This has evolved over a number of years from the systems originally developed by the AAA and BAF. Tracks received a full inspection once every five years and following the inspection, the track was either awarded a certificate or was deemed to have failed. Owners of failed tracks could re-apply as soon as they had rectified the problems that had been identified and if appropriate a certificate would be awarded on confirmation that the work undertaken was to specification.
From January 2001, in order that facilities could remain in use, the system was changed so that, depending on the results of the certification inspection, a track could be awarded a certificate in one of five categories:
a. | FULL | Suitable for training, competitions under UKA Rules and record purposes without restrictions |
b. | RESTRICTED | Suitable for training and competitions under UKA Rules without restrictions but not for records. |
c. | RESTRICTED | Suitable for training, and competitions under UKA Rules and record purposes but with restrictions shown on the certificate. |
d. | RESTRICTED | Suitable for training, and competitions under UKA Rules but with restrictions shown on the certificate. Not suitable for records. |
e. | TRAINING ONLY | As indicated on the assessor’s report |
Records refers to those performances that require ratification; World, European, UK, UK All-comers, Celtic Nations and England.
In order to reduce the amount of wording on the certificate and to introduce a greater degree of consistency the system was further developed from 1st January 2006. Now tracks, after assessment, are awarded a classification as follows:
Class 1
Meets the specification and requirements for all competition under UKA rules including Women’s steeplechase, having adjustable barriers.
Class 2
Meets the specification and requirements for all competition under UKA rules excluding Women’s steeplechase, not having adjustable barriers.
Class 3
Meets the specification and requirements for all competition under UKA rules including Women’s steeplechase, having adjustable barriers. Not having a valid survey, performances are not acceptable for record purposes.
Class 4
Meets the specification and requirements for all competition under UKA rules excluding Women’s steeplechase, not having adjustable barriers. Not having a valid survey, performances are not acceptable for record purposes.
Class 5 - Restricted certificate
Class 6 - Non standard tracks
Two copies of each certificate are issued. The track operator should keep one on file and the other displayed at a prominent place at the facility. The certificate will indicate the current status of the track. If the certificate is not displayed, athletes, coaches and officials should demand to see a copy before using the facility.
Certificates can be upgraded or amended at any time following the satisfactory completion by the operator of work identified as part of the certification process.
In the period between initial inspection and expiry of the certificate (5 years), all tracks will receive an annual visit. At this time, advice on care and maintenance will be given and signs of deterioration noted. Certificates can be amended or even withdrawn as a result of the annual visit.
