2007 Track and Field Comments on the Rules

1.    GAMES COMMITTEE AUTHORITY TO RESTRICT ITEMS NOT PART OF UNIFORM: The games committee has considerable authority granted through Rule 3-2. One such area of authority addresses any item worn in excess of the school uniform. Items such as hats, bandanas, sunglasses may be worn unless specifically prohibited by the games committee. 3-2-4(o) stipulates that the games committee may place restrictions on items such as headwear; therefore, such restrictions are done on a meet-by-meet basis unless otherwise restricted by the state association. Meet management must be sure to advise those who will be attending of any restrictions in all premeet information.

2.    UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS FOR LOGOS, AMERICAN FLAG AND COMMEMORATIVE PATCHES: Uniform requirements for competitors in track and field and cross country have not been consistent in what may be placed on the uniform and size restrictions on such items. Consistent with other NFHS rules codes, a single, visible manufacturer's logo/trademark/reference of a specific size is permitted on the top and bottom of the uniform.  An American flag, limited in size, and either a commemorative or memorial patch with size restriction may be worn on the uniform top and/or uniform bottom. If a one-piece uniform is worn, only one of the above in each category may be placed on the uniform. A state association may dictate location of these items on the uniform. It is recommended that before placing any patches on the uniform, the school should verify state association requirements.

3.    STARTER'S COMMANDS: To assist in the conducting of a more efficiently run meet, Rules 5-7-2 and 3 were revised to minimize the starter's command sequence in distance races and relays. The single starting command for individual races, or opening legs of 800 meters or more (outdoor) and 600 meters or more (indoor) shall be "On your marks." This change eliminates the extra starter's sequence within the protocol when it is not needed.

4.    34.92-DEGREE THROWING SECTOR: With the move to a 34.92-degree throwing sector, a redesign of the discus cage becomes necessary. Any school installing a discus cage for the first time should have little, if any, difficulty, with the new design options. Option 1, in Appendix A, illustrates the change from the previous cage guidelines by moving the front wings to an angle in toward the landing sector in order to maintain the desired 4 to 5 feet space between the cage wings and the sector lines. Option 2, in Appendix A, illustrates no change to move the wings in the previous cage guidelines but instead displays an option to add an extension section onto the existing wings. The extension would be 8 to 9 feet in length and maintain the desired 4 to 5 feet space between the cage wings and sector lines. The suggested height of the cage is 10 to 14 feet. Each site is responsible for the discus cage and ultimate design. Regardless of the design chosen by the local school, the 4 to 5 feet relationship between the end of the wings (wing pole/gate) to the sector lines should be maintained. (See Appendix A in Track and Field Rules Book)

5.    POLE VAULT EXTENDED LINE AT ZERO POINT: The additional allowance of placing a permanent marking on the runway adjacent to the pole vault box will assist officials and grounds crew with placement of the vault standards and the vault landing system. This extended line shall be drawn through the zero point of the vault box. The zero point is located at the top of the back of the plant box. (See illustration) Utilizing this extended line in the pole vault will allow proper placement of equipment when last minute changes are necessary due to weather or other conditions.

6.    SCORING OF SPECIAL EVENTS: Rule 8, Special Events, provides opportunities for additional events to be included at interscholastic track and field competitions. This new reference for scoring with the IAAF point scale will standardize the scoring used for the decathlon, pentathlon and heptathlon.  State associations may determine otherwise for scoring those special events. A scoring table is also listed in the Officiating Track and Field and Cross Country publication for NFHS Officials Education developed by American Sport Education Program.

7.    USE OF COMPUTER CHIPS PROHIBITS ALTERATION BY RUNNER: With the increased use of computer chips for timing and placement in cross country, for race results to be accurate, there can be no alteration of the chip. Computer chips are treated the same as the competitor's number.  Runners should be certain they have proper chips and placement as they prepare to compete.