National Federation of State
High School Associations
2014 Track and Field
and Cross Country
Rules’ Changes
Major Editorial Changes
Points of Emphasis
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
NCHSAA
Information/Rules/Regulations
 The mission of the North Carolina High
School Athletic Association is to provide
governance and leadership for interscholastic
athletic programs that support and enrich the
educational experience of students.
 The vision of the North Carolina High School
Athletic Association is to be the national
model for developing and inspiring greatness
through interscholastic athletic experiences.
Outdoor Track Information
 Rule books were mailed 2nd week in January
 Begin Practice---February 12
 Date of first contest---February 26
 Regional: May 3 =1A/2A; May10= 3A/4A
 State Championships: 1A = May 9; 2A = May
10; 3A = May 16; 4A = May 17 @ A & T
REGIONAL SITES
 Some regional sites have been set; on web
site
 Missing:
• 1A: East
• 2A: East
• 4A: Mideast
REMINDERS
 Meet Schedule will only be on-line
 Qualifying standards for everything on line—
not in handbook; nchsaa.org
 Entry into state meet
◦ Submitted by regional directors
◦ Allowed to enter one alternate per relay team if
not already a qualifier
 Certification and knowing rules; use coaches
who have attended a session; will post
names
 All forms on-line
REMINDERS
 Wheelchair opportunities--must satisfy
qualifying standards to advance to regional;
must equal or exceed standards to advance
to state meet; must participate to advance
• The NCHSAA must be informed if you have a
wheelchair participant (s)
REMINDERS
• Hand-held times must be rounded UP to the
nearest tenth
• Complete meets—indoor and outdoor—must
be entered on-line through mile-split—only
ones that will be accepted
• All participants, not just qualifiers
• Must enter full names
• Confirmation receipt will be sent
• MUST use RaceTab or Hy-Tek;
• Hand-typed, Word, or Excel Files will not be
accepted
Gfeller-Waller Concussion Rule
 Must be followed—it’s the law!
• Yearly review and signatures required
• RTP updated; on the website
• EAP must be updated and shared with staff at
your school
• Supposed to be reviewed by a licensed athletic
trainer
• There is a list posted on the website—Health and
Safety—of names of persons who can review your
EAP
Coaches’ Education Requirement
– NFHS “FUNDAMENTALS OF COACHING”
• All non-faculty (non-teaching, certified
personnel) and
• All newly hired coaches (new to your LEA, and
have not passed the course) must complete and
pass the certification
– If currently a non-faculty coach, certification course
must be completed prior to first day of practice.
– On-line
• nfhslearn.com
• Cost of course - $35; one-time completion
requirement to be nationally certified
– Board just mandated that all coaches must be certified by
August 1, 2015
Sportsmanship
• Star Sportsmanship Course – for ejected or
DQ’ed coach/player
– $7 fee
• Fighting Ejection – coach has to take
different course
– “Teaching & Modeling Behavior (at least $20)
• Profanity
2013 NCHSAA Board Approved
Items
• 2 Summer Dead Periods
– Week of the 4th i.e. June 30 – July 6, 2014
– Week of NCCA Clinic i.e. July 21 – July 27,
2014
• Up-to-Date physical examination required
for summer workouts
• Transfer Policy (next slide)
– If you make a bona fide change of residence, no
transfer waiver required for satisfy residence
eligibility
– All non-traditional member schools will be treated
as its own LEA
– LEA’s must have a policy to govern inter-system
transfers; if no policy, then sit for 365 days
– All waiver requests from one LEA to another will be
handled through NCHSAA
• Clarified Endowment game language
• Changed the title of “Booking Agents” to
“Regional Supervisor”; this is for all sports
• Made a change to Ejection Criteria relative to
players leaving the bench
– $500 fine for player (s) leaving bench if
unauthorized
• i.e. there is no fight (ejected for 2 games)
• In many of the sports, ticket prices for the
playoffs have been changed
• Will be seeding basketball and soccer in the
64-team brackets; will review and add other
sports as warranted
• Fines listed in back of handbook have been
updated; $50 fines are now $100 fines; $250
and $300 fines are now $400 fines
• Clarified that anyone caught using
tobacco/alcohol at any time will be ejected
• Standard contracts no longer required; but
remains recommended for use especially in
non-conference games; template on the
website
• Board made some strong recommendations
for the following: (SMAC recommendations)
– At least one member of coaching staff must
take and pass NFHS 1st Aid for Coaches, be
CPR/AED certified and be present at all
contests and practices
– If event has 3 or more teams in attendance
must have LAT/Certified 1st Responder on site
Finally….
• STUDENT SERVICES: Prioritize and get
involved
• Visit the NCHSAA website often
• Must sign the sheet before leaving today to
get credit and to add your school to the list
on web-site
National Federation of State
High School Associations
2014 Track and Field
and Cross Country
Rules Changes
Major Editorial Changes
Points of Emphasis
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
National Federation of State
High School Associations
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
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
Use of Electronic Devices
Rule 3-2-7
 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 3-2-8
 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
Use of Electronic Devices
Rule 3-2-8
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
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
 In NC, by state association adoption, if more
than one member of relay team wears
foundation garment that shows, must match
Uniform – Foundation Garment
Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7)
NOTE 2
Visible
undergarment
extends below
the knees
LEGAL
Visible
undergarments
extend below knees
Both must be same
color
ILLEGAL
Foundation
garment ends
above knees
LEGAL
Foundation
garments end
above knees
LEGAL
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
Uniform – Foundation Garment
Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7)
NOTE 2
A
B
C
A, B, C
LEGAL
 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
School mascot
Boxers
Manufacturer’s logo
 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.
Uniform – Foundation Garment
Rules 4-3-1c(7), 4-3-1c(7) NOTE, 9-6-1c(7)
NOTE 2
RELAY UNIFORMS
 In NC, by state
association adoption
relay team members
wearing foundation
garments above the
knee are required to
wear the same color
foundation garment
 The foundation
garment does not
have to be a single,
solid color
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
Javelin Throw
Rule 6-6-1 NOTE
 When a rubber tip is used, the metal point
shall end in a slightly rounded button shape
or other feature onto which the rubber tip
shall be attached…
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
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
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
Pole Vault – Planting Box Padding
Rule 7-5-24
 Pole vault planting box padding shall meet ASTM
Specification Standards for the 2014-15 indoor and
outdoor seasons
National Federation of State
High School Associations
2014 Track and Field
and Cross Country
Major Editorial Changes
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
2014 Track and Field
Rules/Case Book Corrections
Revised corrections
 Page 18, Rule 3-10-1, The field referee or head
field judge…weighing and measuring of the
implements, including vault poles…
 Page 71, 9-6-1 NOTE 2, If more than one visible
garment, which extends below the knees, is worn
under the uniform top…
 Page 80, Item #3, Delete second sentence: The
scales typically used are limited to about 40
pounds, therefore, are not usable for this
purpose.
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
Major Editorial Changes
Rules 5-1-3, 5-2-2
 All-weather track surfaces utilizing a painted
line to mark the inner edge of the track are
now the more commonly-used surface
 The order of listing a painted line, followed by
a raised curb to designate the inside edge of
the track is more appropriate for the
construction and design of today’s tracks
• On all-weather tracks, a painted line 2 inches
(5 centimeters) or more in width may be used
to mark the inner edge of the track. A solid
curb…
Major Editorial Changes
Rules 6-3-1,2 and 7-3-1,2
 6-3-1
 6-3-2
 7-3-1
 7-3-2
…with the same best height or
distance
When there is a tie at any distance
of a throwing event, places and
points scored…
…competitors finish with the same
best distance or height
When there is a tie at any height or
distance of a jumping event, places
and points scored…
Other Editorial Changes
 3-4-5
 3-8-3
When a competitor is disqualified,
the referee shall notify, or cause to
be notified, the competitor and the
competitor’s coach
Deleted this article, as it appears in
3-9-3
 4-4 NOTE
…The accommodations should not
fundamentally alter the sport,
heighten risk…
 6-2-10
The time at which the preliminaries
in each throwing event must be
concluded or completed should be
set…
Other Editorial Changes
 6-2-12
In two-session meets, it is recommended
all competition in throwing…
6-2-14 PEN
…coach or event official at the site
shall result…disqualification from that
event. If the incident…disqualified
from further competition in the meet.
 6-4-2,
6-5-2,
6-6-2
Reverses order in which all
calibrations are listed – metric, which
is the standard for scales and listing
of implement weight
 6-4-3
The throwing circle shall be level and
8 feet…
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 New
Contestants 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…
Other Editorial Changes
 7-4-1,
7-5-1,
7-6-1
 7-5-29
The inclination declination in the
approach…
 8-1-1 NOTE
New
Scoring table for the 1600-meter run
is located at www.nfhs.org, Track and
Field
…disqualification from the meet
event…
 9-6-4 PEN
 Appendix A
An unsuccessful trial is charged but
not measured
Adds a statement regarding use of
charts and diagrams outside of the
body of the rules.
National Federation of State
High School Associations
2014 Track and Field
and Cross Country
Points of Emphasis
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
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
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 warmups 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 PreMeet 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
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
NFHS Track and Field
Pre-Meet Notes
NFHS Track and Field
Pre-Meet Notes
will be available online at
http://www.nfhs.org/track.aspx
and
https://www.usatf.org/groups/o
fficials/newsletters/
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
Coach/Athlete Education
Pole Vault: Successful Skill Development &
Fundamentals of Coaching Track and Field
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!
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
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
Coach/Athlete Education
Fundamentals of Coaching Track and Field
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
(317.972.6900)
Free!
$20
$50
All NFHS courses
can be accessed at
www.nfhslearn.com
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
• By calling
1.800.776.3462
National Federation of State
High School Associations
Thank You for your support of
High School Athletics!
www.nfhs.org
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™