1. 2014 Track and Field and Cross Country
Rules Changes
Major Editorial Changes
Points of Emphasis

3. Authority of Meet Officials and Games Committee Rule 3-1-2
The meet referee, other meet officials or the jury of appeals shall not set aside any rule
Clarifies within the rules that the referee, meet officials or jury does not have the authority to set aside a rule, except as provided under special circumstances.
Under Rule 3-4-6, the referee has the sole authority for ruling on infractions or irregularities not covered under the rules.
He/She also has sole authority to determine if a race shall be rerun.
The games committee has significant authority, but that does not include being able to set aside a rule.

4. Use of Electronic Devices Rule 3-2-7
Officials may use electronic/wireless communication devices for administrative purposes during the competition only as set forth prior to the start of the meet
Prior to the start of the meet, the officiating crew and meet management should discuss if electronic devices are going to be used during the meet for administrative purposes.
When using such devices, they should be used for the intended purposes of enhancing the administration of the meet and not used for personal matters.
The meet referee should review with the officiating team how and when the devices should be used, such as reporting event progress, results, problems, etc.

5. Use of Electronic Devices Rule 3-2-8
Electronic devices may be used in unrestricted areas and coaching boxes, providing the location does not interfere with progress of the meet as determined by the meet referee
Electronic devices shall not be used to transmit information to the competitor during the race or trial
Electronic devices shall not be used for any review of an official’s decision
State associations may also have policies in place to further address the use of electronic devices
Penalties:
A competitor shall be disqualified from the event
Team personnel (e.g. coach, manager, etc.) shall be disqualified from further participation in the meet for unsporting conduct
The use of electronic communication devices is permitted during meets in unrestricted areas and coaches’ boxes.
They may not be used for any review of a referee’s decision or to communicate with an athlete during a race or trial.
Technology advancements in the area of electronic audio and video devices have made such items easy to use and very accessible.
Their use, if not used for communication during the actual competition when a competitor is on the track or completing a trial, no longer creates an advantage or disadvantage among competitors or teams, and can serve as a coaching tool.

6. Use of Electronic Devices Rule 3-2-8
It is permissible to show an athlete a video between races or between trials, as long as the meet is not delayed and both athlete and coach are in proper area when viewing.

7. Responsibility to Inspect Poles – Field Referee, Head Field Judge Rules 3-10-1, 3-19-3, 7-5-5
Prior to warm-up, the field referee or head field judge shall inspect each pole to be used in competition to verify that the pole is legal equipment
The implement inspector no longer has the responsibility to inspect vaulting poles before competition.
The field referee or head field judge now has the responsibility to inspect each pole to be used in competition to verify it is legal equipment.
The implement inspector’s expertise is in the throwing implements, not the vaulting poles.
The scales typically used are limited to about 40 pounds; therefore, are not usable for this purpose.
This provides for a more efficient and practical process.

8. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2
Any visible garment(s) worn underneath the uniform bottom and extending below the knees shall be unadorned and of a single, solid color
Any garment worn underneath the uniform bottom and that terminates above the knees is considered a foundation garment and not subject to being a single, solid color
Compression-style shorts that extend beyond the length of the uniform short, but end above the knees are frequently being worn as foundation garments, similar to a sports bra.
The color of such visible undergarment plays no significant role for officiating purposes.
The time and attention by officials to be certain athletes are in compliance when wearing such items delays progression of the meet, and the severity of a penalty of disqualification for a non-compliant garment is too severe as the item does not impact the competition.
The rule regarding a visible undergarment continues with no change if the garment worn underneath the uniform bottom extends below the knees.

9. Visible undergarments
Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2
Any visible garment(s) worn underneath the uniform bottom and extending below the knees shall be unadorned, of a single, solid color and meet all logo requirements.
If the base layer extends below the knees, and a second layer is worn and it ends above the knee, it shall no longer be considered a foundation garment due to it being the outer layer over a visible undergarment.
In such a case, both garments are considered visible undergarments and subject to all undergarment requirements.
If the base layer terminates above the knees and the second garment likewise terminates above the knees the items shall be considered foundation garments and therefore do not have to be the same single, solid color.
The key is the length of the base layer when it is worn as intended by the manufacturer.
Visible undergarment
LEGAL
Visible undergarments
Both must be same color
ILLEGAL
Foundation garment
LEGAL
Foundation garments
LEGAL

10. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2
Visible undergarments must meet requirements of single, solid color and only one manufacturer’s logo.
Extends below knees
Visible Undergarment
Garment terminates above knees
Foundation Garment
Garment terminates below knees
Visible Undergarment

11. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2
All garments terminate above the knees; thus, all are foundation garments and not subject to single, solid color requirement A B C
In A and C, all garments worn underneath the official school uniform bottom terminate above the knees; thus, are foundation garments.
In B, due to the base layer worn under the uniform bottom terminating above the knees, it is a foundation garment and the subsequent layer is also a foundation garment so they can be different colors.
In C, the foundation garment is not subject to the single, solid color requirement and is therefore legal.
A, B, C LEGAL

12. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2
SITUATION: Following the clerk of the course providing instructions regarding the race to the field of competitors in the 400-meter dash, he/she observes a competitor a) with his boxer shorts exposed under the uniform shorts; b) with a large manufacturer’s logo on a garment under the uniform shorts; and c) with the school mascot on a garment under the uniform shorts. All items terminate above the knees. The clerk has no objections. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: These items are all considered foundation garments.
School mascot
Boxers
Manufacturer’s logo
The garment is worn underneath the official school-issued uniform shorts and ends above the knees as intended by the manufacturer.
This item can be different colors and is not restricted in the size of the manufacturer’s logo.

13. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2
RELAY UNIFORMS
Relay team members wearing foundation garments are not required to wear the same color foundation garment
The foundation garment does not have to be a single, solid color
This rule also applies to cross country teams
A foundation garment does not have to be a solid color. This relay team is in compliance with the uniform rules.

14. General Rules for Throwing Events Rule 6-2-9
A pass shall be communicated to the event judge before the start of the trial clock
To avoid confusion, the competitor shall communicate his/her intentions to pass to the event judge before the start of the actual trial.
This protocol is now consistent in all field events regarding proper communication between competitor and judge when the athlete is going to pass.

15. Javelin Throw Rule 6-6-1 NOTE
When a rubber tip is used, the metal point shall end in a slightly rounded button shape or other feature onto which the rubber tip shall be attached…
Clarifies the diameter restriction for the rubber tip javelin.
Updates the equipment requirements for the rubber tip javelin.
The manufacturer has the responsibility for the proper design and attachment of the rubber tip for rule compliance.

16. Prescribed Time Limit for Pole Vault Rule 7-2-11
A competitor shall initiate a trial that is carried to completion within the prescribed time limits, one minute after being called for a trial
When three or fewer remain in the high jump or pole vault at the beginning of a bar height, the above time shall be increased to three minutes
When a single competitor, who has won the competition, remains in the high jump or pole vault, the allowed time shall be five minutes
The prescribed time limit for a trial in the pole vault is now one minute.
This is the same as other jumping events.
This is an adequate time for a trial in the pole vault event.

17. Prescribed Time Limit for Consecutive Trials in Throwing Events Rule 6-2-9
By way of the chart, the time limits for consecutive trials in throwing events are now clarified
Previously, the rules had not clearly addressed the time limits for consecutive throws in throwing events.
To accommodate those competitors who may be excused to participate in other events, the head judge may permit successive trials and follow the schedule in the chart.

18. Pole Vault – Planting Box Padding Rule 7-5-24
The planting box shall not contain any foreign materials except planting box padding. Such padding, if used, shall meet the applicable ASTM Specification Standards and can be incorporated into the design of the planting box or can be a padding addition to an existing planting box
Padding meeting the ASTM Standards may be used immediately, subject to rejection or conditional approval by state association action
Padding meeting the ASTM Standards will be required for the track season
For the purpose of minimizing risk of injury to a pole vaulter, planting box padding shall meet the applicable ASTM Specification Standard and be required for use no later than the start of the track season.
This required implementation date allows for product availability.
For the 2014 outdoor track season, if the new style plant box padding is utilized, this is a choice of the hosting school.
The hosting school may consider allowing some additional warm-up time if vaulters from visiting schools are not familiar with the product.

19. Pole Vault – Planting Box Padding Rule 7-5-24
Pole vault planting box padding shall meet ASTM Specification Standards for the indoor and outdoor seasons
ASTM Standards in

20. 2014 Track and Field and Cross Country
Major Editorial Changes

21. Major Editorial Changes Rules 4-6-3,4 and 5-9EC
Editorial
Change
Articles and 4, addressing how to order reruns after an act of interference, have been moved to Rule and 3
ART. 2…If interference occurs in a preliminary heat, the referee may allow the offended competitor or relay team to start in a subsequent heat in the same round of heats if a lane is available, or in the next round of heats, the same as if the offended competitor or relay team had won a place
ART. 3…If interference occurs in the final heat or section, the referee may order a new race between all those in the finals, or between those who, in the referee’s opinion, are entitled to the privilege
Articles and have been deleted from Rule 4-6 and moved to Rule 5-9, which defines interference in running events.
This is a more logical location for these rules.

22. Major Editorial Changes Rules 5-1-3, 5-2-2EC
Editorial
Change
All-weather track surfaces utilizing a painted line to mark the inner edge of the track are now the more commonly-used surface
The order of listing a painted line, followed by a raised curb to designate the inside edge of the track is more appropriate for the construction and design of today’s tracks
On all-weather tracks, a painted line 2 inches (5 centimeters) or more in width may be used to mark the inner edge of the track. A solid curb…
The only change is the order in which the description for the identification of the edge of the track is listed within the rules.

23. Major Editorial Changes Rules 6-3-1,2 and 7-3-1,2EC
Editorial
Change
6-3-1 …with the same best height or distance
6-3-2 When there is a tie at any distance of a throwing event, places and points scored…
7-3-1 …competitors finish with the same best distance or height
7-3-2 When there is a tie at any height or distance of a jumping event, places and points scored…
Clarifies that the tie-breaking procedure in field events applies only for places scoring.
Reworded Rules and to clearly emphasize the tie-breaking procedure is for use with scoring places.

24. Other Editorial ChangesEC
Editorial
Change
3-4-5
When a competitor is disqualified, the referee shall notify, or cause to be notified, the competitor and the competitor’s coach
3-8-3
Deleted this article, as it appears in 3-9-3
4-4 NOTE
…The accommodations should not fundamentally alter the sport, heighten risk…
6-2-10
The time at which the preliminaries in each throwing event must be concluded or completed should be set…
3-4-5 – It is appropriate for both the coach and competitor to be notified of a disqualification.
4-4 NOTE – Deleted statement allowing possible use of illegal equipment for an accommodation; added an accommodation should not heighten a risk of injury to the athlete or others.
– Provides consistency in rules language with Rule

25. Other Editorial ChangesEC
Editorial
Change
6-2-12
In two-session meets, it is recommended all competition in throwing…
PEN
…coach or event official at the site shall result…disqualification from that event. If the incident…disqualified from further competition in the meet.
6-4-2,
6-5-2,
6-6-2
Reverses order in which all calibrations are listed – metric, which is the standard for scales and listing of implement weight
6-4-3
The throwing circle shall be level and 8 feet…
– Clerical correction replacing “competitors” with “competition.”
PEN – Consistency in rules language with Penalty.
6-4-2, 6-5-2, – Updates the weight and measurement chart to millimeters, which is the standard measurement on scales weighing implements.
6-4-3 – Clarifies the throwing surface is flat.

26. Other Editorial ChangesEC
Editorial
Change
7-1-2
…group of competitors in a jumping event.
7-2-1
…To place in a jumping event, a competitor shall have had at least one legal jump.
7-2-6 New
Contestants shall report promptly to the head event judge at the designated location when the event is announced.
7-2-10
…one minute after being called for a trial, except in the pole vault where the time is 1 ½ minutes. Failure…
7-1-2 – Consistency in language with Rule
7-2-1 – Consistency in language with Rule
7-2-6 New – Was omitted in the previous reorganization of Rule 7.
– Deletes unnecessary language.

27. Other Editorial ChangesEC
Editorial
Change
7-4-1,
7-5-1,
7-6-1
The inclination declination in the approach…
7-5-29
An unsuccessful trial is charged but not measured
8-1-1 NOTE New
Scoring table for the 1600-meter run is located at Track and Field
9-6-4 PEN
…disqualification from the meet event…
Appendix A
Adds a statement regarding use of charts and diagrams outside of the body of the rules.
7-4-1, 7-5-1, – The purpose of the requirement is to not have the competitors running downhill. The term “declination” more accurately describes the intent of the rules.
– Removes unnecessary language.
8-1-1 NOTE – The IAAF Scoring Table does not include the 1600-meter run, so it is provided on the NFHS Website.
9-6-4 PEN – Corrects clerical error in the penalty sequence.
Appendix A – Consistency in all NFHS Rules Book language relating to competition venue diagrams.

28. 2014 Track and Field and Cross Country
Points of Emphasis

29. Throwing implements returned to competitors by officials
Coaches and officials, including all those who may volunteer to assist with administration of the throwing events, must always work together to minimize the risk of injury due to improper return of throwing implements, lack of throwing sectors being cordoned off and/or lack of adequate training for those individuals working the event
A throwing implement should never be thrown or tossed back to the competitor once the trial is completed
There should be a predetermined process and individuals designated to have the responsibility to walk the implements back

30. Throwing implements returned to competitors by officials
This process should also include the path to follow when walking back to avoid walking through the throwing sector
This process should be carefully reviewed with all those working the event prior to any warm-ups commencing as well as at the coaches meeting and with the athletes as they report to the event for warm-ups and competition
Everyone involved should always be alert, as the unexpected can always happen
Equally important is the coach following similar procedures with his/her athletes during practice

31. Proper coaching requires staying up-to-date on rules and techniques
The sport of track and field, like other sports, continues to have advancements made in equipment, uniforms, techniques and training
Such advancements may be related to improved performance, better and more efficient training and many times, changes which reduce the risk of injury
As an example, the new standard for the pole vault plant box padding has the potential to minimize the risk of injury to a vaulter which 1) makes the event safer and 2) allows the vaulter to minimize the effects of potential injuries and enjoy greater amounts of participation

32. Proper coaching requires staying up-to-date on rules and techniques
Coaches have the responsibility to study the rules, attend in-person and online clinics, read current sport literature on training and new equipment and learn from others to stay current with the advancement and opportunities in the sport
Just as it is a goal for our athletes to continue to get better, much of that advancement is contingent upon the coach staying up-to-date on rules, techniques and risk minimization in the sport

33. Coaches “getting it right” with uniforms
Track and field is a sport which traditionally has colorful uniforms and styles that serve different purposes for performance
Having the athletes show up for competition in a legal uniform starts with the coach
Any time there is a violation due to uniforms, it is a violation that could have been avoided
The officials do not have the responsibility for putting athletes in legal uniforms, but do have the responsibility to enforce the rules

34. Coaches “getting it right” with uniforms
It is the coach who must know the rules and then take the time each season to educate his/her athletes on the rules and to come ask questions of the referee if the athlete wants to wear a different garment due to weather or an injury
This season, there are changes in the uniform rule that coaches must educate their athletes to these rule changes and emphasize the importance and responsibility of each athlete to be accountable for his/her actions to come ready to participate in a legal uniform

35. Importance of proper training of volunteers to work the meet
It takes a number of volunteers to work a track and field meet
Unlike sports such as soccer, volleyball or basketball, where there is a defined number of officials who are trained and generally certified as an official to work the contest, track and field meets may only have a few certified officials and the rest are volunteers to work the meet
During the regular season, these volunteers may or may not know a significant amount about the details of officiating the events they are working
They are versed in the basics and then expected to run off a good event
In order to run a fair, safe and well-administered meet, the schools must take time to adequately train the individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work the event

36. Importance of proper training of volunteers to work the meet
Athletic directors and coaches should work together to develop a training system and materials to educate these individuals who are going to work their meets
Local officials will also be of assistance, as they may be able to provide training materials or have training materials on a Web site
Many state associations have material on their Web sites that are useful
The NFHS provides an Officials’ Manual and the online Pre-Meet Notes, which are suitable for use with volunteers
To avoid problems and run an efficient and enjoyable meet, take time to properly train the many volunteers who will work your track and field meets

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High School Athletics!