Long Jump

How do the athletes work out their run-up?

An athlete can start from anywhere on the runway but try to make sure their run-up is not too long.
A good guide is that the length of an athlete’s run-up should be their age in strides, + or - 2 strides. e.g. U13 may take anywhere between 11 and 15 strides.
If you notice that a child is reaching their maximum speed well before the take-off area, you might suggest that they move their run-up in.

Where do the athletes jump from?

U6 - U7:a mat (1m ), set up 1⁄2m back from the edge of the pit.
U9- U10: a mat (0.5), set up 1m from the edge of the pit.
U11 - U17: a mat (0.2), set up 1m from the edge of the pit not more than 2m back from the edge of the pit.

When is a foul recorded?

If an athlete’s foot goes over the front edge of the take-off area.
If the athlete takes off from the board or mat with two feet.
If the athlete after landing, walks back through the sand towards the take-off area.
If any sort of somersault is used.

How do I measure?

U6 - U10 (with foot mark): Measurement is taken from the front of the foot imprint made in the take-off area, to the closest landing mark in the pit.
U6 - U10 (with no foot mark): If the athlete takes off from behind the nominated take-off area, measurement is taken from the back of the nominated take-off area, to the closest landing mark in the pit. The measurement must be taken perpendicular to the take-off line or its extension.
U11 - U17: Whether the athlete takes off on or before the take-off area, measurement is from the front of take-off area to the closest landing mark in the pit. The measurement must be taken perpendicular to the take-off line or its extension.
The zero end of the tape is placed where the athlete lands.

What are the safety considerations?

What are some “Handy Tips” for conducting long jump?

Have younger athletes (U6-U10) run in from a set marker.
For younger athletes, have the athletes lined up on (or beside) the runway ready to go.