Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running Rules

• This event is presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of WA, ASA, AFS. The AFS Cross Country Commission also impose specific regulations and standards that apply.
• The Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running League is presented by Parys Multisport Club at Koedoeslaagte Trail Park and Venue, located approximately 10km from Parys (Kopjeskraal). Visit www.koedoeslaagte.com for more information of the race venue.
• The Kroonstad Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running League is presented by Trio High School at the "Landbou terrein" in Kroonstad. The Kroonstad League is a sub-district league of the Fezile Dabi Cross Country Championship League. Athletes who participate in the Kroonstad league will be required to participate in one league, as well as the district championship at the Fezile Dabi Cross Country Championship League (Koedoeslaagte).
• This event is open to all ASA licensed athletes from all provinces. Only athletes affiliated with Athletics Free State (AFS) will be selected for the Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running team to compete at AFS inter-district, AFS inter-provincial, and AFS provincial championship events.
• Clubs / Schools who want their athletes to become elligible for the provincial AFS team through the Fezile Dabi Cross Country district will be required to to affiliate the club / school. Clubs / schools participating under Fezile Dabi Cross Country can affiliate once-off with either of the following leagues:
  • Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running Championship League: R300 once-off for the 2025 season.
  • Kroonstad Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running League: R300 once-off for the 2025 season.
• Athletes will be required to have participated in a minimum of four AFS (ASA) district leagues, including one AFS (ASA) district championship league to be elligble for the AFS provincial cross country team.
• Only results obtained from AFS (ASA) Cross Country leagues will be recognised for district and provincial team selection.
• Qualification standards are different for each AFS provincial district. The Fezile Dabi Cross Country League uses time obtained from the course at Koedoeslaagte as a qualification standard.
• The youngest age of an athlete to participate in this league will be 6 years (turning 7 years old).
• Only athletes tunring 8 years old in the year of competition will be eligible for the (Beginners 8 years) AFS provincial team to compete at the ASA Cross Country Running National Championship.

• Make sure you enter into the correct age-gender category. Beginners U/8 to U/23 will be the age on 31 December. Age of seniors and masters will be the age on race day.
• No athlete will be allowed to start late or compete within another event / category other than that entered for.
• No coach, spectator, or athlete will be allowed to run along the outside of the track to give pace to an athlete actively participating in a race.
• Stay on the course. Cutting the course or running outside of the marked course will lead to disqualification.
• Athletes must be fit and healthy enough to complete the distance within the given time frame and without walking.
• Do not run if you are sick. If it is determined by means of medical report that an athlete experienced complication during a race as a result of being sick or being medicated, the athlete will be disqualified.
• Only persons authorised by their club will be allowed to dispense water at the water aid station.
• Do not accept water from any source outside of the water station area.
• Athletes who dispose of water containers or sachets on the track beyond the water aid station may be disqualified.
• Do not help injured runners or carry them accross the finish line. Medical personnel will be available to assist injured or distressed athletes.
• Do not accept help from other runners or spectators. Medical personnel and officials will be available to assist injured or distressed athletes.
• If an athlete gets injured the athlete may be instructed by officially appointed medical personnel or officials to retire from the race ("did not finish").
• Do not intensionally push, pull, hit, or touch another athlete and do not hold hands when crosisng the finish line.
• Athletes must wear their ASA license numbers (back and front of vest) and age category tags (if applicable) at all times during the race. Number and tags must be clearly visible at all times during a race.
• Do not run with another athlete's license / race number.
• Do not swear at, berate or offend spectators and fellow runners.
• Spectators who interfere, intimidate or berate athletes, personnel, or officials will be asked to leave or be removed by security immediately.
• Do not urinate or expose yourself in public. Please make use of provided facilities.
• Do not litter. Athletes / clubs are responsible for keeping things clean and tidy in the areas they occupy during an event.
• STRICTLY NO SMOKING outside of the designated smoking areas (extremely high fire risk during winter). Do not dispose cigarette butts on the ground, please use the dustbins ash trays provided.

• The rules and regulations for the fun run that are stipulated here applies to the Fezile Dabi Cross Country League only.
• The Fun Run will only be presented at leagues 1-5. No Fun Run at league 6 (championship).
• Entries and payments for the fun run are done on race day before the start of the fun run.
• The minimum age for the 2km fun run is 7 years.
• The minimum age for the 4km fun run is 12 years.
• All minors must be accompanied by an adult (parent / legal guardian).
• The fun run will start as a mass start with all ages in both the 2km and 4km distances starting at the same time.
• Participants must take note of the event schedule and complete the distance before the start of the next event on the programme. The programme will not be delayed for the fun run and participants who are still on the course when the next event must start may be asked to clear the course.
• There will be no race numbers, no timing, no results, and no podium or prizes for the fun run.
• Participation in the fun run will NOT count towards an athlete's league participation quota requirements to compete at the AFS championship.
• The fun run remains subjected to the rules and regulations as stipulated for the event. Health and safety of participants remain the highest priority.

• Athletes enter for this event at their own risk. The indemnity and legal disclaimer of this event applies to every participant by default.
• Entry fees:
  • Leagues 1-6: R50 per athlete per league. Strictly pre-entries only.
  • Fun run (2km / 4km): R20 per athlete per league. Enter and pay on race day.
  • Spectators: Enter for free.
  • All minors must be accompanied by, and under full supervision of a parent / legal guardian.
• This event will be limited to a maximum of 3000 athletes per league due to the graded capacity of the venue.
• All participating athletes are required to pre-register for this event. Athletes who did not pre-register will not be allowed to participate.
• No entries will be accepted and processed on race days.
• Entries can be submitted as follows:
  • Indivual entries: Online entry application form.
  • Club / school spreadsheet entry form for group entries (5 and more athletes).
• All payments must be completed prior to the start of the league event entered for.
• All athletes who pre-entered and made payment must be able to present proof of payment at registration when collecting the race number.
• Entries open on Monday 01 April 2025.
• Pre-entries fo the leagues at Koedoeslaagte will close on the following dates:
  • League 1: Wed 07 May 2025 at midnight.
  • League 2: Wed 28 May 2025 at midnight.
  • League 3: Wed 04 Jun 2025 at midnight.
  • League 4: Wed 11 Jun 2025 at midnight.
  • League 5: Wed 18 Jun 2025 at midnight.
  • League 6: Wed 23 Jul 2025 at midnight.
• No late entries or requests to enter late will be processed or responded to.
• Strictly no refunds, substitutions, transfers or deferrals.
• With the exception of the 2km (Youth, Junior, and Senior) events, participants may enter in only one race distance and age category per league in this event.
• The re-sale of entry tickets is strictly prohibited.

• All athletes must check in at registration 30 minutes prior to the start of their event.
• Race numbers will be available to collect from registration upon arrival at the race venue.
• Race numbers will be packed in envelopes that are arranged according to club / school name.
• Athletes must personally check in at registration or with their team managers.
• Athletes will be allowed to collect only their own race numbers.
• Only authorised club / school/ team managers will be allowed to collect race numbers on behalf of their own athletes.
• Race numbers must be attached close to the license number on the front of the vest. Numbers will be removed at the finish line by appointed staff, please do not attach your race number near or over a private area.
• Athletes who leave the finish area without handing in their race numbers will not receive a result (did not finish).
• Race numbers may not be shared or transferred to another athlete. Do not run with another athlete's race number.

• No athlete will be allowed to run with another athlete’s license or race number.
• Valid ASA licenses are required. No license, no run.
• No licenses or temporary licenses will be for sale on race day or when entering for this event.
• Licenses must be displayed on the front and back of the running vest and must be clearly visible at all times during the race.
• Participants compete in club / school colours. Athletes who do not yet have club sportswear or run for development teams will wear neurtral sportswear with no branding / logos. Club / school colours will be required to compete at inter-provincial and provincial championship events.
• Age category tags are required for Junior (J) athletes, as well as athletes competing in age categories 35 years and older (5 year increments).
• It will be expected that athletes wear appropriate sportswear and change in the allocated change rooms / facilities provided - do not expose yourself in public.
• Running bare foot is allowed but it is highly recommended to wear appropriate running shoes to reduce the risk of injury.
• Running with spiked shoes is allowed.
• Athletes are not allowed to wear or carry the following on the race course during a race:
  • Headphones.
  • Cellular phones.
  • Cameras that are attached to the body or selfie sticks.
  • Water reservoirs / Camelbacks and water bottels.
  • Necklases or bracelets, with the exception of Medical Alert Jewelry.
  • Flags or banners
• In addition to approved clothing, athletes are allowed to wear or carry the following during a race:
  • Approved protective eyewear and prescription glasses / contact lenses.
  • Prescription hearing aids.
  • Smart watches / biometric devices as long as athletes do not receive any communication or assistance from coaches or third parties during a race.

• Medal prize giving ceremony will be presented at league 6 only.
  • Medals will be awarded to the first three individual podium positions per race category irrespective of affiliated province.
  • Athletes 35 years and older will be awarded in 5 year age categories.
  • Athletes younger than 35 years will be awarded according to their respective age categories and race distance entered for.
  • Athletes 60 years and older will be combined for medal prize giving, but results will remain separated in 5 year age groups.
  • No prize money, team prizes or team medals will be awarded.
• Only South African citizens are eligible for medals / awards at the Fezile Dabi Cross Country events.
• Only athletes with a valid ASA license will be eligible for medals / awards at Fezile Dabi Cross Country events.
• Athletes must appear on the podium in their respective club colours (running vest / tracksuit).
• Adaptive athletes are not catered for at Fezile Cross Country events.
• Athletes winning medals / awards must be present during the award ceremony.
• An athlete who is absent during the medal ceremony will forfeit his / her medal / award. The only exceptions to this rule will be:
  • When an athlete is incapacitated due to injury or illness.
  • When the athlete has been given specific approval by the race director to miss the award ceremony.
  • When the athlete needs to depart in order to participate in another provincial or national level event (any sport at a higher level of competition than that of the district championship - not trials).
• Athletes may be required to provide proof of age before receiving age category medals / awards. Failing to provide such proof, the athlete may forfeit his / her medal / award.
• No prizes or medals will be released if random drug testing was done on any race on the day of the event, up to such time ASA receive the results from the South African Institution for Drug Free Sport (SAIDFS).
• No cash prizes will be awarded.

• Participants will be timed by hand stop watch(es) and electronic timing.
• Results for this event will be published online at www.fezdxc.co.za and www.webscorer.com
• Official results for all league meetings will only be published 24-48 hours after the race.

• An appeal to the Jury of Appeal must be made within 30 minutes of the official announcement of the decision made by the Referee, in writing, signed by the athlete or a responsible official on behalf of the athlete, and shall be accompanied by a deposit of R500, which will be forfeited if the appeal is not upheld.
• Appeal forms will be available on request from the race director at the race venue during the event.
• An Athlete who is entered as part of a club / school must submit their appeal(s) to their club / school team manager. The team manager will submit the appeal(s) on behalf of the athlete.
• In the event that any prize category results are not announced or made available at the official prizegiving, such results will be posted on the event website and circulated through the usual club channels. Individuals and clubs shall be given 7 days to raise any appeal in writing to the organisers, where-after the published results shall be deemed final, notwithstanding any inaccuracies that may be identified at a later date.

• Athletes / clubs are responsible for keeping things clean and tidy in the areas they occupy during the event.
• If any athlete or spectator vandalise anything on the premises, the person that caused the dammage will be held responsible to pay for the repairs of damages.
• No loud music or broadcast systems will be allowed without proper licensing and the written permission of the organiser.
• No vendors, marketing agencies, product activations, marketing campaigns, or flyer distribution will be allowed on the premises and in the allocated parking areas for the duration of the event without the written permission of the event organiser.
• The race organiser and land owner retains the right to refuse any person access to the premises for the duration of the event.
• Athletes and members of the public access the premises at their own risk.
• STRICTLY NO SMOKING outside of the designated smoking areas (extremely high fire risk during winter). Do not dispose cigarette butts on the ground, please use the dustbins ash trays provided.
• No alcohol will be allowed or served on the premises for the duration of the event.

• Athletes may warm up prior to the start of their respective races by making use of the allocted warm up area.
• Walking the course will only be allowed prior to the start of the first item on the event programme. The gates to the venue will be open from 07h00am on race days.
• No coaches, supporters, non-competing athletes, or members of public will be allowed inside the warm up area.
• It will be the responsibility of every athlete making use of the warm up area to keep the area clean and clear of any clothing, bags, accessories, and trash.
• Please keep your personla belongings safe. The event organiser and personnell will not be held responsble or liable for any lossess, damage or theft of peronal belongings.

• Every athlete will receive and must wear a race number.
• An athlete may withdraw at any time prior to, or during the race if the athlete feels that the race conditions are unsafe.
• Atheletes who withdraw after starting a race must report to start referee before leaving the venue. The athlete will be marked as "did not finish".
• Athletes who withdraw prior to stating a race don't have to report. The athlete will be marked as "did not start".
• Athletes must report to the call room 15 minutes before the start of the athlete's race. Once an athlete is checked in and enters the start corral the athlete will not be allowed to exit until after the race has started. Leaving the start corral at this point will be interpreted as a withdrawl and the athlete will not be allowed to participate in the race.
• No athlete will be allowed to start late or run in a different age category.
• Runners will access the start area via the call room. Run-outs / strides will be allowed until the start refferee calls athletes to take their positions.
• The start referee has the authority to arrange athletes in the start corral if there appears to be crowding or unsafe conditions.
• There will be no start position allotment based on seeding.

• No spectators will be allowed anywhere on the track during a race. There are enough view points along the course without having to cross the track.
• No person will be allowed to run along the outside of the track to give pace or assist athletes in gaining a competitive advantage during the race.
• Athletes must be fit and healthy enough to complete the distance within the given time frame and without walking. If an athlete walks too much or causes the next race to start late the athlete will be removed from the track ("did not finish").
• There will be a water aid station on the route to be utilised by athletes running more than 4km. Athletes who dispose of water cups or sachets on the track beyond the water station zone could face disciplinary action.
• Do not help injured runners or carry them accross the finish line. Assisting another athlete will lead to disqualification. Medical personnel will be available to assist injured or distressed athetes.
• Do not accept help from other runners or spectators. Accepting assistance will lead to disqualification of all parties involved. Medical personnel and officials will be ready to assist with emergiencies.
• If an athlete is injured or in distress the following action should be taken:
  • Call for help.
  • An athlete may get the attention of nearby officials or medical personnel if a fellow competitor appears to be in need of medical assistance, but is not allowed for an athlete to provide medical assistance or help another injured / distressed athlete in any way whatsover.
  • Spectators may get the attention of nearby officials or medical personnel, but is not allowed to provide medical assistance or help an injured / distressed athlete in any way whatsover.
• If an athlete gets injured the athlete may be instructed by medical personnel or officials to retire from the race ("did not finish"). Refusal to accept instructions from medical personnel or race officials will lead to disqualification.
• If an athlete withdraws from the race, the withdrawl must be reported to the start referee before the athlete leaves the venue. The athlete will be marked as "did not finish".
• If an athlete is injured and in need of medical attention the score card / race number will remain with the athlete until such time that medical personal hands it back to the race director.
• Do not intensionally push, pull, hit, or touch another athlete and do not hold hands when crossing the finish line.
• Do not run with another athlete's license / race number. This will lead to disqualification from all the remaining league events and may lead to further disciplinary action against both athletes involved.
• Do not swear at, berate or offend spectators and fellow runners. Stay calm on the track and be curtious when you communicate with fellow runners and spectators.

• Do not hold hands or assist athletes when crossing the finish line.
• The Finish referee will have the final decision regarding conflicts or appeals at the finish line during the race.
• Athletes who leave the finish area without handing in their race number / score card will not receive a race result / position (did not finish).

• The minimum age of an athlete entering for this league will be 6 years, turning 7 years old in the year of participation. ONLY athletes turning 8 years old (U/8) in the year of competition will be considered for the U/8 AFS provincial team to compete at the National Championship.
• The age of an athlete for beginners to U/23 years old will be the athlete's age on 31 December.
• The age of an athlete from 24 years and older will be the athlete's age on the date of the competition.
• Athletes in the U23, M35-55, and W35-55 age categories may enter the Senior competition to compete in the 10km distance (no age tags).
• Athletes in the Junior categories (18-19 years) may enter for the U/23-4km race. This change in category will be carried through to national championships and can not be changed later.
• Athletes (16 years and older) may enter for the 2km Sprint distance (Youth, Junior, Senior).
• Age category tags are required for all athletes who compete in age categories from Junior and older. Athletes competing in the seniors category don't wear age tags.
• When age category tags are warm they must be unobstructed and clearly visible at all times during a race.
• An athlete may be entered to compete in only one category race and distance per league. This can not be changed after the entries are closed and processed.

• The Fezile Dabi Open Cross Country Running League is alligned to serve as a platform to identify athletes of electable standard to compete at the AFS Provincial Cross Country Running Championships.
• The qualification standards specified here serve as a guideline and applies to athletes who want to qualify within the Fezile Dabi District of the Free State Province. Athletics Free State and the Fezile Dabi Cross Country organising committee reserve the right to make changes to the standards.
• The qualification time standards below must be achieved on the Koedoeslaagte course.
• The best performance accross all the leagues will be used to determine if an athlete achieved the district qualification standard.
• Achieving a podium positition at the District Championship (Leagues 6) does not constitute automatic team selection. It is quite possible to win the district championship and not be selected for the team based on the qualification standard and selection requirements.
• Only South African citizens who reside in the Free Srate Province of South Africa who are in posession of a valid ASA licenses are eligible for the Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running Team to compete at provincial and inter-provincial championships.
• Athletes who want to compete at the Free State Championship must participate in a minimum of four AFS (ASA) leagues including one AFS district championship presented in the Free State Province (AFS).
• Only results obtained from Cross Country leagues presented by AFS (ASA) will be recognised for participation in the AFS championship and AFS provincial team selection.
• Athletes who are selected for the Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running team will compete in their respective club / school sportwear at the AFS Provincial Championship.

Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running Team minimum qualification times:

* Free State Top 10 in this table only serves as a guideline. Achieving this standard does not mean that the athlete will be accepted into the Free State Team.