Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 22 October 2020

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 22 October to Fope Allo, Rohan Bagai, Eromo Egbor, Gerry Elmore, Abi Foulerton, Benjamin Hocking, Simon Keene, Ben McGuire, Lewis McGuire, Nana Nottinson-Nyaaku, David Pearlman, Evie Redpath, Daniel Rees, Jamie Scheulter, Joyce Smith and Luca Stubbs,

NEELAM KADERBHOY – I have been informed that NEELAM is unwell, and is currently in Hospital in Watford. On behalf of myself and Shaftesbury we wish NEELAM a speedy recovery. NEELAM will only be too pleased to hear or receive text’s, especially from her younger athletes, her number on WhatsApp is 07791 512383.

JONATHAN KILSBY – Some sad news regarding JONATHAN who passed away on Friday 16 October at Papworth Hospital. JONATHAN had been in Norwich hospital being treated for endocarditis and, when strong enough was due to have a replacement heart valve. ANDY MAGNALL spoke to JONATHAN last week and the infection seemed to be under control and he was quite positive and keen to have the operation. We don’t know any further details at present.
JONATHAN was an enthusiastic member of SBH on the road, track and cross country, and during my spell as Veterans Team Manager, JONATHAN was always the first name on the team sheet, and had many successful years with us. JONATHAN always spoke of his many Marathon, and following his personal best (2:15.53) in the 1983 London Marathon and was awarded an England vest. On behalf of Shaftesbury and many of his team mates, we send our condolences to his family.

RECENT NEW MEMBER – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to RUTH-ANN OTARUOH

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS 130TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2020 – Is to be held on Tuesday 24 November at 7.30pm. This is the link to the Agenda – AGM Notice 2020 (1)
Any proposals for a change of rule or notice of any business as per rule 22 must be submitted in writing to the General Secretary – PHILIP CUNNINGHAM, 147 Billy Lows Lane, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 1UY by 27 October 2020. This is the link to the SBH Constitution and Rules as of the 26 November 2019 – SBH Current Rules as of the 26 November 2019
Due to the need for social distancing and the current government restrictions, it is intended to hold the meeting via ‘Zoom’.
This year’s Track & Field Best Performance Awards have been cancelled. The 2019-2020 Cross Country Points and Club Championships Winners Awards will be presented to the winners by our various Coaches.

EMILY NEWNHAM ADDED TO THE YOUTH TALENT PROGRAMME – Congratulations, we are delighted to be able to offer EMILY a place on the 2020-22 Youth Talent Programme (YTP). There has once again been a lot of interest and applications for the programme and the level of athletes on the programme is very high. Your selection is testament to the great work you are clearly doing The YTP is the first step on the England Talent pathway designed to add value to the athlete and coach plan and help understand self, developing a broad range of skills, abilities and behaviours needed for senior success. We hope you are all looking forward to an exciting, eventful and successful season and look forward to helping you achieve this qualification.
Many thanks, DON WAGNER Performance Pathway Manager, British Athletics.

EMILY started her career as an Under 13 in 2016 doing mainly multi events through to 2018. In 2019, as a first year Under 17 she specialised in the 300m and 300m Hurdles, recording a personal best (39.34) in the 300m and (43.23) in the 300m Hurdles, ranking her UK No.3 in both events. 2020 saw her season commence in August and remains unbeaten, recording a personal best (39.24) in the 300m and (56.36) in the 400m ranking her UK No.1 in both events.

FRANK ATTOH COACH TO THE YOUTH TALENT PROGRAMME – Congratulations to FRANK who has been appointed as Lead Coach to the YTL for horizontal jumps and is a contributor to the regular England Athletics webinars on jumps coaching/advice which usually has between 70 to 90 joiners. FRANK, is a qualified UKA Level 3 Performance Coach in Jumps. A former international triple-jumper and former AAA’s champion with a personal best of (15.98m) in 1980. His injury-enforced retirement led him into a new career in coaching which since 1982 has seen him gain international recognition as one of the world’s best. TRECIA SMITH, ASHIA HANSEN, MARY BERKELEY, CONNIE HENRY, YAMILE ALDAMA, NADIA WILLIAMS, LARRY ACHIKE, FRANCIS AGYEPONG and GREG RUTHERFORD are among the athletes who have benefited from FRANK’S coaching skills.

MALLORY PARK 5K ROAD RACE – Took place at Mallory on 17 October
KRISTIAN IMROTH U20 2nd (SB 16.47) taking 3 minutes and 6 seconds off his 2016 time

ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD OPEN MEETING – Took place at Sutton Coldfield on 17 October
Shot 5kg – U17M GABRIEL LAMB U17 10th (PB 14.30 1st U20)
Discus 1.5kg – U17M GABRIEL LAMB U17 1st (PB 48.11m) adding 74cm to his 14 September throw, and is ranked UK No.3 U17 in 2020

HERCULES WIMBLEDON 5K ROAD RACE – Took place at Wimbledon on 17 October
SW NAOMI TASCHOMOWITZ 2nd (SB 16.47)

GEORGE GANDY – GEORGE, 80, died on 8 October and the popular Loughborough University coach will have a funeral service at Loughborough Crematorium on Friday October 30 at 2.45pm.
Due to coronavirus restrictions there will be a limited number of people – almost entirely family members – in attendance. But friends, former athletes and fellow coaches and colleagues are welcome to view via the link here with the user name of Tula6594 and password 176106.
If anyone cannot watch it at the time, it will be viewable for a further month on the above link.
On the day there are also plans to have a guard of honour consisting of Loughborough students in their athletics tracksuits but the video coverage of the service will show the inside of the building where GEORGE’S son, STEPHEN, will deliver a eulogy about his life in athletics.

NOTES ON HISTORY OF WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY – Many thanks to BRYAN SMITH for this interesting article.
The Women’s AAA was formed in 1922 and in 1927, the first National women’s country championship was held in Luton. In 1950 the Women’s Cross Country and Race-Walking Association was formed in order to improve the administration of Women’s cross country and race walking. In the early 1950s there was an International match held at the end of the cross-country season between Scotland and England. In 1966 the first under 15 national cross-country championship was held In Watford, in 1967 the first Under 17 National, in 1970 the first under 13 and in 1992 the first Junior Under 20 race.
In those early days of Women’s cross-country, competition consisted of the County cross country championship, in some areas an area inter counties, the area cross country championship and the National cross-country championships. There was also a junior championship by qualification (those who had performed well in area or previous national championships were barred from competing). In order to run cross country in those days you had to be 16 years and over. There was the occasional inter club match.
In the late 1950’s and early 60’s Men’s cross-country clubs were forming leagues that provided regular competition for male clubs. Previously inter club matches and trophy events were held. The first Women’s cross-country league formed was the Greater London Women’s cross-country league in 1963 and the first race held in Totteridge, North London including for the first-time competition for under 14 and under 16 runners. Winner of the under 14 race at that first League fixture was MARGARET MACSHERRY (now MARGARET BALDWIN) who went on to compete in 800m in the 1972 Olympics. Winner of the under 16 race was JOAN PAGE (now JOAN ALLISON) who competed in 1968 (800m) and 1972 Olympics (1500m). The idea of league cross country for women proved popular and the following year athletes from northern and midland clubs came to London to compete. In order to cater for this demand for more cross country for women a Northern women’s cross-country league was formed as was a Midland Women’s cross-country league and an Inter League competition came about. The demand from clubs to compete in the Greater London cross country league resulted in the League changing to the Southern women’s cross country League, with often over 1000 competitors taking part in all age groups.
Eventually local cross country leagues were formed and the reduction in travel resulted in the demise of the Southern Women’s cross country league, it had served its purpose well.
In 1967 the first women’s multi country international held in Barry, Wales in conjunction with the Men’s International Cross Country. The women’s cross-country teams were Wales, England, Ireland, Scotland and USA. In 1968 the women’s Internationall was in Blackburn, England, In 1969 Clydebank, Scotland (with the men’s international), In 1970 Frederick, USA and in 1971 Cambridge England (again with the men’s international). By 1971 the women’s field had increased to include many of the countries that were competing in the men’s international, then in 1972 the IAAF took over the international competition and the first IAAF international cross country was held in Waregem, Belgium.

TOKYO 2021 TRIALS TENTATIVELY ANNOUNCED – The following was published on the athletics Weekly website recently.

British athletes are told what they must do to reach the Olympics and Paralympics – if they take place next year. British Olympic hopefuls will try to qualify for the rescheduled Tokyo Games in a track and field trials event staged in Manchester on June 26-27, whereas marathon contenders will race for places on the team on a multi-lap circuit in London on March 26. With the Virgin Money London Marathon being held in October in 2020 and 2021, a new trials race over 26.2 miles has been created in the British capital with small elite fields battling for Olympic selection on a loop course. For 10,000m runners, the trial event will be at the annual Highgate Harriers-organised event at Parliament Hill on June 5. Race walkers, meanwhile, will have a 20km trial in Leeds in May or June and 50km trial in the spring at a European Race Walking Permit meeting. At these trials athletes will be striving to qualify for Tokyo, although there remains uncertainty surrounding the staging of the Games themselves.

On the coronavirus pandemic, UK Athletics say in their selection policy statement: “Each of us is managing the impact of Covid 19 and we can see the impact it has had on society at large, the international calendar and the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021. “There is still considerable uncertainty surrounding the rescheduling of qualifying competitions. British Athletics is working closely with its international partners to ensure that British athletes have a fair and reasonable opportunity to meet the respective qualification and entry criteria outlined in the policy, and a realistic timeline in which to do so.” Athletics Weekly understands the marathon trial will be held in a secure bio-bubble similar to the recent London Marathon, though, and is almost certain not to be cancelled.

UKA say their priority is to pick athletes capable of winning medals and reaching the top eight. Following this their selection will focus on picking “individual athletes demonstrating future global medal potential for the Olympic cycle running up to and including the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.” The announcement follows the news that Britain’s new head coach, CHRISTIAN MALCOLM, has already started his job, albeit from Australia before moving back to the UK soon. On the track and field trials at Sportcity, UKA’s selection policy states: “The first two placed eligible athletes in each individual trials event will be automatically selected for the same event, provided that, within at least one of the two qualification periods … the athlete has achieved at least one World Athletics qualification standard.” Marathon and race walks selections will be announced March 30 although CALLUM HAWKINS has already been preselected for the marathon. Athletes for all remaining events will be named on June 28 after the team has been approved by the British Olympic Association.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DISCUS – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Coach STUART CARLAW talks through some of the key points in discus selection. Choosing the right implement in the throws disciplines can be a nightmare. Let’s be honest, we’re all initially attracted by the paintwork, and surely paying more will get you better equipment, right?. Wrong. Throwing the wrong discus, shot, hammer or javelin can knock metres off your result, and at worst can result in injury.

So how are you supposed to know the difference between the many choices, especially when the product descriptions all say ‘this is a precision engineered implement and when thrown correctly can add x% to your distance’. Of course the answer is complex, personal and largely down to experience. Equipment supplier Neuff Athletic has been working with some of the top UK coaches to shed some light on the conundrum.
In the first of a four-part series, here STUART CARLAW, who is head of England Throws Camps and the UKA event lead for shot put, talks all things discus.

CARLAW believes the key questions for athletes choosing a discus are:

l. Hi rim weight or low rim weight?
2. Hi-spin or low-spin?
3. Rim finish and rim profile?
4. What plate finish?
To decide your answers, you need to consider a host of other questions:

HOW FAR ARE YOU THROWING AND WHAT DOES YOUR THROW LOOK LIKE – A general rule of thumb is that the higher the rim weight is of the discus, the higher the spin rate but also the higher the force that needs to be generated by the athlete to get the discus spinning at an optimum rate. Understanding your distances and what your throw looks like is critical in understanding what discus is probably right for you.

WHAT HAND FEEL DO I LIKE – Discus throwing is a personal thing and comes with lots of factors that are discreet to each individual. A good discus thrower will intuitively like the “feel” of a disc. You need a good, comfortable contact between your fingers and the rim in order to effectively transfer energy, break inertia and get the discus spinning. The profile of the rim, the finish of the rim and the contrast between the rim and the plate are all crucial factors.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DISCUS?

How long have you been throwing?
What level of competition am I entering?
What is my budget?

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHOT PUT – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Coach PAUL WILSON talks through some of the key points in shot put selection. Choosing the right implement in the throws disciplines can be a nightmare. Let’s be honest, we’re all initially attracted by the paintwork, and surely paying more will get you better equipment, right?.. Wrong. Throwing the wrong discus, shot, hammer or javelin can knock metres off your result, and at worst can result in injury.

In the second article of a four-part series, here PAUL WILSON, who is head of Valhalla Throws Academy and coach to 10-time British shot champion Scott Lincoln along with a number of other athletes to international levels, talks all things shot put.

Wilson knows that the main considerations when choosing a shot are the manufacturing method and diameter.

HOW BIG IS TOO BIG – Generally speaking, the larger the better, as the shot should sit in the fingers resting against the pad of the hand and if the shot is too small, it will encourage you to throw it rather than using the correct ‘putting’ action. However, if the shot is too large, it will slip in your hand, so if you have particularly small hands you may wish to consider a smaller diameter. WILSON is working with Neuff to develop a photographic guide to how the shot should sit in the hand, which will be published soon.

DOES IT MATTER WHAT A SHOT LOOKS LIKE – Maybe you like the paint colours of one range, or the shine of a stainless steel shot? There is more to consider than just how it looks, though. Once the shot has been used once or twice, it will inevitably look less shiny, and there are things to consider. Will you get a good grip? What sort of grip product do you use? When the paint chips off, will it go underweight? Will you be putting on to particularly hard or stony ground?

Stainless steel shot tend to be softer, so will dent more easily, and may need to be scuffed by rolling them down the pavement before use as they are so shiny. Painted shot tend to be cheaper, but will inevitably chip.

ARE THE MORE EXPENSIVE SHOT REALLY DIFFERENT – There is a lot of subtle difference as to what is going on inside a shot. Despite appearances, they are not cannonballs, and the top shot have carefully weighted centres to ensure best aerodynamic flight

ENGLAND ATHLETICS CROSS COUNTRY GUIDANCE FOR A RETURN TO LIMITED COMPETITION – A collaboration of England Athletics, the English Cross Country Association and other competition providers were pleased to publish (on Friday 18 September) the return to limited competition guidance for cross country. We want to encourage all competitors and organisers to enjoy and compete in cross country this winter while we are also aware that we have to keep the cross country and wider community safe. We will continue to update guidance in light of the pilot events we are working on with competition providers and any change to government guidance. Click the link below to view the guidance documents and to read an update from MARTIN RUSH, Head of Coaching and Athlete Development at England Athletics.
A collaboration of England Athletics, the English Cross Country Association and other competition providers are pleased to publish the return to limited competition guidance for Cross Country. We know athletes, clubs, schools and coaches want a return to cross country competition. It has been the bedrock of endurance in Britain for well over a century. We want to encourage all competitors and organisers to enjoy and compete in cross country this winter while we are also aware that we have to keep the cross country and wider community safe.
The guidance document provides a framework for getting cross country competition back but this is in a limited way at this current point in time. The need to maintain social distancing (2m) or only spend a very limited amount of time closer together is at the heart of every sports’ guidance from road running, to football, to netball and triathlon. We have worked with Sport England and DCMS and other sports to ensure that our guidance recognises the current limitations imposed by the government restrictions with a return to activity which is so important to the sport, and wider community.
Our aim is that school children, club runners, international athletes and all who love the sport of cross country will be able to get back to limited racing and, if government guidance shifts, to the iconic scenes of the English National. We will continue to update guidance in light of the pilot events we are working on with competition providers and any change to government guidance.

Timelines – Late September to Mid-October – Pilot cross country events, 3rd October – Cross Country Licensing opens, 17th October – Licensed Cross Country events.
Click here to access the cross country return to limited competition guidance document and associated cross country Covid-secure environment guidance document.

LATEST UPDATE ON PARKRUN – An update on our planned restart in England from parkrun Global Chief Executive Officer NICK PEARSON. Sadly, after significant consultation and discussion, circumstances outside of our control have dictated that parkrun cannot return in England by the end of October, as we had hoped.

CAN YOU HELP PLEASE – During the period when all competitions are suspended, I will do my upmost in keeping the Newsletter information and other content going.
I would welcome any contributions From Yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents, also past warm weather training/holidays (No Club 24 please). Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next week’s Newsletter – please email me.

PROCEDURES FOR USING ALLIANZ PARK FROM JEREMY SOTHCOTT – Which is now open to SBH members subject to the conditions below.
We have now negotiated the use of some Track & Field facilities with Saracens compliant with current guidance issued by the UK Government and England Athletics.
At the present time, the track & field groups will be limited to a maximum of five ‘Competing Club Athletes’ and one coach for each session e.g. 5 athletes on track and 5 athletes at the throws area.
Throws
Athletes should have their own implements. However, one implement of each weight will be left in the SBH store beside the sanitising equipment. Arrangements will have to be made in advance with TY HOLDEN.
Jumps
Following Government Guidelines up to 5 athletes with a suitably qualified coach can now undertake Jumps training utilising jump beds and sand pits. We have updated our guidance documents, based on information and advice from our partners and government, to include guidance specific to Jumps areas (such as Cleaning requirements before, during and after sessions). Athletes, coaches, clubs and venues must follow the latest guidance – please read our updated guidance documents at: ???? https://bit.ly/2ATiU7R
The indoor track and the clubhouse gymnasium cannot be used.
Athletes invited to train by their coach must be sent the attached Allianz Park Track & Field Agreement in advance of starting training at Allianz Park. The athlete and parent (if under 16) to sign and return to me and TY before they can train. Athletes should meet their coach promptly at their booking time outside the SBH Clubhouse where they will be asked to confirm that they do not have, and that no one in their household has, (or has had within the last 14 days) any of the symptoms of COVID-19.
The athletes will then be escorted using social distancing (2 metres) into the SBH Clubhouse to sign the attendance record with times in and out of the stadium (black A4 folder on photocopier). There is also some hand sanitiser on the table for use. Athletes must follow the instructions of the coach and observe social distancing during warm-up, the session and cool down.
Stadium Booking details
Please let me and TY know the names of the athletes and your preferred time slots for the following week (Monday to Sunday) before 6pm on the Saturday. We will confirm the availability and distribute the schedule to Saracens and to all coaches.
Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
All 1 hour 35 minute slots (Saturday & Sunday – last slot finishes at 7.20)
9.00 – 10.35, 10.45 – 12.20, 12.30 – 2.05, 2.15 – 3.50, 4.00 – 5.35, 5.45 – 7.20, 7.30 – 9.00
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
There are 3 x 1 hour 35 minute slots and 7 x shorter 50 minute slots
9.15 – 10.50, 11.00 – 11.50, 12.00 – 12.50, 1.00 – 1.50, 2.00 – 2.50, 3.00 – 3.50, 4.00 – 4.50, 5.00 – 5.50, 6.00 – 7.25, 7.35 – 9.00
There is a 10 minute gap between each session for transitioning.
If you haven’t got a key fob for gaining access through the clubhouse, then please contact GEOFF MORPHITIS Mobile: 07976 994302 who will arrange to issue one to you. Please do not enter the clubhouse until the coach/athletes from the previous session exit. No parents will be permitted to enter the stadium unless there is a child protection issue i.e. one coach and one athlete aged under 18.
There is a single disabled toilet (unisex) that can be used within the indoor area.
When going in and out of the Clubhouse from the carpark please make sure the door handle is left in the upward locked position at all times.
Link to the SBH Athlete and Coach Track & Field Training Agreement, which will sent to all participating athletes, and then to be returned signed by the athlete and parent – SBH – Allianz Park Track & Field Areement During Lockdown Period
Please let me know if you have any questions – JEREMY SOTHCOTT Mobile: 07764 621424 email jeremy.sothcott@btinternet.com

ENGLAND ATHLETICS CORONAVIRUS HELP FOR ATHLETES – Many thanks to TUNJI who as reported on the 19 March newsletter is the father of NIAH AKINTOKUN.
In these unprecedented times, I wanted to draw the club’s attention to some of the great resources available online. England Athletics is expanding its campaign to support Athletics and Running for everyone @home, with a focus on ‘Running @home’ support and advice. The homepage can be accessed here
There are many webinars, interviews and tips from top coaches and athletes on how to stay conditioned and focused.
In addition, there are some fantastic videos for 4-11yr olds on the Funetics webpage put together in conjunction with England Athletics. The videos demonstrate parents and children (aged 4-11) taking part in FUN activities based on fundamental core movement skills: running, jumping and throwing. Funetics is a programme that has been designed to reflect the requirements of the National Curriculum Key Stage 1 and 2. At this time when our children are currently schooling at home, we hope that these video activities will support the need for education to continue at home. You can access the videos here TUNJI AKINTOKUN MBE – Non Executive Director, England Athletics

THE FOLLOWING SBH DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION CAN EITHER BE VIEWED, DOWNLOADED OR PRINTED
SBH 2020 Summer Fixture Card Front Sheet – Summer 2020 Fixture Card Front Sheet Final Issue 12-02-20
SBH 2020 Summer Fixture Card Fixtures, Updated 08-08-20 – Summer 2020 Fixture Card – Updated 08-08-20 With Current Information
Track and Field Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/track-field/team-managers/
Road Running Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/road-running/team-managers/

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OF INTEREST CAN BE FOUND ON THE SBH HOME PAGE BY USING THIS LINK, THEN SELECT THE LEFT OR RIGHT ARROW – http://sbharriers.co.uk/
Allianz Park Membership, which gives SBH members 10% discount on entry to the Allianz Park stadium – Membership details and Form can be either printed or downloaded
Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Club Hoody, information on how to purchase one, please go to the bottom of this Newsletter

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT ALLIANZ PARK – Please contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525/clyde67@hotmail.co.uk for futher information on High Jump and Pole Vault days and times.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT ALLIANZ PARK – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

PARKRUN – Can you make sure that you are registered as ‘Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers’, as the link I use to select all results only shows SBH athletes. If anyone is also officiating can you please contact me, and advise me where and when.

PHOTOGRAPH’S – From time to time we have photographs of our members taken at meetings or presentations which we would like to use both on the website or incorporated within our report to our local newspaper. Can you please let me know if you do NOT want your photograph to be used. Also, I would appreciate if you could send me any photographs, which I can then publish on the website and newsletter.

CLUB EMBROIDERED RED HOODIES – Currently there are now over 750 Hoodies in circulation, this is the link giving details on how you can order your Club Hoody for £35, which includes having your name embroidered on the front Club Hoodies Updated 01-07-19

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF SHAFTESBURY INFORMATION – Currently I notify members (by email) using “MailChimp”. The reason I changed, was in November 2017 “Gmail” put a limit of 100 addresses that users could send to in a 24-hour period, and currently I send to approximately 850 members each issue.

On seeking technical advice “MailChimp” was recommended as the best way for SBH to go forward. There is one thing you should be aware off is that when you receive an email from me, the footer at the bottom has 4 options, of which one is “Unsubscribe Me From List”. Could I ask you not to select this as if you do you will be automatically removed from my distribution list.

SBH PRIVACY STATEMENT – In becoming a member, SBH will collect certain information about you. Can you please read the attached ‘Privacy Statement’ which contains Information on General Data Protection Regulations – SBH Privacy Statement Final April 2018

ALLIANZ PARK – Main Switchboard telephone number is 0203 675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING ALLIANZ PARK – Currently the stadium is open for limited use.

ALAN WELLER