Instructions to the Finish Line Judges

1. Assign two judges for each position, if possible.
2. Appoint a head judge.
3. Explain the rules of finishing.
4. Supply a pad of paper to the head judge.
5. Mark the lanes with numbers large enough to be easily seen. The numbers should be large and facing the judges’ stand. They should be positioned just before the finish line. _8______________________
   _7______________________
   _6______________________
   _5______________________
   _4______________________
   _3______________________
   _2______________________
   _1______________________
   
6. Make sure the judges’ stand is at least five meters from the nearest lane to be judged.
7. Supply the head judge with a clipboard that outlines the duties, rules, a schedule and organizational tips.
8. Remind judges to get both the athlete’s last name and school name when determining position.
9. Concentrate on judging.
10. The athlete finishes the race when the torso crosses the finish line.
11. Follow your athlete with your eyes after he/she crosses the finish line so you can identify him/her.
12. Pick two positions to judge.
13. Head judge picks first place.
    1. Next judge: First and second
    2. Second and third
    3. Third and fourth (hardest to pick)
    4. Fourth and fifth
    5. Fifth and sixth
    6. Sixth and seventh
    7. Seventh and eighth
    8. If there are problems, the judges are to refer to the head judge who may refer to the track recorder.

Finish Line Timers

1. All timers must be on the same side and inside of the track lanes.
2. Look along the finish line.
3. Timers must be on an elevated stand directly on the line.
4. The stand must be five meters from the nearest lane on track.

Chief Timer’s Duties

1. Assign three timers plus at least one alternate to first place.
2. Assign one timer plus additional ones, if possible, to second place and so on.
3. Assign a timer to call out lap times in races 800m and longer.
4. Receive times from timers and decide on official times for each place.
   1. If all three watches disagree, use the middle time.
   2. If two of three watches agree, use those times.
   3. If two watches disagree, use the longer time.

Timer’s Duties

1. Test stop watch prior to the first race.
2. Time one position only.
3. Start and stop the watch with the index finger.
4. Start watch when flash or smoke is seen from the starting gun.
5. Athletes finish when torso crosses the finish line.
6. Act independently, do not compare times.
7. Read watch to longer one-hundredth of a second and transmit the time to the Chief Timer i.e. 9.94=9.9; 9.95=10.0
8. Do not reset watches until told to by the chief timer.

String Holders

1. One end of the string should be anchored to pole.
2. Both holders should be kneeling down at start and during race.
3. String should be held at runners lower chest heights.  
4. Stay off the track until all competitors have finished.
5. Make sure that the string is held directly over the finish line painted in the track and is tight.