Hurdles

Who runs what distance?
​
U6, U7                                                60m mini hurdles
U8, U9, U10, U11, U12                     60m hurdles​
U13, U14G                                        80m hurdles
U14B, U15G                                     90m hurdles
U15B, U17G                                     100m hurdles
U17B                                                 110m hurdles
U13, U14                                           200m hurdles (circular)
 U15, U17                                          300m hurdles  (circular)            

​What is the basic technique? 
Hurdling is basically an extension of running. The first leg over the hurdle is called the ‘lead leg’ and the second leg over is called the ‘trail leg’.

• Lead leg - straight up (bent knee raised to chest), straight out (extend the leg over the hurdle), straight down over the hurdle (plant the foot on the other side of the hurdle)
• Trail leg - lift the leg to the side with heel to bottom. Pull the knee around and through to the chest, and then foot plant in the direction the athlete is running. (Some coaches like to tell their athletes to pop the balloon for this part of the action).

When can an athlete be disqualified in hurdles?

• If in the opinion of the referee, an athlete deliberately knocks down a hurdle by hand or foot.
• If an athlete interferes or impedes another athlete’s performance.
• If an athlete goes under or around a hurdle.
• If an athlete trails their foot around the side of a hurdle
• If an athlete jumps a hurdle not in their own lane.

What are some safety considerations? 
Make sure ALL hurdles are facing the right direction. Hurdles used are of a collasible type and must be setup so the hurdle will fold down in the event it is knocked down. Never allow athletes to jump hurdles from the wrong direction. This is most likely to occur after athletes have been permitted a practice jump prior to their event. 

What are some “Handy Tips” for conducting hurdles?

• When conducting hurdles on the one day/night, have higher hurdle events first, then lower hurdle events. Alternatively, conduct U13-U17 on one week and U8-U12 on the following week. ​