RECORD PERFORMANCES – OFFICIALS’ RESPONSIBILITIES (Rules: USATF 260-267; NCAA 7.2; NFHS 9)

RECORD PERFORMANCES – OFFICIALS’ RESPONSIBILITIES Officials must be knowledgeable and prepared to document performances of athletes who set a record. Before the competition, Meet Directors, Referees, and event head officials must know and follow the rules (cited above) and the procedures for verifying and processing record setting performances for championship, American, or World records.

Officials’ Considerations All Events Be aware of existing records; possess blank record forms; complete the forms immediately after the event Records may be set in preliminaries or in finals Performances made in mixed competition of men and women are not accepted for records, except for races of 10,000 meters or more; exceptions: masters events, road races, and as allowed per Rule 147

Officials’ Considerations Running Events Set up and operate wind gauge according to rules; record wind speed for every heat/section/event 200m or less Save and print the FAT zero control test before events are run – for every session

Officials’ Considerations Field Events All: have a certified steel tape or bar graduated in centimeters, or a certified scientific measuring device on hand and use it for all record measurements; all measurements are metric The event head official, plus 2 other certified officials, plus the Head Field Judge or Referee all read the tape measurement for a record; ensure a tape measure has no twists The electronic measurement judge (EMJ) verifies the accuracy of the sighting of the electronic measurement device and the measurement displayed on the device. The event head official, plus 2 other certified officials, plus the EMJ verify the mark in the field and the distance displayed on the device.

Officials’ Considerations Field Events (Cont.) Horizontals - set up and operate wind gauge according to rules; record wind speed for every attempt Verticals – measure height before initial record attempt and before another attempt if the bar has been touched or displaced by the competitor(s); do not measure after the jump; records may be set in tie-breaking jump-offs Throws – inspect implements before the competition; verify they have the “mark of the day”; after a record performance impound and recertify the implement

Meet Management Considerations Officials Have an adequate number of certified officials on hand: in the key positions required for the application form certifications; three at or available for each field event; and for Race Walking - the minimum number of judges with specified certification levels per Rule 266

Meet Management Considerations Venues Ensure the track and all field event venues meet rules specifications, and that LDR road courses are measured and verified per Rule 265

Meet Management Considerations Doping Control Protocols Athletes setting American records (open events only; does not include Junior, Youth, or Masters records) must submit to doping control at the end of the event, to be conducted per the doping control rules and procedures currently in force (within 24 hours for American records).

Meet Management Considerations Application Forms Have blank copies of the USATF “Application for Record” on hand. USATF & NCAA: go to USATF.org; then “Resources for …”; then “Event Directors”; then “Record Forms”. High School: go to nfhs.org.

Processing Record Forms All Events Referee – prepare & certify the application form; Surveyor – certify the track, venue, or running course meets specifications

Processing Record Forms Running Events (including Race Walking & LDR) FAT or Timer(s) – certify time, specify device used; save & print finish photo and zero control test; Starter - certify application form; Wind Gauge Operator (outdoor events <300m) – certify wind speed

Processing Record Forms Field Events Implement Inspection (throws) – certify implement inspection and implement type; Wind Gauge Operator (outdoor horizontals) – certify wind speed; Event Head Judge, plus 2 other certified officials – certify the mark and venue specifications

Processing Record Forms Required Documentation printed program for the competition; event official results; field events - event sheet; running events - FAT finish photo and FAT zero control test; masters events - proof of birth date per rule 261.2; track events greater than 10,000m - lap sheets per rule 265; world records for 400m and less - starting block reaction times

Resources USATF Best Practices ~ Records Forms: http://www.usatf.org/Stats/Record-Forms.aspx