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General Uniform Rules     Relay Uniform Rules     Jewelry Rule

TRACK -_YOU_MAKE_THE_CALL!!_RING_FOULS.(power point presentation)

 

2004 TRACK AND FIELD RULES CHANGES

3-2-3f  The games committee shall designate the approved items (tape, chalk, half-tennis balls, etc.) and locations in the acceleration zones of all relay races run in lanes. Rationale: Gives the games committee the authority to designate which items are allowed for marking acceleration zones of relay races.

4-3-2 Uniforms shall be worn as intended by manufacturers… Rationale: Consistent with uniform restrictions in other rule codes.

4-5-9g A competitor views a videotape, or any other visual reproduction of competitor’s performance, prior to the completion of the competition. Rationale: This rule change will clarify that viewing any form of visual aid, not just videotape, prior to completion of the competition could be deemed an unfair act.

4-6-2 A field event begins at a time designated by the games committee and concludes when the places have been determined and the field event judge has recorded the results. Rationale: This addition will clarify when a field event officially begins.

5-7-1 When a pistol is used as a starting device, a .32 caliber is recommended for outdoor venues and a .22 caliber is recommended for indoor venues. Rationale: Without guidance, inconsistent calibers are being used to start races.

6-2-4 Three preliminary trials shall be taken in flights of four to 12 in the order contestants are listed for competition. Rationale: Offers greater flexibility for the event judge.

6-2-13 Warming-up shall not be allowed in any throwing venue until supervised by a coach or official. Rationale: To minimize the risk to competitors and bystanders, no warm-ups shall be allowed until there is an adult coach or official on hand to supervise the area.

JAVELIN OUTDOOR EVENT
6-6-3 In the javelin the foul line arc shall be marked with white marking material or a white metal, plastic or wood band 2-3/4 inches (7cm) in width. If using a band, the top surface shall be level with the throwing surface. The line or band shall be in the throwing sector with the edge toward the runway coinciding with the foul line arc. A line 2-3/4 inches (7cm) in width and at least 2 feet 5-1/2 inches (75cm) in length shall be placed or painted on each side of the runway perpendicular to the side boundaries at the intersection of the foul line arc and the inside of the side boundary lines. Rationale: Allows use of a painted arc on any surface, and requires the athlete to demonstrate control by exiting behind the intersecting lines.

6-6-11g In the javelin the athlete fails to exit the runway, under control, behind the foul line arc and the perpendicular side extensions after the javelin has landed. Rationale: Requires the athlete to exit the runway in a manner consistent with other throwing events.

7-2-9 Warming-up shall not be allowed in any jumping venue until supervised by a coach or official. Rationale: To minimize the risk to competitors and bystanders, no warm-ups shall be allowed until there is an adult coach or official on hand to supervise the area.

CROSS COUNTRY -FALL SPORT
9-3-1 A cross country race begins when the competitors are called to the starting line for final instructions and is considered to be official and concluded when places have been determined and the results have been recorded at the finish line. Rationale: Adds definitions about a cross country race similar to those in track and field events.

9-3-2 A competitor finishes a cross country race when the torso of the runner breaks the plane of the finish line when using hand or picture-based timing systems. Rationale: Adds definitions about a cross country race similar to track and field events.

9-3-3 Computerized chips may be used to record the finish of a runner in cross country, provided the chips are attached to both shoes of the runner. When chips are used, it is the position of the chip, not the torso that determines the finishing position of the runner. Rationale: Adds definitions about how to end the cross country race.

9-4-2b For clarification purposes, certain rules of sporting conduct, uniforms, etc. that apply to cross country and track, should be included in Rule 9. Rationale: Clearly communicate and repeat conduct and uniform rules that apply to both track and field, and cross country.

SITUATIONS

SITUATION 2: On the last lap of the 1600-meter run, B1 is boxed in behind the leader, A1. In an effort to pass A1, B1 steps over the curb on the front straightaway and begins to move past A1 on the inside. Looking ahead, B1 realizes that there are hurdles stacked inside the track in front of him, so he darts back onto the track behind A1, where he remains through the finish of the race, placing second. The referee witnesses this personally and disqualifies B1 without consulting an umpire in that area. In the judgment of the referee, the athlete was not competing within the spirit of the rules because he left the track and gained an advantage, rather than using available outside lanes to pass runners. RULING: Correct procedure. The athlete is disqualified. COMMENT: The referee is the sole authority for ruling on infractions or irregularities not covered within the rules. Having a runner purposely leave the assigned area of competition increases risk of injury. The change is intended to identify the referee as the sole authority. (3-4-6)

SITUATION 3: In a semifinal qualifying round, the 400-meter relay is run in two FAT-timed heats. Team A1 runs in the first heat and finishes with a time of 49.235 seconds. Team C1 runs in the second heat and finishes with a time of 49.234 seconds. A1 and C1 are declared tied for the last qualifying position. Meet guidelines state that ties for the last qualifying position in running events must be broken either by comparing times to 1/1000 of a second, if available, or by a run-off. Break the tie when (a) picture-based FAT timing system is being used or (b) videotape-based FAT timing system is being used. RULING: C1 advances. COMMENT: Technology allows FAT timing within 1/1000 of a second to break ties. (3-9-4)

SITUATION 4: Two runners from Team A are disqualified for not wearing a contestant number (their coach didn’t find it in the packet) during competition. There was nothing in the packet indicating that the runner must wear a number to compete. The coach appeals to the games committee. RULING: Ruling upheld. Runners disqualified. COMMENT: The coach is responsible for making sure that in meets where numbers are worn, each athlete is issued a number. Pre-contest meetings should provide a time and place that entry corrections may be addressed. (4-3-4)

SITUATION 5: Team A has five runners competing in a cross country meet. Disgusted with his performance and immediately after crossing the finish line, A5 yells profanity. Runners A1-A4 were the top finishers in the race. Teams A’s score is the lowest in the meet. The referee (a) disqualifies the entire team and A1-A4 do not displace other runners for scoring; (b) disqualifies the entire team and A1-A4 displace other runners for scoring; (c) advances runners A1-A4 as individuals, if all placed as individuals who would advance; (d) does not advance runners as individuals because they were part of the team. RULING: (a), (b) and (d) Illegal procedure; (c) legal. COMMENT: Although cross country is scored as both an individual and team sport, individuals who advance as top performers may advance without the team. (4-5-2, 9-4-3a)

SITUATION 6: After the cross country race begins, runners from Team A join arms to form a barrier forcing other participants to go around this human wall. After 200 yards, the runners drop their arms and run a regular race without incident. By the end of the race, two runners from Team A advance to the next level of competition. Team A’s total score afforded the entire team a first-place award, and the chance to advance. The referee (a) advances all team members, (b) disqualifies the team but allows the top two individuals to qualify, (c) disqualifies the entire team. RULING: (a) and (b) Illegal procedure; (c) Team A shall be disqualified. COMMENT: Team violations do not afford individuals the opportunity to advance, even when individuals have outstanding performances. (9-7-2)

SITUATION 7: Runner A arrives at the starting line with his/her uniform shorts riding down below the waist because the shorts are too big. The official (a) provides a safety pin and allows the participant to pin the shorts at the waist; (b) reports the school to the state association for not properly clothing the athletes; (c) denies the athlete the privilege of competing unless the problem is resolved by the start of the race. RULING: (a) and (b) Incorrect procedure; (c) correct procedure. COMMENT: During the pre-game conference, the coach confirmed the legality of athletes. It is the responsibility of the school to provide appropriate uniforms. (4-3-2)

SITUATION 8: In a cross country race, Team A has six runners competing. Runner A5 runs off course. Runners A1-A4 were the top finishers in the race. Runner A6 came in last. The referee (a) disqualifies the entire team and Team A runners displace other runners for scoring; (b) disqualifies the entire team and Team A runners do not displace other runners for scoring; (c) disqualifies A5 and uses A6 for scoring. RULING: (c) Correct procedure. COMMENT: Runners A1-A4 may advance as individuals, although Team A may not advance as a team. (9-1-2)

SITUATION 9: Throwers A and B from School XYZ are warming up in the throwing area without adult supervision. There is a student manager from School XYZ with them who appears to be responsible for the participants. A field judge approaches the students to remind them the ring is closed until a coach or official opens it for warm-up. Thrower A leaves immediately. Thrower B and the student manager stop throwing, but continue to use the ring to work on technique. The field judge reports Thrower B to the referee and asks that the athlete (a) be removed from competition; (b) be warned that he/she will be removed from competition the next time the athlete is observed without a coach in a throwing area, (c) be reported for unsporting behavior and disqualified from the event; (d) receive no penalty because there is not a penalty related to warming up without adult supervision. RULING: (a) and (c) Correct procedure; (b) and (d) incorrect procedure. COMMENT: Supervising an athlete’s warm-up is important in order to minimize risk. It is recommended that a cone or sign be used to close the ring prior to adult supervision arriving. (7-2-9, 6-2-12)

SITUATION 10: Cross country meet management issues one electronic chip for each race participant to tie on his/her shoe rather than two chips per contestant. Several runners seem to cross simultaneously, with one losing his/her balance while falling over the line. The chips provide a recorded finish time when the chip crosses the line. The finish clerk (a) ignores athletes who trip at the finish line and determines places by the recorded time; (b) ignores the time reported by the chips and used pickers to determine place; (c) uses the chip as a back-up system, but determines places by a video finish; (d) determines prior to the race that the visual finish would take precedence over the chip. RULING: (d) Correct procedure. COMMENTS: Prior to the first race, meet management, which uses a single chip system to report times, shall explain the use of the chip, and explain how placement will be determined. (3-8-6, 9-3-3)

SITUATION 11: Team A’s school colors are black and gold. One cross country runner from Team A is wearing a black jersey with gold lettering, and the other four are wearing gold shirts with black lettering. The official (a) disqualifies the entire team, (b) disqualifies only the one with gold lettering, (c) disqualifies the four team members with black lettering. RULING: (a) Incorrect procedure; (b) or (c) correct procedure. COMMENT: Schools shall be easily identified by wearing uniforms that are similar. (9-6-4)

PLAY SITUATIONS

4-3-7 Situation 1: Three relay team members from Team A arrive to the staging area with identical beaded braided extensions fashioned into a ponytail. Upon inspection, the clerk tells the team that they will not be able to compete with the beaded accessories in their hair. The coach from Team A: (a) protests and asks for a meeting of the games committee, (b) asks volunteers from the team to help remove the beads immediately, (c) replaces the runners with other eligible athletes, (d) asked that they be allowed to run, but not score. RULING: (a) and (d) illegal, (b) and (c) legal. COMMENT: If the violation can be corrected (beads removed) in the manner prescribed by the clerk or if the athletes can be replaced, the team may still compete. The beads may be considered jewelry by the clerk.

6-5-9b Situation 2: A1 is competing in the shot put. While making a second attempt, A1’s shoe comes down against the back of the stopboard. In doing so, the: (a) shoe laces contact the top of the stopboard, (b) bottom cuff of the warm-up pants brush the end of the stopboard, (c) A1’s shoe comes against the metal band bounding the ring making the ankle flex as the side of the shoe contacts the top of the band. RULING: (a) and (b) legal, (c) foul. COMMENT: Although every scenario cannot be spelled out specifically in the rule, the intent of the rule is to prevent athletes from gaining an unfair advantage.

4-5-1 Situation 3: In the javelin event, C1 arrives at warm-ups with tape on the index finger of his throwing hand. Doing some preventive officiating, the judge asks C1 if he has an open wound under the tape. C1 answers no, that he holds the javelin with his index finger behind the whipcord grip and the tape protects his finger. The judge informs C1 that he cannot have tape on his hand during competition unless it covers an open wound. The judge watches as C1 walks over to his equipment bag, removes the tape, takes a Swiss Army knife out of the bag and cuts the back of the index finger of his throwing hand, drawing blood. C1 then shows the open wound to the judge and asks to cover it with tape. RULING: Unsportsmanlike conduct. COMMENT: The spirit of the rule, which allows a student to be taped, has been abused. Even the possession of a knife could constitute a violation or breaking of the law.

9-6-3 Situation 6: Within 400 meters of the starting line during a cross country meet, several runners from School A have kicked off their shoes and are running barefoot. Before the end of the race, three runners from a variety of teams have lost one or both shoes along the course. The meet referee: a) disqualifies any runner who crosses the finish line barefoot, b) disqualifies only the runners who kicked off their shoes within the first 400 meters of the race, c) gives the entire field a stern warning, but disqualifies no one. RULING: All are legal. COMMENT: Athletes are required to compete wearing a school issued cross country uniform, which included shoes. If a shoe comes off through no fault of the athlete, the official may be more lenient.

9-5-1b; 4-3-2 Situation 7: During a cross country meet, the entire field of runners is ruled legal to begin the race. Shortly after the start, several female athletes tuck their tops up into their sports bra to give the effect of a midriff. Before crossing the finish line, each girl drops her shirt back down to it normal position. The official: a) ignores the girls during the middle of the race, b) disqualifies each girl for unsportsmanlike conduct by violating the intent of the uniform. RULING: Both (a) and (b) are legal. COMMENT: It is up to the official to marshal the course and to administer the spirit of the rules.

 Bare midriffs are illegal.

7-5-10 Situation 8: A  jumper from Team A requests that the landing pit be moved to the right for each of his trials. The official refuses to move the pit because the position will put the pit on the track. RULING: Illegal official procedure. COMMENT: Although the landing system has a new dimension, this does not reduce the need to adjust the pit or eliminate the pad surrounding the pit, including covering the curb in lane one. (7-5-10)

7-1-2 Situation 9: A multitalented athlete is busy going from high jump to running events. Upon returning to the high jump, the athlete doesn’t see anyone in the position to jump, and assumes they are waiting on him. He clears the bar and proceeds to celebrate when the official notifies him that he was out of order. Since the official had not called his name, and he cleared the bar out of order, the official: a) ignores the fact that he cleared the height and makes him jump when his name is called, b) disqualifies him for going out of order, c) counts the trial as an missed attempt since it was not in correct order, d) allows the attempt to count as a cleared height. RULING: (b), (c) and (d) are illegal, (a) is legal. COMMENT: The attempt would not count as an attempt. The official would correct the order of the event, and call the jumpers in order. (This might require a second clearing of the same height for the athlete that participated out of order).

6-2-9 Situation 11: An athlete from Team A enters the ring with a towel behind his neck, and the shot put in her hand. She realized what she had done, and quickly stepped back out of the ring to get rid of the towel. Before the 1 minute trial period, the athlete returned to the ring, paused and executed the throw. RULING: Legal. COMMENT: The athlete has up to one minute to throw. The trial can be complete provided there is no infraction. Leaving the ring and re-entering it prior to the throw does not automatically mean that there is a violation.

6-4-9g Situation 12: In a three-way meet with four throwers going to the finals in the discus, the field is small with only four throwers entered. B1 is throwing last in the trials. All of the throwers have legal throws in the trials except B1 who has two fouls and is making his third attempt. In making the throw, the discus implement falls out of his hand and strikes inside the ring before rolling on out the front of the ring into the throwing sector. The judge rules the throw a foul because the implement touched first inside the ring and raises the red flag. B1’s coach appeals the ruling, claiming that the landing sector is marked by sector lines extending out from the center of the ring with no mention of a requirement that the throw be beyond the boundary of the ring. The referee at this point may: (a) rule the trial a foul, (b) allow the competitor a second try, (c) measure the throw. RULLING: (b) and (c) are illegal, (a) is legal. COMMENT: The discus did not stay in the throwing sector, but touched the foul line as it rolled over.

9-6-5 Situation 13: After running the course in a cross country meet, a runner told the event director that she and another runner had become confused about the course layout, and had repeated a section of the course. Before the meet, the weather had been rainy, leaving the course wet and soft. She was not protesting the race, but wanted it corrected before anyone else makes the same mistake. A competing coach overheard the conversation and argued that the runners should be disqualified since the prescribed course was not followed. The official could: a) disqualify the athletes, b) allow the race to be re-run, c)allow the athletes who had lost their way run the course against time d) allow the games committee to make a decision, e) go back and mark the course before the next race. RULING: (a), (b), (c) and (d) are illegal; (e) legal. COMMENT: There is rarely a time when a re-run is the best option. If an official did not observe or report any deviation in the course, the assumption was that there was no advantage gained by anything on the course. If someone mistakenly runs a portion of the course twice, it lengthens their time, not shorten it.

3-2-4c Situation 14: During warm-up, a thrower from Team A is observed marking the ring. The same thrower is also observed placing marks in the field. When officials arrive, they remove all marks from the ring and in the field, and place a cone denoting the state record. The thrower from Team A proceeds to ask officials if checkmarks can be placed in the field showing personal records. RULING: Illegal procedure. COMMENT: All marks except those denoted by the games committee shall be removed. Any request for a mark should be directed at the games committee, not the event judge. The games committee may denote qualifying marks or records (not to include individual marks for athletes.)

CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK AND FIELD UNIFORM AND JEWELRY RULES                      PAGE TOP
Uniforms must be worn as intended by the manufacturer.

The complete cross country and track and field uniform consists of shoes, school-issued track shorts and full-length track jersey (singlet). Bare midriff tops are not acceptable. The jersey must hang below or be tucked into the waistband of the shorts or briefs when the competitor is standing erect. Any visible shirt worn under the jersey and other visible apparel worn under the shorts must be unadorned and of a single (and the same) color. Visible items worn under both the jersey and the shorts do not have to the same color. The jersey and shorts may have school identification, and the jersey may have the competitor’s name. The jersey shall not be knotted. Also a single manufacturer's logo or trade name(no more than 2 ¼ square inches in size with no dimension exceeding 2 ¼ inches) is permissible per each item of uniform apparel. The American flag may be worn on the uniform and shall not exceed 2" x 3". Loose fitting boxer-type shorts are permitted for boys and girls, while the closed-leg briefs/shorts are also acceptable for girls competition. Shorts may vary in length and style, but must be the same color for all team members. Note: "Shorts" denote a garment that is worn above the knees.

In relay races in track and field and in cross country team competition, each team member shall wear the same color and design school uniform (jersey and shorts). Any visible shirt worn under the jersey and other visible apparel worn under the shorts must be unadorned and of the same color for all teammates choosing to wear it.

A shoe is a covering for the foot having an upper and a definitely recognizable sole and heel. The upper must be designed so that is can be securely fastened to the foot by laces or velcro. Track spikes may not exceed 1/2 inch in length measured from the sole to the tip of the spike. Unless deemed unsuitable by meet management, track spikes up to one inch in length may be used for cross country competition. The use of slippers or socks does not meet the requirements of the rule.

Contestants shall not wear jewelry with the exception of religious or medical medals. A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform. A medical alert must be taped and may be visible.

Should a competitor start in an event in violation of uniform/jewelry rules, he or she is subject to disqualification following the event.

(PENALTY: For an illegal uniform or illegal equipment/jewelry, the competitor is disqualified from the event).

JEWELRY RULE

National Federation of High Schools, MIAA and Middlesex League Rule

#4-3-7 Contestants shall not wear jewelry with the exception of religious or medical medals.  If such medals are worn, they shall be taped to the body.  Wrist watches are considered equipment, as such they may be worn.  All other jewelry is not allowed to be worn, such as, but not limited to - earrings (including stud types), finger rings, rings on any body part (e.g.: lip, tongue, eye, bully button, or any other part of the body.) 

Taping over an offending piece of jewelry is not permitted, it must be removed or you are not allowed to enter.  Should a competitor start in an event in violation of jewelry rules, he or she is subject to disqualification following the event.

Track and Field Clothing/Uniform/Jewelry
Detailed Rules and Interpretations
TOP OF PAGE
General Rules for all Events
  • All competitors must wear uniforms of the same color and same general style
  • Initial checking for compliance with uniform regulations occurs at the time the athlete checks in with the Clerk
  • It is the athlete’s responsibility to wear a legal uniform
  • It is the coach’s responsibility to inform athletes re: uniform rules
  • All socks are legal: high or low, striped or plain.
Individual Events
  • Competitors may wear articles of clothing under their singets and under their shorts
  • Each article worn under singlet or shorts must be of a single, solid color, and must have no pattern, no visible advertising logo, no visible trademarks or observed sticking of a different color.
  • An article worn under a singlet need not be the same color as the article (if any) worn under the shorts
Relay Events

PAGE TOP
  • All members of a single relay team must wear uniforms of the same color and same general style
  • Competitors may wear articles of clothing under their singets and under their shorts
  • Each article worn under singlet or shorts must be of a single, solid color, and must have no pattern, no visible advertising logo, no visible trademarks or observed sticking of a different color.
  • One or more members of a relay team may wear an article of clothing under his or her singlet(s). The articles of clothing worn under the singlet by team members may be of different styles (e.g. short-sleeved t-shirt, long-sleeved t-shirt, turtleneck, etc.). When articles are worn under the singlet by more than one member of a relay team, all of those articles must be of the same color.
  • One or more members of a relay team may wear an article of clothing under his or her shorts. The articles of clothing worn under the shorts by team members may be of different styles (e.g. lycra shorts, knee-length tights, ankle-length tights, etc.). When articles are worn under the shorts by more than one member of a relay team, all of those articles must be of the same color.
  • It is not necessary that the articles of clothing worn by team members under the singlet are the same color as articles of clothing worn by members of the same team under their shorts.
  • It is not necessary that every member of a relay team wear clothing under their singlets and/or shorts even if one or more of their teammates wears such an article(s) of clothing.
Jewelry
  • Wristwatches are permitted
  • There will be strict enforcement of jewelry rules
Enforcement
  • A competitor who is in violation of these rules will not be permitted to compete in an event until he or she is in compliance with the rules.
  • The start of an event will not be delayed to permit an athlete to come into compliance
  • Should a competitor start in an event in violation of uniform rules, he or she is subject to disqualification following the event.
  • If the competition begins before the athlete complies with the rules, the athlete forfeits his/her right to compete in that event