ORGANISATION AND RULES – INDEX - Microsoft...RULES – INDEX 1. Officials 9. Pole Vault 14. Checklist for Organising 1.1 Referee 9.1 Basic Requirements an Athletics Meet 1.2 Starter

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ORGANISATION & RULES

ATHLETIC COMPETITION – ORGANISATION AND RULES – INDEX

1. Officials 9. Pole Vault 14. Checklist for Organising

an Athletics Meet 1.1 Referee 9.1 Basic Requirements 1.2 Starter 9.2 Officials Required 14.1 At the commencement of 1.3 Starting Procedure 9.3 Safety the school year 1.4 Judges 9.4 Rules 14.2 Two months before the meet 1.5 Timekeepers 14.3 Last month before the meet

10. Shot Put 1.6 Umpires 14.4 After the meet 1.7 Recorders 10.1 Basic Requirements

15. Equipment Required on 10.2 Officials required 2. Relays Ground for Athletics Meet 10.3 Safety 2.1 General 10.4 Rules

16. Recording Sheets 2.2 4 x 100 metres 10.5 Measuring a Put 2.3 4 x 400 metres 16.1 Track events

11. Discus 16.2 Track events 3. Hurdles 11.1 Basic Requirements 16.3 Field events 3.1 Basic requirements 11.2 Officials 16.4 Field events 3.2 Rules 11.3 Safety 11.4 Rules 4. Steeplechase 11.5 Measuring a Throw 4.1 General

12. Javelin 5.Walking 12.1 Basic Requirements 5.1 Rules 12.2 Officials 5.2 Safety 12.3 Safety 12.4 Rules 6. Long Jump 12.5 Measuring a Throw 6.1 Basic requirements

13. Hammer Throw 6.2 Officials Required 6.3 Rules 13.1 Basic Requirements 6.4 Measuring a Jump 13.2 Officials 13.3 Safety 7.Triple Jump 13.4 Rules 7.1 Basic requirements 13.5 Measuring a Throw 7.2 Officials Required 7.3 Rules 7.4 Measuring a Jump

8. High Jump 8.1 Basic requirements 8.2 Officials required 8.3 Rules



1. OFFICIALS

1.1 Referee

• A Separate referee should be appointed for track and field events.

• The referee allocates starters, judges, umpires and other officials to particular events.

• It is the responsibility of the referee to ensure that the rules are observed and to decide upon any technical points which arise during the meeting and for which provision has not been made in the rules. The referee shall have jurisdiction to decide any placings in an event where judges dispute the placings.

• The referee decides on any protest or objection and has the power to warn or exclude any competitor for improper conduct.

1.2 Starter

Basic Requirements:

• Starters Pistol capable of firing twice or two pistols, to enable recalls to be made in the event of false starts.

• Caps/Bullets for races allowing for starts and false starts.

• A stool or stand to enable the starter to have a clear view of all competitors as well as the chief timekeeper (who signals to the starter that all is ready at the finish line).

• A whistle to warn competitors and officials that a race is about to start.

1.3 Starting Procedure

• In races started from a staggered start, the starter should use a microphone or megaphone and should be positioned equidistant from all competitors. If in the opinion of the starter it is not a fair one, the competitors should be recalled, by firing the gun a second time.

• When the starter is satisfied that the athletes competing in the event are ready, the athletes are warned by the starter’s blowing a short blast of a whistle.

• The athletes are then called to their marks, using the words ON YOUR MARKS. Care should be taken to ensure that no competitor places either fingers, hands or feet in front of the back of the start line. The starter will allow each competitor sufficient time to become settled and motionless after the command is given.



• Once all the competitors are settled, the starter shall give the command SET for all events up to and including 400 metres (for longer events this command is omitted). On the command SET all competitors shall at once assume their final start position. The starter will not fire the pistol until all competitors are absolutely motionless. In the case of unsteadiness of athletes, if the starter considers the waiting time excessive (more than two seconds) the command ‘STAND UP’ shall be given. The starter can then speak to the athletes concerned. This is not considered a false start and the athletes are then commanded to take their marks again.

• When the competitors are absolutely motionless the gun is fired to start the race. If one or more athletes gain an advantage by starting before or with the gun, a second shot is fired to recall the competitors. The starter then warns the offending athlete(s). A first false start warning will be given to the competitor or competitors concerned. Any athlete after the first false start, who subsequently false starts, will be disqualified, regardless of by whom the initial false start was completed.

• To assist the starter, especially in races with a staggered start, a starter’s assistant should be appointed to help check that all athletes make valid starts and to fire a recall gun if any athlete gains an unfair advantage.

• According to IAAF rules, all athletes should complete a crouch start and be using blocks (this is dependent on the equipment available).

1.4 Judges

• The judges, who must all operate from the same side of the track, shall decide the order in which the competitors finish and, in any case where they cannot arrive at a decision, shall refer the matter to the referee, who shall decide.

• The judges should be placed at least five metres from the track, all on the same side and in line with the finish. In order that they may have an uninterrupted view of the finish line, an elevated stand should be provided whenever possible.

• The competitors shall be placed in the order in which any part of their torso (that is, the torso, including shoulders as distinguished from head, neck arms, legs, hands or feet) reaches the vertical plane of the finish line.

• It is recommended that the judges record the finish in the following way:

- The chief judge notes the first finisher

- The first judge notes first and checks second

- The second judge notes second and checks third



- The third judge notes third and checks fourth and so on

• After the event, the chief judge collects the results from each judge and determines the placings

• For long distance races, the chief judge should keep a record of laps completed by each competitor in order to sound the bell for one lap remaining.

1.5 Timekeepers

• The timekeepers are responsible for timing all track events. If possible three timekeepers should be allocated to record the time of the first placegetter.

• It is the duty of the chief timekeeper to ensure that all stopwatches are returned to zero and that the judges understand how their watches operate. When all judges are ready, the chief timekeeper indicates to the starter that all is clear.

• The timekeepers should be in line with the finish on the opposite of the track to the judges. They should be positioned at least five metres from the outside lane of the track. In order that they have an uninterrupted view of the finish line, an elevated stand should be provided whenever possible.

• The time should be taken from the flash or smoke of the starter’s pistol to the moment at which any part of the competitor’s body (that is torso, including shoulders as distinguished from head, neck arms, legs, hands or feet) reaches the vertical plane of the finish line.

• In the event of two of the three watches agreeing and the third disagreeing, the time shown by the two shall be the official time. If all three watches disagree, the middle time shall be official. If only two times are available and they disagree, the slower time shall be official.

• For all hand-timed events where hundredths are displayed on the watch, the time should be corrected to the higher one-tenth second, i.e. 13.52 shall be recorded as 13.6

• If sufficient timekeepers are available, times for all finishers and lap times in races of 800 metres and over should be recorded.

1.6 Umpires

• It is the duty of an umpire to stand at such points as the referee may determine to watch each event closely and, in the case of a foul or violation of the rules by a competitor or other person, to raise a flag to indicate a breach of the rules and following the event to make an immediate report of the incident to the referee.



• For events of 800 metres and longer which are therefore not subject to lane rules, umpires should watch for competitors jostling or impeding other competitors.

• Lane rules: For all track events up to 400 metres (including 4 x 100 metre relays), all competitors stay in their assigned lanes throughout the event.

• For 4 x 400 metre relay events, the first leg runners run in assigned lanes. The second leg runners run in lanes until they exit from the first bend. Athlete should take care not to

immediately cut into the inside lane and in so doing obstruct other athletes.

1.7 Recorders

• At the conclusion of each race, the recorder should record each competitor’s name.

Number, house/school/state, place, time etc in the allotted column of the recording sheet.



2. RELAYS 2.1 General

• The Baton shall be a smooth hollow tube, circular in section, made of wood or metal or any other rigid material in one piece, the length of which shall not be more than 30 centimetres and not less than 28 centimetres. The circumference shall be 12 - 13 centimetres and the baton shall not weigh less than 50 grams. The baton should be coloured so as to be easily visible during the race.

• The baton must be carried in the hand throughout the race. If dropped, the athlete who dropped it must recover it. The athlete may leave their lane to recover the baton as long as the distance covered is not less. In all relay races, the baton must be passed within the changeover zone. The passing of the baton is completed at the moment it is in the hand of the receiving runner only. The baton must be passed before the receiving runner leaves the changeover zone.

• Check Marks: When a relay is being run in lanes, a competitor may make a check mark on the track within the team lane, using some material supplied by the organisers, e.g. tape, disc etc.

• After handing over the baton, athletes should remain in their lanes or zones until the course is clear, to avoid causing obstruction to other competitors. Should any competitor willfully impede a member of another team by running out of position or lane at the finish of the stage, the competitor’s team may be disqualified.

• Assistance by pushing-off or by any other method will cause disqualification.

2.2 4 x 100 metres

• The 4 x 100 metres event is run entirely in lanes

• The changeover zone in which the baton changeover takes place is 20 metres long.

• An acceleration zone of 10 metres precedes the changeover zone. In this area the outgoing competitor may accelerate but the baton passing may not take place until in the changeover zone.

2.3 4 x 400 metres

• The first leg is run in lanes.

• The second leg runners keep to their lanes for the first bend and on entering the back straight may move into the inside lane.



• The third and last runners wait in the changeover zone and move to an inner position on the track as their incoming team mate arrives, provided this can be done without fouling.



3. HURDLES 3.1 Basic requirements

• Construction: The hurdles should be made of metal or some other suitable material with the top bar of wood or other suitable material. They should consist of two bases and two uprights supporting a rectangular frame, reinforced by one or more crossbars, the uprights to be fixed at the extreme end of each base. All edges of the top bar should be rounded to prevent injury to hurdlers.

• Measurements: The maximum width of each hurdle should be 1.2 metres and the maximum length of the base should be 70 centimetres. The vertical measurement of the top bar should be 70 millimetres while its thickness should be between 10 and 25 millimetres.

• Finish: The top bar should be striped in contrasting colours, such as black and white, in such a manner that the lighter stripes appear at each end of the bar. The stripes should be at least 225 millimetres in width.

• Hurdle Heights and Distances: The recommended hurdle heights and distance for the various age groups are given in the following table.



3.2 Rules

• Each hurdle should be placed on the track so that the feet of the hurdle are on the side of the approach by the competitor.

• Each hurdle should be placed so the edge of the bar nearest the approaching hurdler coincides with the track marking nearest the athlete.

• All races should be run in lanes and competitors keep to their own lanes throughout.

• The knocking down of hurdles does not disqualify a competitor or prevent a record being made except as provided in the previous paragraph.

• The total weight of the hurdle should not be less than 10kg.

• A competitor who trails his foot or leg below the horizontal plane of the top of any hurdle at the instant of clearance, or jumps any hurdle not in their own lane, or in the opinion of the referee deliberately knocks down any hurdle by hand or foot, shall be disqualified.



4. STEEPLECHASE 4.1 General

• The recommended starting age group for the steeplechase is under 16.

• The standard distance for school-aged athletes is 2000 metres.

• For this event, there should be 18 hurdle jumps and five water jumps. However, for this event to be conducted by a school, it may be more appropriate to have 23 hurdle jumps.

• Where it is possible to include a water jump, it is recommended that it be the second jump on the first lap and the fourth jump for each lap thereafter.

• There should be sufficient distance from the starting line to the first hurdle to prevent overcrowding and there should be approximately 70 metres from the last hurdle to the finish line

• Where a water jump facility is provided on either the inside or outside of the track thereby decreasing or increasing the lap distance by approximately 10 metres respectively, the distance between the hurdles should also be decreased or increased by approximately two metres to maintain equal spacings. As the total lap distance in these cases would deviate from the normal 400 metres, organisers should calculate the lap distance and determine a new starting point to achieve a total race distance of 2000 metres.

• The hurdles should be 91.4 centimetres high with a tolerance of three millimetres above or below this height and should be at least 3.96 metres in width. Women’s hurdles should be 76.2cm in height. It is recommended that the first hurdle to be jumped in a race be five metres wide to accommodate a number of competitors jumping the hurdle simultaneously.

• The water jump, including the hurdle, should be 3.66 metres in length and width. The hurdle should be firmly fixed in front of the water and be of the same height as the others in the competition.

• Each competitor must go over or through the water and any competitor who steps to one side of the other of the jump or trails a foot or leg alongside any hurdle shall be disqualified. A competitor may jump or vault over each hurdle, or place a foot on each hurdle and on the hurdle at the water jump.

• A competitor may go over each hurdle in any manner as long as the water jump rule is adhered to.



5. WALKING

5.1 Rules

• Definition: Race walking is a progression of steps so taken that unbroken contact (to the human eye) with the ground is maintained. During the period of each step, the advancing foot of the walker must make contact with the ground before the rear foot leaves the ground. The supporting leg must be straightened (that is not bent at the knee) from the moment of first contact with the ground until the vertical position.

• Warnings: Competitors must be warned by any judge when, by their mode of progression, they are in danger of failing to comply with the definition of race walking, but they are not entitled to a second warning from the same judge for the same offence. Having warned a competitor, the judge must inform the chief judge of the warning.

• Disqualifications: When in the opinion of the judges a competitor’s mode of progression fails to comply with the definition of race walking during any part of the competition, the competitor shall be disqualified and informed of the disqualification by the chief judge.

• In race walking, a competitor who is disqualified must immediately leave the track.

Normally a competitor is entitled to a warning before a disqualification is given. Disqualification may be given, immediately after the competitor has finished, if it is impractical to inform the competitor of the disqualification during the race.

A white sign with the symbol of the offence on each side must be shown to the competitor, when a warning is given. A red sign symbolises the disqualification of the competitor. The latter may only be used by the chief judge.

5.2 Safety

• The organisers of walking events held on public roads must take care to ensure the safety of the competitors. For walking championships the organisers must give assurance that the roads used for the competition will be closed in both directions, i.e. not open to motorised traffic.



6. LONG JUMP 6.1 Basic requirements

• Runway, Take-Off Board, Foot Fault Indicator and Landing Area. The dimensions for each of these requirements can be found in Section 1 – How to mark an athletics track.

• Tape. A tape length of 20 metres is required to measure jumps.

• Rake. To smooth the sand in the landing area after each jump.

• Watering Can. To dampen sand in the landing area to ensure a clearly identifiable rear edge to landing imprints for measuring purposes.

• Spike. To hold the zero end of the tape at the nearest edge of the landing imprint made by the jumper.

• Recording Sheet. For recording all jumps.

• Markers. To enable competitors to mark the length of their run up.

• Brush. To keep the take-off board clear of sand or grass.

• Wind Gauge. Particularly if meeting qualifying standards or state/national records. Not required for intra school competition.

6.2 Officials Required

Recorder. The recorder calls up the competitors for their trials and records their performances. The recorder should check the names of competitors against those present and against any list provided by the organising committee.

Take-Off Board Judge. The judge watches the take-off board for any foot faults or other infringements. The signals are a red flag for a foul jump, a white flag for a valid jump. After the competitor’s jump has been measured the judge should stand on the take-off board until the sand has been levelled ready for the next competitor. This judge also measures each jump by

holding the tape at right angles to the take off line. The judge reads the distance jumped and ensures that it is recorded properly.

Landing Judge. This judge marks the landing imprint with the spike attached to the zero end of the tape. This judge also levels the sand after each competitors jump, although other assistants may help in this task.



6.3 Rules

• A competitor may not touch the ground between the take-off board and the landing area with any part of the body, whether running up preparatory to a jump or in the act of jumping. The take-off board judge notes the footprint of competitors who step over the take-off board. The judge positioned at the take-off board must have a clear view of the jumper’s take-off foot in relation to the board.

• A competitor may not take-off for a jump from outside either end of the take-off board.

• In the course of landing, a competitor may not touch the ground outside the landing area nearer to the take-off board than the nearest break in the landing area made by the jump.

• Following a jump, a competitor may not walk back through the landing area.

• A competitor may not employ any form of somersault during the jump.

• A recommended time limit for the completion of a jump is one minute.

• Each competitor is allowed three jumps, the winner being the competitor who achieves the longest valid jump. In the event of a tie, a decision is made on the next best-recorded jump of the tied competitors.

6.4 Measuring a jump

• Identify the landing imprint closest to the take-off board. The imprint may be made by any part of the body, including the hands. Select the edge of this imprint closest to the takeoff board and hold the zero end of the tape at this point with the spike.

• Draw the tape taut and at right angles across the take-off board or its extension on either side.

• The distance is measured at the point where the tape crosses the edge of the take-off board closer to the landing area. If the measurement is not a whole centimetre, take the nearest centimetre below the measurement.



7. TRIPLE JUMP

7.1 Basic Requirements

• Runway, Take-Off Board, Foot Fault Indicator and Landing Area. The dimensions for each of these requirements can be found in Section 1 – How to mark an athletics track.

• Tape. A tape length 20 metres is required to measure jumps.

• Rake. To smooth the sand in the landing area after each jump.

• Watering Can. To dampen sand in the landing area to ensure a clearly identifiable rear edge to landing imprints for measuring purposes.

• Spike. To hold the zero end of the tape at the nearest edge of the landing imprint made by the jumper.

• Recording Sheet, for recording all jumps.

• Markers. To enable competitors to mark the length of their run up.

• Brush. To keep the take-off board clear of sand or grass.

• Wind Gauge. Particularly if meeting qualifying standards or state/national records. Not required for intra school competition.


Recorder. The recorder calls up the competitors for their trials and records their performances. The recorder should check the names of competitors against those present and against any list provided by the organising committee.

Take-Off Board Judge. The judge watches the take-off board for any foot faults or other infringements. The signals are a red flag for a foul jump, a white flag for a valid jump. After the competitor’s jump has been measured the judge should stand on the take-off board until the sand has been levelled ready for the next competitor. This judge also measures each jump by holding the tape at right angles to the take off line. The judge reads the distance jumped and ensures that it is recorded properly.

Landing Judge. This judge marks the landing imprint with the spike attached to the zero end of the tape. This judge also levels the sand after each competitor’s jump.



7.3 Rules

• To be a valid jump, the competitor must make three distinct jumps – a hop, a step and a jump. For the first jump, the hop, the competitor must take off and land on the same foot. For the second jump, the step, the competitor must land on the other foot. For the third and final part of the jump, the competitor must take off from the foot on which the step was finished.

• It is an invalid jump if a jumper oversteps the take-off board. The take-off board judge notes the footprint of competitors who step over the take-off board. The judge positioned at the take-off board must have a clear view of the athlete’s take-off foot.

• A competitor may not take-off for a jump from outside either end of the take-off board.

• In the course of landing, a competitor may not touch the ground outside the landing area nearer to the take-off board than the nearest break in the landing area made by the jump.

• Following a jump, a competitor may not walk back through the landing area.

• A competitor may not employ any form of somersault during the jump.

• A recommended time limit for the completion of a jump is one minute.

• Each competitor is allowed three jumps, the winner being the competitor who achieves the longest valid jump. In the event of a tie, a decision is made on the next best-recorded jump of the tied competitors.

7.4 Measuring a Jump

• Identify the landing imprint closest to the take-off board. The imprint may be made by any part of the body, including the hands. Select the edge of this imprint closest to the take-off board and hold the zero end of the tape at this point with the spike.

• Draw the tape taut and at right angles across the take-off board or its extension on either side.

• The distance is measured at the point where the tape crosses the edge of the take-off board closer to the landing area. If the measurement is not a whole centimetre, take the nearest centimetre below the measurement.

• Ensure the jump is valid.



8. HIGH JUMP 8.1 Basic Requirements

• Runway and Uprights. The dimensions for each of these requirements can be found in Section 1 – How to mark an athletics track.

• Crossbar. The crossbar should be circular in cross-section and may be made of metal, fibreglass or other suitable material, although fibreglass crossbars are strongly recommended. It should be between 3.98 and 4.02 metres long and weigh not more than two kilograms. Those parts of the bar that rest on the supports shall be smooth, square in cross-section and not covered with any material which has the effect of increasing friction between the bar and the supports.

• Supports for the Crossbar. These should be flat or rectangular, 40 millimetres wide and 60 millimetres long. They must be fixed to the uprights and should each face the opposite upright. There should be a space of at least ten millimetres between the ends of the crossbars and the uprights.

• Landing Area. This should measure not less than five metres by three metres and be at least 0.75 metres in height. The area should be covered with landing mats or bags. If a number of bags are used, they should be fastened together so that they cannot separate during competition. There should be at least a ten-centimetre clearance between the mats and the uprights to ensure that if a mat moves when a jumper is landing it does not come into contacts with the uprights.

• Tape or Measuring Stick. This needs to be at least 2 metres in height. The measurement for the height of the crossbar shall be made perpendicular from the ground to the lowest part of the upper side of the bar.

• Broom. To ensure that the runway is clear of loose sand or dirt which could cause a jumper to slip on take-off.

• Recording Sheet. For recording all jumps.


Recorder. The recorder calls up the competitors for their trials and records their performances. The recorder should check the names of the competitors against those present and against any list provided by the organising committee. On the recording sheet a ‘0’ or tick is places next to a competitors name when they jump a set height. If the competitor fails the height a ‘X’ is placed next to the competitors name.



Two Upright Judges. The judges raise and measure the crossbar as directed and replace knocked crossbars.

8.3 Rules

• Before the competition begins, the judges should announce to the competitors the starting height for the jump and the subsequent heights by which the bar will be raised at the end of each round. Suggested bar increments between rounds is five centimetres for more than six competitors and three centimetres when six or fewer competitors remain. The bar should not be raised by less than two centimetres after any round.

• The competitor may approach the jump from any angle but must take off from one foot. Any style of jumping may be adopted although somersaulting should be discouraged.

• A competitor may begin jumping at any height.

• A jump is unsuccessful if the competitor knocks the crossbar off its supports whether the competitor is on or off the landing area at the time.

• A jump is unsuccessful if the competitor touches the ground or landing area beyond the plane of the uprights without first clearing the crossbar.

• Three consecutive failures, regardless of height, debar a competitor from further jumping, although a competitor may forgo a second or third attempt at a given height and still jump at a subsequent height.

• A recommended time limit for completion of a jump is one minute.

• For recording purposes, an ‘0’ indicates the bar has been cleared, a ‘X’ indicates a failure, and a ‘–’ indicates the athlete did not jump.

• The competitor who clears the greatest height is the winner.

• If a tie occurs:

- The competitor with the lower number of jumps at a height at which the tie occurs shall be awarded the higher place

- If a tie still remains, the competitor with the lower total of failures throughout the competition up to and including the height last cleared shall be awarded the higher place.



9. POLE VAULT 9.1 Basic Requirements

• Runway: The runway should be 1.22 metres wide and should be at least 40 metres long.

• Pole: The pole be made of any material or any combination of materials and of any length or diameter, but the basic surface must be smooth. It may have a binding of not more than two layers of adhesive tape of uniform thickness. This restriction does not apply to binding the bottom end of the pole with protective layers of tape for a distance of about 30 centimetres, to reduce the risk of damaging the pole when striking the back of the box.

• Box: The box should be made of suitable rigid material and should be one metre long (measured along the inside of the bottom of the box) and 60 centimetres wide at the front end, tapering to 15 centimetres wide at the bottom of the stopboard. The angle between the base and the stopboard should be 105º. The sides are inclined slightly outwards (120º). If made out of wood, the bottom should be lined with 2.5mm sheet metal for a distance of 80cm from the front of the box.

• Uprights: The uprights may be made from any material provided they are rigid and sufficiently high to exceed the maximum height to which the crossbar can be raised by at least 100 millimetres. The distance between the uprights should be between 4.30 and 4.37 metres. The base of the uprights should be stable enough to prevent the uprights being blown over in strong winds. The width of the pegs from the supporting area should not be more than 55mm.

• Crossbar: The crossbar should be circular in cross-section and may be made of metal, fibreglass or other suitable material, although fibreglass crossbars are strongly recommended. It should be between 4.48 and 4.52 metres long and weigh not more than 2.25 kilograms. Those parts of the bar that rest on the supports shall be smooth, square in cross-section and not covered with any material which has the effect of increasing friction between the bar and the supports.

• Landing Area: The landing area should measure not less than seven metres by five metres, be at least 0.75 metres in height and should be covered in landing mats or bags. If a number of bags are used, they should be fastened together so that they cannot separate during competition. Blocks of foam rubber or polyurethane may also be used to make the landing area safer. There should be at least 10 centimetres clearance between the mats and the uprights to ensure that if a mat moves when a jumper is landing it does not come into contact with the uprights.

• Tape or Measuring Stick: The tape or stick should be approximately five metres. The measurement for the height of the crossbar shall be made perpendicularly from the ground to the lowest part of the upper side of the bar.



• Broom: To ensure that the runway is clear of loose sand or dirt which could cause a jumper to slip on take-off.

• Recording Sheet: For recording all jumps.

9.2 Officials

Recorder: The recorder calls up the competitors for their trials and records their performances. The recorder should check the names of the competitors against those present and against any list provided by the organising committee. On the recording sheet a ‘0’ is placed next to a competitors name when they jump a set height. If the competitor fails the height a ‘X’ is placed next to the competitors name. If an athlete does not attempt a height, or passes, a ‘-‘ is placed next to the competitor.

Two Upright Judges: The judges need to replace knocked crossbars and to raise the crossbar as directed.

9.3 Safety

• An official must be positioned next to the box to catch the pole as it is falling away from the bar or uprights to prevent damage to the pole.

• Wedges of foam should be provided around the box to provide a landing surface for any athlete who does not reach the landing area during an attempt.

9.4 Rules

• Before the competition begins, the judges should announce to the competitors the starting height for the vault and the subsequent heights by which the bar will be raised at the end of each round. Suggested bar increments between rounds is 15 centimetres for more than six competitors and 10 centimetres when six or fewer competitors remain. The bar should not be raised by less than five centimetres after any round.

• A competitor may begin jumping at any height.

• The take-off for the vault must be from the box.

• Competitors may have the uprights moved in either direction, but not more than 0.4 metres in the direction of the runway, and not more than 0.8 metres towards the landing area measured from the inside edge of the top of the box.

• A vault is unsuccessful if the competitor knocks the crossbar off its supports whether the competitor is on or off the landing area at the time.



• A vault is unsuccessful if the competitor touches the ground or landing area beyond the plane of the uprights without first clearing the crossbar or after leaving the ground places the lower hand above the upper hand or moves the upper hand higher on the pole.

• If in making a vault a competitor’s pole is broken, it does not count as a failure.

• Three consecutive failures, regardless of height, debar a competitor from further vaulting, although a competitor may forgo a second or third attempt at a given height and still vault at a subsequent height.

• A recommended time limit for completion of a vault is one minute for more than 3 people.

• For recording purposes, an ‘0’ indicates the bar has been cleared, a ‘X’ indicates a failure, and a ‘–‘ indicates the athlete did not vault.

• The competitor who clears the greatest height is the winner.

• If a tie occurs:

- The competitor with the lower number of jumps at a height at which the tie occurs shall be awarded the higher place

- If a tie still remains, the competitor with the lower total of failures throughout the competition up to and including the height last cleared shall be awarded the higher place.



10. SHOT PUT 10.1 Basic Requirements

• Shot. The shot must be made of a metal not softer than brass, be spherical in shape and have a smooth surface. To readily identify different weight shots, shots may be painted in distinctive colours.

• Shot Put Circle and Stop Board. The dimensions for each of these requirements can be found in Section 1 – How to mark an athletics track.

• Sector. To be a valid put, the shot must first fall within the inner edges of two lines marking a sector of 34.92º (refer to Section 1 – How to mark an athletics track for dimensions).

• Tape. A tape of length 20 metres is required to measure puts.

• Spike. Spike is used to hold the zero end of the tape at the nearest edge of the first imprint made by the put shot.

• Recording Sheet. For recording all puts.

• Cloth. To wipe and clean shot of loose dirt after each put.

• Broom. To clean inside surface of shot put circle.

10.2 Officials

Recorder. The recorder calls up the competitors for their trials and records their performances. The recorder should check the name of competitors against those present and against any list provided by the organising committee. On the recording sheet the recorder should record the competitor’s name, number, school and the distance of each of the competitors trials.

Circle Judge. The circle judge watches the circle for any foot fault or any other infringement. The signals are a red flag for a foul put, a white flag for a valid put.

Measuring Judge. The measuring judge is required to pull the tape through the circle for measuring throws. The circle judge can then read the measurement from the tape.

Two (or more) Sector Judges. Two sector judges are required within the throwing sector. Position the judges across the sector so at least one of them is near the place where the shot lands. The actual point may be difficult to find, so it is essential that judges watch each throw carefully. One of the judges signals a valid or a foul put (white flag for a valid put, red flag for a foul), depending on whether or not the shot has landed within the sector. One of these judges marks the imprint with the spike attached to the zero end of the tape. The other judge returns the shot to the competitors. The shot must always be carried back to the circle and never thrown back to the competitors.



10.3 Safety

• The sector lines should be extended for a minimum of 20 metres and the ends marked with a flag. It is also advisable to have the sector and an area beyond it roped off to prevent non-competitors walking into the sector.

• After each put, the shot should be carried back to the circle and not thrown.

• All participating athletes and spectators must be kept well behind and away from the shot circle in case of an inaccurate throw. Only shot put officials should be in the sector and in close proximity.

• Additional officials should be used in the sector whenever possible to assist in the measurement of throws and the safety of competitors.

10.4 Rules

• The competitor may enter the circle prior to the put in any direction.

• The competitor must start the put from a stationary position inside the circle.

• The shot must be put from the shoulder with one hand only. In the preliminary stance, it must be held close to the chin and the hand must not drop below that position throughout the throw nor shall the hand go behind the line of the shoulder.

• During the put, the competitor may touch the inside edge of the stop board or the inside edge of the circle but may never touch any other part of the stop board or the circle or the ground outside the circle.

• A competitor may interrupt a put, lay down the shot inside or outside the circle and leave the circle before returning to a stationary position to begin a fresh put – provided that the time limit is not exceeded and no other rule is infringed.

• The shot must land completely within the inner edges of the lines marking the sector, without touching the lines. It is still a valid put if the shot subsequently rolls outside the sector.

• The competitor may not leave the circle until the put shot has landed and then the athlete’s first contact with the ground outside the circle must be completely behind the centre line of the circle.

• The recommended time limit for the completion of a put is one minute.

• Each competitor is allowed three puts, the winner being the competitor who achieves the longest valid put. In the event of a tie, a decision is made on the next best-recorded puts of the tied competitors.



10.5 Measuring the Put

• Select the nearest mark made by the fall of the shot and hold the zero end of the tape at this point with the spike.

• Draw the tape tightly across the circle so that the tape passes over the centre of the circle.

• The distance is measured at the point where the tape crosses the inner edge of the circle. If the measurement is not a whole centimetre, take the nearest centimetre below the measurement.



11. DISCUS


• Discus. The body of the discus should be made of wood or other suitable material, with a metal rim, the edge of which should be circular. Both sides of the discus should be identical and should have no indentations, projections or sharp edges. Rubber discii are suitable, especially for training purposes, provided they are intact and have no major indentations.

• Discus Circle and Throwing Sector. The dimensions for each of these requirements can be found in Section 1 – How to mark an athletics track.

• Tape. A tape of length 60-70 metres is required to measure throws.

• Spike. Spike is used to hold the zero end of the tape at the nearest edge of the first imprint made by the thrown discus.

• Recording Sheet. For recording all throws.

• Cloth. To wipe and clean discus of loose dirt after each throw.

• Broom. To clean inside surface of discus circle.

11.2 Officials


Circle Judge. The circle judge watches the circle for any foot fault or any other infringement. The signals are a red flag for a foul throw, a white flag for a valid throw.


Two (or more) Sector Judges. Two sector judges are required within the throwing sector. Position the judges across the sector so at least one of them is near the place where the discus lands. The actual point may be difficult to find, so it is essential that judges watch each throw carefully. One of the judges signals a valid or a foul throw (white flag for a valid throw, red flag for a foul), depending on whether or not the discus has landed within the sector. One of these judges marks the imprint with the spike attached to the zero end of the tape. The other judge returns the discus to the competitors. The discus must always be carried back to the circle and never thrown back to the competitors.



11.3 Safety

• As the discus event is usually held simultaneously with other field or track events, care must be taken in running the event. It is recommended that the discus throwing circle must be directed towards the centre of the infield so that inaccurate throws will not endanger competitors in other events.


• After each throw, the discus should be carried back and not thrown back to the circle.

• All participating athletes and spectators must be kept behind and well away from the discus circle in case of an inaccurate throw. Only discus officials should be in the sector and in close proximity to the circle.

• Whenever possible, the discus circle should be surrounded by a cage to ensure the safety of competitors, spectators and officials. The cage should be U-shaped and the width of the mouth should be six metres at a point five metres in front of the centre of the throwing circle. The minimum height of the netting panels should be four metres at their lowest points. An improvised way of providing and effective cage facility is to use soccer goals or cricket practice nets.

• Where a cage is provided, only the competitor should be allowed in the cage during an attempt.

• Whenever possible, additional officials should be used in the sector to assist in the measurement of throws and the safety of other competitors.

11.4 Rules

• The competitor may enter the circle from any direction.

• The competitor must start the throw from a stationary position inside the circle.

• During the throw, the competitor may touch the inside edge of the circle or the inside edge of the line marking the circle, but may not touch any other part of the circle or the ground outside the circle.

• A competitor may interrupt a throw, lay down the discus inside or outside the circle and leave the circle before returning to a stationary position to begin a fresh throw – provided that the time limit is not exceeded and no other rule is infringed.



• The discus must land completely within the inner edges of the lines marking the sector, without touching the lines. It is still a valid throw if the discus subsequently rolls outside the sector.

• The competitor may not leave the circle until the discus has landed and then the athlete’s first contact with the ground outside the circle must be completely behind the centre line of the circle.

• The recommended time limit for the completion of a throw is one minute.

• Each competitor is allowed three throws, the winner being the competitor who achieves the longest valid throw. In the event of a tie, a decision is made on the next best-recorded throws of the tied competitors.



11.5 Measuring a throw

• Select the nearest mark made by the fall of the discus and hold the zero end of the tape at this point with the spike.





12. JAVELIN


• Javelin. The javelin consists of three parts: a head, a shaft and a grip. The head should be made of metal and terminate in a sharp point. The shaft should be made of metal and be cylindrical in shape. The grip, which should be about the centre of gravity, may be made of any material but should be of uniform thickness.

• Runway, Throwing Arc and Sector. The dimensions for each of these requirements can be found in Section 1 – How to mark an athletics track.

• Tape. A tape of length 70 metres is required to measure throws.

• Spike. Spike is used to hold the zero end of the tape at the nearest edge of the first imprint made by the thrown discus.


• Cloth. To wipe and clean javelin of loose dirt after each throw.

12.2 Officials


Throwing Judge. The throwing judge watches for foul throws. The judge should watch to be sure that the thrower has not touched the arc or the ground beyond it with the feet or hands, and after the throw the judge should stand in the runway until the throw is measured and the landing area is free of officials. The signals are a red flag for a foul throw, a white flag for a valid throw. The judge also watches the approach run and sees that the javelin is held in accordance with the rules and that the javelin is thrown above the shoulder or upper arm.


Two (or more) Sector Judges. Two sector judges are required within the throwing sector. Position the judges across the sector so at least one of them is near the place where the javelin lands. The actual point may be difficult to find, so it is essential that judges watch each throw carefully. One of the judges signals a valid or a foul throw (white flag for a valid throw, red flag for a foul), depending on whether or not the javelin has landed within the sector. One of these judges marks the imprint with the spike attached to the zero end of the tape. The other judge returns the javelin



to the competitors. The javelin must always be carried back to the circle and never thrown back to the competitors.

12.3 Safety

• As the javelin event is usually held simultaneously with other field or track events, care must be taken in running the event. It is recommended that the javelin sector be directed towards the centre of the infield so that inaccurate throws will not endanger competitors in other events.


• After each throw, the javelin should be carried back and not thrown back to the circle.

• All participating athletes and spectators must be kept behind and well away from the javelin runway in case of an inaccurate throw. Only javelin officials should be in the sector and in close proximity to the runway.


12.4 Rules

• The javelin must be held at the grip. It shall be thrown over the shoulder and shall not be slung or hurled.

• The competitor may not cross the lines marking the edges of the runway nor touch or cross the throwing arc marking the end of the runway.

• At no time between preparing to throw and throwing may the competitor turn around so that the thrower’s back is towards the throwing arc.

• For the throw to be valid, the javelin must land point first although it does not necessarily have to stick in the ground.

• The competitor may not leave the runway until the thrown javelin has landed and then the athlete’s first contact with the ground outside the runway must be completely behind the throwing arc and the two lines marking its extremities.

• If the javelin breaks at any time in the course of a throw, the throw does not count and the competitor is allowed another throw, provided that the throw was made in accordance with the rules.

• A recommended time limit for the completion of a throw is one minute.



• Each competitor is allowed three throws, the winner being the competitor who achieves the longest valid throw. In the event of a tie, a decision is made on the next best-recorded throws of the tied

12.5 Measuring a Throw

• Select the nearest mark made by the head of the javelin and hold the zero end of the tape at this point with the spike.

• Draw the tape tightly across the end of the runway so that the tape passes over the centre of the circle of which the throwing arc is part.

• The distance is measured at the point where the tape crosses the inner edge of the arc. If the measurement is not a whole centimetre, take the nearest centimetre below the measurement.



13. HAMMER THROW


• Hammer. The hammer consists of three parts: a head, a wire and a grip. The head must be made of a metal not softer than brass and be completely spherical in shape. The wire joins the head to the grip and should be a single, unbroken, straight length of spring steel wire of at least three millimetres in diameter. The grip must be rigid without hinging joints of any kind.

• Hammer Circle and Sector. The dimensions for each of these requirements can be found in Section 1 – How to mark an athletics track.

• Tape. A tape of length 70 metres is required to measure throws.

• Spike. Spike is used to hold the zero end of the tape at the nearest edge of the first imprint made by the thrown hammer.


• Cloth. To wipe and clean hammer of loose dirt after each throw.

• Broom. To clean inside surface of hammer circle.

13.2 Officials


Circle Judge. The circle judge watches the circle for any foot fault or any other infringement. The signals are a red flag for a foul throw, a white flag for a valid throw.


Two (or more) Sector Judges. Two sector judges are required within the throwing sector. Position the judges across the sector so at least one of them is near the place where the hammer lands. The actual point may be difficult to find, so it is essential that judges watch each throw carefully. One of the judges signals a valid or a foul throw (white flag for a valid throw, red flag for a foul), depending on whether or not the hammer has landed within the sector. One of these judges marks the imprint with the spike attached to the zero end of the tape. The other judge returns the hammer to the competitors. The hammer must always be carried back to the circle and never thrown back to the competitors.



13.3 Safety

• As the hammer event is usually held simultaneously with other field or track events, care must be taken in running the event. It is recommended that the hammer throwing sector be directed towards the centre of the infield so that inaccurate throws will not endanger competitors in other events.


• After each throw, the hammer should be carried back and not thrown back to the circle.

• All participating athletes and spectators must be kept behind and well away from the hammer circle in case of an inaccurate throw. Only hammer officials should be in the sector and in close proximity to the circle.

• Whenever possible, the hammer circle should be surrounded by a cage to ensure the safety of competitors, spectators and officials. The cage should be U-shaped and the width of the mouth should be six metres at a point 4.2 metres in front of the centre of the throwing circle. The minimum height of the netting panels should be seven metres.

• Where a cage is provided, only the competitor should be allowed inn the cage during the attempt.


13.4 Rules

• Gloves may be worn by competitors to protect the hands. The gloves must be smooth on the back and the front and permit the competitor’s fingertips to be exposed.

• The competitor may enter the circle from any direction.

• The competitor must start the throw from a stationary position inside the circle.

• During the throw, the competitor may touch the inside edge of the circle or the inside edge of the line marking the circle, but may not touch any other part of the circle or the ground outside the circle.

• A competitor may interrupt a throw, lay down the hammer inside or outside the circle and leave the circle before returning to a stationary position to begin a fresh throw – provided that the time limit is not exceeded and no other rule is infringed.

• It shall not be a foul throw if the hammer touches the ground when the competitor makes any preliminary swing or turn, provided that the throw is completed



• If the hammer breaks during a throw or while in the air, the throw does not count and the competitor is allowed another throw, provided that the throw was made in accordance with the rules.

• The hammer must land completely within the inner edges of the lines marking the sector, without touching the lines. It is still a valid throw if the hammer subsequently rolls outside the sector.

• The competitor may not leave the circle until the hammer has landed and then the athlete’s first contact with the ground outside the circle must be completely behind the centre line of the circle.

• The recommended time limit for the completion of a throw is one minute.

• Each competitor is allowed three throws, the winner being the competitor who achieves the longest valid throw. In the event of a tie, a decision is made on the next best-recorded throws of the tied competitors.



13.5 MEASURING A THROW

• Select the nearest mark made by the fall of the hammer and hold the zero end of the tape at this point with the spike.





14. CHECKLIST FOR ORGANISING AN ATHLETICS MEET

The following is a checklist to assist teachers in organising a school athletics meet. All factors mentioned may not be relevant but this list is to be used as guide rather than instructions for running an athletics meet. The most important factor in achieving a well-organised athletics meet is to ensure that as much work as possible is done before the actual meet begins. Judges and officials should be briefed, given clipboards, judging slips, recording sheets and implements for field events etc. in plenty of time. Everyone should know what procedures are to be followed.

FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED

14.1 At the Commencement of the School Year

• Organise an Athletics Committee

• Decide a date(s) for the athletics meet

• Book ground and verify layout and that all equipment will be available

14.2 Two Months Before the Meet

• Confirm athletics ground booking

• Decide events

• Decide groupings (age, year, etc.)

• Draw up draft timetable of events

• Issue invitations; to referees, chief officials, guests and call for volunteers to fill other positions

• Arrange for programs to be printed

• Compile complete list of officials

• Locate school trophies

• Arrange for a First Aid team to be available

• Ensure that stickers, certificates and awards are available

• Arrange for judging slips, instruction sheets, etc be prepared



• Make arrangements for transport to and from venue

• Arrange for public address system

• Make catering and kiosk arrangements

• Check that list of current records is up-to-date

• Decide scoring and point system

• Check changing rooms for competitors and toilet facilities for spectators and athletes

14.3 One Month Before the Meet

• Prepare entries, draws for lanes and prepare judging slips

• Revise and complete timetable for events

• Confirm all arrangements from above lists including ground booking, field layout and use of equipment

• Issue roster of officials and roles for various volunteers and teachers

• Appoint arena marshals to supervise field events

• Print and distribute program

• Have sufficient judging slips and recording sheets available at all events

• Arrange for completed recording sheets to be brought to a central point for point scoring purposes

• Have score board available and point scoring system to update points after each event

• Arrange for supervised practice in all events prior to each event

• Finalise seating arrangements for students (house colours) and spectators

14.4 After the Meet

• Ensure the results are typed, duplicated and sent to nominated athletic bodies for district or regional competition

• Arrange for engraving trophies and presentation of awards or certificates

• Ensure all relevant information is stored away safely until the next meet or until required

• Check that all equipment has been stored away safely and correctly

• Send thank you letters to all volunteers, teachers and officials.



15. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ON GROUND FOR ATHLETICS MEET

• IAAF handbook • Wind gauge (if necessary) • Tape measures (20 metres for shot put, long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault and 70 metres for javelin, discus and hammer throw) • Relay batons (ten) • Stop watches (ten) • Bell for indicating last lap in races of more than one lap • Two starting guns and ammunition • Megaphone or loudspeaker •Walkie-talkies or a number of runners (messengers) • Entry forms (in case a query is raised) • Scoring cards for all field events and judges instructions • Result cards for all track events – to be given to the referee • Recording sheets • Programs • Field event implements and ancillary for all age groups (shot, discus, javelin, flags, markers, shovels, rakes, plasticine, high jump stands, bars, high jump measuring stick, cloths, brooms, hurdles, etc) • Trophies and certificates • Computer where available • Medical and First Aid equipment including stretcher • Ropes for throwing areas and marshalling off areas • Pens/pencils for officials • Spare chalk • List of current records • Protest forms • Finishing posts • Starting platforms • Recording tent • Judges and timekeepers stand • Red and white flags for judges and relay stewards

1. OFFICIALS2. RELAYS3. HURDLES4. STEEPLECHASE5. WALKING6. LONG JUMP7. TRIPLE JUMP8. HIGH JUMP9. POLE VAULT10. SHOT PUT11. DISCUS12. JAVELIN13. HAMMER THROW14. CHECKLIST FOR ORGANISING AN ATHLETICS MEET15. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ON GROUND FOR ATHLETICS MEET

ORGANISATION AND RULES – INDEX - Microsoft...RULES – INDEX 1. Officials 9. Pole Vault 14. Checklist for Organising 1.1 Referee 9.1 Basic Requirements an Athletics Meet 1.2 Starter

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