ATHLETICS NEWS - Athletics South Africa on Sunday (today) wrapped up its first National Technical Symposium in South Africa in more than a decade.
Rolling on the theme of Quality Control, the Symposium was held over two days starting on Saturday (18 November) at the University of Pretoria in Tshwane, to prepare for the 2018-2019 season.
One of the most significant shortcomings exposed by the Symposium, was the shortage of trained Assizers who are the officials who certify that competition equipment is correct and meet the standards prescribed for each event.
From the more than 130 of South Africa’s top Referees, Course Measurers and Assizers, it was clear that a lot still needs to be done to increase the numbers as only three of the 17 ASA Provinces have Assizers.

“This Symposium signals another success story for the Athletics Family,” said Aleck Skhosana, President of ASA. “We all walked away with a handful of things to look at and also to implement.
“After such a long time, it was impressing to see the hunger of the Quality Controllers towards this
Symposium.”
From Day 1 participants were put through a practical test on the road, track and on the field, to gauge how well versed officials were on the current operating rules of the IAAF as adopted by the CAA (Confederation of African Athletics) and ASA.
A theoretical evaluation of each participant followed on the second and last day of the Symposium.
They were also briefed on the latest Rules and Regulations of the IAAF Competition Rules as well as the latest changes in the 2018 ASA Rules and Regulations.

At the end of the Symposium and after the results of the evaluations, the Technical Officials were issued with a Quality Control Identification Card that show which Officials with a mandate to officiate at ASA National events.

“It was also brought to the attention of the participants that ASA has been fighting lawsuits running at over six figures because of negligence by some of them.
“In my address, I impressed on them to realise that each time they are assigned to a competition, they take the role of the President of ASA.
“That simply means they take on a very important role, because when they mess up, it comes back to the President as he is the one who must face the firing squad.
“This symposium, therefore, is what we all needed and I’m confident that we are on the correct footing.”

Source: Athletics South Africa