POLOKWANE – Too many people see fun runs and other athletics events as an easy way to make money and do fundraising, and in the process may not necessarily adhere to the very stringent legal requirements in place.

These requirements are in place to protect athletes and organisers alike, Leon Bannau, Secretary of Limpopo Athletics, Athletics South Africa (ASA)’s provincial body, said during a recent interview.

Bannau said, first of all, all athletic events, even those between two or more schools or tertiary institutions, clubs or associate members, must receive permission from Limpopo Athletics to take place. No other entity, be it a municipality or traffic service or police station, may give permission for an event to be held.

“Fun runs will only be sanctioned by ASA or the provincial body provided they are held under the auspices of an affiliated club and if they comply with all the rules, stipulations and conditions laid down by the province,” he said. “All competitions held under the auspices of ASA must comply with the provisions of the Safety at Sport and Recreational Events Act, 2 of 2010 and its Regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 and its Regulations.”

The revision of ASA Rules and Regulations, effective from 1 January this year, comprises a number of new rules as well as clarity and guidance for technical officials, competition organisers and athletes on application of the rules and items of best practice in event organisation.

Rules for fun runs:
• The distance of fun runs may not exceed 8 km and fun run courses should be measured by the most accurate method practicable in the circumstances and be clearly marked.
• The only prizes that may be awarded in fun runs are lucky draw awards that involve a process that provides an equal opportunity of winning to all participants. This may be based on entry or completion of the fun run. No money or money vouchers may be offered as prizes.
• Technical officials are not required to officiate at fun runs. Individual participant timing is optional and a clock at the finish line is normally sufficient.
• Licensed and unlicensed athletes may participate in these events. No licence number or club colours need be worn in these events and temporary licences need not be purchased but licensed athletes shall still be subject to the rules of conduct of the Provincial Athletics Member and ASA while participating in a fun run or related activities.
• Minimum age restrictions shall apply to road races in South Africa, where the same age restrictions shall apply for men and women and the age shall be as at the date of competition. Certain ages are allowed to run certain distances only and organisers of events are required to keep to this rule.
• Medical facilities and personnel shall be in accordance with relevant local authority legislation, but as a minimum shall consist of an Intermediate Life Support paramedic with appropriate equipment.
• For safety reasons the use of personal music players or other devices with headphones is not allowed. Any person using such device shall not be eligible for individual or team prizes and may be disqualified without a warning.

nelie@nmgroup.co.za