Athletics could undergo a huge change by 2003 if the UK track competition review is implemented.

The structure which has been the backbone of the English athletics scene for nearly 40 years will be replaced with a new one.

In an attempt partly to reduce travelling for clubs and lift pressure on young athletes, the number of leagues will be drastically cut and will come under one umbrella as opposed to the current plethora of committees.

Currently each league has their own organisation operating in isolation from every other league.

The British Athletics League, currently four divisions of eight teams, will be merged with the British Women's League for combined teams and there will three divisions of six clubs per division. For those clubs and athletes who will fall outside the league system an introduction of more Open Graded events, with a club element, will be encouraged.

Currently few Open meetings cater for hurdlers, steeplechasers, hammer throwers and even pole vaulters and some provision will have to be made for these if we are going to continue to produce sufficient top class athletes to compete at world level in all disciplines.

The review also deals with the contentious issue of athletes changing clubs.

Protection needs to be given to the athlete seeking better class competition and also to the clubs who are producing these athletes.

Currently a senior athlete moving from one club to another may have to wait for nine months before they can represent their new club in championship or league competition. The review suggests that athletes could be allowed to compete for their local club in an area event but also be allowed to represent a larger club in British League competition. Such a proposal could receive much more support than the current league plans and could go a long way to preserving the small club with the odd good athlete.

The review is the first serious attempt to cope with the problems generated as the leagues have proliferated over the last 40 years.

BOXING DAY WALKS: The annual runs and walks are being held again in Brighton's Preston Park on Boxing Day.

Held for more than 70 years, the races usually attract about 200 athletes whatever the weather with a number in fancy dress.

The first race, the five-mile race walk starts at 10.30am and the run is 20 minutes later with everything over by noon.