USATF Annual Meeting January, 2016 Roger Dale Weaver So Who Wants To Be A Track Umpire?

Aging forces us to accept reality. There are many jobs in track and field that are just as productive and just as rewarding as the more physically demanding jobs – such as clerking, marshaling, starting, wind gauge, and umpiring. By considering these options now, we can look forward to extending our usefulness to this great sport many years to come....” Reality Check (by Bob Tice, North Carolina Official) “.... As we age, we typically become less agile and often we are not willing to admit that perhaps it ’ s time to consider doing something not so physically demanding but just as productive for our sport..... and some of us volunteer to work the field for the various throws but yet have difficulty doing a two-step on the dance floor.

Purpose of Umpiring From the time the starter begins the race until the final competitor crosses the finish line, the umpires become the subjective interpreters of the competitor’s action. Ever alert, the umpire must know both the content of the rules and their appropriate application to all situations. Umpires are responsible for ensuring that the track is ready for the competition. These include being acquainted with all of the track markings in his/her assigned area. The umpire must observe each competitor closely as they pass. If there is a possible violation, the umpire will signal such and write a report with specific information for the chief umpire and referee.

Umpiring Basics 101 Running in lanes: How many steps on inside lane? Running not in lanes: pacing, flagrant violations, running wide at the finish? Placing tape or markers on track: What is allowed? How many? Exchange zones: who picks up the baton when it is dropped? What is the color of the break zones? Break line: where is the best place to stand? Starts & Turn Staggers: Waterfall? Double WFs, Alleys, when do the runners break? Cones: where are they placed? Flags: how to hold? White flag? Hurdles & Steeplechase: use of hands, dragging legs, placements, heights, hitting with foot

Umpiring Basics 101 (continued) California Exchanges: who is in charge? when to lock positions? Keeping the track clean: you mean I have to pick up tape left on the track? Hip Numbers? Cones? Head Umpire: be in position to watch the full track; assign positions of umpires and instructions for violations Long Race tip: use heat sheets to mark down distinguishing aspect of individual runners – team colors, bow in hair, color of shoes, haircut, etc. Being a Good Umpire: YOU WANT TO DO IT!

To Become Skilled as an Umpire The practice of observing runner’s as they pass by the umpire is truly an art. With experience the umpire will become more skilled at this process, but a few pointers will be helpful. 1.Place yourself in a good position to view the runners as they pass. Don’t be too close. 2.Pick the runners up in your field of vision 20 to 30 meters before they get to you. 3.Anticipate a possible violation. Know what conditions result in a mishap. i.e., A runner reaching out with his/her hand; a runner chopping his/her stride. 4.Watch the runners as they go beyond you. 5.Have a heat sheet with you to check numbers and schools.

Reporting Infractions Purpose: To provide an accurate account of a possible infraction for the chief umpire and/or the referee. To report a possible rule infraction that could result in disqualification, the umpire must be able to clearly describe the circumstances relating to what (s)he observed. This report is essential to the referee’s review other possible infraction. For this reason, a clear and specific written record of what was observed should be prepared as soon as possible. In preparing this report, the umpire should always: 1.Carry paper and pencil to record information. 2.Use proper forms provided by the chief umpire. 3.Signal the chief umpire immediately by holding a yellow flag at the spot of the infraction (this can be held by a colleague while the umpire prepares her/his report). 4.Record: Name of the event Heat number Time of day Lane number Bib number(s) of involved competitor(s) Hip number of the competitor if used Team affiliation Uniform colors Brief and specific description of the possible violation

NCAA Track Meets Umpires Report Form for Running Incidents Event: M or F Lap #:Date: Time: Trials: Yes No Finals: Yes No Name of Athlete: Heat: Team Name: Lane: Bib Number: Nature of the Violation: Lane Violation Interference Hurdles Relay DNF Describe: Show on map where violation occurred Signature of the Umpire: USATF #: Head Umpire:Referee: Actions taken by Referee Disqualified Not Disqualified