A decision has been made to put some additional criteria in place due to the change in weight for U15 and U17 female throw implements.
For shot putt, javelin and hammer the weights have reduced this year and we were finding athletes could claim records when throwing a lighter weight substancially less than the previous record set at a heavier weight. For example an athlete who threw hammer a few metres(for a point) at a league match was able to claim a club record. After careful consideration, it was felt that this could perhaps devalue the club records gained by others and this would be apparent at the awards night where record holders receive a certificate for their achievement.
We have therefore decided to award club records to athletes who can throw the lesser weight within 10% of the record set at a heavier weight. So, for example if the 600g javelin record is 40m, an athlete would have to throw the new 500g weight a minimum of 36m to claim a new record.
We hope you understand why this criteria has been put in place and that athletes who thought they had a club record are not too disappointed,
We are also in the process of putting a new system in place for submitting/publishing club records. An online submission form will be put in place to allow athletes/coaches to submit potential records. In addition to this, a clearly set out list of criteria will be published. If the record meets all of the criteria, the record will be granted. Andy Johnston is the new club "Record Keeper" and will be responsible for checking the criteria is met.
You may wonder why so much care is taken in maintaining the records, but If you look at the records you will see that some have stood for over 30 years. It is therefore a very important part of our club's history and granting a new club record should not be taken lightly. For those who are lucky to achieve a club record it should be seen as a big achievement.
