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South West Athletics League Information
General Information
The South West Athletics League consists of eleven athletic clubs from across Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. It is the primary club track and field competition for MAC athletes and we actively encourage all of our athletes to compete.
There are four league matches throughout the season, all being held at Yeovil ( East Division only) This includes Wimborne, Poole AC,Taunton AC, Yeovil Ac, Dorchester AC and Mendip AC
Dates & Times for Summer 2023
Sunday 30th April, Sunday 28th May, Sunday 16th July and 3rd September
Events start at 11am and are generally finished by 6pm. All age groups are covered from U13 (school year 6) to seniors.
Entries & Rules
Each athlete may enter three events plus a relay at each match. Entries are limited to four athletes per event per age group at U13 and three athletes per event per age group from U15 upwards. In recent seasons number of entrants has not been an issue as we have had relatively low numbers of athletes competing. If we are able to encourage more athletes to compete then it may be necessary for team managers, within certain age / gender categories, to select teams.
There are two programmes ‘A and B’ that have slightly different events. Each programme is used twice during the four match season. This is to allow opportunity for a wide range of events to be covered throughout the season.
Points & Scoring
Points are scored by the highest two finishing athletes for each club. The athlete in first place collects 22 points, second place 21 points, third place 20 points and so on. Athletes finishing outside the first two from each club do not score. League tables are produced for each age group and gender as well as the overall team competition.
Social
More importantly than the club points scored, SWAL gives all of our athletes the chance to compete against other clubs in a competitive but friendly environment. Many athletes make friends with athletes from other clubs and as they continue their athletics will often meet the same people away from MAC at schools events, County Championships, cross country meetings and parkruns. Many of
our athletes have achieved personal bests at these events and all results are properly recorded and registered on ‘Power of 10’.
We are hoping, this year, to provide a club gazebo to form our base for each event and a number of parents bring beach shelters etc to form our own ‘MAC Village’ at the end of the track.
Should we have sufficient numbers wishing to compete MAC will attempt to organise subsidised coach travel to and from Exeter for the matches. Additionally, and to further team spirit we are considering a social food stop on the way home.
With this in mind we ask that all members fill out the attached form and return it to: jon-chivers@tiscali.co.uk.
Officiating
A condition of entry to this league is that each club has to provide two track officials and five field officials at each meeting. Clubs are awarded further points for providing the requisite number of officials. Parents / carers are always required and welcome to assist on the day. You may also wish to contact our lead official, Andy Rumley, who can arrange official’s courses should you ‘get the bug’.
Area Schools:
Mendip AC is NOT able to enter athletes for these competitions. Therefore if athletes want to take part it’s essential that they go and see their Head of PE to ensure that they are entered. If Heads of PE say they don’t know anything about this or won’t enter athletes it’s best for Parents/Guardians to contact the school. As a last resort please contact Pete Grosjean (see above)