level 2 officiating- track - athletics...

Level 2 Officiating- TrackThis document is pre reading for the Level 2 Track Seminar. It

is important that Officials read this document prior to attending the seminar. Key elements of this will be explained

in further detail throughout the seminar

Grassroots to International

Track


General Track Rules

Relays

Hurdles

The Race

Officials

General Track Rules

Track Officials

Rules specific to the Race

Rules specific to Hurdles

Rules specific to Relays

Track: General Rules


Lane Infringement


RULE 163.3

RACES RUN IN LANES:• Each athlete shall keep within their allocated lane from start to finish

• This shall also apply to any portion of a race run in lanes i.e. 800m first bend or first leg and next

bend of 4 X 400m relay

RACES NOT IN LANES:• In all races (or any part of races) not run in lanes, an athlete running on a bend, on the outer half

of the track (split start)or on any curved part of the diversion from the track for the steeplechase

water jump, shall not step or run on or inside the kerb or line marking the applicable border (the

inside of the track, the outer half of the track, or any curved part of the diversion from the track for

the steeplechase water jump)

• Athlete disqualified if the Referee is satisfied with the Umpire’s report

Lane Infringement


RULE 163.4

An athlete shall not be disqualified, provided no material advantage is gained and no other athletes obstructed if they are:

• Forced to run outside their lane in the straight or on the outside of their outer line of their lane

around a bend

• Pushed or forced by another athlete to run outside their lane or on or inside the applicable border

or kerb

• Forced to step or run outside their lane in the straight, any straight part of the diversion from the

track for the steeplechase water jump

• Forced to step outside the outer line of their lane on the bend

With no material advantage thereby being gained and no other athlete being jostled or obstructed

so as to impede their progress

• Note: Material advantage includes improving their position by any means, including removing themselves from a “boxed” position in the race by having stepped or run inside the inside edge of

the track

Disqualification


Athletes will be liable to be disqualified in the following situations, if they:

• Breach the false start rules (Rule 162)

• Jostle or obstruct another athlete so as to impede their progress (Rule 163.2)

• Run on or inside the left hand lane line around the bend (Rule 163.3/4)

• Fail to keep to own lane and causing interference (Rule 163.4)

• Improve position in an inappropriate manner (Rule 163.4)

• Leave the track voluntarily and attempt to re-enter the race (Rule 163.6)

• Use check marks or places objects on or beside the track (except relays) (Rule 163.7)

• Exhibit unsporting or improper conduct (Rule 145.2)

• Breach clothing or footwear rules (Rule 143)

An athlete, after voluntarily leaving the track, shall not be allowed to

continue in the race and shall be recorded as not finishing the event: “DNF”

Resolution of Ties


RULE 167

• If the relevant Judges are unable to separate the finishing order of one or more athletes after the

application of the finishing rules, then the tie will remain

• In the case of a tie for a “ranking” or “qualifying” position (based on time) in a preliminary round, and photo finish times are available, the Chief Photo Finish Judge shall read the times to 1/1000th of

a second to “break” the tie

• If as a result of this reading, or in situations where there are no photo finish times, the tie remains then

the situation will be resolved by a draw to determine which athletes progress

• Where there is a tie for a “qualifying” position (based on time or place) and it is possible to take the tying athletes into the next round, they should be progressed

• Where this is not possible, a draw should be used to determine which progress

Wind Gauge


PLACEMENT:

• Along straight

• Adjacent to Lane 1

• 50m from finish

• 1.22m in height

• Not more than 2m from the track

Wind Gauge


MEASUREMENT – HOW AND WHEN:

• From the flash/smoke of the gun

• 100m 10 seconds

• 100H 13 seconds

• 110H 13 seconds

• 200m: when the lead athlete enters the straight

for 10 seconds

Note:• Wind readings do not affect in any way the outcome of races

• They are used only for record and statistical purposes

Wind Gauge


MEASUREMENT:

• The wind speed (velocity) will be measured in metres

per second

• Positive reading – assisting wind – tail wind

• Negative reading – not assisting – head wind

The wind gauge shall be read in metres per second,

rounded to the next higher tenth of a metre per second,

unless the second decimal is

zero, in the positive direction

A reading of:

• +2.03 metres per second shall be recorded as +2.1

• -2.03 metres per second shall be recorded as -2.0

Track Officials


Track Officials


• Track Referee

• Assistant Track Referee

• Chief Umpire

• Umpire /Lap Scorers

• Chief Track Judge/Lap Scorer

• Manual Timekeeper

• Chief Photo Finish Judge

• Photo Finish Judges

Track Referee’s Duties


• To preside over all track events to ensure that the technical

rules are observed

• To decide on anything which arises during the meeting

which is not covered by the rules

• To deal with any disputes

• To decide placings only when the judges of the disputed

place(s) cannot make a decision

• To rule on any protest or objection regarding the conduct

of the competition

• To warn or exclude from the competition any athlete guilty

of improper conduct

Track Referee’s Duties


• To declare any event void and to be held again at a time he shall decide if justice so demands. This

should be done in consultation with the Competition Director and the Technical Delegate.

• To check all final results

• To change the place of competition if circumstances so require (eg. Not to use a lane)

The Track Referee should:• Always check that hurdles and steeples are placed correctly on the track

• Ensure that cones for split starts and steeples are also placed correctly

• Should not act as a judge or umpire but must act if they observes any infringement that is not reported

• Needs to devise a communication process with the Competition Director and Post Event Control

Manager to give the all clear (organised prior to competition)

• Communicates with:

• Competition Director

• Chief Umpire

• Post Event Control Manager

Umpires


RULE 127

• Are assistants only to the Track Referee, their “eyes and ears”

• Have no power to make decisions

• Are placed by the Referee (in Australia by the Chief Umpire) so as to best

observe the races and any possible infringements of the Rules, particularly

in relays

• Check that hurdlers and steeple chase athletes clear the hurdles correctly

• Supervise the change-over zones for relay races

• Check if athletes run out of their lanes particularly on bends

• Ensure that athletes do not break from their lanes before the break line

(800m; 4x200m; 4x400m)

Umpires


Umpires on seeing a possible breach of the rules should:• Mark the track where the infringement took place or make a similar

notation on paper or by electronic means

• Indicate it to the Track Referee / Chief Umpire by raising a yellow

flag (or by other agreed means)

• Make an immediate written report on the incident to the Track

Referee / Chief Umpire on the prescribed form indicating the Rule

number which was infringed

• Umpires should act as above even where the athlete or team does

not finish the race

Umpires


• The Chief Umpire will brief all Umpires prior to competition

• Umpires will be provided with folders in which the report forms and umpiring positions are stored

• Umpires will move onto the track in position order

• Last person leads and first person trails

• All equipment is to be carried in the Umpire’s hand which is away from the spectators

• Assist with the movement and changing of hurdles

• Communication:

• All Clear – white

• Infringement – yellow (report form to be completed efficiently and quickly)

Umpire’s Roster


IAAF Melbourne World Challenge

Saturday 22April 2014Phil's Team Owen's Team

Time Event

Hurdle

Marking A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2 B3 B4

4.00PM

Kids Sprint Challenge

Boys/Girls Lynne to escort athletes from the track at the finish line

4.20PM 400m Men (Ambulant) 28 24 32 20 8 12 4 16

4.30PM 3km Steeple Women (76.2cm) 26 S4 L/B 18 4 S2 S1 S3

4.50PM Schools Relays 4x100m Chg3 Chg2 Chg3 Chg2 Chg1 Chg2 Chg1 Chg1

5.18PM 100m Hurdles Women 84cm H2i 35 37 H3o H5i H6o H7i H9o

5.28PM 110m Hurdles Men 106.7cm H2i 35 37 H3o H5i H6o H7i H9o

5.37PM 100m Men 30 35 37 36

5.44PM 200m Women 28 32 26 24 18 20 22 38

5.51PM 1,500m Men 28 27 22 18 8 4 14 L/B

6.03PM 400m Hurdles Men 91.4cm H8i H9o H7o H6i H3o H4i H5o H2i

6.11PM 400m Hurdles Women 76.2cm H8i H9o H7o H6i H3o H4i H5o H2i

6.18PM 5km Men L/S L/B L/S L/S 8 18 28 L/S

6.37PM 800m Women 26 L/B 27 18 6 10c/i 14 2/38

6.45PM 800m Men 26 L/B 27 18 6 10c/i 14 2/38

6.53PM 200m Men 28 32 26 24 18 20 22 38

7.00PM 100m Women 30 36 35 37

7.08PM 1,500m Women 28 27 22 18 8 L/B 14 4

7.20PM 400m Men 28 32 24 20 8 4 16 12

Umpire’s Positions


Umpire’s Report Form


Lap Scorer


• Lap Scorers keep a record of laps completed by all athletes in races longer

than 1500m

• For races of 5km and longer, and for race walking events, a number of lap

scorers are appointed under the direction of the Track Referee

• They are provided with lap scoring sheets and record the times over each

lap given by an Official Timekeeper for their allocated athlete/s

• No Lap Scorer should record more than four athletes (or six for race walking

events)

Positioned:

• Seated beyond the finish line in Lane 4

• Move to this position after the first lap

Record:

• Approximate time each assigned athlete completes each lap

• If an athlete’s time is missed then a tick is recorded

• If an athlete cannot be seen after several laps, inform the Chief Judge as the

athlete may have withdrawn

Lap Scorer


• One Lap Scorer shall maintain a display of the laps remaining at the

finish line

• The display is changed each lap when the leading athlete enters the

finishing straight

• Manual indication is given to those athletes who are lapped

Bell:

• A Lap Scorer shall advise Lap Board Operator when an athlete has one

lap to go about 50m from the finish line

• The bell is rung as each athlete approaches the finish line for their last

lap

• The bell is rung 2-3 times

Judging the Finish


• The rules for determining the order in which the athletes

finish are the same whether “manual” or “photo finish”

judging is being used

• The Judges shall place the athletes in the order in which

any part of the athlete’s torso reaches the vertical

plane of the nearer edge of the finish line

• The “torso” is defined as being the body of the athlete –

apart from the head, neck, arms, legs, hands or feet

Judging the Finish


When there is no photo finish and manual judging is required:

• The Judge’s stand:• Should be located 5m from the edge of the inside of the

track

• Should be an elevated platform

• Should be in line with the finish.

However Judges may judge from either side of the track as long as

they are all on the same side

• Judges judge places not lanes

Timekeeping


There are three officially recognised forms of timekeeping:

• hand timing – taken by timekeepers using manually operated digital timers

• fully automatic timing (FAT) – taken from a photo finish system

• chip timing (for outside events only) – taken from a transponder timing system

Timekeepers shall be appointed as follows:• for hand timing, one Chief Timekeeper and sufficient

timekeepers to take each required time. The Chief shall

allocate the duties to the other Timekeepers

• for FAT or chip timing, one Chief and at least two assistants

Timekeeping


• The time shall be taken at the moment any part of the athlete’s

torso reaches the vertical plane of the nearer edge of the finish line

• Times for all finishers should be recorded and where possible

appropriate lap and intermediate split times

• Timekeepers should:• All operate from the outside of the track or course

• Stand on an elevated stand

• Be at least 5m from the outside lane

• Be in line with the finish line

Manual Timekeeper


A Manual Timekeeper:• Calls out times clearly as each athlete approaches the finish line

Position:• Stands behind the Lap Scorer for distance races

• Stands adjacent to the finish line for all other races

Manual Timekeeping: Take and Record


Timekeepers shall:• Use manually operated electronic timers with digital readouts

• Activate the timer from the “flash” or “smoke” of the Starter’s gun

• Act independently and not discuss of show his/her timer or readout to any person

• Provide the time shown on the watch to the Chief Timekeeper (either in writing or verbally)

Times shall be taken and determined as follows:

• The Chief and two other timekeepers shall time the winner of each race

• For hand-timed races on the track, all times shall be read to the next full 1/10th (0.1) of a second,

unless it is an exact 1/10th

• For out of stadium hand-time races, all times shall be read to the next full second, unless it is an

exact second

Manual Timekeeping: Take and Record


After these conversions, where necessary, the Chief Timekeeper shall determine the official time for

each athlete as follows:

• If the 3 times agree, it shall be the official time

• If 2 of the 3 times agree, and the third disagrees, the time of the two which agree shall be the

official time

• If the 3 times disagree, the “middle” time shall be the official time [note – the ‘middle” not the

“average” ]

• If only 2 times are available, and they disagree, the slower time shall be the official time

Chief Photo Finish Judge


• Must ensure results are entered in the competition results system

• Shall be responsible for the correct functioning of the system

• Shall ensure that the equipment is set-up and aligned correctly

• In cooperation with the Track Referee and Starter shall supervise the

testing of the equipment and the setup for a zero test

Track


Track Layout


Key features of the standard running track (see Rule 160):

• The length of the standard oval track is 400m

• It comprises two parallel straights with two connecting bends of equal radii

• The inside of the track is bordered by a white kerb, 5cm in width and around 5cm in height

• The kerb in the straight is not mandatory and can be replaced by a 5cm wide white line

• If a section of the kerb on the bend has to be removed to allow for the conduct of field events (e.g.

high jump/javelin), it should be replaced by a 5cm white line and cones/flags of 20cm in height

Track Layout


• All measurements of lane 1 of the track shall be taken 30cm out from the kerb or where no kerb exists

on a bend, 20cm out from the white line marking the inside. All lanes other than lane shall be taken

20cm out from the left hand lane line

• The length of each lane is measured from the edge of the start line farther from the finish to the edge

of the finish line nearer to the start

• Each lane shall be 1.22m in width including the line on the right hand side

• The start and finish and all lanes lines shall be 5cm in width and painted white

Measuring Lanes


Seedings and Draws


Seedings and Draws


SEEDING: is the process for getting the athletes into the correct heats

DRAWS: is the process for getting the athletes into the correct lanes

Seeding


WHEN DO WE NEED SEEDING?

• When the entries in an event are too large to allow the competition to be satisfactorily

conducted in a single round

• Heats /qualifying rounds are conducted

WHAT HAPPENS IN TRACK EVENTS?

• Seeding is dealt with by the Technical Delegate (or Organizing Committee)

• The number of rounds and heats in each round is set out in tables and is based on the number

of declared entries when entries close

Seedings and Draws


Rule 166

• Draws for first rounds are based on confirmed entries and are random

• Therefore, in the first round, or heats, it is possible for the best ranked athlete to draw lane 9

• Heats are seeded so that there is an even distribution of standards of athletes across the heats, so

the best athletes do not end up in the same heat

• To do this effectively, Organisers require seed time (recent performances/season best) to correctly

allocate heats. Seed times should be submitted at the time of entry

• Whenever possible, athletes of each country or team should be placed in different heats in all

preliminary rounds

Seedings and Draws


• For events 100m to 400m (including Hurdles and Relays), where there are successive rounds, lane

draws will be drawn as follows:

• Heats: Lane order drawn by lot (random)

• For the following rounds, athletes will be placed in subsequent rounds

• Heat winners: fastest winner, then second fastest etc.

• Second fastest: fastest second place, then second fastest etc.

• Time qualifiers: fastest time qualifier not first or second placed athletes, then second fastest

• The athletes shall then be placed in heats in the order of seeding in a zigzag distribution e.g. 2

heats (Semi-finals)

Heat Ranked Athletes

A 1 4 5 8 9 12 13 16

B 2 3 6 7 10 11 14 15

Seeding


Example of a ranking system based on

seed times provided for a 100m race

Rank 1 = Athlete D (10.11)

Rank 2 = Athlete B (10.12)

Rank 3 = Athlete C (10.21)

Rank 4 = Athlete F (10.22)

Rank 5 = Athlete E (10.25)

Rank 6 = Athlete A (10.33)

Rank 7 = Athlete M (10.55)

Rank 8 = Athlete J (10.64)

Rank 9 = Athlete G (10.65)

Rank 10 = Athlete I (10.67)

Once ranked, athletes are assigned to heats based on the

‘Zig Zag’ method of seeding. Using the example:

Heat 1: athletes D, F, E, J, G

Heat 2: athletes B, C, A, M, I

The order in which the heats are conducted is random e.g,

the heat where the best ranked athlete is seeded doesn’t

need to be heat 1

Seedings


An allocation of positions in the next round is always provided for places:• Example: first two athletes automatically progress to the final

The remaining positions are left for the next best performances. There is always a combination of

advancement on places and times

The advancement formula from heats to finals for a laned event is as follows:

• 2 heats to a final = Top 3 from each heat and the next fastest times

• 3 heats to a final = Top 2 from each heat and the next fastest times

In the case of a tie for the final qualifying spot, there are two tiebreakers

• If possible, the photo finish is read to the nearest 1/1000th

• If it is still a tie based on the above, a draw by lot (i.e. coin toss) is conducted for the remaining

position

Draws: Final


Once the athletes who will progress to the final are identified, they are ranked based on their

performances in heats in the following way:

• 1st placegetters (in time order)

• 2nd placegetters (in time order)

• 3rd placegetters (in time order)

• Fastest non automatic qualifier

• 2nd fasters non automatic qualifier

• 3rd fastest non automatic qualifier

Once this is completed, three draws are made for lanes

1. A random draw for four best ranked athletes in lanes:• 3,4,5,6 (on an eight lane) track or

• 4,5,6,7 (on a 9 lane track)

2. 5th and 6th ranked athletes are drawn randomly in lanes:

• 7 & 8 (or 8 & 9 on a 9 lane track)

3. 7th 8th (& 9th) ranked athletes are randomly drawn in lanes:

• 1,2 (& 3 on a 9 lane track)

Seedings and Draws: Entries in Advance


AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS OPEN WOMEN 200M 1710

Athlete Bib First Name Surname State Time

129 Emily Abbott NSW 27.90

141 Lisa Chowdhury NSW 27.80

142 Georgie Collins VIC 26.69

143 Paula Davies QLD 28.70

163 Leanne McDougall ACT 28.30

164 Sue Moore SA 27.40

170 Angela Mitchell WA 26.70

171 Jessica Smith TAS 27.10

175 Emma Pitt QLD 27.40

176 Kate Spencer VIC 26.80

Seedings of Athletes by Performance











163 Leanne McDougall ACT 28.30

143 Paula Davies QLD 28.70

Heat Allocations


Athlete Bib First Name Surname State Time Heat

142 Georgie Collins VIC 26.69 1

170 Angela Mitchell WA 26.70 2

176 Kate Spencer VIC 26.80 2

171 Jessica Smith TAS 27.10 1

164 Sue Moore SA 27.40 1

175 Emma Pitt QLD 27.40 2

141 Lisa Chowdhury NSW 27.80 2

129 Emily Abbott NSW 27.90 1

163 Leanne McDougall ACT 28.30 1

143 Paula Davies QLD 28.70 2

Draws: Heat Allocations


AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS OPEN WOMEN 200M 17:10

First 3 in each heat and 2 Fastest Losers to the Final at 1845

HEAT 1

Athlete Bib First Name Surname State Time Place

142 Georgie Collins VIC 25.69 1

1761 Jessica Smith TAS 27.10 4

164 Sue Moore SA 26.40 3

129 Emily Abbott NSW 26.10 2

163 Leanne McDougall ACT 28.30 5

Draws: Heat Allocations



First 3 in each heat and 2 Fastest Losers to the Final at 1845

HEAT 2Athlete Bib First Name Surname State Time Place

170 Angela Mitchell WA 26.70 4

176 Kate Spencer VIC 26.10 2

175 Emma Pitt QLD 26.40 3

141 Lisa Chowdhury NSW 25.80 1

143 Paula Davies QLD 27.70 5

Seeding: Final












Lane Draw: Final


AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS OPEN WOMEN 200M FINAL: 18:45

LANE ATHLETE BIB FIRST NAME SURNAME STATE

1 170 Angela Mitchell WA

2 164 Sue Moore NSW

3 141 Lisa Chowdhury NSW

4 142 Georgie Collins VIC

5 129 Emily Abbott NSW

6 176 Kate Spencer VIC

7 175 Emma Pitt QLD

8 171 Jessica Smith TAS

Seedings: Track Final


The following is an example of a possible lane drawn for this 200 metres on an 8 lane track

Heat 1 Heat 2 Heat 3

1st A 25.32 1st F 25.33 1st K 25.34

2nd B 25.33 2nd G 25.34 2nd L 25.47

3rd C 25.41 3rd H 25.35 3rd M 25.48

4th D 25.78 4th I 25.36 4th N 25.21

5th E 26.35 5th J 27.35 5th O 2.89

Possible lane draw

Lane 1 = H Lane 2 = I Lane3 = F Lane 4 = B

Lane 5 = K Lane 6 = A Lane 7 = L Lane 8 = G

Seedings: Handy Hints


Seeding and Draws is confusing and can confuse even the most senior and experienced Officials. It

takes time to understand

In most cases, the results software will automatically define lane draws under the rules. It is important to

know the rules, so the Officials can explain to interested parties

IAAF Rule 166 outlines the full rules, but always check the seedings and draw information of the

relevant meet as they do differ

The following few pages provides some examples. Have a pen and paper ready and try before

proceeding to the answer slide

Seedings: Example 1


The following are the results of the first five in each heat at a State Championships

• Rank all 10 athletes and do a possible draw for the final

HEAT 1 HEAT 2

1. A - 48.79 F - 49.22

2. B - 48.80 G - 50.33

3. C - 49.06 H - 50.34

4. D - 49.11 J - 50.55

5. E - 50.32 K - 50.56

Seedings: Result 1


Is this the ranking you attained?

What does your lane draw look like?

RANKING

1st: A 48.79

2nd: F 49.22

3rd: B 48.80

4th: G 50.33

5th: C 49.06

6th: H 50.34

7th: D 49.11

8th: E 50.32

9th: J 50.55

10th: K 50.56

LANE DRAW

Lanes 1 or 2: should be D & E

Lanes 3 – 6: should be A, F, B, G (randomly)

Lanes 7 or 8: should be C & H

Seedings: Example 2


• Nine athletes are to progress to the final.

• Identify the athletes and do a possible lane draw

• Also, explain the process you would follow to determine the 9th qualifier

HEAT 1 HEAT 2 HEAT 31. Alan 10.56 1. Brian 10.39 1. Richard 10.65

2. Bill 10.61 2. John 10.62 2. Bruce 10.69

3. Cedric 10.61 3. Greg 10.73 3. Steve 10.73

4. Dave 10.75 4. Louis 10.73 4. Tom 10.74

5. Eric 10.85 5. Mario 10.93 5. Tony 10.82

6. Fred 11.01 6. Rob 10.95 6. Andrew 11.13

7. Gary 11.41 7. Phil 10.96 7. Walter 11.85

8. Hugh 11.43 8. Peter 11.24 8. Sean 11.89

Seedings: Result 2


RANKING

1st: Brian

2nd: Alan

3rd: Richard

4th: Bill

5th: John

6th: Bruce

7th: Cedric

8th: Greg

9th: Steve

10th Louis

DRAW

Lanes 1 or 2: should be Cedric and Greg/Steve

Lanes 3 - 6: should be Brian, Alan, Richard, Bill (randomly)

Lanes 7 or 8: should be John and Bruce

Note: As Greg and Steve are both tied (10.73 and both finished 3rd)Louis also recorded 10.73, but because he finished 4th he will no be

considered for the final.

To separate Greg and Steve:

• You would first ask the Photo Finish team to read the positions to

the nearest 1/1000th

• If still equal, a coin toss would take place

The Race


Rules


• The direction of running or walking in track races on the oval track shall be left hand inside

• Lanes shall be numbered with the left hand inside lane being lane 1

• Races shall be conducted as follows:

• races up to and including 400 metres, including 4x100m relays shall be conducted in lanes

• in high level and some other competitions, 800 metres races shall be conducted with the

first bend as far as the break-line, in lanes

• the 4x200m and 4x400m relays shall be conducted with the first full lap and the first bend of

the second lap as far as the break-line, in lanes

• all other races are non-laned and are conducted with the distance of the race measured

in lane 1

• Readings of wind measurement shall be taken from a wind gauge for all track events

conducted over 100m and 200m, including hurdles races

Track Layout: Start Lines


• The essential requirement for all start lines ─ straight, staggered or curved ─ is that the distance

for every athlete is the same

• Races of up to, and including, 400m are run entirely in lanes

• Races of 800m start and continue in lanes until the end of the first bend. The exit from the first

bend is marked distinctively with a 5cm wide line across the track and is called the breakline.

• Most race starts are from a straight, white painted line 5cm in width

Track Layout: Start Lines


• Colours are used to differentiate groups of staggered start lines for races run wholly or partially in lanes

• White straight line:100m; 200m; 400m;100H;110H; 4x100 (races of less distance)

• White curved line: 2000m, 10,000m;1 mile; 2000m SC; 1000; 3000m; 5000m; 3000m SC; 1500m

• White with blue insert (“staggered” or “echelon” start lines): 4x400m

• White with green insert “staggered” or “echelon” start lines): 800m

Track Layout: Split Start


• Used when more than 12 athletes are in a race of 1,000; 2,000; 3,000; 5,000 and 10,000m

• There are two curved start lines

• 65% of the athletes are on the regular start line

• The rest of the athletes are on a start line across the outer half of the track

• The outer half start line is positioned so that all athletes run the same distance

Hurdles


Hurdles


• The same rules apply to the start, finish and conduct of hurdle races

as apply to other track events

• Hurdle races are always conducted in lanes

• An athlete in a hurdles race must jump each hurdle

• Hurdles are placed on the track so that the feet are on the side of

the approaching athlete

• Hurdles shall be so placed that the edge of the bar nearest the

approaching hurdler coincides with the track marking nearest the

athlete

• Officials must ensure the weights are adjusted to match the height

of the hurdle

Hurdles


An athlete can be disqualified in a hurdle race if they:• Do not jump each hurdle

• Their foot or leg is, at the instant of clearance, beside the hurdle (on either side), below the horizontal

plane of the top of any hurdle

• In the opinion of the Referee, they deliberately knock down any hurdle

• Does not keep in their own lane, except as in Rule 163.4

Steeple Chase


• Athletes must go over each hurdle and through the water jump

• An athlete can be disqualified if they:

• Trail their leg or foot below the horizontal plane of the top of any barrier at the instant of clearance

• Miss a steeple

• Step to one side or the other of the water jump

• Providing the above rules are observed, athletes may go over each barrier in any manner, providing no athlete is obstructed

• Put their hand on a hurdle

• Climb on or over a hurdle

• Go completely through or over the water

Relays


Relays


• The standard distances shall be: 4 x 100m, 4 x 200m, 100m-200m-300m-400m Medley Relay (Medley

Relay), 4 x 400m, 4 x 800m, 4 x 1500m

• Lines 5cm wide shall be drawn across the track to mark the distances of the legs and to denote the

scratch line

• Each takeover zone shall be 20m long of which the scratch line is the centre. The zones shall start and

finish at the edges of the zone lines nearest the start line in the running direction

• Check Marks: When all or the first portion of a Relay Race is being run in lanes, an athlete may place

one check-mark on the track within their own lane, by using adhesive tape, maximum 5cm x 40cm, of a distinctive colour which cannot be confused with other permanent markings

• No other check-mark may be used

Relays


• 4 x 100m race shall be run entirely in lanes

• 4 x 200m race may be run in any of the following ways:• where possible, entirely in lanes (four bends in lanes)

• In lanes for the first two legs, as well as that part of the third leg up to the nearer edge of the

breakline, where athletes may leave their respective lanes (three bends in lanes)

• In lanes for the first leg up to the nearer edge of the breakline where

athletes may leave their respective lanes (one bend in lanes)

Note: Where not more than four teams are competing, the third option may be used

• Medley Relay race shall be run in lanes for the first two legs, as well as that part of the third leg up to the nearer edge of the breakline, where athletes may leave their respective lanes (two bends

in lanes)

Acceleration Zone

In the 4 x 100m and 4 x 200m races, athletes other than the first, and in the Medley Relay, the second

and third athletes, may commence running not more than 10m outside the takeover zone

Relays


• 4 x 400m relay may be run in either of the following ways:• In lanes for the first leg, as well as that part of the second leg up to the nearer edge of the breakline,

where athletes may leave their respective lanes (three bends in lanes)

• In lanes for the first leg up to the nearer edge of the breakline, where athletes may leave their

respective lanes (one bend in lanes)

Note: Where not more than four teams are competing, it is recommended that second option should be used

• There is no acceleration zone in 4 x 400 relay and athletes may only commence running within

the take-over zone

• Second athlete receives the baton in the take-over zone within their lane

• Third and fourth athletes line up in the take-over zone (inside to out) in the same order as the order

of their incoming runner as they complete 200m. Once positioned by the Official they may not

change their order or they will be disqualified

Relays


• 4 x 800m relay may be run in either of the following ways:• in lanes for the first leg up to the nearer edge of the breakline, where athletes may leave their

respective lanes (one bend in lanes)

• without the use of lanes

• 4 x 1500m relay shall be run without the use of lanes

For the final takeover in the Medley Relay and in the 4 x 400m, 4 x 800m and 4 x 1500m races, athletes are not permitted to begin running outside their takeover zones, and shall start within this

zone. If an athlete does not follow this Rule, their team shall be disqualified

Relays


In the Medley Relay, the athletes running the final leg and in the 4 x 400m relay, the athlete running the third and fourth legs shall:

• Under the direction of a designated Official, place themselves in their waiting position in the same order

(inside to out) as the order of their respective team members as they enter the last bend

• Once the incoming athletes have passed this point, the waiting athletes shall maintain their order, and

shall not exchange positions at the beginning of the take-over zone

• If an athlete does not follow this Rule, their team shall be disqualified

Baton Changeovers


The passing of the Baton:

• Begins when it is first touched by the outgoing athlete

• Ends when it is in the hand of the outgoing athlete only

• It is the position of the baton only which is decisive and not that of the athlete’s bodies

• Whilst waiting to receive or after passing the baton, athletes should remain in their own lanes/zones and should not impede any other athlete

Baton Changeovers


A Baton:• Must be carried in the hand throughout the race

• Must be passed, never thrown

• Have lane numbers placed upon them

• Must be coloured

Athletes:

• Cannot wear gloves

• Cannot place a substance on their hands to get a better grip

• Must retrieve it if they drop it

• Can leave their lane to retrieve the baton, but can’t shorten distance to be run or obstruct other runners

• Pass must commence and be completed only within take-over zone

• Pass commences when baton is first touched by receiving runner and is completed when baton is solely in hand of receiving runner

• During the crouch start the baton is permitted to touch the ground

Track


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