1. Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations 2014 Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes Points of Emphasis

2. Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations

3. Authority of Meet Officials and Games Committee Rule 3-1-2  The meet referee, other meet officials or the jury of appeals shall not set aside any rule

4.  Officials may use electronic/wireless communication devices for administrative purposes during the competition only as set forth prior to the start of the meet Use of Electronic Devices Rule 3-2-7

5. Use of Electronic Devices Rule 3-2-8  Electronic devices may be used in unrestricted areas and coaching boxes, providing the location does not interfere with progress of the meet as determined by the meet referee Electronic devices shall not be used to transmit information to the competitor during the race or trial Electronic devices shall not be used for any review of an official’s decision State associations may also have policies in place to further address the use of electronic devices  Penalties: A competitor shall be disqualified from the event Team personnel (e.g. coach, manager, etc.) shall be disqualified from further participation in the meet for unsporting conduct

6. Use of Electronic Devices Rule 3-2-8

7. Responsibility to Inspect Poles – Field Referee, Head Field Judge Rules 3-10-1, 3-19-3, 7-5-5  Prior to warm-up, the field referee or head field judge shall inspect each pole to be used in competition to verify that the pole is legal equipment

8. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2  Any visible garment(s) worn underneath the uniform bottom and extending below the knees shall be unadorned and of a single, solid color  Any garment worn underneath the uniform bottom and that terminates above the knees is considered a foundation garment and not subject to being a single, solid color

9. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2 Visible undergarment LEGAL Visible undergarments Both must be same color ILLEGAL Foundation garment LEGAL Foundation garments LEGAL

10. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2 Extends below knees Visible Undergarment Garment terminates above knees Foundation Garment Garment terminates below knees Visible Undergarment

11.  All garments terminate above the knees; thus, all are foundation garments and not subject to single, solid color requirement Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2 A, B, C LEGAL A B C

12. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2  SITUATION: Following the clerk of the course providing instructions regarding the race to the field of competitors in the 400-meter dash, he/she observes a competitor a) with his boxer shorts exposed under the uniform shorts; b) with a large manufacturer’s logo on a garment under the uniform shorts; and c) with the school mascot on a garment under the uniform shorts. All items terminate above the knees. The clerk has no objections. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: These items are all considered foundation garments. Boxers Manufacturer’s logo School mascot

13. Uniform – Foundation Garment Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7) NOTE 2  Relay team members wearing foundation garments 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 RELAY UNIFORMS

14. General Rules for Throwing Events Rule 6-2-9  A pass shall be communicated to the event judge before the start of the trial clock

15. Prescribed Time Limit for Pole Vault Rule 7-2-11  A competitor shall initiate a trial that is carried to completion within the prescribed time limits, one minute after being called for a trial When three or fewer remain in the high jump or pole vault at the beginning of a bar height, the above time shall be increased to three minutes When a single competitor, who has won the competition, remains in the high jump or pole vault, the allowed time shall be five minutes

16. Prescribed Time Limit for Consecutive Trials in Throwing Events Rule 6-2-9  By way of the chart, the time limits for consecutive trials in throwing events are now clarified

17. Pole Vault – Planting Box Padding Rule 7-5-24  The planting box shall not contain any foreign materials except planting box padding. Such padding, if used, shall meet the applicable ASTM Specification Standards and can be incorporated into the design of the planting box or can be a padding addition to an existing planting box Padding meeting the ASTM Standards may be used immediately, subject to rejection or conditional approval by state association action Padding meeting the ASTM Standards will be required for the 2014-15 track season

18.  Pole vault planting box padding shall meet ASTM Specification Standards for the 2014-15 indoor and outdoor seasons Pole Vault – Planting Box Padding Rule 7-5-24 ASTM Standards in 2014-15

19. Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations 2014 Track and Field and Cross Country Major Editorial Changes

20. Major Editorial Changes Rules 4-6-3,4 and 5-9  Articles 4-6-3 and 4, addressing how to order reruns after an act of interference, have been moved to Rule 5-9-2 and 3 ART. 2…If interference occurs in a preliminary heat, the referee may allow the offended competitor or relay team to start in a subsequent heat in the same round of heats if a lane is available, or in the next round of heats, the same as if the offended competitor or relay team had won a place ART. 3…If interference occurs in the final heat or section, the referee may order a new race between all those in the finals, or between those who, in the referee’s opinion, are entitled to the privilege

21. Other Editorial Changes  7-1-2…group of competitors in a jumping event.  7-2-1…To place in a jumping event, a competitor shall have had at least one legal jump.  7-2-6 NewContestants shall report promptly to the head event judge at the designated location when the event is announced.  7-2-10…one minute after being called for a trial, except in the pole vault where the time is 1 ½ minutes. Failure…

22. Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations 2014 Track and Field and Cross Country Points of Emphasis

23. Throwing implements returned to competitors by officials  Coaches and officials, including all those who may volunteer to assist with administration of the throwing events, must always work together to minimize the risk of injury due to improper return of throwing implements, lack of throwing sectors being cordoned off and/or lack of adequate training for those individuals working the event  A throwing implement should never be thrown or tossed back to the competitor once the trial is completed  There should be a predetermined process and individuals designated to have the responsibility to walk the implements back

24. Throwing implements returned to competitors by officials  This process should also include the path to follow when walking back to avoid walking through the throwing sector  This process should be carefully reviewed with all those working the event prior to any warm-ups commencing as well as at the coaches meeting and with the athletes as they report to the event for warm- ups and competition  Everyone involved should always be alert, as the unexpected can always happen  Equally important is the coach following similar procedures with his/her athletes during practice

25. Proper coaching requires staying up-to-date on rules and techniques  The sport of track and field, like other sports, continues to have advancements made in equipment, uniforms, techniques and training  Such advancements may be related to improved performance, better and more efficient training and many times, changes which reduce the risk of injury  As an example, the new standard for the pole vault plant box padding has the potential to minimize the risk of injury to a vaulter which 1) makes the event safer and 2) allows the vaulter to minimize the effects of potential injuries and enjoy greater amounts of participation

26. Proper coaching requires staying up-to-date on rules and techniques  Coaches have the responsibility to study the rules, attend in-person and online clinics, read current sport literature on training and new equipment and learn from others to stay current with the advancement and opportunities in the sport  Just as it is a goal for our athletes to continue to get better, much of that advancement is contingent upon the coach staying up-to-date on rules, techniques and risk minimization in the sport

27. 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

28. Coaches “getting it right” with uniforms  It is the coach who must know the rules and then take the time each season to educate his/her athletes on the rules and to come ask questions of the referee if the athlete wants to wear a different garment due to weather or an injury  This season, there are changes in the uniform rule that coaches must educate their athletes to these rule changes and emphasize the importance and responsibility of each athlete to be accountable for his/her actions to come ready to participate in a legal uniform

29. Importance of proper training of volunteers to work the meet  It takes a number of volunteers to work a track and field meet  Unlike sports such as soccer, volleyball or basketball, where there is a defined number of officials who are trained and generally certified as an official to work the contest, track and field meets may only have a few certified officials and the rest are volunteers to work the meet  During the regular season, these volunteers may or may not know a significant amount about the details of officiating the events they are working  They are versed in the basics and then expected to run off a good event  In order to run a fair, safe and well-administered meet, the schools must take time to adequately train the individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work the event

30. Importance of proper training of volunteers to work the meet  Athletic directors and coaches should work together to develop a training system and materials to educate these individuals who are going to work their meets  Local officials will also be of assistance, as they may be able to provide training materials or have training materials on a Web site  Many state associations have material on their Web sites that are useful  The NFHS provides an Officials’ Manual and the online Pre- Meet Notes, which are suitable for use with volunteers  To avoid problems and run an efficient and enjoyable meet, take time to properly train the many volunteers who will work your track and field meets

31. Accommodating a Competitor with a Disability Rule 4-4 NOTE Request of Accommodation by School State Association Review Approval from State Association Competition with Approval of Accommodation

32. Field Event Implements Rules 3-19-2, 6-2-17  Only legal implements are allowed in warm-ups and competition The implement inspector shall inspect all throwing implements and only those that are legal shall be permitted in competition as well as warm-ups Competitors are also accountable to use only a legal implement during warm-ups and competition  The pole vault event has previously restricted the use of an illegal pole in warm-ups and competition

33. Competitor’s Uniform Rules 4-3-1,2 and 9-6-1,2 Penalties  Competitor observed in an illegal uniform: Observed and noted by official prior to competition – competitor required to make the uniform legal before allowed to compete and without delay of meet Competitor shall be issued a warning and subsequent violation of uniform rule results in disqualification from event  Referee shall be notified of violation by observing meet official Referee shall notify or cause to be notified the head coach of offending school of competitor’s violation and warning or disqualification

34. Competitor’s Uniform Rules 4-3-1,2 and 9-6-1,2 Penalties Coach and competitor have primary responsibilities for competitor to report to event in legal uniform Preventive officiating continues to be very important to avoid unnecessary violations pertaining to uniforms Should a competitor need to change the uniform, such action should take place in an appropriate area and not cause a delay in the progress of the meet

35. Relays Rule 5-10-7, NOTE  The baton shall be handed from the incoming runner to the outgoing runner within the exchange zone  The incoming and outgoing runners shall not simultaneously touch the baton outside the 20- meter exchange zone  The baton is the point of reference to determine when and where the exchange commences and is completed

36.  The baton exchange must take place within the 20- meter exchange zone Relays Rule 5-10-7, NOTE

37. Shot Put Rule 6-5-9  Use of the “cartwheel” technique of putting the shot is a foul This has been an illegal technique Listed in the rules as a foul for clarity ILLEGAL LEGAL

38. Pole Vault Rule 7-5-21  Forearm covers may be worn by vaulter Possible prevention of injuries  Chalk or an adhesive or similar substance, such as rosin, may now be directly applied to the pole during competition

39. Points of Emphasis Head Event Judge Mechanics Excused Competitor  Head event judge may excuse a competitor to participate in another event  Games committee has responsibility to establish length of time competitor may be excused from an event  To accommodate excused competitor, the head event judge may: change the order of competition allow trials in succession  Event judge records time the competitor checks out to confirm excused and note when excusal time begins and should end  Excused competitor is not called up for a trial while excused from that event

40. Points of Emphasis Head Event Judge Responsibilities  Head event judge should arrive early to make sure required markings and equipment are set up correctly  The venue should be kept clear and cordoned off, with spectators kept a safe distance away from competition area  All parties involved will meet with head event judge to review conduct of event and safety procedures  Any problems with venue should be reported to the meet director

41. NFHS Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes NFHS Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes are made possible through the cooperative efforts of the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee and USA Track and Field Officials Training Subcommittee NFHS Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes will be available online at http://www.nfhs.org/track.aspx http://www.nfhs.org/track.aspx and https://www.usatf.org/groups/o fficials/newsletters/

42. Coach/Athlete Education Pole Vault: Successful Skill Development & Fundamentals of Coaching Track and Field 1,749 delivered to date!

43. Coach/Athlete Education Pole Vault: Successful Skill Development & Fundamentals of Coaching Track and Field  Course objectives 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  Course Introduction Welcome and Introduction Learning Objectives  Unit 1: Starting a Beginner Unit Introduction Standing Grip Height Positions of Hand on Pole Balanced Pole Carry Working with Straight Pole Pop Quiz Fun Fact!

44. Coach/Athlete Education Pole Vault: Successful Skill Development & Fundamentals of Coaching Track and Field  Unit 2: Basic Laws of Physics Unit Learning Objectives Unit Introduction Focus Through the Top Arm Keep Head and Eyes Up Jump Off the Ground Putting it All Together Fun Fact!  Unit 3: Drills & Coaching Techniques Unit Introduction Unit Learning Objectives Drill Progressions & Coaching Techniques NFHS Rules  Unit 4: Problem Solving Resources Reminder

45. Coach/Athlete Education Pole Vault: Successful Skill Development & Fundamentals of Coaching Track and Field  Unit 5: Equipment and Facility Unit Introduction Learning Objectives Zero Point Standard Base Pads Preferred Landing Zone  Unit 6: Interactive Exercise The Science Involved  Unit 7: Conclusion Final Remarks Course Test Congratulations!  Resources PDFs Videos

46. Coach/Athlete Education Fundamentals of Coaching Track and Field 1,924 delivered to date!

47. Interscholastic Officiating www.nfhsofficials.com 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 (317.972.6900)

48. Free! $20 $50 All NFHS courses can be accessed at www.nfhslearn.com

49. NFHS Track and Field and Cross Country Publications  The Rules Book, Case Book, Officials Manual and Scorebooks can be ordered: Online at www.nfhs.com www.nfhs.com By calling 1.800.776.3462

50. Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations www.nfhs.org Thank You for your support of High School Athletics!