Frederick Potter 
As the days get longer and the weather improves, schools across the country begin to turn their attention from the football pitches and netball courts to the athletics track. The summer term is synonymous with Sports Day, district competitions, and the excitement of track and field. However, a successful season does not happen by accident. It requires careful planning, organisation, and, crucially, a thorough audit of the school’s inventory. For teachers and PE heads, the weeks leading up to the start of the season are the perfect time to assess the condition of their athletics equipment to ensure everything is safe, compliant, and ready for action.
The first step in preparation is a safety audit. Track and field involves running, throwing, and jumping, all of which carry inherent risks if the gear is faulty. Staff should inspect the high jump landing mats for tears or loss of density in the foam. A landing mat that has become too soft offers little protection and needs replacing. Hurdles should be checked to ensure the counterweights move smoothly and the top bars are not splintered or cracked. If a hurdle does not collapse easily when hit, it becomes a tripping hazard. Similarly, throwing cages for discus and hammer events must be inspected for holes in the netting that could allow a stray implement to escape and injure a spectator.
Once safety is assured, the focus shifts to quantity and suitability. A common issue schools face is a mismatch between class sizes and the amount of available gear. There is nothing more frustrating for a student than standing in a queue for ten minutes waiting for their turn to throw a single javelin. To keep lessons engaging and active, schools need an adequate supply of training implements. This includes plenty of practice relay batons, measuring tapes, and cones for marking out zones. This is where purchasing “training grade” athletics equipment is a smart strategy. These items are often more durable and affordable than competition-spec versions, allowing schools to buy in bulk and maximise student participation time.
It is also important to consider the age and ability range of the students. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work in athletics. Primary schools and lower secondary years require lighter implements and modified gear to learn techniques correctly without strain. For example, using soft indoor javelins or foam javelins allows younger children to master the throwing action safely before progressing to metal spears. Similarly, lighter shot puts and discus are essential for younger age groups. Ensuring the cupboard is stocked with a full range of weights and sizes of athletics equipment means that every student, regardless of their physical maturity, has the chance to succeed and improve.
Another key aspect of preparation is the track and field markings. Whether you have a dedicated synthetic track or are marking out a grass oval on the school field, clear and accurate lines are essential. Checking that line marking machines are working and that there is enough paint in stock is a simple but vital task. Clear lane markings, start lines, and changeover boxes prevent confusion during races and help students learn the technical rules of the sport.
Finally, do not forget the administrative side of the season. Stopwatches, clipboards, and loudhailers are the unsung heroes of Sports Day. Ensuring these are working and have fresh batteries avoids panic on the morning of the big event. It is also a good time to review the storage shed. Organising shelves and labelling boxes makes it much faster to set up and pack away lessons, maximising the time students spend actually being active.
By taking the time early in the year to audit, repair, and replenish their stock of athletics equipment, schools can ensure a smooth transition into the summer term. A well-prepared department leads to safer lessons, more active students, and a Sports Day that runs like clockwork, creating positive memories for the entire school community.