MORE ABOUT TAVISTOCK ATHLETIC CLUB . . .

INTRODUCTION

The club was formed in 1985 to promote athletics in all its forms in the area, and at present is going through a very successful phase with over 200 members drawn from all over West Devon and East Cornwall.

We pride ourselves on being friendly, and welcome all newcomers whatever their ability and whether they have belonged to a club or not. So, whether you are already a seasoned athlete or a first time jogger, we can cater for you. We have a strong Junior Section for 8 - 16 year olds, and particularly welcome whole families.

The club competes throughout the year with individuals and teams taking part in Cross Country, Road and off-Road races and Track & Field Meetings. Our more successful members travel to take part in big city marathons, or have represented Devon and the South West., but there is no compulsion to compete, and many of our Senior members just come along to keep fit and enjoy the company. For those who do wish to compete there are many events, near and far, to take part in to suit every ability and preference.

During the Spring and Summer, the whole club competes in the Devon Track & Field League against other clubs in the county. In the Autumn and Winter, Cross Country comes to the fore with the club competing against other clubs in Devon & Cornwall. The Juniors also take part in the Sportshall League where running, throwing and jumping events are modified so they can take place indoors.

We have a large band of coaches who have contributed to our success : all coaches are fully qualified. The club has an active programme to ensure its coaches upgrade their skills. The club is affiliated to the South of England Athletic Association and adheres to all the Codes of Conduct laid down by our parent body, UK Athletics, especially those relating to Juniors. The club has a Welfare Officer to ensure these codes are carried out - copies of the codes are available on request.

The club is always on the lookout for coaches, so please let us know if you are interested in coaching.

CLUB NIGHTS

The club meets on Tuesdays at Tavistock College, Crowndale Road throughout the year in classrooms opposite the main entrance with car parking adjacent. The Juniors are split with training for up to School Year 6 from 6 to 7 pm and for Year 7s and above from 7 to 8 pm. Parents are asked to bring their children in for registration 15 minutes before the start of their session. Training for the Juniors takes place around the College campus during British Summer Time, and in the Sportshall otherwise.

Seniors meet for registration at 6.15 and train for an hour from 6.30. Apart from the Jogging groups, there are 2 groups for established runners catering for those running faster and slower than 7 minute miles. Refreshments are available after training to replenish spent energy.

CLUB EVENTS

The club organises 2 major events during the year, the Town Relay races in the Meadows during Carnival Week, and the Tavy 7, a 7 mile road race starting and finishing at Middlemoor, Whitchurch Down in November. All members are asked to help with these.

MEMBERSHIP, SUBSCRIPTIONS & BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

It is club policy to allow new members to attend 3 meetings as taster sessions after which you expected to join the club. The subscription is payable to the end of the calendar year, so it reduces as the year goes by. Find out the current amount payable by contacting the Membership Secretary or whoever gives out the notices on a Tuesday. To become a member, fill in an application form, a copy of which is in this pack, and hand it with your fee to whoever deals with the registration of the Juniors on a Tuesday.

Money raised is spent on hiring the College facilities, affiliation fees, the purchase of equipment, courses for coaches and competition fees for members representing the club in the various leagues.

CLUB COMMITTEE & COMMUNICATION

The club has a general committee to deal with the day to day running of the club, with sub committees formed to organised specific events when required. The AGM is held at the end of January. The officers you may wish to contact are listed under 'Contacts'.

Please contact the relevant committee member if you have any queries, or wish to raise any matter. We wish to make the club even better, so your input will be very welcome.

Important announcements are made before each session, and details of recent & upcoming events are posted on the notice boards and our website, and a monthly newsletter is produced.