Lasswade Athletics Club

Lasswade
Athletics Club
E s ta b l i s h e d 1 9 8 1

Welcome Pack
 Lasswade Athletics Club

Introduction
Lasswade Athletics Club (LAC) was founded in 1981 and has grown in
strength over this time. The club has encouraged athletes of all abilities
and is proud of its inclusive philosophy. In addition it has provided a
platform for all athletes to aspire to the top of the sport. This has
been achieved with various Club athletes now competing at National
and International events. The aim of the club is to assist anyone from
the age of 9 years to participate in some, or all, of the disciplines of
athletics. This programme includes track and field, cross country and
road running. LAC welcomes new members and offers them full
support from the initial meeting through to ongoing training.

The club is run by a Committee of unpaid volunteers, encompassing a Chairperson,

Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Secretary and other elected members. All
Committee members are elected at the AGM which is usually held in March.

All LAC club coaches are unpaid volunteers who have gone through UK: Athletics
Coaching Courses to obtain a UKA coach licence. This is a statutory requirement
which enables the coaches to work at different levels. All qualified coaches and other
volunteers have been disclosed by the CRBS (Central Registered Body in Scotland). The
club has a child protection policy and a nominated person directly responsible
for child protection.

LAC aim to make the development of Athletics both safe and enjoyable.

Scottish Athletics
Lasswade Athletics Club is affiliated to Scottish Athletics which is the governing body
for athletics in Scotland.

Scottish Athletics was established to:

• Foster, develop and control the sport of athletics in Scotland.

• Take responsibility for all athletic teams representing Scotland
• Establish and enforce rules for competition
• Advance and safeguard the interests of athletics in Scotland

Lasswade Athletics Club is one of approximately 150 affiliated clubs in Scotland.

Volunteering with Lasswade Athletics Club
As the membership of the LAC grows it continues to need more coaches, officials and
helpers.

The type of volunteer commitment could range from officiating and coaching to other
essential tasks such as driving, catering at events and assisting with the 101 other jobs
connected with running a successful athletics club.

Time devoted to the tasks would be tailored to suit all parties and you will be given full
support.

Essential training will always be provided and volunteers will become part of the
Lasswade Athletics Club community. Contact your child’s coach or make direct contact
with the Club Secretary.

Coach Development
The club fully supports coaches who wish to progress through athletic coaching
qualifications. These are gained by attending training courses run to national standards
by Scottish Athletics. Coaches/helpers are actively encouraged to attend courses,
workshops, development days and regional and national squad training sessions as
appropriate.

Helper/coach development is paced by the individual – you will not be asked to do

something you do not feel comfortable with. We aim to have helpers/coaches work
with more experienced coaches to aid their coaching confidence and development.
 Lasswade Athletics Club

Training Nights
The club meets at Dalkeith Community Campus and at Lasswade Community High School.

The table below outlines the usual club nights. In addition to club nights, coaches run
event specific sessions. Details of these additions can be found on the club website.

Summer - April through to mid October

Day Time Location Group

Monday 7- 8:30 pm Dalkeith Campus – All Track & Field & Road Runners
Athletic Track

Thursday 6:30 - 8 pm Lasswade Community High All Track & Field & Road Runners
School Sports Field

Winter - Mid October through to March

Day Time Location Group

Monday 7-8:30 pm Dalkeith Campus – All Track & Field & Road
Indoor hall and Track Runners

Thursday 6:30- 8pm Lasswade CHS Indoor hall/ All Track & Field & Cross
Bonnyrigg Public Park Country

Saturday Refer club Mayfield Sports Centre Sportshall Athletics

website for
details

Mondays and Thursdays are the main track and field nights for athletes aged nine and
upwards.
Clothing and Footwear
Suitable clothing and footwear should be worn at every training session. Your coach
can advise on your requirements.

Clothing
Make sure that you wear suitable clothing to each training session, such as trainers,
shorts/tracksuit bottoms, t-shirt and jumper. It is very important that athletes’ muscles
do not get cold straight after training and therefore it is better for you to wear extra
layers of clothing rather than not have enough. Waterproof clothing will be needed for
wet weather .

Footwear
Wearing the correct footwear is essential. Suitable footwear can be purchased from a
specialist shop. Discounts are available at –Run and Become (www.runandbecome.com)

Lasswade Athletic Club Kit

It is necessary for every athlete to wear a club vest during competition.

Various items of equipment can be purchased from the club. Contact your coach or
club secretary.
 Lasswade Athletics Club

Age Groups
Scottish Athletics, in line with other athletics organisations around the world, hold
competitions for junior athletes in defined age groups. These are explained as follows.

The “Competition Year” shall extend from 1st October to 30th September in the
following year.

Under 13
• Track and field events for Under 13’s shall be confined to competitors who are
aged 11 or 12 on the 31st August within the Competition Year.
• Road Running competition for Under 13’s shall be confined to competitors
who are aged 11 on the day of competition, or 12 on 31st August prior to the
commencement of the Competition Year.
• Cross Country competition for Under 13’s shall be confined to competitors
who are aged 11 on the day of competition, or 12 on 31st August prior to the
commencement of the Competition Year.
Under 15
• Track and field events for Under 15’s shall be confined to competitors who are
aged 13 or 14 on the 31st August within the Competition Year.
• Road Running competition for Under 15’s shall be confined to competitors who
are aged 13 or 14 on 31st August prior to the commencement of the Competition
Year.
• Cross Country competition for Under 15’s shall be confined to competitors who
are aged 13 or 14 on 31st August prior to the commencement of the Competition
Year.
Under 17
• Track and field events for Under 17’s shall be confined to competitors who are
aged 15 or 16 on the 31st August within the Competition Year.
• Road Running competition for Under 17’s shall be confined to competitors who
are aged 15 or 16 on 31st August prior to the commencement of the Competition
Year.
• Cross Country competition for Under 17’s shall be confined to competitors who are
aged 15 or 16 on 31st August prior to the commencement of the Competition Year.
Junior Men and Women
• Track and field events for Junior Men and Women shall be confined to
competitors who are 17 or over on 31 August within the Competition Year, but
under 20 on 31 December in the calendar year of competition.
• Road Running competition for Junior Men and Women shall be confined
to competitors who are aged 17, 18 or 19 on 31st August prior to the
commencement of the Competition Year.
• Cross Country competition for Junior Men and Women shall be confined
to competitors who are aged 17, 18 or 19 on 31st August prior to the
commencement of the Competition Year
Seniors
• Athletes aged 20 and over on 31st August prior to the commencement of the
Competition Year

Club Membership
There are several categories of membership based on age, club use and personal
circumstances. Club membership is renewed annually.

The main membership categories are

Under 17

Over 17 – under 65

Over 65

Non Training Adult

All members who use the track on club nights are charged a nominal fee.

Full membership details are published on the Club website. Your coach will also be
able to provide you with information.
 Lasswade Athletics Club

The Athletics Season

Lasswade Athletics Club members compete in a number of competitions throughout
the athletics’ calendar. Some of these are for either senior or junior athletes and some
involve both together. There are also events throughout the year which athletes can
enter as individuals if they wish.

To see the full range of athletic events look on the Lasswade Athletics website –
calendar.

League Meetings
Forth Valley League Male & Female athletes U/11, U/13 & U/15

Young Athletes’ League Male & Female athletes U/13, U/15 & U/17

Men’s League Male athletes U/17, U/20 & Seniors

Women’s League Female athletes U/13, U/15, U/17 & Seniors

National Junior League Male & Female athletes U/17 & U/20

Lasswade are part of composite teams in both the Women’s League and the NJ.

Meadowbank League Male & Female athletes - ALL age groups

(This is an Open Graded style meeting. Athletes pre-enter. Includes Championship

events for under 11 & 13 athletes. Entry forms from coaches.)

Championships
SSAA (Scottish Schools) Athletes are entered by their school.

Scottish Athletics Limited Athletes are responsible for their own entries.

Inter-Regional Championship Senior Team selected at East Trials

Pitreavie Trophy Athletes are responsible for their own entries

Lasswade Club Championship Athletes are responsible for their own entries
Championships Age Groups
SSAA Championships Secondary pupils

SAL Championships U/13 upwards

Inter-Regional Championships Teams selected after Meadowbank Meeting

Pitreavie Trophy U/11, U/13, U/15 & U/17

Lasswade Club Championships Entry open to all age groups

 Lasswade Athletics Club

Track Etiquette
Basic Rules and Guidance
• Your coach will give you full instructions regarding each training session.
• Lanes 1 and 2 should be used mainly by the endurance runners in a training
session. The outer lanes can be used by athletes doing their warm up, cool down,
sprinting and hurdles.
• Treat the track and infield as you would a road. Look both ways and make sure it is
safe to cross at all times.
• If a faster runner comes up behind you and wants to pass , they will shout ‘track’.
On hearing the shout ‘track,’ move to the outer lanes if it safe to do so. When
passing someone always give plenty of warning time – shout ’track,’ wait for them
to move over and continue in your lane.
• Never stand on the track, especially lanes 1 and 2. When finishing an interval, look
over your shoulder and move to the right as you stop.
• Do not use headphones or mobile phone on the track or infield.
• If the track is not busy, it is usually acceptable to do warm up drills in the outside
lanes. Often this means you will be running back and forth on the straights. This is
the only time that it is OK to run in a clockwise direction.
• Please consider other track users – do not run back up a track towards oncoming
runners.
• Be aware during competition . Do not run across the finishing line unless you are
competing. The infield is generally out of bounds unless you are a competitor.
• Be polite and respectful to coaches and officials.
• Young athletes should be supervised at all times. Please inform your coach or
helper if you have to leave the training area.
• Keep the track area free of litter.
 Lasswade Athletics Club

Code of Conduct
Lasswade Athletic Club wants to encourage and support young and not so young
people in the sport of athletics. The following code of conduct is a statement of the
values we would expect all athletes to follow.

Athlete Conduct 
• Athletes must accept the responsibility of regular training
• When competing athletes must represent the club to the best of their abilities
• Keep a log/diary of all your training
• Be punctual for training and warm ups
• Inform your coach if you cannot make a training session or athletic meeting
• Don’t waste your time or the time of others within your training group
• Have fun at training
• Develop a positive, responsible and caring attitude for all training group and club
members
• Respect your coaches

Respect

Commitment

Achievement
Club Officials and Coaches
The main point of contact for you will be your assigned coach. They will be able to
advise and guide you on all aspects of your involvement with the Club.

If you require to contact other club officials then you can do so by email or telephone
in the first instance to :-

CLUB SECRETARY contact details on www.lasswade-ac.org.uk

Useful Websites
Lasswade Athletics Club www.lasswade-ac.org.uk

Scottish Athletics www.scottishathletics.org.uk

UK Athletics www.ukathletics.net

Scottish Institute of Sport www.sisport.com

Scottish Schools Athletics www.ssaa.co.uk

Power of Ten www.thepowerof10.info

Forth Valley League www.jsbplumbing-forthvalley.fsnet.co.uk

Running Supplies
Run and Become www.runandbecome.com

Run4It www.run4it.com
Lasswade Athletics Club
 Many thanks to the following sponsors:

Stuart & Stuart WS

Solicitors • Estate Agents

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