13 May WPA clarifies rules on junior licence swopping
Western Province Athletics (WPA) has reminded affiliated clubs of the regulations governing the allocation and use of junior athletics licences, warning that the illegal swopping of licence numbers could result in disqualifications, disciplinary action and potential medical risks for young athletes.
The federation confirmed that the current process for issuing junior licences remains in place at the WPA office.
Junior licences are only issued once a club submits a formal requisition to the WPA office. Each licence sold must be supported by a valid copy of the athlete’s birth certificate. The details on the birth certificate are then linked to the allocated licence number and recorded on the Athletics South Africa database.
This means that every junior athlete must compete using the licence number specifically issued to them by the WPA office.
WPA stressed that clubs are not permitted to allocate a licence number issued to one athlete to another athlete without first updating the athlete’s identification details through the office.
Should a change be required, clubs must submit:
- A copy of the new athlete’s birth certificate
- A written directive from the club requesting the amendment
The updated details must be officially recorded by the WPA office before the licence number may be used in competition.
WPA warned that any junior athlete found using a licence number allocated to another athlete could face disqualification either during the event or after results have been published.
The federation further stated that disciplinary action could also be taken against club officials and coaches involved in the misconduct.
“Because the athlete is a junior, the club chairperson, secretary and coach will be disciplined for dishonesty as this behaviour is regarded as cheating,” WPA said in a statement sent to clubs.
The organisation also highlighted the safety implications linked to incorrect licence usage.
“The illegal swopping of licence numbers may expose athletes to medical risks in the event of an emergency during athletics meetings or road races. The same concern applies when junior athletes compete using senior licences.”
WPA has urged all affiliated clubs to ensure that athletes compete only with officially issued WPA licence numbers allocated to them by the office.
