Athletes
About
The South Australian Athletics League (SAAL) is a not for profit organisation that has a history of providing competition to athletes since 1898. Unlike amateur competitions, SAAL competitors are handicapped to start at different positions on the track dependent upon their ability so that the racing is fascinating, unpredictable, and gives everyone a chance of being competitive.
At least 15 athletic carnivals are scheduled each season between October and Easter in various locations throughout South Australia including Crystal Brook, Loxton, Glenelg, Burnside, Brighton, Henley, Reynella and Flinders University.
The iconic Bay Sheffield Carnival is the highlight of the season and will be held on the 28th and 29th of December, with this year being the 138th consecutive running of our historic event. Racing is held at Colley Reserve in beachside Glenelg. Athletes come from all over Australia to compete for a much-coveted Bay Sheffield sash and a share of the prize-money. The feature events are the 120m Men’s and Women’s Bay Sheffield races.
WHAT HANDICAP DO I GET WHEN I FIRST START?When a SAAL registered athlete enters a particular distance for the first time, they will be allocated a starting handicap based on their best performance over that or a similar distance, or the novice mark whichever is the lesser.
The maximum initial handicap an athlete can receive is the novice handicap for that distance. Amateur Athletes will be allocated the novice mark or less based upon their performances.
Where an athlete is new to the sport and has no performances or results in any form of organized athletics, whether it be professional, amateur or beach sprints, the novice marks outlined in the Rules of Competition will apply.
WHAT DISTANCES ARE RUN DURING SA ATHLETIC LEAGUE COMPETITIONS?Each meeting comprises a selection of sprint races (70m, 100m, 120m, 200m, 300m and 400m) and middle-distance races (550m, 800m, 1000m, 1600m and 3200m).
WHAT CATEGORIES OF RACES ARE AVAILABLE?We conduct races for open Men and Women, Over 35, Under 18 and Under 14 athletes. We also have novice races for those runners who have not won a race within a distance category before in either a novice or open event.
WHO CAN I TRAIN WITH?The SA Athletic League have many registered and experienced coaches who are willing to help athletes improve their technique, fitness and speed. Just contact the League office during business hours for advice regarding finding a coach in your area.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF COMPETING?The winner of each event receives a sash and prizemoney. Those who make the final will also receive some of the prize pool. Well known race caller Terry McAuliffe provides runners and spectators with an engaging commentary of each race. We have a welcoming and inclusive community where you will get to meet and mix with many athletes, coaches and officials.
WHAT AGE DO I HAVE TO BE TO COMPETE?For most events you need to be 14 years old or older to enter, however if you are 11 years or older you can compete in our junior races (Under 14 and Under 18).
WHAT DOES IT COST TO COMPETE?A registration fee is payable at the beginning of each season. You are also required to pay an entry fee for each race you want to compete in (this must be paid at upon race entry).
CAN I COMPETE INTERSTATE?Yes. The League participates in the National Registration System which permits athletes who compete with the SA Athletic League to run at other pro running meetings around Australia without being required to pay an additional registration fee. This includes the famous Gifts at Stawell (Victoria), Maryborough (Victoria) and Burnie (Tasmania).
Victorian Athletic League Home | Victorian Athletic League (val.org.au)
Similarly, athletes that are registered with other Leagues around the country can enter SA Athletic League events. Interstate athletes love to make the annual pilgrimage over the border to compete in some of our South Australian events such as the Bay Sheffield Carnival, the Camden Classic Carnival, and the Nippy’s Loxton Gift Carnival.
WHY SHOULD I RUN WITH THE SA ATHLETIC LEAGUE?Athletes compete with the SA Athletic League for many reasons. The handicapped format aims for tight and exciting finishes. Catering to all types of athletes, it creates a dynamic and exciting environment that changes every week. It can be a great way for soccer, netballers, footballers and umpires to keep fit during the summer months by competing with the SA Athletic League. Whatever the reason, the SA Athletic League provides everyone who competes with the opportunity to improve his or her level of fitness and become a part of a welcoming and inclusive community.
NOVICE RACE ELIGIBILITY
An athlete can only enter a novice race if he/she has not won a novice, open women’s or open men’s event in that distance category. The three distance categories are 0-200 metres, 201-600 metres, and 601 metres plus.
TARGET TIMES
The target times for the current season are contained in the Rules of Competition.
HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?Email the admin@saal.org.au or phone 0404 350 907.
