The UKA Certification system

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.

New Certification Classification

Outdoor Athletic Tracks

 
The new certification classifaction came into effect on 1st April 2010, and gradings to tracks inspected prior to that date will be converted to the new classifcation.

Class A                Suitable for all competition

Notes -
- Class 1 or class 2  I.A.A.F. Certification
- Measurement Surveys
- Programming issues ( Long throws/LJ/TJ/PV)
- 6 lane track

 Class B                Track with event restrictions

Notes - 
- No Hammer
- No adjustable steeple chase barriers

 Class C                 Non standard track

                                                                Additional Notes

3 Grades :

A         Track is suitable for UKA competitions 

Notes- 
i.            I.A.A.F. Certificate - required for tracks hosting I.A.A.F. or E.A.A. meetings.               

ii.           Surveys -  required for record purposes under Rule 141 or performances requiring ratification.

i. and ii. not required for class A certification but may be required for certain standards of meetings.

iii.          Programming issues ( Long throws/LJ / pole vault existing tracks)     

             - Existing track may continue to hold events but care must be taken with the programming of events 
              to avoid conflicts between long throws and other events situated on the infield.

             - To qualify for a class  A status all new builds must ensure long/triple/pole vault facilities are 
             located either on the Ds or outside the track.   
                                                  
             - 6 lane tracks may qualify for class A  and may be used for league and other competitions.

B          The track has event restrictions

Notes -        
i.            Should only be used for league competitions which do not have a full range of events i.e.           
              women’s steeplechase

ii.            Examples - No adjustable steeple chase barriers
                              - No Hammer
                              - Single ended pole vault

C           Non standard track

Notes -
i.            J tracks; non standard size tracks (outdoor 200m., 300m. etc.)
ii.           Non synthetic tracks   (cinder, asphalt, grass etc.)
iii.          Certification not compulsory, on request only.

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.