Can my child use a phone or music, and can I or the coach help during an event?

Music devices, mobile phones and similar devices (including anything that can be used to communicate with another person) are not permitted in the competition area. If an athlete has one on the track or field, an official removes it and returns it at the end of the event.

Officials may not coach at an event, though giving factual feedback after a field trial (for example where a foot landed relative to the take-off area in long jump) is not coaching. Talking to or hearing from someone outside the competition area, such as a coach, is allowed. Pacing by people not in the race, by runners or walkers who are lapped or about to be lapped, or by any technical device counts as assistance and is not allowed. An athlete giving or receiving assistance from inside the competition area is cautioned and warned of disqualification for any repeat (in a field event, barred from further participation in that event, with earlier performances standing).

Only athletes and officials are allowed on the competition area, and athletes must leave it straight after their event. A Para athlete's parent or carer who wants to accompany them onto the track or field needs prior written approval from the carnival manager (not needed for T/F11 and 12 athletes, who may have one guide).