1. Track & Field Rules Clinic

2. ALABAMA BALLROOM C/D/E
Mary Birdwell

3. IMPORTANT-LEARN THE RULES!
AHSAA Track and Field
The most important person in the high school track program is the coach. That coach should have a rulebook, know and understand the rules and teach his athletes the rules so they may compete better.
Example: In high jump if the athlete gets off the mat before the bar falls it is a good jump. True or false
Not a rule, and probably will not be a rule. Yet every year at meets, I hear coaches yell that to their athletes.
IMPORTANT-LEARN THE RULES!

4. MEET MANAGEMENT
  Once the meet is set up by the games committee, the meet director is in charge until the meets starts.
Once the meet starts and until 30 minutes after the meet is over, the Meet Referee is in complete charge of the meet. Only the referee can make any decisions about the meet until it is over. Meet director cannot make any calls concerning interpreting rules or calling any fouls or disqualifications.
In any field events or track events, only officials assigned to that event can make any calls. The field event officials should report to the referee any violations which might result in a disqualification of the athlete. Except for the starter in the event of a false start the referee is the only person who can disqualify an athlete. The referee can also call a false start. Umpires in the relay exchange zones are the only one beside the meet referee who can make calls on the relay violations. Umpires report the violations to the referee.
When an athlete is disqualified, the coach should be notified and given the reason for disqualification by the meet referee.

5. MEET REFEREE AND OFFICIALS
Rule The referee retains clerical authority over the contest through the completion of any reports, including those imposing disqualifications, that are responsive to actions occurring while the referee had jurisdiction. State associations may intercede in the event of unusual incidents after the referee’s jurisdiction has ended or in the event that a contest is terminated prior to the conclusion of regulation play.
Rule states that the meet referee, other meet officials or the jury of appeals shall not set aside any rule.
Rule permits official communication equipment to include wireless communication devices, among officials, for aiding in matters related to the meet.

6. 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

7. Uniform Rules
Alabama High Schools will follow the uniform rule as stated in the NFHS Rule book
The competitors uniform shall be issued or approved by the school and worn as intended by the manufacturer. They still must be uniforms for track and field.
. The top must hang below or be tucked in when the competitor is standing upright. A school identification shall be on the uniform top.
The track bottom or one-piece may have school identification. Loose fitting boxer type bottoms or compression type are permitted for boys and girls. Closed-leg briefs are acceptable for girls. The waistband of a competitors bottom shall be worn above the hips. French or high cut apparel shall not be worn in lieu of the uniform bottoms.

8. New Rule Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1
In Rule 4-3-1, the interpretation of a foundation garment was expanded to include any item worn under the uniform top and/or bottom. The rule now states that “any visible garment worn underneath the uniform top and/or bottom is considered a foundation garment. A foundation garment is not subject to logo/trademark/reference or color restrictions.”
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. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1
Visible undergarments must meet requirements of single, solid color and only one manufacturer’s logo.

10. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2
All garments worn under the uniform bottoms; or tops thus, all are foundation garments and not subject logo/trademark/reference or color restrictions.” 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

11. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1
RELAY UNIFORMS
Relay team members wearing foundation garments under uniform tops or bottoms 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.

12. LEGAL LOGO

13. LEGAL LOGO

14. ILLEGAL LOGO

15. ILLEGAL LOGO

16. ILLEGAL LOGO

17. Points of Emphasis – Application of “Design Relay and Cross country Uniforms
Rules 4-3 (Track Relay Teams) and 9-6 (Cross Country Team) require team members to be wearing uniforms of the same “design”
“Design” refers to a pattern of colors used in the uniform
Both track teams and cross country teams are competing as a team similar to a volleyball or basketball team
Uniforms being worn must be able to clearly identify the competitor, at a glance, as a member of the same team!
Coaches have ultimate responsibility to see that their athletes are in proper uniforms
Below are samples of uniforms that are similar in design and same color so they are legal.
The uniform rules and requirements are the same for a track relay team or a cross country team, but the person responsible for athlete to have a proper uniform is the (a) athlete (b) trainer (c) coach (d) parent 17

20. Similar design and color -legal

21. Relay Uniforms New Rule Clarification 2018-2019
In addition, Rule was rewritten to allow schools more options in meeting the uniform rule. The rule now states that “all relay and cross country team members must wear uniforms clearly indicating, through predominant color, school logo and color combination of all outer garments worn as a uniform, that members are from the same team.”
“It has become increasingly more difficult to officiate the uniform rule given the increase in the number of programs nationwide that are allowing individual team members the option of independently purchasing either all or part of their team uniform,” “Slight differences in design of uniform do not negatively impact the identification of a relay or cross country team. The expectation of this rule is that all relay and cross country team members can be clearly identified as representing the same school.”
The revised NOTE states that “the official shall have no uncertainty in determining that all members are from the same team.”

22. Injury Prevention
Forearm covers may be worn to prevent injuries and competitors may also use chalk or an adhesive, or similar substance such as rosin, directly on the pole during competition.
Rationale: Allows for use of a device which may reduce risk of injuries. Also, addresses interpretation previously only included in the NFHS Case Book

23. Use of Electronic Devices
Rule 3-2-8
Electronic Devices may be used by coaches in unrestricted areas and coaching boxes providing the location does not interfere with the progress of the meet as defined by the referee.
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.
ATHLETES HOWEVER MAY NOT HAVE ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN ANY PART OF THE COMPETITION AREA!!!

24. Points of Emphasis – Coaching Box
The games committee has the authority to: designate specific areas for coaches to observe and confer with competitor establish who may occupy the coaching box confirm what activity may occur within a coaching box
All decisions regarding coaching boxes shall be made by games committee prior to any competition
beginning.

25. Points of Emphasis – Coaching Box
Those permitted to occupy the coaching box, while the specific event is in progress, should be issued a non-transferable credential which must be displayed at all times
While in the coaching box, all rules limiting the assistance a coach may offer a competitor shall not be negated
Coaches should only coach the event at the box they are in. Only one coach from each team should be in the box at one time.

26. Running Events Take Precedence Over Field Events
The Games Committee shall set the time for a competitor to be excused from an event to participate in another event. The time should be reasonable and allow for unusual circumstances. Running events take precedence over field events. An athlete can take all trials in succession in a field event if they choose to do so. If they have not completed the trials before end of competition in the prelims, they lose those trials. An athlete must have 1 successful trial to be eligible for finals.
It is the coaches’ responsibility to see that the athlete is at the event to compete in the correct time frame.

27. states the baton shall be handed “within the exchange zone.”
EXPLANATION OF RELAY EXCHANGE RULE
States,
Note The baton shall be handed from the incoming runner to the outgoing runner within the exchange zone. Both runners shall not touch the baton outside of the 20-meter exchange zone.
Rule states,
“The incoming and out going runners shall not simultaneously touch the baton outside of the 20-meter exchange zone.” In the rule, it
states the baton shall be handed “within the exchange zone.”
A baton may have a design or name on it but the design and name cannot leave a roughness on the baton for a better grip. Tape of other substances are not allowed on the baton.

28. Both feet inside acceleration arrow to start relay exchange

29. Baton must be inside exchange zone before before both athletes touch the baton and exchange can be made

30. HIGH JUMP AND POLE VAULT
   a.  In the vertical jumps, the bar is never lowered
(except for a jump-off). 
(Also would add that jump-offs are only for
first place. (Rule )  All other places will be tied.
b.  In the pole vault warm-ups, once a vaulter has
entered the competition, they get no further
warm-ups even if they have passed 3 consecutive
heights. (This is correct per (Rule )
c. In high jump a competitor who has passed 3 consecutive
heights after the competition has started, is allowed 1 jump
without the bar in place, but must enter the competition at
that height. This warm-up must be taken at a height change.  
(Rule )

31. DISTANCE RUNNERS START
The committee revised Rule 5-7-3, which reinforces the concept that competitors in distance races only use a standing start and shall remain motionless for the start without their hand(s) touching the ground.

32.         Field Event Clarifications
Rule , which clarifies how trials are recorded when a legal implement breaks during competition. Not Counted. Athlete Throws again.
Rule 6-5-9e, which notes that if a shot put competitor touches the top or end of the stopboard before leaving the circle, it is a foul.

33.    JUMPS
 Rule , which notes that when multiple takeoff boards are used in the long jump and triple jump, the 20-meter distance for wind gauge shall be from the foul line farthest from the pit.

34.        Cross Country Course Markings
Rule 9-1-3b for cross country states that the race course should include either directional flags and/or directional sign posts.

35. Field Events Rule
 Competitors shall not use any weights or artificial aids. They shall not wear a shoe or shoes which incorporate or contain any device that gives the competitor an unfair advantage. In the pole vault, pushing the vaulter on his/her or her back at take-off during warm up or in competition is
an aid and therefore not allowed.

36. New Rule Change Field Events Rule 6
Rule 6. In the discus and javelin, measurement shall be recorded to the nearest lesser inch or centimeter. The addition of centimeter allows states using the metric system to give a fairer depiction of the actual performance.

37. Cross Country Rule Change 2018-2019
In cross country, regardless of the system used to determine the places of runners, the order of finish should be based on when the torso of the runner crosses the finish line. Changes in Rule 8-3 state that whether hand timing, transponder/chip or image-based timing systems are used, the torso is the determining factor in order of finish.

38. Rule Change 2018-2019 Long Jump/Triple Jump
In Rule 6-9 regarding the long jump and triple jump, the committee established ranges of distances in the events. Rule NOTE states that the “distance from the foul line or takeoff board may be adjusted to accommodate different levels of competition. Competitors may change which foul line or takeoff board they are using during competition, but only with the prior notification and confirmation of the event judge.”

39. RULES EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
RUNNING EVENTS
 1.Unsportsmanlike conduct such as being disrespectful to an official, using profanity directed at someone,
taunting, etc. will result in disqualification from that event and the remainder of the meet
2. Unacceptable conduct such as not following the direction of an official, undirected profanity, or any action
that could bring discredit to the individual or school such as throwing a baton will result in disqualification from that event.
3. An athlete may look at a video tape or use wireless communication at a track meet between trials and in
the events proper location.
4 . A runner's toes are no longer required to be touching the track when using starting blocks.
It is permissible for the baton to be touching the track in front of the starting line for the first runner of a
relay.
6. Athletes must compete in school issued or school approved uniforms.
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40. 13. Throwing a baton results in a disqualification from that event. .
7. Any visible clothing worn under the uniform top or bottom are considered foundation
garments and a foundation garment is not subject to logo/trademark/reference or color
restrictions.
8 Three consecutive strides with one or both feet on or inside a lane line or curb around a
curve without being fouled will result in disqualification.
9 If a teammate supports a runner by running along side of him, the runner will be
disqualified. Cannot pace a runner in any race.
10. Gloves are not permitted in relays, pole vault or field events.
11. . Always report on time when an event is called. Listen for the PA announcements.
12. When leaving an event, check out with the official in charge and then check back in as soon
as possible upon return. Normally, 10 minutes is the allowed rest period following the
completion of an event.
13. Throwing a baton results in a disqualification from that event. .

41. RULES EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW FIELD EVENTS
1. Any athlete using an illegal piece of equipment (shot, discus, pole, baton, etc.) shall be
disqualified from
Indoor shots and discus cannot be used outdoors. Shot and discus with indentations are not legal
In throwing events, the athlete must remain in the circle until the implement has landed. The athlete must then exit from the rear half of the circle.
4. No taping of any part of the hands or fingers is permitted in the throwing events unless there
is an open wound that must be protected. The same rule applies to the pole vault.
The time limit to initiate the trial in the shot put, discus, high jump, triple jump, long jump\
and pole vault is 1 minute after the athlete has been called to compete.

42. competition will be disqualified.’
In all field events, athletes may be allowed to take trials in succession.
7. A pole vaulter using a pole rated below his weight or using a training pole in warm-up or
competition will be disqualified.’
8 . When breaking the plane in the high jump and pole vault, you must physically touch something
]beyond the plane to constitute a trial miss.
Tie breaking procedure in the high jump and pole vault:
a. The fewest number of misses at the height at which the athletes tied.
b. If still tied, then you go to the fewest number of misses throughout the competition.
If still tied, and the tie is for first place, then there will be a jump-off. For any other place, the
points will be split up. There should never be a tie for first place in any field event. Tie breaking
rules will always apply.
10. In the shot put, discus, triple jump, and long jump, ties are broken by the second best effort,
then third best, etc

43. NFHS Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes
is now available online
NFHS Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes is made possible through the cooperative efforts of the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee and USA Track and Field Officials Training Subcommittee

44. NFHS Track and Field and Cross Country
The Rules Book, Case Book, Officials Manual and Scorebook can be ordered:
Online at
By calling 44