1. 2015 SCISA Track State Rules Presentation
Coaches shall:
1. Review this rules presentation by February 9nd.
2. Complete and return the rules
questionnaire by February 15th.

2. Requirements for SCISA Coaches
The HEAD COACH must be CPR certified.
All coaches must have successfully completed an on-line Concussion Course. Your AD will keep documentation verifying that all coaches are in compliance. (NFHS website or CDC)
3. NFHS Online Course: Sportsmanship - Required of all coaches
4. NFHS Online Course: Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment Required of all coaches

3. Requirements for SCISA Coaches
If your school offers pole vault, then your coach must complete the NFHS course on teaching pole vault.

4. What you permit, you promote!
Sportsmanship
Pre-Season Parents Meeting
Code of Conduct review with players / coaches
Sportsmanship message before meet
Schools are required to have an on-site lightning detection device or service.
What you permit, you promote!

5. 2015 Track and Field and Cross Country
Rules Changes
Editorial Changes
Points of Emphasis

6. The NFHS welcomes Gill Athletics as a new corporate partner.
Gill Athletics is the official partner for track and field equipment with the NFHS.

7. Competitor’s Uniform - Jewelry Former Rules 4-3-3, 9-6-3
The wearing of jewelry is no longer prohibited during warm-ups and competition under NFHS rules
State associations may adopt a more restrictive rule
The prohibition of jewelry is not necessary in track and field and cross country.
The wearing of jewelry ordinarily presents little risk of injury to either the competitor or opponents.
Elimination of the rule prohibiting the wearing of jewelry allows officials to focus on meet administration directly related to competition.
Coaches continue to have the obligation to see that competitors are properly equipped.
A state association may determine to retain the prohibition of wearing jewelry and would thus establish the penalty for violation of the state rule.
Ring Earring

8. Jewelry
The prohibition of jewelry is not necessary in track and field and cross country.
The wearing of jewelry ordinarily presents little risk of injury to either the competitor or opponents.
Elimination of the rule prohibiting the wearing of jewelry allows officials to focus on meet administration directly related to competition.
Coaches continue to have the obligation to see that competitors are properly equipped.
A state association may determine to retain the prohibition of wearing jewelry and would thus establish the penalty for violation of the state rule. SCISA has not adopted any rules prohibiting jewelry.

9. Competitor’s Uniform Watch
Wearing of a watch continues to be permitted
Use of GPS function is not permitted
By state association policy the wearing of a watch could be prohibited
As in the past, the wearing of a watch is not prohibited in track and field or cross country.
However, when wearing a watch in cross country the use of the GPS function is not permitted.
Again, by state association policy, a modification in the rule by the state could prohibit the wearing of a watch.

10. Competitor’s Uniforms Medical Alert
Medical alerts are permitted
Alert should be visible for risk minimization
Competitors having need for the wearing of a medical alert are strongly encouraged to wear such item for reasons of risk minimization.
The medical alert itself should be visible.
The requirement for taping the alert is no longer mandatory, unless desired by the competitor and/or the competitor’s coach.
Competitors having need for the wearing of a medical alert are strongly encouraged to wear such item for reasons of risk minimization.
The medical alert itself should be visible.
The requirement for taping the alert is no longer mandatory, unless desired by the competitor and/or the competitor’s coach.

11. General Rules for Throwing and Jumping Events Rules 6-2-9, 6-4-9a, 6-5-9a, h, , d, e, f
Clarifies that once the competitor’s name has been called, a trial needs to be initiated, rather than completed, within the prescribed time limit
Clarifies that a competitor must initiate a trial within the time limit, with completion of that trial allowed beyond the prescribed time.
A trial which results in completion must be initiated during the prescribed time.
This rule change just clarifies that the actual completion of the trial does not have to occur during the prescribed time limit.
Clarifies that a competitor must initiate a trial within the time limit, with completion of that trial allowed beyond the prescribed time.
A trial which results in completion must be initiated during the prescribed time.
This rule change just clarifies that the actual completion of the trial does not have to occur during the prescribed time limit.
This has been the intended application of these rules.

12. General Rules for Throwing and Jumping Events Rules 6-2-9, 6-4-9a, 6-5-9a, h, , d, e, f
A trial, with attempt initiated within prescribed time, completed beyond time is legal
Providing all other aspects of attempt are conducted according to the event rules
This illustration depicts the competitor initiated the actual jump before time ran out but the completion of the landing of the jump is occurring after the prescribed time limit has elapsed.

13. General Rules for Throwing and Jumping Events Rules 6-2-17 NOTE, 6-6-9, 7-2-18 NOTE 1
If a legal implement breaks during a trial taken in accordance with the rules
Performance is not recorded and replacement trial is awarded
If a legal implement breaks upon completion of trial that was executed in accordance with the rules
Performance mark is recorded and no replacement trial awarded
Allows for an additional trial when an implement breaks during the trial and becomes non-compliant during competition due to no fault of the competitor.
Reorganizes and places rules regarding an implement that breaks within the general rules for throwing and jumping events and no longer lists event by event.
Allows for an additional trial when an implement breaks during the trial and becomes non-compliant during competition due to no fault of the competitor.
Reorganizes and places rules regarding an implement that breaks within the general rules for throwing and jumping events and no longer lists event by event.

14. General Rules for Throwing Events Rules 6-4-9f, 6-5-9g, 6-6-11
The competitor must still exit, as required by rules for shot put, discus and javelin, after the implement has landed
Competitor may exit once the implement has landed and no longer has requirement to exit under control
Notes:
Maintains consistency with current trends in track and field.
The competitor can be fully engaged with the throw and not as concerned with whether the official believes he/she is in control before exiting.
Maintains consistency with current trends in track and field.
The competitor can be fully engaged with the throw and not as concerned with whether the official believes he/she is in control before exiting.
By requiring the implement to land before the competitor may exit will in effect have the competitor in control as he/she exits legally.
By requiring the implement to land before the competitor may exit will in effect have the competitor in control as he/she exits legally.

15. General Rules for Throwing Events Rules 6-4-9f, 6-5-9g, 6-6-11f
Removes the requirement for the official to call “Mark”
Once the implement has landed the throw is measured unless there is an illegal throw resulting in a foul
A foul can be signaled verbally, “Foul,” or with a flag if being used
Competitor shall exit circle or runway according to rules once implement has landed
Maintains consistency with current trends in track and field.
Removes unnecessary action by the event judges when throws are legal.
Action of the event judge required only if there is a foul by the competitor.
Notes:
Maintains consistency with current trends in track and field.
Removes unnecessary action by the event judges when throws are legal.
Action of the event judge required only if there is a foul by the competitor.

16. General Rules – Vertical Jumps Rule 7-2-11
A crossbar displaced by a force disassociated with the competitor after he/she is legally and clearly over the crossbar shall not be a fault and is considered a successful attempt
Examples of disassociated force:
Wind
Rebound of the pole off planting box padding
Addresses possible influence of an outside force on the crossbar for an otherwise successful attempt by the competitor and how to handle the situation.
Notes: Addresses possible influence of an outside force on the crossbar for an otherwise successful attempt by the competitor and how to handle the situation.

17. Special Events Rules 8-1-1, 2
Boys
Decathlon, Pentathlon
Boys events may include either the 1600-meter run or 1500-meter run
With no action by meet director or games committee, standard distance is 1600-meters
State association policy may also define which distance to utilize in competition
When using the IAAF standard scoring, the 1500-meter run is the standard distance. Either distance should be accepted as both can be scored.
Scoring for the 1600-meter run is found on the NFHS web site, under Track and Field.
When using the 1600-meter run, there is no change necessary for the finish so a common finish line can be used.

18. Special Events Rule 8-2-1f
Indoor Track & Field Events
Indoor weight throw may be included as a special event for indoor competition
Permitted only if legal cage is provided for warm-ups and competition
Presently, the shot put is the only event for throwers at indoor meets.
This addition provides throwers a second event provided all proper equipment is in place.

19. 2015 Track and Field and Cross Country
Editorial Changes

20. Infractions in Races Rules 5-12-1, 5-14-2fEC
Editorial
Change
Removes unnecessary language “impedes” as rule addresses the infraction by term “interfere”
Interference is defined acceptably in Rule 5-9.
“Impede” is not defined nor is it necessary here.
Notes:
Interference is defined acceptably in Rule 5-9.
“Impede” is not defined nor is it necessary here.

21. Meet Officials Rule 3-10-4 Editorial EC
Change
Additional language added to clarify that the meet official may allow a competitor to take trials in succession to accommodate being excused to participate in other events
Notes:
Consistent language with Rules and
Clarifies successive trials may be requested by the competitor and approved by head event judge due to the competitor being excused for participation in other events.
Consistent language with Rules and
Clarifies successive trials may be requested by the competitor and approved by head event judge due to the competitor being excused for participation in other events.

22. Infractions in Races Not Run in Lanes Rules 5-13-1 thru 4EC
Editorial
Change
Reorganizes Rule 5-13 for clarity
Infractions are located in Articles 1 & 2
Non-infractions grouped and appear in
Articles 3 & 4
Reorganized for improved clarity by grouping infractions together followed by non-infractions.

23. Other Editorial ChangesEC
Editorial
Change
4-6 Added “and Conduct” to title of Section 6 to more clearly describe the articles addressed in the section
4-6-5e Removed duplicity in the rule by combining letters e and g
Communicating with a competitor through the use of any device, including electronically, during a race or trial
Added consistency in language to include reference to the coaches box and permits instruction through electronic means, as well as verbally
A coach may instruct a competitor…
4-6 Section title more descriptive of areas addressed by the articles in the section.
4-6-5e Provides clarity in what is considered assistance and removes duplicity within the rule. Combines all restrictions on communication with a competitor during a race or trial into one rule.
4-6-5 NOTE 3 Consistency in language to include reference to the coaches’ box and permits instruction through electronic means as well as verbally.
Note 3

24. Other Editorial ChangesEC
Editorial
Change
Deletes unnecessary language “stride” at end of sentence
6-2-5, The competitor with the best mark in the preliminaries has earned the right to make the last attempt of the competition and may choose to wait until after any excused competitors have taken all their trials
height of does not apply
Interference is defined acceptably in Rule 5-9. The extra reference to “stride” is not necessary here.
6-2-5, Clarifies an interpretation provided in the Case Book and now states clearly as part of the rule.
6-3-1 Deletion of unnecessary language, as height is not part of throwing events.

25. Other Editorial ChangesEC
Editorial
Change
6-4-6 NOTE 3
with flags placed flagged
6-3-2, 7-3-2
For consistency, rearranged “height or distance” to “distance or height”
7-2-1
In meets with limited entries, the games committee may allow all competitors just four trials.
7-3-2a(1)
For clarity, rearranged “is better from either the preliminary trials or the finals” to “from either the preliminary trials or finals, is better."
6-4-6 NOTE 3 Consistency in language with rules book.
6-3-2, Consistency in language within rules book.
7-2-1 Addressed in two places in rules so removes unnecessary language.
7-3-2a(1) Improves clarity of the rule.

26. Other Editorial ChangesEC
Editorial
Change
7-3-2c
A competitor shall be credited with his/her best achievement if it occurs in a jump-off for first place
7-4-15,
7-5-15&17,
7-5-30,
7-6-8,
7-6-17
Removed duplicate articles from the specific field event rules as they are already addressed in the General Rules for Field Events
7-3-2c Clarity that a competitor is credited with his/her best mark, even if it occurred in a jump-off for first place.
7-4-15, & 17, , and Eliminates unnecessary language regarding ties as it is adequately covered in Rule 7-3.

27. 2015 Track and Field and Cross Country
Points of Emphasis

28. Risk Minimization in the Hammer/Weight Throws
The weight throw is allowed as an additional indoor event
Boys use a 25-pound weight
Girls use a 20-pound weight
The throwing circle is the same size used for the hammer throw and shot put (7 feet in diameter with no toe board)
A weight cage must be used to maintain the safety of spectators, waiting competitors and officials
Flagging to cordon off throwing and landing sector should be set up well outside the sector lines
Throwing shoes and gloves are recommended
The addition of the weight throw is permitted for indoor track and field.
All equipment and throwing implement shall be in full rule compliance, otherwise the event shall not be conducted.

29. Proper Cordoning Off of the Throwing Venue
Throwing events should be cordoned off and/or flagged properly for the safety of spectators, athletes and officials
Ropes, fences or flags should be set up well outside of the sector lines to minimize the risk of injury for spectators,
competitors and officials
Spectator seating
needs to be placed
behind throwing
area and away from
landing area
Here we see a properly cordoned off venue for the shot put.

30. Proper Cordoning Off of the Throwing Venue
Notice the bleachers are flagged to prevent spectators from entering a restricted area.

31. Legal Implements Becoming Illegal
It is possible for an implement deemed legal to break and become illegal during an attempt
The tip of a javelin could come off or the cording of the grip could unravel during flight
If the implement breaks during the attempt, the competitor will receive another trial and no penalty will be assessed
The broken implement will no longer be used in the competition unless it can be fixed to become legal
A competitor should not be penalized for an implement breaking during an otherwise legal trial.

32. Legal Implements Becoming Illegal
The performance mark shall count and be recorded if an implement breaks upon landing
Must have been executed in accordance with the rules of the event
No penalty is assessed, but the broken implement will no longer be used in competition unless it can be made legal
An implement that breaks upon landing does not impact the performance to be recorded.

33. Displacement of the Crossbar
It is a foul if the competitor displaces the crossbar from the pins on which it originally rested with his/her body or the pole
A crossbar displaced by a force disassociated with the competitor and he/she has legally and clearly gone over the crossbar, is considered a successful attempt
Clarifies that when a force, not associated with the actions of the competitor, causes the crossbar to be dislodged for an otherwise successful attempt it will not result in a foul.

34. Displacement of the Crossbar
For example, a pole could rebound or change direction after hitting the plant box padding, causing the pole to displace the crossbar
This should not result in a fault if the vault was clearly successful
Wind may blow the crossbar off the pins causing it to fall even though the competitor has cleared the crossbar

35. Head Event Judge Mechanics – Throwing Events
After a throw has landed, the official marking the attempt immediately goes to the point of impact and marks the spot
Once the implement lands and the competitor should legally exit the ring, the judge will voice or use flags to indicate if a foul was committed
If the attempt was legal, the mark shall be measured and recorded

36. Prohibition of Wearing Jewelry Removed
Jewelry and hair accessories are no longer illegal
An official may ask a competitor to remove an accessory if it is not properly secured or could damage equipment
Watches are legal in all track and field and cross country events
State association policy may prohibit
Religious and medical alert medals are legal and no longer required to be taped to the body
When wearing a medical alert, the alert should be visible for risk minimization

37. Prohibition of Wearing Jewelry Removed
Coaches retain the responsibility to not allow competitors to wear items dangerous to themselves or to equipment, such as landing system in high jump
Preserving the integrity of the sport, coaches should set and communicate expectation that jewelry, if worn, should not be dangerous and must be secure when worn

38. Coaching Pole Vault Course Objectives Units 4,423 delivered to date!
■ Starting a beginner – teaching proper standing grip height, width of hands on pole, and position of hands on pole
■ How to instruct beginning level pole-vaulters through skill development drills and build confidence
■ Maintaining a safe practice and competition environment – proper pad placement and securing of vault mat pads
This course, developed by USA Track and Field and the NCAA, has been designed to help both coaches and athletes.
Coaches will learn to develop and teach the introductory skills of pole vaulting to your athletes.
After completing this course, each participant will have a better understanding of the fundamentals of pole vaulting, as well as the best practices and techniques that will help educate and promote safety in the sport.
Course participants have unlimited access to the course & resources for one year from date of course delivery.
This course can be used as an elective to fulfill CIC certification requirements.
The course is approved by NFHS for 3 course clock hours.
Units
■ Starting a Beginner
■ Basic Laws of Physics
■ Drills and Coaching Techniques
■ Problem Solving
■ Equipment and Facility
■ Interactive Exercise
More Information at nfhslearn.com!

39. Coaching Track and Field Course Objectives Units 2,911 delivered
2,911 delivered
to date!
Course Objectives
Units
■ Types of races – sprint and endurance
■ Running form – proper posture, arm movement, and leg movement
■ Start and Drive phase – block and standing start
■ Types of jumps – horizontal and vertical
■ Jump elements – approach, take off, flight and landing
■ Throwing – basic skills for each event type
■ How to teach skills for correct form
■ Teaching progressions to combine skills into full movement
■ Running
■ Jumping
■ Throwing
Coaching Track and Field, developed by USA Track and Field and the NFHS is hosted by decorated Olympic athletes Dan O'Brien and Hyleas Fountain. 
The course presents the fundamentals of running, jumping and throwing, as well as the importance of sound mechanics and how to teach these basic skills.
After taking this course, you will be able to identify key points or stages of a skill, and use visual demonstrations with verbal cues to help participants execute a particular technique or skill. 
Members of USA Track and Field will receive a $15 discount as an added benefit.
Course participants have unlimited access to course & resources for one year from date of purchase.
This course can be used as an elective to fulfill AIC or CIC certification requirements.
Approved by NFHS for 5 course clock hours.
More Information at nfhslearn.com!

40. NFHS E-books
Electronic versions of NFHS Rules and Case Books are now available for purchase as e-books
Apple users can visit iTunes for available books
Apple, Android and Kindle users can buy e-books from Amazon.com and view them through the Kindle app
$5.99
Visit for more information

41. Interscholastic Officiating www.nfhsofficials.com
Introduction to skills and concepts used as an official
Ideal for new officials or those in first few years of officiating
30-45 minutes to complete
Topics include: basics of becoming and staying an official, science of officiating, art of officiating, how to combine these skills for successful officiating
Course is FREE to any NFHS Officials Association member
Non-members course is $20
Contact NFHS Officials Department for details ( )

42. Thank You for your support of
High School Athletics!