Training

Training Times    

Ashford AC holds two Club Training nights a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week throughout the year, only closing for Christmas and New Year. There are two training sessions on each day,  5.30pm - 6.45pm and 6.45pm - 8pm. The training day and time is often dependent on speciality, group capacity and athletes' age and experience. We are a competition club, and as such it is important that athletes are placed with the correct coaches for their discipline and experience.

To enquire about training and membership please email membership@ashfordac.org.uk in the first instance. Please do not just turn up at the track, there is a waiting list. When an athlete first enquires about training and becoming a member, the enquiry goes to our Track Co-ordinator who manages the waiting list. When training capacity becomes available we contact you to arrange some trials at a training session. Usually, after 3 or 4 trial sessions, the athlete is invited to join as a full member.

Once an athlete becomes a full member he or she pays pays a training fee of £3.50 per session which is paid on account periodically (usually monthly) via the Membership Portal.  The minimum account top-up payment is currently set to £28.00 which is enough for approximately 1 month's training sessions. Please see the help page for an explanation of how to use the Membership Portal.

It is important to stay hydrated during training sessions, and to make sure that you have eaten something light before training. You cannot train on an empty stomach. Water is the only recommended drink, no fizzy drinks or power drinks.

As we train in most weathers, it is wise to bring extra clothing with you should you need it, or sun cream!! For further information please see the Membership page on the Membership Portal.

Track Rules

Guidance for spectators

Parents/carers and spectators can watch athletes train on a track night, but for various safety reasons we cannot allow spectators onto track areas while athletes are training. They should view from the stand or the café area.  There are some groups who train indoors on both Tuesdays and Thursdays.  On a training night this area is for athletes and coaches only, and spectators need to view from the outside corridor. If parents/carers wish to speak to coaches, please wait until the end of the session – please do not interrupt.

Track rules for athletes

• In periods of bad weather, the track, run ups and throwing circles can become covered in snow or ice or become waterlogged. In this case, training will be suspended in order to minimise the risk of accidents and injury
• The maximum permitted spike length is 6mm (six millimetres)
• Spikes are not to be worn in the grandstand or inside the building
• Lanes marked with bollards should not be used for training purposes
• Unauthorised persons are not allowed to cross the central (inner field) arena
• All issued equipment must be returned to a member of staff in the equipment room.

Lane discipline

• All warming up, stretching etc. must be done in the designated areas
• Lane usage is as follows:
  • Lanes 1 and 2 are dedicated for race walking training and so should not be used for training for other events
  • Lanes 3 and 4 are used for general group training
  • Lanes 5 and 6 are used for sprinting and/or hurdling
  • Lanes 7 and 8 are used for warm up/warm down and jog/walk recovery.
• Care should be taken to avoid collisions when crossing the track. Athletes should be aware that the word 'track' is used as a verbal warning to you that faster runners are approaching. When you hear the word 'track' being shouted, you should move one lane to the right to avoid collision.

Field event rules

• Unauthorised persons are not allowed to cross the central (inner field) arena when throwing is taking place
• Throwing event implements can only be issued to qualified UKA coaches or authorised senior athletes
• Throwing events can only be practised under the strict supervision of a qualified UKA coach
• All throwers must stand behind the appropriate circle or scratch line and remain there until it is their turn to make a throw
• All throwing is suspended while throwing implements are being recovered
• At busy times, it may be necessary to restrict the long throwing events in the central arena. Athletes should check the availability of the central arena with coaches
• Anyone requiring specialist equipment such as pole vault stands, steeplechase water jump etc., should contact stadium staff in advance giving at least 24 hours' notice
• Pole vault and high jump can only be practised by persons under the strict supervision of a qualified UKA coach
• Jumps events can only be practised under the strict supervision of a qualified UKA coach
• The pole vault and high jump beds must not be used as gymnastic equipment.

All equipment must be treated with care and respect. In the case of wilful neglect or misuse, a charge will be made for the full replacement cost of any damaged items.

If anyone is in consistent breach of any of the above, they will be asked to leave the training area.