Track Safety/Etiquette
Lanes 1 and 2 are "coned" and are reserved for competition use.
Track Lanes used by Eagle AC
Eagle AC shares the use of the track for it's Tuesday and Thursday sessions, from 7 to 8pm, with Belgooly AC. Eagle has the use of lanes 3, 4 and 5, with Belgooly using lanes 6, 7 and 8. Belgooly AC is largely a juvenile club. Beware that children can be inattentive at times may wander into lanes 3, 4 or 5.
On Thursdays, if you start before 7pm, Riverstick-Kinsale AC have exclusive use of the track, so Eagle members must give leeway to Riverstick-Kinsale at all times. There isn't an issue with using the track before 7, but be aware of the situation.
Lane 3 is for speedwork only.
Do not stand around in lane 3.
Do NOT use lane 3 for recovery - move out into lanes 4 or 5
Do not chat in lane 3 - if you're chatting, either you are not doing speedwork, or else you have wandered into lane 3 unintentionally.
Be aware of what's going on around you.
If you hear someone call "TRACK!", move out of the lane, or into a single file on the left, to allow the faster runner to come through - the person coming through really shouldn't have to call "TRACK!"
"Track!" - What to Do
For Eagle track sessions, this will generally be used only in lane 3. If you are alone doing speedwork in lane 3 and someone calls "Track!", then stay on the LEFT side of the lane.
If running in a group, either form a single file on the left of lane 3 or peel off right into the left side of lane 4 until the faster runner(s) pass.
If you go left, into lane 2, and everyone else peels right, STAY in lane 2 - if you change direction and then go right for lane 4, then both you and the faster runner(s) have a high probability of collision, with risk of injury, even if you don't actually make physical contact.
Lane 3 - Starting/Stopping
Starting: Look back down lane 3, to see if there are runners approaching the finish line and decide whether you will impede them by starting immediately - if in doubt, wait until they've finished or passed through.
Stopping: Do NOT stop dead in lane 3 - others may be starting of coming in directly behind you. Continue on and peel right out of lane 3.
Long Distance
If you are doing long distances, move out for faster runners and consider using lane 4 instead.
If doing speedwork in a group, move into single file or out for others moving through - it's not fair to send faster runners out into lane 4, 5 or even 6.
In particular do not stand at the finish area, except while waiting to start and, even then, be aware of others coming through/finishing. This is particularly important. In attempting to avoid YOU, others risk injury to both you and themselves.
Coaching/Team Talks etc
if you wan't to discuss how the session is going etc, please do so either in the Officials Area at the finish line or in the Javelin Run up area (near the steeplechase water jump. Be considerate - do NOT congregate in the lanes that are in use.
Warm-up/Warm-down
Frequently, we do our warm-up/down on the track, going the opposite way to normal. If you are going round like this, Must be more aware of other track users and you MUST give leeway to anyone going in the normal direction, no matter how slowly.
Headphones, MP3 players etc.
The use of headphones on the track is EXCEEDINGLY DANGEROUS! Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES may headphones be used inside the track arena. They MUST be removed BEFORE you step onto the track. Anyone using headphones will be asked to remove them or leave the track.
Footballers, Field Athletes, Members of the Public etc
Be aware of other users of the facility. They may not be aware of, or oblivious to, what is happening on the track and, almost certainly, they won't be aware of track etiquette and safety issues. They may wander anywhere at any time - look out for your own safety first!
Footballers are NOT permitted to play cross field. Games must be played between the goals, minimising the risk of balls coming onto the track at speed. If you see games being played crossfield, report it to the track caretaker or CIT security.
Field Athletes
Field athletes may be carrying implements across the track. They should not normally be carrying implements along the track but watch for the possibility.
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