Clerking by Terri Eldridge Tips for dealing with: Coaches, Competitors, and Head Officials (Photo from Jr. Nationals IU 2012)

Official's Performance Guidelines The USA Track & Field Officials Committee expects all officials to be prepared and to conduct themselves in a professional manner. These Performance Guidelines outline several characteristics which should be demonstrated by all certified officials. USATF Officials shall: 1Comply with the USA Track & Field Officials Code of Ethics. 2Be punctual in reporting for assigned officiating duties, including allowing adequate time for venue inspection and set-up prior to the warm-up period and competition. 3Possess the appropriate rule book(s) for the competition. 4Possess and maintain appropriate uniform items and wear the national uniform or other dress prescribed by meet management, and be prepared to continue duties in all types of weather. 5Inspect assigned venues to ensure the safety of athletes, officials, and spectators. Correct or report apparent or suspected dangers to meet management before beginning a competition. 6Be calm, positive, and polite. Refrain from dialog with athletes and coaches regarding disputed calls or decisions, and instead refer them to the referee, protest table, or games committee for resolution. Report abusive behavior toward officials to meet management.

7Not use any electronic or photographic devices, including cell phones, while officiating. 8Assist in submitting competition results, cleaning the event area, and returning equipment. Before departing the site, determine if any other venues need officiating assistance. 9Attend periodic training sessions or clinics to maintain or update officiating skills. Assist, as appropriate, in developing and presenting training materials. 10Keep physically fit, and advise their association or coordinator of officials of physical limitations on their ability to perform any assigned duty. 11Mentor less experienced officials by sharing information and techniques, demonstrating use of equipment, identifying potential problems or issues and recommending solutions, and encouraging questions. 12Assist in recruiting new officials. 13Consider active involvement with the officials’ committees of the local association and USATF. 14Make recommendations for rules changes as appropriate.

Tips for Dealing with Athletes Clerk’s Check-In Procedures/Instructions Check bib number Check spikes Highlight name on event sheet Advise of heat/section & lane assignment Advise of when & where to report to Staging Area Advise of any schedule delays Check relay team member’s uniforms (all 4 together) Pole Vaulter High School State Meet

Tips for dealing with Athletes page 2. Clerk’s Staging Instructions Advise re: stay in this Staging Area now Advise re: # of laps, starting lines, # of staggered turns, break lines Advise re: advancement procedures to finals Advise re: any schedule delays Advise to put spikes on now Call names & hand out hip numbers (advise: left/right/both/top) Ask for questions Good Luck! Advise re: sweats/basket crews, movement to track, strides Escort to track, place in lanes/step-up line Scott Rose, Terri Eldridge, and Bill Fyffe (RIP 2013)

Tips Learned from Personal Experience working with athletes. Be friendly and direct, remember any incorrect info you give may come back to haunt you! (we’ve all experienced this) Do not socialize. Ask if the athlete has any questions. Don’t repeat yourself, but rephrase your answer. Don’t talk “down” to athletes. Most athletes are very polite and are thankful for your work.

Tips For Dealing with Coaches and Head Officials Coaches The coach is working, too. Coaches are looking out for their athletes, and can be “personality challenged” during tense meets. Get help from your head clerk IF you can’t satisfy the coach. Clerks are there to help! Head Officials Meet and talk with the Head official of any Field Event for which you are clerking. Get their time schedules for athlete movement to events. Introduce the field to their event chief and turn the athletes over to them. Help with escorting later flights and finalists to the venue. Meet and work with Starters.

Question/Answer?? World Masters Meet Clerking Crew in Sacramento.