BASIC TRAINING FOR NEW TRACK & FIELD OFFICIALS The second of a set of modules developed for the training of new officials. UMPIRING AND MARSHALLING USATF Officials Training Subcommittee Initial Training Group
TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview Unit I: Umpiring Duties and Purpose of All Umpires Chief Umpire Section Head/Zone Chief Umpire Rules Applicable to Umpiring All Races Race Walking Races Run Without Assigned Lanes Races That Start in Lanes, but Don t Finish in Lanes Relay Races Hurdle Races Rules of Common Sense Venue and Equipment Umpiring Mechanics: Procedures, Processes, and Positioning Positioning: Entrance and Exit Protocol at Your Position Reporting Infractions Safety for Umpires Credits and Resources Unit II: Marshalling Overview Duties Rules Marshalling Mechanics Credits Appendix Rule Comparisons Reference Card Infraction Report Card Placement of Umpires charts
Unit I: Umpiring OVERVIEW: UMPIRING Its Purpose and Use From the time the starter begins the race until the final competitor crosses the finish line, the umpires become the subjective interpreters of the competitor s action. Ever alert, the umpire must know both the content of the rules and their appropriate application to all situations. Umpires are responsible for ensuring that the track is ready for the competition. These include being acquainted with all of the track markings in his/her assigned area. The umpire must observe each competitor closely as they pass before her/him. If there is a possible violation, the umpire will signal such and write a report with specific information for the chief umpire and referee. The umpiring module will focus on the duties of the beginning umpire. Other umpiring positions will be briefly mentioned, and further information may be found in the publications of the Advanced Training Sub-committee.
DUTIES OF A CHIEF UMPIRE Purpose: To understand the duties of the supervisor of umpires. The chief umpire is directly responsible to the referee and shall have general supervision over all umpires. The chief umpire should instruct umpires as to the rules and violations in general and as to the special track conditions and special regulations established for the meet by the games committee or appropriate referee.
DUTIES OF SECTION HEAD AND ZONE CHIEF Purpose: To know the duties of your supervising umpire. Section heads are responsible for a designated area of the track, and zone chief are responsible for exchange zones for relay races. These leaders should check their team for signals after every lap as soon as the runners are out of range and in the one-lap race they should get an immediate signal. They should make sure the umpires mark the track if there is an infraction. Remove the markings after the referee has seen the markings. Bring the written reports to the referee. Your team should be assembled at the prescribed time. Secure a substitute when it is required. Signal your chief umpire as soon as possible when violations occur. Do not wait until the raced has ended. When your relay zone is ready to compete, signal the chief umpire with you white flag. The yellow flag should remain up until the relay runners are ready. When it is appropriate, notify/signal your team to exit the track.
DUTIES OF AN UMPIRE Purpose: To understand the role of the umpire at a track meet. It is the duty of the umpire to observe the competition closely. The umpire is not there to find fault or calls fouls, but rather to insure a fair competition. The umpires should report orally and in writing, without waiting for protest, all apparent violations of rules to the head umpire. In doing so, they assume no responsibility for disqualification only the referee can make a disqualification. Upon observing an alleged violation, speak to no one about the possible violation. Write the infraction on a violation card, and be certain to include the competitor s number, lane, color of jersey, and any other details that may allow proper identification of the correct athlete. The most important item is the identification of the athletes involved. Without this the referee can do nothing. The umpire shall raise a flag, or signal in the agreed manner, in the event of an alleged violation as soon as the umpire s area is clear. A yellow flag now is used in all competitions. Raise the flag until the chief umpire or assistant acknowledges it. Don t wave it around. IN NFHS and NCAA competitions a white flag is raised to indicate that no apparent violation has occurred.
RULES APPLICABLE TO UMPIRING Purpose: To know and understand the rules and their application for running races. All Races Competitors should not receive any assistance whatsoever during the progress of an event. Assistance includes conveying advice or information to an athlete. All rulebooks allow verbal communication from outside the competition area provided that no mechanical device is being used. Any athlete receiving illegal assistance should be reported to the chief umpire or referee. All infringements of the rules should be reported on the umpire s report form. The number of any competitor dropping out of a race and the lap number, where applicable, should be noted and passed on to the chief umpire or referee. When an athlete commits a flagrant foul in a race to aid a teammate, all persons from the offending team in that race shall be disqualified. Such an infraction would be reported by the umpire and riled on by the referee.
Rules Applicable to Umpiring (continued) Race Walking The umpire function is the same as in any track event. The race walking judge, not the umpire, will judge the form and conformance of the walk to the rules; i.e. maintaining unbroken contact with the surface of the track and having the leg straight while passing under the body.
Rules Applicable to Umpiring (continued) Running without assigned lanes Observe runner during the race for illegal passing, crowding, cutting it or jostling while within your area of responsibility. Jostling or impeding or obstruction should be watched for especially when athletes are not in lanes. This occurs frequently on the bends or when competitors are cutting in. A competitor may run anywhere on the track at any pace or any change of pace as long as he does not impede or obstruct by any body or arm action the progress of another runner. It is a violation if the runner veers to the right or left so as to impede a challenging runner and forces the challenging runner to run a greater distance. A competitor may pass another runner legally on either the right or left side. A competitor may cut in front of another runner, provided that the overtaking runner has one full stride (this rule also applies to the curved line start). Direct contact is not necessary; any action that causes another runner to break stride or lose momentum can lead to disqualification. The high school rule is slightly different and requires a full stride (about 7 feet). This is the only rulebook to specify a distance, the rest specify interference with or without contact. It is a violation if a competitor deliberately runs inside the track curb (or painted line) or passes another by running inside of the track curb (or painted line). Voluntarily leaving the track, and presumably the race, then returning later to continue the race should be reported. Note: In general more interference is allowed at higher levels of competition and on indoor tracks. At some track meets certain umpires may be asked to keep record of laps completed by all competitors in races longer than 1500 meters. The lap scorer shall keep a record of the laps completed by the designated competitor. (S)he will notify each competitor the number of laps still to be completed, and record it on a lap scoring form. One lap scorer will signal the final lap, usually by ringing the bell.
Rules Applicable to Umpiring (continued) Races that start in lanes, but don t finish in lanes In a race starting but not finishing in lanes, the athlete must cross the break line within the assigned lane. Until crossing the break line the athlete must maintain the assigned lane in accordance with rules for races run entirely in lanes. If steps on or over the inside lane line are allowed by rule, the athlete must make sure that they are in the proper lane before crossing the break line. For example; a high school athlete may step inside the lane line for two steps, but must make the last step before the break line in the assigned lane. Small markers (e.g. cones or flags) may be placed at the intersection of the lane lines and break line.
Rules Applicable to Umpiring (continued) Races run entirely in lanes In all races run in lanes, competitors shall start and finish within their assigned lanes. The athletes may be disqualified if observed to have deliberately run outside the assigned lane and gained an advantage. Each rulebook has a slightly different definition for this foul, particularly if it occurs on the curve. For the IAAF a material advantage must be gained or another runner must be obstructed for disqualification (Rule 141). No particular number of steps is specified, but the current interpretation is one step on or inside the line is grounds for disqualification. In USA Track & Field running outside the lane to the right is a specified exception, but it is covered in the IAAF since no material advantage can be gained by running a longer distance (Rule 65.4 &.6). In the NCAA the athlete must step on or over the line with two consecutive steps of the left foot (Rule 5.5b). In high school it is on or over the line with three or more consecutive steps of the with either or both feet (Rule 5.11). The referee may also want to know how far over the line the athlete was. Note: If a runner runs outside the assigned lane in the straightaway or runs outside the outer line on the curve with no material advantage gained and no other runner obstructed, no disqualification will take place.
Rules Applicable to Umpiring(continued) Relay Races The same rules and penalties with reference to fouling, illegal assistance, or lane violations that apply to other running events shall also apply to relay racing. The umpire should ensure that baton exchanges are made within the take-over zone. The position of the baton, not the competitor s hand or feet is the decisive factor. The pass is completed when the baton is in the hand of the receiving runner only. If the baton is dropped, in USATF/IAAF whoever drops it must pick it up in or out of the exchange zone. In NCAA/NFHS whoever drops it outside of the exchange zone must pick it up, and in the exchange zone either may pick it up. The pass must still be completed in the take over zone, and the team may not gain advantage or interfere with other runners while retrieving the baton. (Click on situation for a diagram of the exchange zone.) Other possible relay violations or variations that umpires should be alert for: 1. Runners must stay in their lanes after passing the baton until all runners have passed. 2. In the 4 X 400 meters relay, runners are allowed to move to the inner position for the second and third take over. Watch for unfair jostling and/or obstruction. 3. Assistance by pushing off or by any other method should be reported. 4. If the baton is thrown not passed to the next runner. 5. If while running, a team member transports the baton in a means other than in the hand. 6. If the last runner finishes without the baton. 7. After passing the baton, a runner veers out of the passing zone or from a straight course and impedes an opposing runner. 8. Assuming preparatory position in any race run in lanes, any part of the outgoing runner breaks the plane of the adjacent lane lines so as to interfere with another runner. (Rule 5.9g_ 9. If the outgoing runner waiting for the baton does not take a position entirely within the 20 meter passing zone. (Exception, see NCAA Rule 5-8-4) 10. If a team member runs more than one zone. 11. In sprint relays (i.e., the incoming leg is 200 meters or less) the outgoing runner may use the international acceleration zone. In high school the incoming runner must be in an assigned lane for the entire leg. 12. Check marks may be made on the track for races run in lanes within their own lanes. Only material authorized by the games committee may be used to mark the track. 13. In USATF/IAAF the mark is limited to one 5cm by 40 cm. (Rule 80.16) 14. In NCAA meets two markers may be used, which are no longer than the width of the lane nor wider than 2 inches. 15. In NFHS meets marking restrictions are set by the games committee.
Rules Applicable to Umpiring (continued) Hurdle Races (IAAF Rule 163) Hurdles: All competitors must clear within their lane, the required number of hurdles. This must be done without running around the side, trailing a leg below the level of the hurdle bar, intruding into another lane, deliberately knocking down a hurdle with the hand or impeding another hurdler. The USATF now requires that in their meets the hurdles be the same width as the lanes they are being used in. In NCAA events it is a foul for a competitor to knock down a hurdle with his/her hand even if not deliberate. Umpires should observe the runners as they are approaching, clearing and moving beyond the hurdle. In all hurdle races always be alert to the proper setting of height and weights (know the proper heights), placements and locations. Usually, in major meets, a hurdle chief with hurdle crew will handle this chore. In those situations where someone has the responsibility for placing and checking the hurdles, it is still and good idea for umpires to double check to make sure that everything is ready for the race. Steeplechase Race The competitor must go over or through the water obstacle, and must go over the hurdles as in hurdle events, except that the competitor may vault or step over the hurdle. Three thousand meters is now the standard open distance for both men and women, although for some masters and youth events the distance is 2000 M.
Rules Applicable to Umpiring RULES OF COMMON SENSE 1. Follow the umpire s motto: Be awake, Be Aware, Be Alert. 2. Remember, ONLY THE REFEREE CAN DISQUALIFY AN ATHLETE. Your job is to report the infraction. 3. The umpire s job begins the moment the race starts and ends when the finish line results are complete. Make sure your posy is attended at all times. 4. Carry a note pad and pencil to record information. 5. Raise a yellow flag to signal and infraction at once. 6. If you think it happened, it didn t. If you know it happened, it did. 7. Be able to describe to the referee what happened. 8. Report to the chief umpire, any foul or other infraction. 9. Record the uniform number of the competitor who committed the infraction or foul, the color of jersey, the number of the lane, and the number of the competitor fouled if there was a foul. 10. Wait until after verbally reporting any infraction to the chief umpire and/or referee before you discuss it with other umpires. 11. Providing verbal aid to runners is legal, if no mechanical device is used and the aid is given from an area outside of the area of competition. 12. Another athlete does not have to be touched for a violation to occur. On the other hand, there can be contact without a foul occurring. 13. Be firm, but respectful in dealing with athletes such as instructions for relays, etc. 14. Refer a coach, athlete or spectator to the referee if they have a question about a call. 15. Let the section heads/zone chiefs answer question asked at relays. 16. Make sure only approved markings are allowed on or off the track. 17. Straighten hurdles after the last warm up, and replace hurdles that were knocked down. 18. Verify correct positioning, heights, and weights of hurdles after the facilities crew has placed them. 19. Most relay fouls occur as the runner exit the exchange zone. 20. Carefully observe runners when they may be hidden behind obstacles or in the middle of packs. 21. Competitors who commit infractions, quite often hinder themselves as well as others. 22. Conduct yourself in a professional manner. Look and be sharp. 23. Know the intent of the rules under which the competition is being held. 24. Practice preventive officiating, be visible.
VENUE and EQUIPMENT Purpose: To be properly equipped to fulfill an umpires duties VENUE The venue for umpires is the running track including the start and finish areas, the exchange zones and the steeplechase water jump area. A map of the area and possible areas of assignment is included in the appendix. EQUIPMENT 1. Umpires Manual 2. Appropriate Rulebook or Reference Card IAAF USATF NCAA NAIA (same as NCAA) NFHS 3. Report Form with Track Map 4. Heat sheet 5. Clipboard 6. Paper 7. Pen/Pencil 8. Plastic baggy 9. Chair/stool 10. Lane violation marking material (non-permanent) 11. Rain Gear 12. Flags (white and yellow)
UMPIRING MECHANICS Procedures, Processes, & Positioning Purpose: To be properly prepared, at the correct position, and to accurately fulfill the duties of an umpire. POSITIONING Entrance (where possible) The march leader will advise you regarding the proper order onto the rack. When marching onto the track, the violation flag should be carried in the left hand, and if provided, the stool in the right hand. Small bags may be permitted, but take NO cameras on to the track and do not talk to people in the stands. All events, except the 100-110M hurdles, use single file to proceed along the exterior of the track. Umpires working the inside or interior positions cross at a signal from the chief. Sit when the chief or section head sits. For the 100=110M hurdles form two lines; one file walking along the interior and the other along the exterior of the track. The teams working the end positions enter according to local arrangements. Normally an umpire should not cross the finish line on the track. Umpire Positions There are several diagrams of umpire positions. Some are derived from IAAF books. In many cases there will not be enough umpires to staff every position indicated. In those cases the chief umpire will need to prioritize the positions. Selecting a position is not the responsibility of the umpire. The chief umpire will assign umpires to their positions. The first priority is the beginning and ending of each turn. These should be designated for assistant chief umpires if available. The next priority would be the positions midway between the first four. As additional umpires are available then other positions may be assigned either inside or outside of the track. For hurdle races the chief umpire should make sure that two umpires can observe every flight preferably on opposite sides of the track. This also applies to the steeplechase. During relays the chief umpire should make sure there are enough umpires assigned to each zone without losing the ability to judge lane violations. It works best if the umpire does not need to watch more than two lanes in a big meet. If there are not enough umpires for that, then fewer umpires can be assigned to the entrance of the zone as most violations are at the exit end of the zone. Obviously those races less than one full lap require fewer officials. The chief umpire should not overload the track just because there are that many umpires. For examples the 100 meters does not need any more than 12 umpires and can get by with fewer if necessary. The chief umpire may have to modify any locations due to local conditions such as a wall next to the track. Although new umpires will seldom have to make positioning assignments, examples of several positioning scenarios are provided for understanding.
UMPIRING MECHANICS Protocol at Your Position Purpose: To effectively work as a team of umpires in observing and signaling of possible infractions. After marching to your position: 1. Stand until all umpires are at their positions. The chief or assistant chief umpire will signal you when to be seated. 2. In general all officials stand for all races less than 5,000 meters unless other directed by the chief umpire. 3. Stand when the chief umpire instructs you to do so, usually when the runners are called to the line. 4. Be seated after the race is finished when you are signaled to do so. Signaling It is the duty of every umpire to observe each assigned competitor closely as they pass before her/him. In the case of a possible foul or rule violation by a competitor or other persons, the umpire is to indicate the need to convene with the chief umpire by raising a yellow flag and to keep it raised until the chief umpire or assistant chief arrives to review the incident report. This flag merely indicates that an umpire wishes to confer with the chief umpire. Yellow flags are used to indicate a possible violation or that a relay zone is not yet ready. The use of a white flag varies with the meet. The chief umpire will give you directions. When used the white flag indicates no violation or that the exchange zone is ready.
THE ART OF OBSERVATION FOR AN UMPIRE Purpose: To become skilled in watching for possible infractions. The practice of observing runner s as they pass by the umpire is truly an art. With experience the umpire will become more skilled at this process, but a few pointers will be helpful. 1. Place yourself in a good position to view the runners as they pass. Don t be too close. 2. Pick the runners up in your field of vision 20 to 30 meters before they get to you. 3. Anticipate a possible violation. Know what conditions many times results in a mishap. i.e., A runner reaching out with his/her hand; a runner chopping his/her stride. 4. Watch the runners as the go beyond you. 5. Have a heat sheet with you to check numbers and schools.
Reporting Infractions UMPIRING MECHANICS Purpose: To provide an accurate account of a possible infraction for the chief umpire and/or the referee. To report a possible rule infraction that could result in disqualification, the umpire must be able to clearly describe the circumstances relating to what (s)he observed. This report is essential to the referee s review other possible infraction. For this reason, a clear and specific written record of what was observed should be prepared as soon as possible. In preparing this report, the umpire should always: 1. Carry paper and pencil to record information. 2. Use proper forms provided by the chief umpire. 3. Signal the chief umpire immediately by holding a yellow flag at the spot of the infraction (this can be held by a colleague while the umpire prepares her/his report. 4. Record: Name of the event Heat number Time of day Lane number Bib number(s) of involved competitor(s) Hip number of the competitor if used Team affiliation Uniform colors Brief and specific description of the possible violation An example of the umpire s report shown under equipment can be used to report a possible infraction or report on an incident where no infraction occurred. The umpire should make every effort to provide a specific and complete report even if the possible infraction seems insignificant. Frequently, a report that no actual infraction took place assists the referee to sort out controversial situations. When completing the report make sure to clearly indicate where the infraction occurred. Upon display of the yellow flag, the chief umpire should move quickly to gather the report from the involved umpire(s). If the incident was observed by more than one umpire, each umpire should prepare a separate report and the chief umpire should confer with each on a separate basis. The umpires should not leave their assigned position unless summoned to clarify the report. The meet referee has the final say, and may or may not disqualify based on the full appraisal of the complete situation.
UMPIRING SAFETY Purpose: To provide for the safety and well-being of the official. During the past few years far too many officials have been injured while fulfilling their duties at a track meet. It is important to develop an awareness of the dangerous accidents that could happen while officiating a meet. Sometimes officials become so focused on their event and their specific duties that they are now aware of other actions occurring around them. The following are just a few guidelines to help focus on and promote safety for officials at a track and field meet. 1. Javelin throwing can be very inaccurate and affected by weather conditions. 2. Disc and hammer throwing can be very unpredictable. Observe the cages and angle of their openings. 3. Officials can become so focused on their duties that they can walk into the path of a shot put or step in front of a runner warming up or competing. 4. Every year many officials suffer broken bones from a fall at a meet. There are certainly enough things to trip over. Meet management can reduce as many hazards as possible. Event chiefs can also make their team aware of hazards. Officials, themselves, need to make mental notes of hazards. 5. The effects of heat are an issue that competitors are aware of, but sometimes overlooked by officials. A few safety precautions would be prudent. 1. Always remind yourself of your surroundings. 2. Don t just react; think and then react. 3. Focus on your task, yet be aware of big picture. 4. Keep yourself in good condition. 5. Know your limitations. 6. Meet management should make the physical layout as conducive to safe competition as possible. 7. The head s of events should make their team members aware of surrounding hazards. 8. Marshals, while performing their duties, can be observant of possible hazardous situations, and create safety awareness for officials, competitors, and fans.
CREDITS and RESOURCES Springer, Bob Bruzaitis, Rob USATF-National Officials Committee Bruzaitis, Rob Kleeman, George Bill Price Jim Hanley www.usatf.org/groups/officials/ The Umpire s Manual USATF MOAC Training Program Official s Manual USATF Competition Rules NCAA Umpire s Reference Card Mentoring Monogram Umpiring Forms Rule Book Differences To obtain more information on: Rules Meets Equipment Certification
Unit II: Marshalling I. Overview Its purpose and Use Marshals like all track and field officials are provided to insure that the athlete s competition can be fair, organized and unimpeded. Their purpose is to oversee competition areas to keep them secure and safe.
II. Duties Purpose: To understand the duties of a marshal at a track meet. The marshals shall have full charge of the enclosure and shall prevent anyone but officials and actual competitors from entering or remaining therein. This includes seeing that coaches, inactive officials, non-competing athletes, photographers and other individuals are kept in appropriate areas so they do not interfere with thee conduct of the meet. The marshal should be inconspicuous to those watching the meet, but easily found by meet management and chief officials when needed. The marshal needs to know the location of the check-in areas, bull pen, bathrooms, lost and found, medical facilities, awards area, official s entrance, maintenance personnel, meet management, clerk of course, head umpire, meet referees, protest table, and security personnel. Marshals must keep a cool head at all times, know their event and layout of competition. Chronology of duties: 1. If you are the chief marshal, immediately contact with the meet director to determine your exact assignments. 2. If you are a marshal, meet with your head marshal to determine your: a. Location assignment b. Time assignment c. Specific process for administering your assignment. d. Challenges that might occur in your particular area.
III. Rules Purpose: To know and understand the rules under which you will work. Rule 133 of the USATF Competition Rules states that marshals shall have full charge of the enclosure or course and shall prevent anyone but officials and actual competitors from entering or remaining therein. NCAA Rule 3.15, IAAF Rule 133, NFHSA Rule 3-12 site the rules for marshalling.
IV. Marshalling Mechanics: The Basic Activities of a Marshal A. The chief marshal shall: 1. assign and rotate marshals 2. communicate needs for security personnel when needed. 3. act as field liaison for the media in the competition area. 4. coordinate safe placement of the media. 5. secure access to the competition so that only authorized officials, competitors, and other authorized individuals are permitted to enter. 6. identify all entrances that are to be used. All other entrances should be locked. 7. assign a marshal to each open entrance. B. The marshals shall secure the start of each race to prevent sound or physical encroachment. 1. Control the sound close to the start that may interfere with a fair start. 2. Prevent individuals from walking between the starters and competitors. 3. If cameras are permitted, see that they are not moving or obstructing the view of the starter. 4. If a runner is disqualified and refuses to leave the track, the marshal must request that the runner accompany the marshal from the track. If he/she refuses, call security, pull the blocks, and stand in his/her starting position. 5. See that no one obstructs the view of the umpire during the race. C. Secure the finish of the race. 1. See that no one interferes with the automatic timing system. 2. Particular attention should be paid to authorized officials who might inadvertently walk through the finish line area. D. Secure every field event area to protect competitors, officials and media. 1. Assure that competitors and officals incur no interference. 2. Safety is paramount. Be certain that no one is within an area including the foul area where an implement could strike them. E. Secure meet administration areas. Prevent individuals from coming into areas where they have no responsibilities. This is not an area for off-duty officials. F. Secure every area where an injury occurs. Immediately converge on the area to see that those designated for treating the injured can fulfill their duties unobstructed.
G. Provide escort service for competitors when no escorts are available. Some competitions require that competitors not receive unauthorized assistance. Marshals are sometimes asked to be stewards. H. See that competitors, coaches, or trainers do not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct. 1. Bring under control as quickly as possible if possible. 2. Contact safety/law enforcement personnel if necessary. 3. Inform violators of possible consequences. 4. Report the conduct to the referee or meet management. I. Assist in the enforcement of competition uniform rules if requested. Report to the referee any non-compliance. J. Marshals should have writing materials comparable to an umpire to report sportsmanship or uniform issues. K. Any individuals refusing to follow directions of a marshal should be reported to the chief marshal who will report to the meet referee.
V. Assignment of Marshals The number of marshals that are needed will depend on the size of the meet, the time schedule and layout of the event. An assignment chart for a national meet is listed in the appendix.
VI. Venue and Equipment A. Venue The venue of the marshals consists of a wide, encompassing area. It shall include the running area, field event area, and the area outside these areas which might provide access to areas of competition. A venue map is included in the appendix. Marshals like other officials need to be at the competition venue before athletes and spectators arrive. Normally, that will be at least an hour before warm-up for the first event of the meet is scheduled. B. Equipment 1. Chair 2. Distinct badge, hat, band, or shirt 3. Marshal s report form 4. Pens, pencils 5. Radio for communication 6. Clip board
VI. Credits Marshal s Monogram by Shelby Sharpe
APPENDIX RULES COMPARISONS BY THE GOVERNING BODY Governing Body USATF NCAA/NAIA IAAF NFHS Rule Interference 163-4 5-5-3 163-2 4-5-3 Pacing 144-2 5-5-3 144-2c 4-5-8b Running inside lane 163-5 5-5-2b 163-3,4 5-11-1a line or curve Running on curb 163-5 5-5-3 163-3,4 5-11-1 Umpire Flags 12-7-4 3-5-2 127-3 3-11-4 Relays Check mark 170-11 5-8-4 170-11 3-23; 3-2-4b Pass completion 170-14 5-8-5 170-14 5-9-7 Dropped baton 170-12 5-8-5 170-13 5-9-7 Gloves/adhesive 170-13 5-9-1b 170-13 5-9-5 Pushing teammate170-17 NA NA 5-10-1
UMPIRE S REFERENCE CARD Purpose: For quick reference to track rules for umpiring. NCAA UMPIRE S REFERENCE CARD Running Violations - - Races IN LANES 5-5-2a Impedes another runner. 5-5-2b On a curve, steps on or over the left lane line with 2 or more consecutive steps of the left foot. 5-5-2c Fails to start and finish in assigned lane. 5-5-2d Fails to cross break line in assigned lane. Running Violations - - Races NOT IN LANES 5-5-3a Impedes another competitor s progress. **Direct contact is NOT NECESSARY: any action that causes another runner to break stride or lose momentum can lead to disqualification. 5-5-3b Veers to right or left AND forces challenging runner to run a greater distance. 5-5-3c Voluntarily leaves the track or abandons the race, then returns to continue the race. 5-5-3d Tries to force a way between two leading runners; makes direct contact AND impedes the progress of either. 5-5-3e On a curve, steps on or over the curb with 2 or more consecutive steps of the left foot. Hurdle Violations 5-6-a Advances or trails a leg or foot below top plane of hurdle at instant of hurdle clearance. 5-6b Runs around or under a hurdle. 5-6c Runs over a hurdle not in hurdler s lane. 5-6d Impedes another hurdler. 5-6e Knock down any hurdle by hand. 2-2-3 Men Women 55/60/100/110 42 in. (1.067m.) 33 in. (0.84 m.) Hurdles 400 Hurdles 36 in. (0.914 m.) 30 in. (0.762 m.) Steeplechase 36 in. (0.914 m.) 30 in. (0.762 m.) The back side includes Steeplechase, Relays, & Illegal Assistance @2004 Robert Buzaitis
UMPIRE S REPORT FORM Purpose: For the accurate reporting of an incident/infraction in a running event. UMPIRE INFRACTION REPORT MEET: DATE: TIME: RACE: HEAT: MEN WOMEN (CIRCLE) DIV.: NAME: LANE: NUMBER: UNIFORM COLOR: TEAM: LOCATION OF INFRACTION: TYPE OF INFRACTION: WHO IMPACTED: LANE: NUMBER: UNIFORM COLOR: TEAM: UMPIRE'S NAME (PRINT): SIGNATURE: HEAD UMPIRE'S COMMENTS: REFEREE'S DECISION: REFEREE S SIGNATURE: Please complete immediately after the occurrence of an infraction and turn into the Head Umpire. Signal your intent to complete a form by raising a yellow flag when the infraction happens.
Track Venue
Marshal s Assignment Chart For a national championship meet Areas/Venues to Cover Identify# Sample Assignment Sheet Finish Line 1 2 Name Hour 1 2 3 Starting Line 3 4 Official A 1 3 5 Entrances/Stands 5 6 7 Official B 2 6 8 Long Jump 8 9 10 Official C 3 4 16 Triple Jump 8 9 10 Official D 4 16 14 Discus 11 12 13 Hammer 11 12 13 Shot 11 12 13 Javelin 11 12 13 High Jump 14 Pole Vault 14 15 Medical 16 Practice Field 17 18 Clerk s Area 19 Head/Assistant Marshal 20 21 Floater s 22 23
GLOSSARY (Definitions for terms highlighted in the text) Staggered Races in which the athletes will not all be starting at the same line. Races- The starting lines are based on the equal distance the athletes will run around the track due to additional distances around the curve. Staggers may be around 1, 2, or 3 curves. Arc/Waterfall A single starting line constructed in an arc to provide and fair, Start- equal and safer start. Break/Cut in The point at which athletes running from staggers or an arc may cut Line- into a single lane. Inside of The point at which the runner steps on or inside the lane line to his/ Lane- her left. Out of Lane -The point at which the runner steps on over the lane line to his/her right. Interference When one runner obstruct the path and/or progress of another. Run Up/Fly/Acceleration Zone - The ten meters preceding the 20 meter zone for exchanging the baton. The outgoing runner may use this ten meters, but may not receive the baton until he/she is in the 20 meter exchange zone. Exchange/Take Over Zone- The 20 meter zone in which the baton must be exchanged. Trail leg- In hurdling, the leg that goes over the hurdle last. Observe that it does not go below the level of the top of the hurdle. White Flag- The flag to signal no violation or readiness at the exchange zone. Yellow Flag- The flag to signal a possible violation or not ready at the exchange zone. Trial Heat - A preliminary race leading to the semi-finals. Semi-finals- The race leading to the finals, usually two semis. Finals - The last race of the event which determines placements and points. Bib number- The athletes number which is pinned to the uniform. Hip number- The athletes lane number which is stuck to his shorts on the hip