John Quigley Appointed AIMS/IAAF Grade A Measurer
AIMS Ratifies John Quigley as Grade A International Measurer
April 2018
John Quigley pictured. last February, after completing measurement of the Karen Fenton Memorial 5k course
John Quigley has been ratified as an AIMS/IAAF Grade A International Measurer, at the AIMS Council meeting, in London, on Saturday last, April 21st. John joins Tom McCormack, as Ireland's second Grade A Measurer. There are eighty nine (89) Grade A Measurers worldwide, with thirty nine (39) in Europe.
John has been measuring courses in Cork, and around Munster, since 2002, when he was first accredited as Athletics Ireland National Grade Measurer. In 2011, he was put forward, by Athletics Ireland, for accreditation as AIMS/IAAF International Grade B Measurer. Following submission of documentation covering several of courses he had measured, John was invited to measure a marathon course whilst under observation.
John was given a choice of the London 2012 Olympic Course, or the Berlin Marathon Course. "It wasn't a hard choice", John said. "I'd much rather have the Olympic measurement on my Measurement CV, but it was a pity to miss Berlin", he added, jokingly. "It's nice to be able to say that I measured the London 2012 Olympic Course, but, in reality, it was measured officially, over a dozen times in all....and my measurement probably wasn't included in those."
The actual official and final London Olympic Marathon measurement was carried out by three riders, including Hugh Jones, AIMS Secretary, who was the lead measurer.
John underwent the AIMS/IAAF accreditation measurement, over the London 2012 Olympic Marathon Course, under the scrutiny of Hugh Jones, AIMS Secretary, AIMS Adminstrator and Grade A measurer.
Following successful scrutiny while undergoing the "Practical", which took place during the night - starting at 4am, when traffic was lighter - and submission and approval of his course measurement documentation, John was appointed AIMS/IAAF International Grade B Measurer, joining the other Irish AIMS/IAAF Grade B Measurers, under Grade A Measurer, Tom McCormack.
There are currentlt eighty-eight Grade A measurers in the world, with USA, with twenty five, having the most, followed by Germany, with ten, GB with five and Canada with four. Ireland now has two.
World Road Records
The criteria for world records includes strict measurement criteria. As for all AIMS road races, courses must be measured by an accredited IAAF-AIMS Grade A or B measurer using the calibrated bicycle method.
Qualifying Performances for World Championships & Olympic Games
The IAAF also has strict measurement criteria for courses that can be used for qualifying performances for World Championships and Olympic Games. Courses must be measured by an accredited IAAF-AIMS Grade A or B measurer and the elevation change must be less than 1m/km.
AIMS Races
All AIMS road races are measured by an accredited IAAF-AIMS Grade A or B measurer but not all satisfy the IAAF criteria for world record or qualifying purposes.
Are YOU Interested in Becoming a Measurer?
Would you like to be an Athletics Ireland National Grade Measurer? There are several active Athletics Ireland National Grade Measurers in Cork, but we have some "Black Holes" in some regions, while other areas have, recently, seen retirements and sabatticals. There is a particular need for measurers in NorthWest Cork, but particularly West Cork and South West Cork, where there are no Measurers at present.
The process is easy enough; Undergo a one (1) day training course - about six (6) hours start to finish, then measure a course/route and submit your measurement documentation. Assuming all is in order, and it invariably is, you're up and running.
If there is sufficient demand, we would like to hold, as a priority, Measurement courses in West Cork and/or South West Cork. North West Cork is another area without a Measurer at present. Nevertheless, we need new measurers in all areas within the county.
Measurer Prerequisites
To become a Measurer, you should be patient and diligent - patient, because measuring even a 5k course is likely to take at least three , and probably four hours. Diligent because you need to check and document everything. If you make a mistake - and we're all human - the runners are going to be on your case!
What do You need for the Course
The course is free to Registered Athletics Ireland Members, however there is a €120 charge for non-members, payable in advance, to Cork Athletics. A bike is obviously needed, as is a Jones Counter. Jones Counters can be borrowed for the Training Course, but for measuring actual race courses, you'll need to buy your own Jones Counter, if your club hasn't already got one. Currently Jones Counters cost €120 each. Other than that, all you need is a steel tape, bike, notebook, calculator & biro.
When will the courses be held?
The course(s) will be held in July or August (possibly September). If one or two individual Measurer applicants are free on weekdays, all the better. If you're interested in becoming a Measured, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
