Rules for Events
High Jump:
- Each competitor will be allowed practice jumps as allowed by high jump coordinator.
- Event coordinator will determine appropriate beginning height for each age group.
- A competitor mat attempt to clear the bar in any manner, PROVIDING THE TAKEOFF IS FROM ONE FOOT. All of the competitor's body must go over the bar.
- Each competitor is allowed three attempts for each height, if needed.
- The competitor may bump the bar without penalty, provided the bar does not fall.
Breaking a tie:
- The competitor with the fewest number of attempts needed to clear the height at which the tie occurs shall be awarded the higher place.
- If the tie still remains, the competitor with the fewest total of unsuccessful attempts throughout the competition, up to and including the height last cleared, shall be awarded the higher place.
- If the tie remains after applying (a) and (b), both participants will receive the same place ribbon.
Long Jump:
- Each competitor will be given practice jumps as allowed by event coordinator to warm up.
- Event coordinator will explain to competitors where the takeoff board or line is located.
- For ages 9 years old and up, the competitorss foot must not go over the edge of the takeoff board or line on the edge closest to the pit or it will be considered a "scratch" and will not count. Competitors 8 years old and younger will not be penalized for "scratching".
- Each legal jump shall be measured from the edge of the takeoff board closest to the pit to the point in the pit touched by the person which is nearest the takeoff board or line (if the person falls backwards after landing, the measurement is taken from the point their body touches the ground closest to the takeoff board/line.)
- Measurements for ages 5 through 8 years is taken from the place they jump (the point closest to the pit from which their foot leaves the ground when they jump).
- Measurements will be taken to the nearest lesser 1/4 inch.
- Each competitor is given three jumps. An unsuccessful jump is counted as one of the three allowed jumps, but is not measured. An unsuccessful jump will be recorded as a "scratch".
Breaking Ties:
- The higher place is awarded to the competitor whose second-best performance is better.
- If after (a) is applied the tie remains, the higher place is awarded to the competitor whose third-best performance is better than the third-best performance of the other tied competitor.
Softball Throw:
- Each competitor will be allowed practice throws to warm up as determined by the event coordinator.
- Event coordinator will advise competitors the line from which they must throw.
- Each competitor will be allowed three throws.
- Distance thrown will be measured from throw line to the place where the ball initially hits the ground.
- Stepping over the line will be considered an illegal throw and will be counted a scratch. No measurements will be recorded from such a throw, although it will be counted as one of the three allowed throws.
Breaking Ties:
- If a tie occurs, the competitor with the longest second-best throw will be awarded the higher place.
- If after (a) is applied a tie remains, the higher place is awarded to the competitor with the longest third-best throw.
Obstacle Course:
- The obstacle course is a timed event.
- Event coordinator will explain to competitors the requirements of completing the obstacle course, which will involve stepping through tires, walking across a beam, going under and over string tied to posts, as well as other possible steps.
- Each competitor will be given a practice run before the event begins to become familiar with the course.
- Each competitor will be given tow official attempts to run the course.
- The best time of the two attempts will be considered when establishing places for awards.
- In the event of a tie, the competitor with the lowest second-best time be awarded the higher place.
Shot Put:
- Event coordinator will explain the proper technique.
- Practice throws will be allowed as determined by the event coordinator.
- An 8 lb. shot put will be used for both girls and boys.
- A legal throw shall be made from the shoulder, with one hand only, so that during the attempt, the shot does not drop behind or below the shoulder.
- The competitor must start from a stationary position inside the circle and the throw shall be made from inside the circle.
- It is a foul if the competitor:
- after stepping into the circle, touches the circle (not including the inner face of the stopboard or the band) or the ground outside the circle during the throw.
- allows the shot to drop behind or below the shoulder during the attempt.
- touches the top or end of the stopboard before the throw is marked.
- throw the shot so it does not fall within the sector lines.
- The measurement shall be recorded from the nearest edge of the first mark made by the shot to the inside of the stopboard nearest such mark, measured along the extended radius of the circle.
- Measurements shall be recorded to the nearest 1/4 inch.
Running Events:
- Lane assignments will be assigned by the running events starter and are final.
- When there are more competitors than available lanes, more than one heat will be run and the fastest times overall (including all heats) will be awarded places. It is important parents inform child that although he/she may win his or her heat, he will not win the event if a competitor in another heat has a faster time.
- Designated adults will be assigned to pick first four places in each race. Decisions of these adults are to be accepted and not argued.
- Further instructions and rules will be explained the day of the track meet as needed for each race.
- A starter pistol will be used to begin each race.
- Ties may result in a run-off.
While we do not expect any difficulties with rules or competitors, if questions or discrepancies occur with events we will refer to the National Federation of State High School Association Rule Book or direction, if possible. Final decisions will be made by Tori or Jeff Ryan and are expected to be respected and abided by.