BASIC TRAINING FOR NEW TRACK &

FIELD OFFICIALS

The first of a set of modules developed for the training of new officials.

The Introductory Module

USATF Officials Training Subcommittee

Initial Training Group

OVERVIEW

The training modules represent a compilation of the best materials available for

new officials. The modules are based on the feedback received from surveys sent

in the summer of 2007 to over five hundred newly certified officials. Many

officials have put in countless hours of work to assist others who want to join

their avocation. The initial training committee has sought out and reviewed these

works and compiled them together into one module to provide the most effective

training available for new officials. When additional information was found to be

needed, the committee provided it or sought out others to do it. The module is

interactive, but should be followed up with working events and in-person

mentoring by experienced officials.

The committee wishes to thank and give credit to everyone who has contributed

to the development and continuation of our sport. Specific credits are listed at the

conclusion of each module.

.

Basic Training for New Track & Field Officials

INTRODUCTORY MODULE

Chapters

1. Governing Bodies

2. Disciplines within USATF

3. Track & Field Meet Organization

4. Qualities of an Effective Official

5. Safety, Risk Minimization and Legal Liability

6. Mentoring/Follow-up

7. Credits and resources

The introductory module serves to introduce the new official to the structure of

track and field, and general responsibilities and qualities of an official.

Other modules are:

Module 1: Umpiring and Marshalling

Module II: The Throws- Shot Put, Discus, Javelin, Hammer, Weight Throws

Module III: The Jumps- High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Pole Vault

Module IV: Starting, Clerking, Timing, Lap Counter, Finish Judge

The Committee emphasizes that these modules are for new officials, and recognizes there is

more information needed and available for officials as they progress in responsibilities and levels

of competition.

Chapter 1: Governing Bodies

After completing this chapter, the official will be able to do the following:

Identify the international and national governing bodies for track and field.

Identify the organizations that publish a rule book for track and field competitions

held in the United States.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is the international

governing body for “athletics” – the name for track and field in the rest of the world.

IAAF rules apply to the Olympic Games, World Championships, and other international

competitions.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the umbrella organization of the Olympic

Movement with the primary responsibility and supreme authority to supervise the

summer and winter Olympic Games.

IAAF IOC

USA Track and Field (USATF) is a member of the IAAF. It is the national governing

body for track and field, road racing, race walk, cross country, and mountain/ultra/trail

racing. It conducts national championships for elite athletes (senior and junior

championships), youth (youth nationals and Junior Olympic program), and athletes 30

years old and older (masters athletics).

USATF

IAAF IOC

Like the IAAF, USATF has organizational members. The National Collegiate Athletic

Association (NCAA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and

National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) are three of its

organizational members.

The NCAA is a voluntary organization of colleges and universities that governs their

athletic programs. It is divided into 3 divisions and hosts 88 championships in 23 sports

(including cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field).

The NAIA is an affiliation of nearly 300 colleges and universities and offers 23

championships in 13 sports (including cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor

track and field).

The membership of the NFHS consists of state high school interscholastic athletics

associations. Its purpose is to the promote participation, sportsmanship, recognition,

resources, education for officials, and uniformity and safety in rules for high school

athletic competition in the United States.

NCAA NAIA NFHS

USATF

IAAF IOC

The IAAF, USATF, NCAA, and NFHS publish rule books for their respective

competitions. The NAIA uses the NCAA rule book.

NCAA NAIA NFHS

USATF

IAAF IOC

Review Questions

1. Match the governing body with the correct definition.

______1. IAAF A. Organization of colleges and universities divided

into three divisions by size. Conferences include the

SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Pac-10, etc.

______2. IOC B. Federation of high school interscholastic

associations

______3. USATF C. USA national governing body for track & field

______4. NCAA D. International governing body of track & field for the

world

______5. NAIA E. Affiliation of nearly 300 smaller colleges and

universities

______6. NFHS F. Umbrella organization for the Olympic Movement

Answer: 1. D, 2. F, 3. C, 4. A, 5. E, 6. B

2. Match the governing body with the rulebook under which its meets are conducted.

______1. IAAF A. NFHS

______2. IOC B. NCAA

______3. USATF C. IAAF

______4. NCAA D. USATF

______5. NAIA

______6. NFHS

Answer: 1. C, 2. C, 3. D, 4. B, 5. B, 6. A

Chapter 2: Disciplines within USATF

After completing this chapter, the official will be able to do the following:

Identify the disciplines within USATF.

When given an event, match the event to the most appropriate discipline.

Track and Field

Track and field competitions during the year are divided between the indoor and outdoor

seasons. In the United States, the indoor season generally starts in December and

concludes with the championships in late February or early March. American outdoor

competitions are held from February through early August, with the European season

concluding in September.

Track Events

Track event competitors participate in running events of various lengths, from sprints and

mid-distance to long distance races up to 10,000 meters. They also compete in hurdle

and relays races.

Field Events

Field event competitors combine the talents of speed, strength and control. Field events

are categorized as either throwing events (from a circle as in the Shot Put, Discus, Weight

and Hammer, or from a runway as in the Javelin), or as jumping events, both vertical (the

High Jump and Pole Vault), or horizontal (Long Jump and Triple Jump).

Combined Events

Some track and field competitors compete in “combined event” competition. Combined

event athletes compete is a certain number of events in a particular order over one or two

days of competition, trying to score the highest overall point total. The most well known

combined events are the men’s decathlon and the women’s heptathlon.

Cross Country

Cross country competition is run on a course, generally open country, fields, parks, golf

courses, or grasslands. The course avoids deep ditches, dangerous accents or descents,

and thick undergrowth.

Mountain and Trail Running

Trail and mountain running often occurs on hiking routes in remote, woodland or

uninhibited areas on terrain generally more rugged and challenging than standard cross

country courses.

Trail courses are characterized primarily by terrain and topography, while mountain

courses are characterized by significant changes in elevation between the start and finish

of the course.

Road Running and Ultra running

Road running is the sport of running on a measured course over an established road (as opposed

to track and cross country running). These events normally range from 5 kilometers (about 3.1

miles) to long distance, such as half marathons and marathons (26.2 miles/42.2 km), and may

involve large numbers of runners or wheelchair entrants.

Running that covers a distance farther than a marathon is called ultrarunning; the event is

an ultramarathon. Such events can be measured in distance (for example, 100 kilometers)

or by time (whoever has run the farthest after 24 hours).

Race Walk

Race walking is an event contested in all levels of the sport of track & field, from youth

athletics up to and including the Olympic Games. It differs from running in that it

requires the competitor to maintain contact with the ground and straighten their front

knee when the foot makes contact with the ground, keeping it straightened until the knee

passes under the body. Specially-trained judges evaluate the technique of race walkers

and report fouls which may lead to disqualification. All judging is done by the eye of the

judges and no outside technology is used in making judging decisions.

Race walk can be contested on the track or on a road course.

Review Questions

Which of the following are NOT a discipline within USATF?

A) Triathlons

B) Ultra running

C) Mountain running

D) Road running

A) Triathlons. Triathlons are governed by USA Triathlon

(www.usatriathlon.org)

In what discipline would a 50-kilometer road race best fit?

A) Road running

B) Cross Country

C) Track

D) Ultra running

D) Ultra running. Ultra running covers distances greater than a marathon (about

42.2 kilometers).

Chapter 3: Track and Field Meet Organization

After completing this chapter, the official will be able to do the following:

Identify the meet and officiating organization of a track and field meet.

Like most sporting events, a person or group of people are responsible for organizing a

track and field meet. The games committee is the administrative body responsible for the

proper conduct of a track and field meet. In small meets, the games committee may be a

single person; at championship meets, its members may be appointed by the governing

body or conference.

Regardless of the size of the meet, a meet director is generally appointed and is the

central person behind the success of the meet. This person organizes both the

competition and non-competition elements of the meet.

Meet Director

Games Committee

Once the competition begins, the referee is responsible for the fair and safe conduct of the

meet. In small meets, there is a single referee. At larger meets, there may be separate

running and field referees. The referee’s decisions are final and without appeal except

when a jury of appeals has been established.

Running Referee Field Referee

Jury of Appeals Meet Director

Games Committee

In the running events, there are officials assigned to check in the athletes (clerks), start

the races (starters), observe the athletes during the competition (umpires), and determine

the time and place of the athletes at the conclusion of the race (finish line crew).

In the field events, there are officials assigned to conduct each event.

Clerks

Starters

Finish Line Crew

Umpires

Running Referee

Shot Put

Discus Throw

Javelin Throw

Hammer Throw

High Jump

Pole Vault

Long Jump

Triple Jump

Field Referee

Jury of Appeals Meet Director

Games Committee

At larger meets, marshals are assigned to ensure the safety of participants. If a race walk

is scheduled, a race walk referee, race walk judges, and other officials are appointed.

Clerks

Starter

Finish Line Crew

Umpires

Running Referee

Shot Put

Discus Throw

Javelin Throw

Hammer Throw

High Jump

Pole Vault

Long Jump

Triple Jump

Field Referee

Race Walk Judges

Race Walk Officials

Race Walk Referee

Jury of Appeals

Marshal

Meet Director

Games Committee

Review Questions

1. Once the meet begins the ____ is responsible for the fair and safe conduct of the

meet.

A. Jury of Appeals

B. Starter

C. Umpire

D. Referee

Answer: D Referee

2. Regardless of the size of the meet a ______ is appointed as the central person

behind the organization of the meet.

A. Marshal

B. Meet Director

C. Referee

D. Starter

Answer: B Meet Director

3. In running events the ______ is responsible for checking in the athletes.

A. Clerk

B. Games Committee

C. Marshal

D. Referee

Answer: A Clerk

Chapter 4: Qualities of Effective Official

The chapter is adapted from the handout “Qualities of an Effective Certified Official”

produced by the Pacific Northwest Track and Field Officials Association (which is

associated with USATF Pacific Northwest Association).

After completing this chapter, the official will be

~aware of the skills needed to be an effective official.

General Qualities

There are many qualities, which make an effective official. These generally fall into four

categories: (1) knowledge of the rules, (2) focused, (3) communication with athletes,

coaches, and other officials, (4) consistency, and (5) personal qualities.

All these qualities move to the goal for the official to be “athlete-centered.” Competitors

are the central reason for having the meet, not the officials or the spectators. The

interests of the athletes must be considered primary.

Knowledge of the Rules

Officials should know the current rules for the event they are working. This is important

because officials may work events covered by up to four different rule books which have

slight differences. Also, rules changes occur regularly (either annually or every two

years) so current knowledge is essential. Officials should verify non-routine rulings by

looking them up in the current rulebook. Knowing the rule is only the first step. As an

official progresses, he or she should also learn the rationale and intent behind the rule.

Focused

Unlike other sports where the action occurs in only one location at a time, track and field

regularly has a number of simultaneous events being contested. The official must focus

on the event they are working and concentrate on their job – whether it is watching the

runners hurdling, or the foul board of the long jump, or the place the discus lands.

However, this focus is more global. The officials must ensure they and other do nothing

to interrupt the competition while the race is underway or a competitor taking a field

event trial. He or she must always have safety in mind and be aware of the other events

happening and their possible impact on his or her event.

Communication

The official should take a positive approach to interactions. A dictatorial manner is

usually upsetting and distracting to nervous competitors. But going to far in the other

direction, being overly friendly and maintaining long conversations with competitors, is

also undesirable. The official should be firm and tactful, communicating instructions and

announcing marks loudly and in a clear manner.

An official’s communication skills are also essential in working with other officials.

Clear communications between officials allow them to work as a team. If necessary,

officials should confer to clarify and avoid possible problems. When reviewing the

Umpiring Module, officials will notice an exception in the communication. Umpires are

to complete their infraction reports without communicating with another official.

Officials should generally not communicate with spectators. However, if coaches have

legitimate questions and approach the official in an appropriate manner, an official may

respond as appropriate. As a new official, the best response may be to direct the

individual to the chief official at the event or the referee.

Consistency

Officials should treat all athletes and events equally. No one should get special

treatment, nor should the official’s goal be to “catch the competitors.” Consideration

should be given to ensure to each the fair opportunity to compete. Officials should

maintain fairness, objectivity, consistency, and impartiality in every situation and in

every event. Sometimes, however, fairness requires unpopular decisions by the official

or disqualification by the referee. When this occurs, an official should not shy away from

this duty.

5. Personal Qualities

Use common sense.

1. Be punctual in commitment and in honoring assignments.

2. Dress appropriately - - Wear the uniform as designated by the meet

management.

3. Refrain from smoking in the vicinity of the event.

4. Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages on the day of the event.

5. Interact with other officials in a professional and positive manner.

6. Do not over-react to spectator and coaches comments.

7. Approach each meet as a “prestigious meet.”

8. Be able focus on actions that will occur quickly.

9. Be able act quickly, decisively and sometimes under pressure.

Review Questions

1. All of the qualities of an official move to one common goal.

A. Complete the meet on time.

B. Catch all violations of the rules.

C. Don’t miss any record performances.

D. Be “athlete centered”

Answer: D Be “athlete centered”

2. The qualities of an effective official require all of the following except:

A. Knowledge of the rules

B. Communication skills

C. Membership in the conference being officiated

D. Common sense

E. Focus and consistency

Answer: C Membership in the conference

Chapter 5: Safety, Risk Minimization, and Legal Liability

The chapter is adapted from the e-learning module “Legal Responsibilities and Risk

Management” produced by SPARC (Sport and Recreation New Zealand).

After completing this chapter, the official will be able to do the following:

~ Complete their assigned duties in manner insuring their own safety.

~ Provide a safe setting for the competitors.

Insure that spectators are not in harms way.

Safety, Risk, Liability

While a key role of officials is top ensure the competition is carried out in accordance

with the rules and that the spirit of fair play is observed, an equally important role is to

ensure the safety of all participants. This includes athletes, coaches, spectators, and other

officials.

As an official, you need to do everything reasonably possible to reduce the possibility of

accidents and injuries.

Officials must realize there is really two rule books for every track meet: (1) the

competition rules and (2) the law.

The officials must obey the competition rules. Many of these rules were designed with

safety in mind to minimize the risk of injury. For example, the requirement of a cage for

the discus and hammer throw and the size of landing pads for the pole vault.

There are specific duties officials can take to meet their obligations. These include the

following:

Enforce the rules

Control and supervise the event

Protect the participants

Warn of risks

Anticipate reasonably foreseeable dangers

Take reasonable step to ensure safety

Consider specific factors

Be informed

Safety rules will vary between different events. i.e. Pole Vault, Javelin, and Steeplechase

safety will be different. These will be addressed in the specific event training modules.

Risk Management

Risk management is about eliminating, isolating, or minimizing the risks and hazards

present at an event.

There is a difference between a risk and a hazard. A risk is the probability of harm or

injury occurring as a result of a situation, an event, or a process. A hazard is an activity,

arrangement, circumstance, event, occurrence, phenomenon, process, situation, or

substance that has a potential cause or source of harm.

There are three possible actions that you can perform to control risks and hazards:

(1) Eliminate – get rid of the hazard or risk altogether

(2) Isolate – contain the hazard or risk

(3) Minimize – reduce the likelihood of any harm

Review Questions

If the officials rope off a perimeter outside the throwing sector to maintain spectators at a

safe distance, which of the following actions are they taking?

A) Eliminate

B) Isolate

C) Minimize

B) Isolate.

True or False: Common sense should prevail in the prevention of accidents and injuries.

True.

You are working the hammer throw and have identified that there is inadequate light

during the preliminary flights, making continuing unsafe. If you stopped the competition,

there would be costs involved from the delay and you can feel the crowd getting

impatient. What should you do?

A) Continue the competition; the financial implications make it unreasonable

to stop the competition and keeping the crowd entertained is the key to a

good sporting event.

B) Stop the competition to discuss with the other officials about what you

should do next.

C) Stop the competition; safety is of the utmost importance.

D) Continue the competition until there are clear signs the officials in the

sector are struggling.

C) Stop the competition; safety is of the utmost importance.

True or False: Risk management plans eliminate the likelihood of injury or accidents

occurring at a track and field meet.

False. It is impossible to eliminate all the risks in track and field.

Chapter 6: MENTORING/FOLLOW UP

The follow up phase of a new umpire’s training.

Purpose: To assist the new official develop competency and confidence on the job.

During a new officials first season (s)he will be confronted with many situations.

Few will be exactly like the information you have received. Sometimes you will

need to remember the exact ruling for an uncommon situation. To assist the new

official develop a competency and comfort while working at meets, it is best to

have a fellow experienced official to look to; a Mentor.

The mentor is someone the new official can easily and comfortably turn to when

they have a question, concern or need reassurance.

George Kleeman has adopted a mentoring monogram for track and field from a

Lisa Peterson manuscript. George’s adaptation can be found at the officials

training section on the USATF website.

It is recommended that at the conclusion of a region or local training session the

new officials be paired with an experienced official from their area. The mentor

should be given information on how to be an effective mentor.

Review Questions

1. The purpose of mentoring is to:

A. Assist officials to develop comfort and competency while working meets.

B. Provide a person to whom a new official can turn to with questions.

C. Assist new officials in applying and interpreting rules to specific situations

D. Provide the new official with a continued learning environment.

E. All of the above.

Answer: E All of the above

Chapter 7: Credits and Resources

USATF Rule Book

Wikipedia.org – “Road Running”

www.usatf.org

“Athletics Officiating: A Practical Guide,” IAAF, 7th Edition, 2004.

“Successful Sports Officiating,” National Association of Sports Officials and Referee

Magazine.

“A Guide for USA Track and Field Officiating,” USATF Officials Committee, Version 4

(2002).

www.olympic.org -- IOC website

NCAA Rule Book