Middle School Track Rules

Start           

1. Each race starts at the report of a pistol fired so its smoke or flash will be visible to the timers. In an outdoor meet, a pistol that can be cocked and of at least .32-calibre is used. The snapped cap, that is. A shell which did not fire does not indicate a start.
2. For an unfair start, the starter or assistant shall recall the runners by a second shot. After a starter gives the order to ‘set’, the starter is not to fire the pistol if any competitor moves.
3. The starter must receive a signal from the head finish line judge that the timers and judges are ready.
4. In starting sprints and hurdle races, the starter directs competitors with: “On Your Marks.” At this signal, the competitors will immediately stake their proper positions on the starting line. After they have taken their positions and are steady on their marks, the starter then instructs them to set. At this command, all competitors, without delay, assume their full and final set position in such a manner that no part of their bodies touch on or over the starting line. After an interval of approximately two seconds, when all competitors are set and motionless, the starter fires the pistol.
5. For races of 800m and longer, the starter uses the command: “On your Marks” and when all competitors are steady, fires the pistol.
6. It is a false start if a runner fails to comply with the starter’s commands, or if a runner is in motion after the set command, or if a runner leaves the mark with a hand or foot after the set instruction but before the pistol is fired, or if a runner leaves the mark without the pistol being fired. The offender(s) is warned the first time and is disqualified on the second violation. If a warning is given, and if the runner’s action is repeated, the competitor is disqualified. If the unfair start is not due to any competitor, no warning is given. 
7. Starting blocks should be made available by the host school. When starting blocks are used, each of the competitor’s feet must be low enough on the blocks so they are in contact with the track surface. Hand or body supports are prohibited.
8. If a competitor’s starting blocks are slipping due to the condition of the track, the starter may authorize an attendant to hold or support the blocks. The attendant must sit on the track so as not to interfere with the starter’s view of the competitors.

Finish

1. The finish line is a line on the ground across the track from finish post to finish post and it is indicated by a mark drawn just outside the measured course so that the inner edge of the mark coincides with the actual finish line. Competitors place in the order of crossing the finish line with the torso as the determining body part.
2. For the purpose of aiding the judges, but not as a finish line, soft wool yarn is stretched across the track at the finish, 1.2m above the ground. This yarn should be “breasted” by the competitor(s) in finishing and must not be seized by the hand.

Running Infractions

1. When a race is run in lanes each competitor keeps his position on the course during the entire race. A competitor who, without being fouled and while running around a curve, gains an advantage by stepping on or over the inside lane, may be disqualified.
2. In a race involving a curve and there the lanes are not specified, a runner may change lanes toward the inside or outside of the track when he is one full running stride (approximately seven feet) in advance of the runner whose path is crossed. It is not a foul if a runner crosses to the inside or outside if this action does not interfere in any way with another runner’s stride.
3. If a runner is lapped in a distance race, the competitor runs his normal course if permitted to remain in the race. If the competitor is required to withdraw from the race, the lapped runner leaves to the inside of the track.

Hurdles

1. A hurdler is disqualified if he/she:
1. Does not attempt to clear each hurdle.
2. Advances or trails a leg or foot along side of a hurdle.
3. Runs over a hurdle not in the assigned lane.
4. When out of the assigned lane, impedes another hurdler.
5. If hurdlers do not conform to the above rule specifications, no record is allowed if a hurdle is knocked down.

2. Age Categories                       

Aiding a Competitor

1. It is unsportsmanlike conduct, punishable by disqualification, when:
1. Anyone associated directly or indirectly with a competitor paces the athlete by running or taking a position along the track for the purpose of coaching or otherwise assisting the runner.
2. A competitor who is a lap behind the leading runner paces or otherwise assists a team mate or impedes another runner.
3. Any runner intentionally leaves the track and then re-enters to continue the race.
4. Contestants join hands or grasp each other in order to finish a race in a tie.
5. Any competitor wilfully fails to follow the directions of the referee. 

2. The use of any aid during a race, including carrying a baton, other than in a relay race is prohibited.
   
   

Relays

1. Relays are races between teams of two or more athletes, none of whom may run more than one distance (leg). Members of a team may not be changed after a preliminary heat has been run, unless the original member is ill or injured.
2. It is permissible for the order of running to be changed between heats and succeeding rounds or the final, except in medley relays where runners do not run the same distance.           
3. Each runner carries a baton in hand and passes it to the succeeding team mate. The first runner starts with the baton and the last runner carries the baton across the finish line.
4. In relay races the baton must be passed while it is within a 20m exchange zone.  The exchange zone is determined by lines drawn perpendicular to the inside lane line and 10m on each side of the exchange zone mark. In relay races where acceleration zones are not permitted, each outgoing runner, while waiting for the baton, must take his/her position entirely within the passing zone and must complete the exchange while the baton is in the 20m exchange zone.
5. The baton must be handed (not thrown) by the runner to the succeeding team mate. This team mate may not take sole possession of the baton outside the exchange zone.  If the baton is dropped in the exchange zone, in a legitimate attempt to hand it, either runner may retrieve it without penalty provided the runner does not interfere with an opponent. If the baton is dropped outside the exchange zone, it must be retrieved by the runner who dropped it.
6. After passing the baton, the relieved runner should stand still or jog straight ahead unless in the inside or outside lane. If in the inside or outside lane, the runner should step off the track as soon as possible.
7. A team is disqualified for failure to pass the baton in accordance with the rules.
8. Throwing the baton following the finish of any relay is unsportsmanlike conduct and is cause for disqualification.
9. In relay races where the incoming and outgoing runners are both running legs of 200m or less an acceleration zone may be used. When this is permitted, the outgoing runners for each team may take their positions on the track and commence running not more than 10m outside the exchange zone, but the baton must be passed while it is in the 20m exchange zone. Distinctive marks are made on the track to denote this extended running limit.