Stadium to implement strict track shoes regulations on new tracks
THE upgraded HFC Bank Stadium in Suva has implemented strict regulations when it comes to the types of track shoes that athletes can wear on its newly refurbished tracks.
Track shoe spikes for running events must have a maximum of 7mm (millimeter) while for throwing events it is 9mm.
Fiji Sports Council officer and Athletics Fiji sprint coach Bola Tafo’ou said only track shoes with specific spikes would be permitted.
Tafo’ou has emphasized that track shoes with Pyramid and Christmas Tree spikes were acceptable, while those with needle spikes were strictly prohibited.
He had urged schools and student athletes to comply with these regulations when participating on the stadium tracks.
“To the schools that are preparing to come and run at the HFC Bank Stadium tracks, please advise your students not to wear track shoes with needle spikes,” said Tafo’ou.
Tafo’ou highlighted the potential damage track shoes with needle spikes could cause to the tracks.
“Normally before people will just go into the track with the needle spikes shoes, that’s why our track doesn’t last more than five years.”
“This time we really want to keep the tracks proper and safe, so it can last long.”
“I will be doing inspections at the marshalling area during zones and Coca Cola games, students found with these prohibited spikes will be required to remove them immediately.”
Tafo’ou added students who ran barefoot or with socks were allowed, but the heat would be the problem, and it was better to come with the right shoe spikes.