.
This means our green shirt, and plain black shorts. Shorts and athletics tights must comply with the Uniform Policy outlined at point 6 of the Rules of Competition in the Information Manual, ie
- plain black
- above the knee
- Logos/branding displayed only once and no larger than 20cm2, maximum height 4cm.
3. Only Officials and designated assistants are allowed at field sites.
An independent Chief Official will be assigned to each event. The Chief Official will be easily identified by their High Visibility Jacket. If you want to see your child compete at a field site, the only way is to nominate yourself to assist at the site. If you are not a site assistant, you must not be at the site.
4. False Starts (breaks) in races.
Centre Championships bring out the best in our athletes. They can be very competitive. There are also lots of nerves, which can result in breaks at the start of races. The first time an athlete breaks, they will be warned, and the Chief Judge will hold up an orange flag to indicate which lane the break occurred. If the same athlete breaks a second time, they will be disqualified from the race.
5. Laned race events are run in both heats and finals, with the exception of hurdles.
Seeding for heats is determined by the best performance recorded at Gormley Park. If there are less athletes than the number required for the final, then a straight final shall be undertaken.
At the end of the heats, the Track Recording Officials will give the names of the finalists to the Arena Manager. For events run on the inside track (70m and 100m), the fastest 8 athletes from the heats will compete in the final. For events on the outside track, the fastest 6 athletes will compete in the final. These athletes will be called out by name to marshall for the finals. Please remind your athletes to listen carefully for these announcements.
For hurdles (sprint and distance) all races are finals. The times achieved from each race are combined to determine the final placings for the event.
6. The Programs are slightly different.
We run special Programs for the Championships - Programs 4, 5 and 6, which are available here.
7. No coaching is strictly observed. Any athlete who gains a competitive advantage from parents at the site will be disqualified from the event.
8. Cancellations of Centre Championship Meets. Should a Saturday meet be cancelled the preferred day for rescheduling is the Sunday of the same weekend. Due to the potential length of the meet it is not possible to hold a twilight.
