2013 NFHS Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes

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Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes

2013

Rule 5-10-7, Note—Relay handoffs within exchange zone

Rule 7-5-19—Range of standard upright placement



This year, the NFHS Track and Field Rules Com-mittee added a Note and clarifying clause to therule defining the baton exchange. The Note toRule 5-10-7 states, “The incoming and outgoingrunners shall not simultaneously touch the batonoutside of the 20-meter exchange zone.” In therule, it states the baton shall be handed “withinthe exchange zone.”The actual exchange oc-curs when the outgoing

runner first touches thebaton and ends when theoutgoing runner has solepossession of the baton. Itdoes not matter wherethe runners are; it is onlyrequired that the ex-change occurs while thebaton is in the 20-meterzone (often marked by inward facing triangles orlines) to be legal. The baton must be passed off; in

other words, from the hand of the incoming run-ner to the hand of the outgoing runner. It may notbe thrown or tossed. Both competitors cannot betouching the baton at the same time outside the20-meter exchange zone. The baton must be insole possession of the outgoing runner before thebaton exits the zone.If, by chance, the baton is dropped outside of thezone, only the competitor who drops it may pick it

Track and Field Pre-Meet NotesNational Federation of State High School Associations

2013Inside this issue:

Number of Competi-tors to Advance to

Finals in Field Events6

Basic Training:Throwing Imple-ments Inspection

5

Broken JavelinReplacement Throw 6

Primer for HeadEvent Judges in

Field Events4

Shot Put Cartwheeling 7

Working Together:Meet Management

and the Referee7

Clearing the Path:Removing Unneces-

sary Obstacles8

Time Limit for Con-secutive Jumping

Field Event Attempts8

Continuous FlightsRevisited: “5-Alive”

vs. “5-Active”

9

Vertical Jumps Rules 11

11

National HighSchool Sports-

Related Injury Sur-veillance Study

Relay Exchange Rule is Clarified

3Another Year, Another

Article on Uniforms

up. However, if the baton is dropped within theexchange zone, either one of the runners mayretrieve it as long as there is no interference witthe other competitors.Ideally, there should be four umpires at each zo– two at the beginning of the zone and two atthe end. However, in many high school meets,

this is impractical. Withless than four umpires,there are priorities on

where to place the um-pires. It is important torealize that in the 4x100,4x200 and the first ex-change of the 4 x 400, thexchanges are staggeredand it can be difficult toobserve the baton positioin all 8 lanes. For the

4x100, the most experienced official should bethe first zone because the exchange zones are

staggered the most. The position which allowsthe best view of all exchanges is on the outsidethe track, about 10 feet past the end of the 20-meter exchange zone. The umpire is looking foany signs of a poor exchange such as tripping,pushing, shoving or slowing of competitors in particular lane. Any infractions observed shoulimmediately be reported to the head umpire orthe referee.

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The baton exchange must take place withinthe 20-meter exchange zone.

Snapshot of 2013 Rules 12



Page 3Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes

© 2013 by NFHS and USATF Officials Training Subcommittee. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to copy and use in its entirindividual or non-profit organization solely for the purpose of training track and field officials. Any other use, or use of any portions odocument, is prohibited without written permission from the NFHS and USATF Off icials Training Subcommittee.

Edited and written by Becky Oakes, NFHS Track and Field Rules Editor, and Rob Buzaitis, Vice Chair for Training, USATF Officials

Acknowledgments to authors and editors who contributed to the 2013 NFHS Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes: George Adams (DallasRoger Burbage (Raleigh, NC); Bill Boyd (Williamsburg, VA); Patricia Hanna (Florissant, MO); Ivars Ikstrums (Sammamish, WA); Ro(Milwaukee, WI); Gloria Louis (Lafayette, LA); Tom Shinnick (Atlanta, GA); Bob Springer (Seattle, WA); and Bob Tice (Whispering

Graphic Designer: Juli Doshan

Another Year, Another Change on Uniforms

The NFHS Rules Committee took actionon uniform rules for the upcoming sea-son regarding the penalty for a viola-tion. To start, the basic visible under-garment requirements remain the same:fabric of a single, solid color, un-adorned; and single logo (school and/ormanufacturer) of no more than 2 ¼inches. The rules permit stitching in adifferent color than the fabric if it“functions as the actual seam of theundergarment’s construction” (Rules 4-3-1(b) & (c) Notes and 9-6-1(b) & (c)Notes). On shirts, “actual seams” areoften found along the sides of the bodyand around the armpit. But they mayalso be found in other places to holdthe undergarment in a particular posi-tion. Note that actual seams are rarelyin the form of a logo. An official’s in-spection should be cursory and brief; ifintense analysis is needed, officialsshould err on the side that it complieswith the rule. While the uniform rule

was modified, it is still a violation forwearing an illegal uniform in competi-tion. Coaches maintain the ultimateresponsibility to ensure that all competi-tors are legally attired.Although the ultimate compliance re-sponsibility rests with the coach, meetofficials enter into the equation at themeet and have two roles, preventativeand enforcement.Preventative : Officials should make

an effort to monitor illegal uniforms orthe wearing of jewelry a priority. Having

the competitor make the necessary uniform adjustments or removing jewelryprior to competition, when feasible, weliminate the need for the “warning” opossible disqualification.Enforcement: Officials shall issue awarning and further penalties when acompetitor is not in compliance withthe uniform rules. The meet referee isthen responsible for informing the competitor’s coach of the warning and thaanother violation will result in disqualfication from the event.The adjustment of this penalty to anindividual warning and disqualificatiofor a subsequent violation of the samerule is more appropriate for the severiof the actual violation. The responsibiity remains with the coach to have athletes in legal uniforms for competitionPreventative officiating should also sinificantly reduce potential violations.Officials must follow the rules atall meets, including local meets and con-

ference meets. A lack of knowledge opersonal disagreement with the uniforrule is no excuse for failing to enforcethis and all rules during a meet. Themeet referee should be certain he or shis aware of any special terms set forthby the games committee and communcate such information to the officiatincrew. Good effort by coaches and officials will help the athletes compete wiminimal rules violations.



2013 Page 4

Primer for Head Event Judges in FieldEvents

The assignment of the head event judge of a field event can bedaunting. However, keeping in mind the following remindersand anticipating potential problems will help your event runsmoothly.Prior to the event, make sure that you have or will be providedthe proper equipment for your event. Meas-uring tapes, clipboards, flags (if used), pencils,athletic tape, brooms, gloves, towels, timers/stopwatches and a current rule book aresome of the items that may be used for yourevent. As a head event judge, attendance atany coaches/officials meeting prior to theevent is extremely helpful. These meetingsmay include important information involvingheight progressions and the potential use ofcontinuous flights in the vertical jumps. Also,information regarding the use of pooled im-plements (implements which have been in-spected and, in effect, have lost their identityand can be used by any competitor withoutadditional permission from their owners). Willthere be competitors participating in morethan one field event and/or running event?

Will this involve your event? (See below).On the day of the event, you and your offi-cials crew should arrive early – a minimum of one hour for allevents except for the pole vault, where two hours is recom-mended.Risk minimization is your number one priority .• Carefully inspect the netting of the discus cage for anyholes. Grab the netting and extend it towards you. Add at leastthree feet to the maximum point of stretch and call this thebuffer zone where no competitor or official may get any closer.• Check that the sectors are cordoned off with flagging, rec-ommended aminimum of 10 feet parallel to the sector lines.• Ensure the proper placement of padding for both high jumpand pole vault pits.• For the horizontal and throwing events, look for how thecompetitors will enter and exit the pits and throwing circles. Thisis especially important in the horizontal jumps should more thanone pit be in use at the same time and in close proximity to eachother.For all field events, discuss with your crew the need to supervisewarm-ups at all times, especially in the throwing events whereeyes must be kept on the throwing circles. As a head event

judge who may be unfamiliar with some or all of your crewthem which positions they may be comfortable or uncomforable in working. This ensures that competitors will receive thbenefit of the official’s expertise and provide that the event flwith minimal problems. Also, it may be extremely beneficia

enlighten your crew with any potential scenarios that may suface. Provide your expectations for the crew.As a point of emphasis this year, when using flags, define cle

how they will be used during the event.Inform your crew and competitors a redflag indicates a foul and a white flag indcates a measured attempt. One sug-gested method is to use only one set offlags at the circle, arc or runway to avoiany potentially confusing scenarios. Fothose officials judging at the circle, arc o

runway without flags, use thumbs up othumbs down to indicate fair or foul, respectively.Keep the flags raised (fairor foul) until sector officials ac-knowledge they see it. Acknowl-edgement may come from one ofthe sector officials raising or wav-ing a hand. Though there is no explicitprovision for the use of a yellow flag inthe NFHS rules, the head event judge mopt to have a flag raised at about 15 seconds prior to the attempt as a visual ind

cator to the competitor that his or her time is close to expiringThis option may be helpful, especially if no visual timers areing used.Another point of emphasis in this year’s rules of competitioninvolves understanding how excused competitors may comptheir attempts. As a head event judge, it is your responsibilitydetermine, immediately prior to competition, which competare involved in a running or other field event at the same timyour event. The excused time limit is determined by the gamcommittee (Rule 3-2-3). The head event judge should commcate this time limit clearly to the affected competitor(s) and nthe time when the competitor leaves for the excused event. Fboth the throwing and horizontal events, and in both prelimiies and finals, the head event judge can accommodate the copetitor by changing “the order of competition by anymethod” (Rule 6-2-5). Methods may include having the athluse successive or alternating jumps/throws. For the vertical jumps, the order of jumping may be altered to assist the excucompetitor (Rule 7-2-11).

Field event judges may use flags, although notrequired by NFHS rules. White and yellow flagsare required for the umpires in running events.




High schools may tend not to regularlyinspect implements except at “big deal”

meets such as invitationals and statechampionships. As a result, illegal imple-ments are often used at lower-levelmeets. This can have far-reaching conse-quences later in the season. Here are afew examples:• At a qualifying meet for the statechampionship, one school had two boys’shots disqualified for being underweight;both boys qualified for that meet by lessthan an inch. The difference in weight

was more than enough to account forthat difference.• At a recent high school invitationalmeet, seven shots of an incorrect, lighterweight were impounded by the head field judge.

• At another invitational meet, a 3 kilo-gram shot was identified and impoundedby the head field judge. It was written offas unintentional, that the contestant hadno idea what weight of shot the competi-tor was supposed to use.When illegal implements are not screenedout, they can be used by some competi-tors (inadvertently or deliberately) to pro-duce qualifying performances for post-season competition at the expense ofother competitors. Likewise, there mayalso be instances where illegal imple-ments are unsafe for use.But implements have specifications inaddition to weight. These are as impor-tant as the weight being above the mini-mum. For example, the discus and javelinfly aerodynamically so their size andshape affect the distance they travel.Therefore, all dimensions need to bechecked. This can get complicated in thecase of the javelin, since not all javelinspecifications are in the NFHS Rules Book.Under Rule 6-6-2, the javelin must meet

all IAAF specifications; however, the important ones are listed in the NFHS Rule

Book and will suffice.The importance of implement inspectionis shown in this year’s new rules. Rules 19-2 and 6-2-17 specify that illegal impments shall not be brought to the eventvenue and used in warm-ups and/or competition. One might ask why contestantswould do this. The reason is generallythat some athletes like to warm up with heavy implement, most often the shot.This is okay, as long as the implement

also meets the size specifications. Theonly other specifications for the shot, besides weight, are the diameter, roundnesand surface roughness. As long as aheavy shot meets these specifications, itpermitted. Otherwise, it does not go tothe venue. It should bemarked withthe actual weight so it doesn’t acci-dently get thrown in competition. It woube good practice to inform the head eve judge that there is a heavier implement the pool.Shots require periodic inspection. Depening on the nature of the throwing area,the surface of a shot can become rough gouged. In either case, a rough or gougesurface is easier to grip and, therefore,creates an unfair advantage. Rough shotcan be sanded or filed. Most gougedshots, however, need to be retired.A rule change this year for the discus (62) corrects an issue from a few years agand now fits what is reasonably manufatured. The rim now has to be between 1and 13 millimeters thick, measured at apoint ¼-inch from the edge. This is constent with the other rules codes. Howeveit is not an easy measurement to takewithout a special gauge that most schoodon’t have. But it is important – the thicness of the discus rim directly impacts it

Basic Training: Throwing Implements Inspection



2013 Page 6

handling qualities during the throw. Some brand-newrubber discuses have “out-of-spec” rims due to loosemanufacturing tolerances.Rubber discuses have other problems as well. Since theyare really designed for practice and are made by mold-

injecting and curing the rubber, they are frequently toolarge or too small in overall thickness, in overall diame-ter or a combination of both. Given that the thicknessand diameter specifications allow a variation of only 2millimeters, it is not surprising that some brand-newrubber discuses are “out-of-spec” in thickness or diame-ter. Also, normal use wears the rim of a rubber discus just enough in about half a season to no longer meet thesmoothness rule. It may also become too thin. Takentogether, these are reasons to consider whether pur-chasing rubber discuses is right for your school.

A steel-rimmed discus may sometimes get out of specifi-cations, but can often be repaired. A rim that is roughcan be smoothed with a piece of drywall sander or a file.When a discus is too thick, it is often because the flatplates become dished out. That discus can be takenapart and those plates flattened with a small hammer orpair of pliers. Another cause of thickness is grass and dirtgetting under the plate. The discus can again be takenapart and the plate cleaned. Quite often, when that dis-cus is put back together, it will be within the specifica-tions.There are two styles of javelin being used in highschools. Most are the steel-tipped javelins that are usedin collegiate and open competition. Some have a rubbertip, which tend to have the balance point off of the grip.Since the specifications for the grip require that it bearound the center of gravity, the balance point must fallwithin the grip. This can only be fixed with a rebuildingof the javelin. At the very least, the grip needs to bemoved. That may change the profile measurements andtherefore, must be done by a professional. Other thanthat, the javelin is not easily fixed on inspection. Aboutall that can be done is to clean the javelin and perhapsglue the grip.Coaches should review the rules of competition and theimplement specifications with their athletes so everyoneknows which implements they are to throw. Schoolsneed to take care of the implements because they canbecome illegal after wear. Throwing onto rough surfacesaccelerates the wear. Ultimately, implements that be-come illegal should be retired or repaired.

Rule 6-6-9 indicates that should a competitor’s javebreak during the throw it shall not count as a trialand a replacement throw is awarded. This change fthe awarding of a replacement throw when the javelin breaks is consistent with the high school philosophy that competitors should not be penalized forequipment failure. It is important for the head even judge to confirm that the original throw is legal in respects if a replacement throw is to be awarded tothe competitor.

CHECKLIST FOR IMPLEMENT INSPECTIONShot1. Check the weight2. Check the diameter.3. Check the surface for roughness or

gouges.Discus1. Check the weight2. Check the diameter3. Check the overall thickness.4. Check the rim thickness.5. Check the rim for gouges.6. Check the surface for roughness.

Broken Javelin Results in ReplacementThrow

Number of Competitors to Advance toFinals in Field Events

Rules 6-2-3 and 7-2-3 now provide that, unless there is scific action from the games committee, at least one or mcompetitors than there are scoring places shall qualify fothe finals. This change in the rules provides for greater csistency in the number of competitors to advance to thefinal round of competition. Coaches and officials will knin advance what to expect for the advancement in fieldevents. However, if the games committee is going to ad-vance more than one competitor beyond scoring places,this condition for the competition must be communicateto the coaches and the respective head event judges befothe competition to avoid confusion when indicating thecompetitors to move on to the finals competition.




Working Together: MeetManagement and

the Referee

Meet management (meet director and/orgames committee) and the referee mustwork together to have a smooth-flowingand effective track meet. A common goalfor both is a fair and balanced competition,along with what is the most important item– safety. Meet management has the basicadministrative responsibilities of the meet(Rules 3-2-1 and 3-2-2), while the refereehas jurisdiction of the competition and theenforcement of all competition rules viola-

tions.Meet management establishes the sched-ule, advancement procedures, scoring, ap-proved markers and starting heights. Thefewer deviations from the rules and com-mon practices for the mechanics of thecompetition, the easier it is for coaches,competitors and the referee. One exampleof changes could be in meet scoring. About90% or more of high school meets use thescoring table in Rule 2-1-2. However, inspecial invitational meets, meet manage-ment may choose to use double points inthe relay competition to emphasis teamcompetition. One area of the rules that can-not be amended is required safety itemsand the pre-meet inspections of each com-petition venue by the meet managementand the referee.Once established, the administrative termsand conditions for each meet should be inwriting with sufficient copies provided tothe referee, in order to have the key officialsaware of the provisions for the enforcementof these special conditions along with therules. Without a written copy, it is very diffi-cult for the referee and event officials touniformly enforce the rules at all venues.With proper planning and communication,it becomes easy for meet management andthe referee to work together.

A few years ago, it became an internet vidsensation in the track and field communityfemale shot putter stands in the back of thering, executes a one-handed cartwheel andthen releases the implement from her otherhand, all while staying in the ring. There w

no rule prohibiting it at the time, so manyviewed it as a legal attempt. It is actuallyillegal, as the shot at one point is below the

shoulder, but many did not make this con-nection to the high school rule. The sametechnique appeared on the professionalstage in Europe. As social media continueto pick it up, more and more athletes starteto try this new method. At every level, thewas concern with this technique.Shortly thereafter, the IAAF (internationalgoverning body for track and field) passedrule prohibiting the technique for reasons orisk minimization. USATF and the NCAAfollowed suit. This year, the NFHS includethe same rule for clarity.The safety concern should be obvious, thacompetitors will land on their head whileunsuccessfully executing the cartwheel.There are similar prohibitions for otherevents for reasons of risk minimization, suas no somersaults in the long jump or spinning in the javelin throw.

Cartwheeling ClearlyProhibited in Shot Put



For years, the NFHS Track and Field Rules Book hestablished time limits for competitors. The generarule is that a competitor has one minute to initiate aattempt (pole vault, 1.5 minutes). There is often anongoing issue of consecutive attempts at the highschool level because competitors participate in mulple events. In the past, time limits for consecutiveattempts were not addressed in the Rules Book.Sometimes high school associations, coaches, meetdirectors or officials would set their own time guidlines, resulting in various time limits from meet to

meet.For 2013, the NFHS Rules Committee has added thfollowing chart and a new time limit for consecutiv jumps to the Rule Book.

A few reminders:• Consecutive trials are multiple jumping attemptby the same competitor. The added time helps thecompetitor who, because he or she is competing inmore than one event at the same time, needs to takeconsecutive attempts. In the pole vault and high jump, a competitor making the last attempt at onebar height and the first attempt at the next bar heighis not considered a consecutive attempt.•

If a competitor fails to initiate the jump within time limit, it is considered a foul.• A competitor can pass a jump or height at anytime, except for a jump-off in high jump and polevault for first place, but must inform the head even judge before the start of the clock.

2013 Page 8

Risk minimization has become an issue at facilities where sportsevents are conducted, and track and field meets are no exception.There have been athletes, while attempting to leave the track afterrelay exchanges, who have crashed into electronic display boards,promotional advertising boards or even tripped on starting blocks,which are often placed close to the track rail after being removedfrom the track.A new Rule 5-1-5 recommends a 1-meter “obstacle-free zone” on

the inside and outside of the track. Before the next track meetstarts and while it is underway, take a moment and focus on how

you can improve safety around you. A few things to think about:• The inside and outside perimeters of the track often becomecollection locations for hurdles, signs, equipment and even vehiclessuch as “Gators" and golf carts. It is extremely important to main-tain these areas as obstacle-free zones for the purpose of risk mini-mization.• Vertical jumps venues are also a growing concern. Pallets andother devices are often used to elevate the pads (and increase theirlife). While it is a good idea to drain them on pallets to eliminatesoaking up water from the weather or irrigation head, it is unac-ceptable for them to protrude beyond the pads. If the pallet dimen-sions are not consistent with the pad dimensions, the pallets needto be removed during warm-ups and competitions. By rule, allhard and unyielding surfaces that extend out from beneath thesides and back of the landing pads shall be padded, as per Rules 7-4-4 and 7-5-9.All parties involved at the meet should take responsibility for ensur-ing that the conditions around the venue are reasonably safe andlook for ways to eliminate the hazards. Good risk minimizationpractices help keep athletes, coaches, spectators and officials frominjuries.

Clearing the Path: RemovingUnnecessary Obstacles

Rules Committee Adds Time Limit forConsecutive Jumping Field Event

Attempts



Page 9Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes Page 9

At large invitational meets, there is of-ten a question concerning the proce-dure for conducting the high jump andpole vault in order to keep the eventsmoving and maintain interest. Rule 7-2-8 allows for the use of “continuingflights” when there are large fields. Thepurpose of these continuing flights is tokeep the competition moving and thecompetitors warmed up for their secondor third jumps at a height, instead ofhaving them wait until everyone hascompleted their first jump. As a com-petitor clears a bar, passes a turn at aheight or is eliminated, the next com-petitor in order will be moved up sothat the number of competitors in thecontinuing flight remains constant atfive.This year, the rule was rewritten andedited for clarity. Two methods are pro-vided for including the next competitorin the vertical jumps. In each method,

the basic premise is the same: five jumpers remain in the continuing flightuntil they make the jump, have threemisses at the height or pass their re-maining attempt(s). When this happens,the next jumper is added to the flight.The difference is where the next jumperis added to the continuing flight.In one method, commonly referred to as

“5 Alive,” the new jumper is placed inthe location where the previous jumpehad been participating in the jumpingorder. This is generally the method forthe NCAA and other levels of compettion. The other method, called “5-Active,” places the new jumper at theend of the jumping order.In each, the process continues until yohave eight or fewer competitors remaiing at the height. At that point, thecompetitors are called in the order theappear on the event card (sheet).Each method has its pros and cons, aslisted in the chart below.Let’s look at an example using eachmethod:

5-Alive There are 20 jumpers (A-T) jumping at height. The first five jumpers are A, B, CD and E.A, B, D and E miss their first jumps; C

makes her first jump. F is added to theorder. So, the order is now A, B, F, D anE.A, B and E miss their jumps; F and Dmake their jumps. So the order for thenext jumps is A, B, G, H and E.B, E and G miss their jumps; A and Hmake their jumps. Because A, B and E htheir third attempt, I, J and K are added.

Continuous Flights Revisited: ”5-Alive” vs. “5-Active”

5-Alive 5-Active

Pro•

A jumper who misses will al-ways have four attempts byother competitors before his/her next attempt.

•

May be easier to read jumpingorder because it is top to bot-tom on the flight sheet.

Con • It may be difficult to adminis-ter because competitor orderis not from top to bottom ofthe flight sheet.

• New competitors may not beincluded in the order.

• Jumpers do not always have aconsistent number of other jumpers prior to their next at-tempt.



2013 Page 10

(This would have happened whether it was a make ormiss.) The next jumping order is I, J, G, H and K.G, H and J miss their jumps; I and K make their jumps.So the order for the next jumps is L, J, G, H and M.

“5 Alive”, in chart form (with the jumps in superscript):

5-Active

There are 20 jumpers (A-T) jumping at a height. The firstfive jumpers are A, B, C, D and E.A, B, D and E miss their first jumps; C makes her first jump.F is added to the order so the order is now A, B, D, E and F.A, B and E miss their jumps; F and D make their jumps. Sothe order for the next jumps is A, B, E, G and H.B, E and G miss their jumps; A and H make their jumps.Because A, B and E had their third attempt, I, J and K areadded. (This would have happened whether it was a makeor miss.) The next jumping order is G, H, I, J and K.G, H and J miss their jumps; I and K make their jumps. So,

the order for the next jumps is G, H, J, L and M.

CompetitorsA X1 X6 O11 B X2 X7 X12 C O3 D X4 O9 E X5 X10 X15 F O8 G X13 X18 X23

H X14

X19

O24

I O16 J X17 O22 K O20 L X21 M O25 ... ...

“5 Active ”, in chart form (with the jumps in superscript)

Both “5-Alive” and “5-Active” can present challenges tothe head event judge and the competitors. However, withcontinued use and application, a familiarity will developand both methods will serve their purpose well. It is imptant the method to be utilized is clearly communicated bfore the event commences.

CompetitorsA X1 X6 O11 B X2 X7 X12 C O3 D X4 O8 E X5 X9 X13 F O10 G X14 X16 X21 H X15 X17 O22 I O18 J X19 O23 K O20

L X24 M O25 ... ...

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Vertical Jumps Rules MoreSimilar in All Rules Codes

Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes Page 11

As high school sports participation continto increase in the United States, the numbof sports injuries have the potential to in-crease. The NFHS Sports Medicine AdvisCommittee (SMAC) and the NFHS SportRules Committees use information from tNational High School Sports-Related InjuSurveillance Study (High School RIO ™)monitor rates and patterns of sports injurieamong high school athletes. High SchoolRIO ™ is currently collecting its 4th year track and field exposure and injury data.2010-11 High School RIO ™ data showsthat both boys’ and girls’ track and fieldhave among the lowest injury rates of the20 sports under surveillance. Additionallyboys’ track and field injury rates havedropped slightly over the past 3 years.Thigh/upper leg sprains/strains are by far most common injury in track and field repsenting 33.6% of all boys’ and 24.9% of agirls’ injuries. Injury patterns differ by eveFor example, pole vaulting accounted for

6.4% of all track and field injuries. Howev9 of the 24 (37.5%) concussions sustainedin track and field occurred while pole vauing. Understanding such patterns of injuryone important tool when considering a newrule change and keeping risk minimizationas a priority in the efforts to keep track andfield athletes as safe as possible.

Interested in More Information orBecoming a Reporter?

To become a reporter for boys’ and/orgirls’ track and field, please visit

http://injuryresearch.net/rioreports.aspx for summary reports

or send an email to [email protected]

Over the years, rules changes have broughtthe high school rules in closer alignment to

other rules codes. Three rules changes forthis year in the vertical jumps (pole vaultand high jump) are in that vein. While thesenew rules were not expressly prohibited bythe prior rules, the rules changes removepossible ambiguity in interpreting the rules.Crossbar EndpiecesIn prior years, the rules have not specifiedany requirements for the end pieces on thecrossbar. This year, rules changes to Rules 7-4-6 and 7-5-11 specifically allow the use ofthe two most commonly encountered endpieces: four-sided flat end pieces and nowsemicircular end pieces.Chalk or AdhesiveIn prior years, the rules permitted vaultersto use chalk or an adhesive on their hands.Rule 7-5-21 now allows the vaulter to usethe chalk or adhesive on their handsor onthe pole, as is allowed in the NCAA andUSATF rules. Whether the chalk or adhesiveis applied to the hands or the pole, the pur-pose and effect is the same – to improvethe vaulter’s grip.The rule also now expressly states that fore-

arm covers may be worn.Pole Vault Standard PlacementPreviously, the allowed range for the place-ment of standards was 15.5 inches to 31.5inches. This year, the minimum placementchanges to18 inches (45.7 cm) . Requir-ing a standard setting of at least 18 inchesis to improve risk minimization factors – byrequiring a minimum setting of 18 inches,the vaulter is forced to aim the trajectory ofthe jump farther into the landing area. Thisreduces the risk that the vaulter might havea short trajectory and land in front of thepads or in the plant box. There are differentsettings of which officials should be awareif working with other rules codes.

National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study



2013 Page 12

New requirements for passing the baton in the exchangezone, and the penalty for wearing an illegal uniform high-lighted changes in high school track and field rules for2013.The National Federation of State High School Associations(NFHS) Track and Field Rules Committee approved 16 ruleschanges at its June 6-8, 2012 meeting in Indianapolis. Allrules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHSBoard of Directors.Rule 5-10-7 now states that the baton shall be handed fromthe incoming runner to the outgoing runnerwithin theexchange zone . In addition, a new note states that “theincoming and outgoing runners shall not simultaneouslytouch the baton outside of the 20-meter exchange zone.”“This change will provide consistency in enforcement andwill minimize a judgment call,” said Becky Oakes, NFHSdirector of sports and staff liaison to the Track and FieldRules Committee. “The new language fits the current tech-nique of exchange method in high school track.”A competitor wearing an illegal uniform will first be issueda warning and will be required the make the uniform legalprior to further competition. A subsequent violation duringthe competition would result in disqualification from the

event. Previously, the competitor was automatically dis-qualified for an illegal uniform.“This adjustment of the penalty for an illegal uniform ismore appropriate for the severity of the actual violation,”Oakes said. “The rule has been loosely enforced during theregular season and more strictly enforced at state tourna-ment time. The responsibility remains with the coach tohave his or her athletes in legal uniforms for competition.”Among the changes in rules for field events, the most sig-nificant perhaps is a revision in the pole vault. The stan-dards or uprights shall be set to position the crossbar from

18 inches beyond the vertical plane of the top of the stop-board, instead of the previous distance of15.5 inches . Themaximum distance remains 31.5 inches.“This change will help vaulters land more in the center ofthe pad, providing a better range of placement of the stan-dards and positioning the crossbar for risk minimization,”Oakes said.Two additional changes approved by the rules committeefocused on reducing the risk of injury. Rules 3-19-2 and 6-2-

16 were revised to state that only legal implements used throwing events are allowed in warm-ups. Also, a new acle in Rule 5-1 recommends, when feasible, an obstacle-free zone on the inside and outside of the track at least 1meter in width.Five other changes in throwing events were approved bythe committee:• Rule 6-2-2 requires the three preliminary trials to betaken in fights of no less than five in the order in which tcompetitors are listed for competition.• In Rule 6-2-3, with no action from the games commtee, one more competitor than places scored will advancto the finals.• In Rule 6-4-2, a range of ¼-inch is allowed in the rimthickness of the discus (.472 inches to .512 inches).• In Rule 6-5-9j, it is a foul if the competitor uses the“cartwheel” technique in the shot put.• In Rule 6-6-9, if the javelin breaks during the throw in the air, it shall not count as a trial provided the throw iaccordance with the rules. A replacement throw shall beawarded.• In Rule 7, the committee approved the following revsion to Rule 7-4-6 in the high jump: “In addition to the

commonly used four-sided flat crossbar ends, the use of crossbar fitted with alternative ends (semicircular) is perted.”

In addition, the rules committee added time limits fconsecutive attempts in jumping events which had notbeen addressed previously.

Snapshot of 2013 Rules

Outdoor track and field is the second-mostpopular sport for boys, with 575,628 partici-

pants, and most popular sport for girls, with468,747 participants, as the high schoollevel, according to the 2011-12 NFHS

Athletics Participation Survey.The sport ranks second in school sponsorshipwith 16,218 schools sponsoring the sport for

boys and 16,143 sponsoring the sport forgirls.



National Federation ofState High SchoolAssociationsPO Box 690Indianapolis, IN 46206Phone: 317-972-6900Fax: 317-822-5700

USA Track and Field132 E. Washington St.Suite 800Indianapolis, IN 46204Phone: 317-261-0500

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The Rules Book,

Case Book, Offi-cials Manual andScorebook can

be ordered:

Online atwww.nfhs.org

By calling1-800-776-3462

Documents

2013 NFHS Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes