7.4.3 Allocating Handicaps
The tables in 7.4.2 should be used as a guideline for fixing handicaps at the start of a season’s
programme or when a new member joins. Should a regular programme of handicapped races be
established then the following tips may be useful:
• Award points for each race to the first six places.
• Apply penalties to the first three in the race according to their finishing positions
(For example, 15 metres, 10 metres and 5 metres).
• The coach can use discretion as to whether anyone is moved forward for the next race but be
alert to anyone working his or her handicap.
• Have a special set of pre-marked cones to set alongside the starting positions of each
young athlete.
7.4.4 Handicapping by Staggered Starting Times
The expected performance of the weakest competitor is used as a datum to determine the scratch
position and the competitors are lined up in file behind this member in order of their ability. The
timekeeper starts the watch as the first runner starts and all the following runners are set off in turn
at the time estimated for them to catch the leader. The same watch can be used to record finishing
times and actual times are calculated by subtracting the handicap start time.
For example, consider a number of young athletes taking part in a race over a distance of 1500
metres.
Name
Estimated Performance Handicap in seconds
Jane
5 min 15 sec
0 secs
Mary
5 min 7 sec
8 secs
Anne
5 min 1 sec
14 secs
Julie
4 min 55 sec
20 secs
Kathy
4 min 48 sec
27 secs
Beth
4 min 42 sec
33 secs
Diane
4 min 35 sec
40 secs
As the programme progresses through the season the coach will develop a sound idea as to the
correct handicap for each young athlete and may be pleasantly surprised by the improvement made
by the less talented group members. Again a points system can be incorporated and the handicaps
adjusted by the coach as the season progresses.
Sustained Activities
7
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