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 mens decathlon and the womens 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 referees 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 officials 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 officials 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. Dont 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 umpires 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. Georges 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, 7
th
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