Created Fall 2004
Amended 2006 and 2008
Rule One: Track Construction and Equipment Specifications
Rule Two: Definitions
Rule Three: Meet Organization
Rule Four: Officials and Their Duties
Rule Five: Competitors and Attendants
Rule Six: Scoring and Ties
Rule Seven: Starting and Finishing
Rule Eight: Running Infractions
Rule Nine: Visual Classifications
Rule Ten: Track Events
Rule Eleven: Field Events
Rule Twelve: Order of Events and Time Schedule
Rule Thirteen: Eye Examinations & NCASB Eye Examination form
Rule Fourteen: Eligibility & Eligibility List form
Rule Changes
Note: All National Federation Rules will be followed. Only the exceptions listed herein will be considered. Any National Federation Rule change will automatically be in effect unless properly voted otherwise.
Rule 1 Track Construction and Equipment Specifications
Section One: Track Construction
Refer to NFHS Track and Field Rules Book
Section Two: Measurements
Refer to NFHS Track and Field Rules Book
Section Three: Lane Staggers
Refer to NFHS Track and Field Rules Book
Section Four: High Jump
Refer to NFHS Track and Field Rules Book
Section Five: Running Long and Triple Jump
Article 1. Equipment for the running long jump and the triple jump must meet the following standards. A contrasting color or substance shall mark the take-off area. The width shall be the same as that of the runway and 1 meter long.
For additional Rules Refer to NFHS Track and Field Rules Book
Section 6: Standing Long, Triple and Three Consecutive Jumps
Article 1. The equipment shall be the same as that for the running long and triple jumps except as noted in 11-5-2, 11-6-2, and 11-8-2
Article 2. In the standing long jump, the take-off board shall not be placed more than 1 meter from the landing pit.
Article 3. In the standing triple jump the takeoff board will be placed at a safe distance from the landing pit as directed by the coach of the respective competitor.
Article 4. In the standing three consecutive jumps the takeoff board will be placed at a safe distance from the landing pit as determined by the coach of the respective competitor.
Section Seven: Shot Put
Article 1. The shot shall be: (a) a solid sphere made of any metal not softer than brass; (b) a shell of such metal filled with lead or other materials. The shot must meet the following specifications. (NOTE: Weights listed are minimum weights. The diameters are minimum and maximum measurements.)
Boys Competition & Girls Competition
Weight 12 lbs. (5.444 kg) 8 lbs. 13 oz.(4 kg)
Diameter 3 7/8 in – 4 5/8 in 3 3/4 – 4 1/4 in.
(9.84 – 11.75 cm) (9.50 – 11.00 cm)
The NCASB will use the 65.5 degree sector for the shot put throwing area. The 65.5 degree sector is measured off the edges of the toe board out into the throwing area.
Section 8: Track Equipment
Article 1. A wire at least 77 meters long attached on either end at a height of 100 cm and stretched as tightly as possible. This is used by runners for direction. For larger meets, and where possible, it is recommended that six wires be available.
Article 2. Each wire must have tape wrapped and attached at each end line. This shall be the competitors cue for either stopping or turning.
Rule 2 Definitions
Section I: Field Events
Article 1. A “flight” is a round of trials for a group of contestants in field event competition.
Article 2. A “foul throw” is one which is counted as a trial but which is not measured because of some violation of the rules.
Article 3. The “scratch line” is the hairline, which is used in the running long and triple jumps.
Article 4. The term “stop board” in the shot put is the plank, 4 foot long by 4 1/2 inches wide by 4 in. high and curved to coincide with the circle 7 feet in diameter. It is used to mark the front of the shot put throwing circle.
Article 5. A “throwing sector” for the shot put is the sector formed by extending lines from the center of the putting circle through the ends of the stop board.
Article 6. A “trial” is an attempt in a field event. Each competitor is allowed a specified number of trials.
Section 2: Finish
Article 1. “dead heat” is a situation in which two runners cross the finish line at exactly the same instant. This results in a tie if winning places are allowed.
Article 2. The “finish tape” is a soft wool yarn or other soft breakable material, which is stretched across the track directly above the finish line to aid the judges of the finish in determining which runner crosses the finish line first.
Section 3: General Conditions
Article 1. A “preliminary flight” or “heat” is the first level of competition in any event which qualifies a participant for the next level of competition.
Article 2. To “qualify” is to win the right to participate in a semi-final or final race or flight by meeting certain standards in an earlier race or flight.
Article 3. A “record” is the best performance by a competitor in a specified group and for a specified period.
Article 4. To “scratch” is to designate the withdrawal of an entry before competition begins.
Article 5. A “semifinal race” or “flight” is designed to eliminate all competitors except those who are to participate in the final event.
Article 6. A “shoe” is a covering for the foot, which has an upper and definitely recognizable sole and heel. The upper must be designed so that it can be fastened securely to the foot. Meet management may determine approved footwear. The sole and heel may contain grooves, ridges, or track spikes that are no longer than 1 inch. The use of ballet type slippers, gymnastics slippers, or sweat socks does not meet the requirements of the rule.
Article 7. The “track and field uniform” consists of a minimum of a school issued jersey and shorts, which are not objectionable, and shoes which may be supplied by the contestant.
Article 8. “Unsportsmanlike” conduct is conduct that is unethical, dishonorable. It includes action and/or language, which will bring discredit to the individual or his/her school. Disrespectfully addressing an official, using profanity, criticizing an opponent or an official are examples of unsportsmanlike conduct.
Article 9. If an athlete paces an individual, the athlete doing the pacing shall be disqualified from further competition due to interfering with the event.
Article 10. “Unacceptable conduct” includes willful failure to follow the directions of a meet official, or an unfair act as described in 8-3-1.
Section 4: Starting
Article 1. An “alley” is a combination of two or more adjoining lanes; which are utilized when three or more runners start from the same stagger. The lane line of the innermost lane of the alley becomes the lane boundary for all runners running that alley.
Article 2. A “staggered start” is a method of equating the distance for all competitors when a race is run in lanes around one or more curves. The runner assigned the second and each succeeding lane start a specified distance ahead of the runner on the left.
Article 3. “Starting blocks” are blocks or pedals mounted on a frame to insure a rigid surface against which the feet may be braced to start a race. No springs may be used.
Section 5: Track Events
Article 1. “Course” is a general term to indicate the path of a runner. In races during which each runner is required to remain in a specific lane, the course is the same as the lane.
Article 2. “Interference” is any action by a competitor, or non-competitor, which unfairly changes the course or natural running rhythm of a runner during a race. This may include bumping, tripping, or running across the runner’s path.
Article 3. In fully automatic electronic timing, the device is started by contact of the starter’s pistol and stopped when the athlete reaches the plane of the finish line, activated by a photoelectric cell. The device also provides a photo finish with a timing readout for each place winner.
Article 4. A “heat” is a preliminary race to eliminate slower competitors so the final race will include as many of the faster competitors as desired. When there are a great many entries in a given event, the heats are arranged in preliminary and semifinal rounds. The number of final competitors should be at least one greater than the number of places to score.
Article 5. A “section” is one of a series of two or more “timed-finals races” in a particular event, run in lieu of preliminary and final heats.
Article 6. A “lane” is the course which is marked on the track for a race or that part of a race during which a runner must stay in a prescribed path. Lanes vary in width depending upon the size of the track. Lanes should be 42 inches (1.067 m.) wide whenever possible.
Article 7. A “lap” is one complete counter-clockwise of the track. A lapped runner is a contestant who is passed by a runner who has completed at least one more circuit of the track.
Article 8. “Pole” is the term applied to the lane that is nearest the inner edge of the track. It is customary to designate this lane number 1. In long races where lanes are not marked, it is customary to refer to the runner nearest the inner edge of the track as at the pole.
Article 9. A “runner” is the participant in a race. Other terms that are used to designate a participant are contestant and competitor.
Article 10. A “turn” is the curved portion of the track. A standard 400 meter track has two turns (curves) in one lap.
Rule 3 Meet Organization
Section 1: The Games Committee
Refer to the NFHS Track and Field Rules Book Section 2: Record Applications
Article 1. NCASB conference records should conform to National Federation Rule 10 Section 3 & 4. Conference records may be established only during the annual NCASB Conference Track and Field Tournament.
Rule 4 Officials and Their Duties
Section 1: The Officials
Refer to the NFHS Track and Field Rules Book
Rule 5 Competitors and Attendants
Section 1: Number of Competitors
Article 1. Only Schools that are NCASB members may enter the annual conference Track and Field meet. Schools from outside the NCASB may be invited to participate in meets other than the conference Track and Field meet.
Article 2. Each school may enter a squad of not more than ten contestants, with a maximum of three contestants from each school entered in one event. In the conference Track and Field meet, only one Tandem team per event from each school may be entered. At the conference Track and Field meet 2 of the following 3 tandems teams may be entered in the meet: (1 male team, 1 female team or 1 male team, 1 co-ed team or 1 female team, 1 co-ed team). In regularly scheduled season meets, up to three Tandem teams per school may be entered only if unanimously agreed upon by all participating coaches.
Article 3. Each contestant may enter a maximum of four events. No contestant may be in more than three track or three field events. If a competitor exceeds participation limitations, all individual and team points earned by that competitor in any event shall be forfeited.
Article 4. If a tandem team athlete gets sick or injured during the meet, a team may substitute for that person in the Tandem race only. The substitute must be from the original 10 team members unless the sick or injured member has not competed in any events prior to their withdrawal from the meet.
For additional rules refer to the NFHS Track and Field Rules book.
Section 2: Uniforms
Refer to the NFHS Track and Field Rules Book.
Section 3: Disqualification
Refer to the NFHS Track and Field Rules book.
Rule 6 Scoring and Ties
Section 1: Scoring
Refer to the NFHS Track and Field Rules book.
Article 1. The Tandem event shall be scored for double points.
Article 2. The co-ed Tandem points shall be divided equally between the boys and girls team.
Section 2: Ties
Refer to the NFHS Track and Field Rules Book
Rule 7 Starting and Finishing
Section 1: Starting
Refer to the NFHS Track and Field Rules book.
Section 2: Finish
Refer to the NFHS Track and Field Rules book
Rule 8 Running Infractions
Section 1:
Refer to the NFHS Track and Field Rules book.
Section 2: Interference
Refer to the NFHS Track and Field Rules book
Section 3: Aiding Competitor
Article l. It is an unfair act when contestants join hands or grasp each other at any time during a race other than the Tandem.
Article 2. Coaching an athlete during an event shall not be considered an unfair act as long as the coach is not in a restricted area and/or interfering with another competitor.
NOTE: See casebook interpretation for visually handicapped runners.
For additional rules see National Federation Rule 4 Section 5 Article B.
Rule 9 Visual Classifications
Section 1: Classifications
Article 1. The Visual Classifications are:
(A). Class “A” — Totally blind. May possess light perception but unable to recognize hand shapes at any distance No consideration given to visual fields.
Class “A” Permanent: the same as Class “A” Eye condition, but will not change and there is no need for further examination.
(B). Class “B” — A visual acuity of no better than 20/400 in the better eye after correction and/or no better than five degrees of visual field.
(C). Class “C” — A visual acuity better than 20/400 in the better eye after correction and/or six degrees or better of visual field.
Article 2. Competitors classification must be verified by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist and the chief administrator or supervisor of the instructional program of the appropriate school.
Article 3. Class “A” contestants may participate in any class or combination of classes he/she desires. Class “B” contestants may participate in any Class “B” or “C” event or combination thereof he or she desires. Class “C” contestants may participate in Class “C” events. A participant may not participate in the same event in more than one classification. No contestant may enter more than the maximum number of events allowed (see 5-1-3).
Rule 10 Track Events
Section 1: Events
Article 1. The Track Events Are:
Class “A”
60 Meter Dash
600 Meter Dash Shuttle
1200 Meter Shuttle
800/1200/1600 Tandem
Class “B”
60 Meter Dash
600 Meter Dash Shuttle
1600 Meter Run
800/1200/1600 Tandem
Class “C”
60 Meter Dash
400 Meter Dash
800 Meter Run
1600 Meter Run
800/1200/1600 Tandem
Article 2. The rules committee recommends that whenever possible, the 400 meter dash be run in lanes for the entire distance. It is also recommended that when there are more than 16 entries in the 800, 1200 or 1600 meter runs in a two session meet, that preliminaries be held to qualify runners for the finals.
Article 3. It is recommended that whenever possible the Tandem event should be run after all other events are completed.
Section 2: Qualifications
See National Federation Rule 4 Section 4, and Rule 5 Section 5
Section 3: Class “A” Events – Additional Rules
Article 1a. A contestant in the Class “A”, 60 meter dash, 600 meter dash, and the 1200 meter shuttle, must maintain continuous contact with his or her hand on the guide wire during the entire race.
Article 1b. If a runner falls to the ground and breaks contact with the wire, but does not interfere with any other runner, the runner shall not be disqualified.
Article 2. he 600 and 1200 meter shuttles shall be run on a straight course using individual lanes and guide wires.
Article 3. Each length of shuttles shall be 60 meters; therefore, the 600 meter shuttle shall be 60 meter x 10 lengths and the 1200 meter shuttle shall be 60 meters x 20 lengths.
Article 4. The guide wires shall have tape wrapped and attached at each end line. This shall be the runners cue for turning.
Article 5. The contestant must keep in continuous contact with his/her hand on the guide wire during the entire race. (See Article 1a and 1b above)
Article 6. Contestants must cross end lines or their planes with both feet at every turn. NOTE: The plane of an end line is considered to be the inner edge of the line.
NOTE: It is not compulsory that the feet of the contestant touch the ground once they have passed the plane.
Article 7. The host school must provide official judges at each end line: the starter may be one of the end line judges.
Article 8. Runners may use any guide device. Contestants may wear a glove or any such article to prevent burning.
Article 9. Contestants must remain in their respective lane throughout the race. Interference to other contestants shall result in disqualification.
Article 10. The clerk of course, with the approval of the referee, shall make the final determination of lane and guide wire assignments.
Article 11. The women’s Tandem race shall be 800 meters in length and the men’s Tandem shall be 1600 meters in length. The Co-ed Tandem shall be 1200 meters ran on the open track. The co-ed tandem must include one female and one male athlete.
Article 12. At least one contestant of the Tandem team must be a Class “A” contestant.
Article 13. The Tandem team shall maintain contact with one another at all times.
Article 14. The Tandem team may hold hands or use any type of ropes, belts, etc. The maximum length that ropes, belts, etc. may separate the wrists of the Tandem shall be 18 inches.
Article 15. Awards shall be presented to both members of the Tandem team. When scoring the co-ed tandem, the team points earned will be divided equally between the girls and guys teams.
Section 4: Class “B” Events – Additional Rules
Article 1. Contestants in the Class “B”, 60 meter dash and 600 meter shuttle may use a guide wire for directional assistance during the race.
Article 2. The 600 meter shuttle shall be run on a straight course using individual lanes and guide wires (if so desired).
Article 3. Each length of the 600 shuttle shall be 60 meters; therefore the 600 meter shuttle shall be 60 meters X 10 lengths.
Article 4. The guide wires shall have tape wrapped and attached at each end line. This shall be the runners cue for turning.
Article 5. Contestants must cross the end lines or their planes with both feet at every turn. (See Class “A” notes)
Article 6. A Class “B” contestant may be the sighted partner on the Tandem team.
See Article 7-10 of Class “A” Events Section 3 for Additional Rules
Section 5: Class “C” Events – Additional Rules
Article 1. Contestants in the Class “C”, 60 meter dash may use guide wires for directional assistance during the race.
Article 2. A Class “C” contestant may be the sighted partner in the Tandem.
Rule 11 Field Events
Section 1: Events
Article 1. The Field Events Are:
Class “A”
Standing Long Jump
Standing Triple Jump
High Jump
Shot Put
Standing Three Consecutive Jump (3-con)
Class “B”
Standing Long Jump
Standing Triple Jump
High Jump
Shot Put
Standing Three Consecutive Jump (3-con)
Class “C”
Running Long Jump
Running Triple Jump
High Jump
Shot Put
Section 2: General Rules For Field Events
Article 1. “Contestants” shall report promptly to the event judge at the designated location when the event is announced. A contestant shall be charged with an unsuccessful attempt if the contestant does not initiate a trial that is carried to completion, or pass it within 1 minute after being called for the trial, unless excused by the event judge to participate in some other event. (See National Federation Rule Book)
Article 2. Competitors “excused” to compete in another event shall have a maximum of 10 minutes from the time they are excused until they first make themselves available for their next trial.
Article 3. The “order” in which contestants take their first trials shall be determined by lot or by the games committee. If weather or other conditions might result in unfairness to any competitor, the referee may alter the established order of trials in the field events.
Article 4. When “preliminaries” are held, one or more competitors than there are scoring places shall qualify for the finals. If there are ties, all competitors tying for a qualifying place shall be finalists. Note: 6-2-2 does not apply to preliminary competition. To be eligible to participate in the finals, a competitor must have had at least one legal throw or jump in the preliminaries, if held. If a qualifying contestant withdraws from competition in the finals, no substitute may replace the withdrawn contestant.
Article 5. To “place” in a field event, or to be eligible to participate in the finals, a competitor must have had at least one legal throw or successful jump.
Article 6. The “time” at which the preliminaries in each field event shall terminate should be set by the games committee. Any contestant who does not complete all preliminary attempts within the time specified shall forfeit any remaining preliminary trials.
Article 7. If there are preliminaries and finals, the order of competition in the finals shall be the reverse of the best performances in the preliminaries, i.e., the contestant having the best preliminary performance will be last in order.
Article 8. Competitors in the jumping events shall not use any weights or artificial aids. They may not wear a shoe or shoes that incorporate or contain any device that gives the competitor an unfair advantage.
Article 9. In two session meets; it is recommended that all competition in a field event be conducted in one session. NOTE: In all Class “A” and “B” field events any type of auditory assistance may be provided for directional assistance only.
Section 3: The High Jump
Article 1. Starting heights for high jump:
| Girls Class A – 3ft | Boys Class A – 3ft. 6in |
| Girls Class B – 3ft. 3in | Boys Class B – 4ft |
| Girls Class C – 3ft. 6in | Boys Class C – 4ft. 6in |
Article 2. The bar will be raise in 2 in. increments for the first three heights; thereafter, the bar will be raised in 1 in. increments.
Article 3. Class A athletes may touch the bar and the mat before attempting to jump over the bar.
Article 4. A light cloth or tape may be placed over the bar to assist in visual recognition of the height of the bar.
Also, see National Federation Rule 7
Section 4: The Long and Triple Jump
Article 1. The jumper shall take-off from behind the scratch line or scratch line extended (exceptions see 11-5-3, 11-6-4,11-8-3). If the jumper’s shoes extend over the line or make a mark in front of it, the jump shall not be measured but shall count as a trial. It shall also count as a trial, if, after the competition has stated, a competitor runs across the scratch line or line extended. It will be considered a trial but not measured, when jumpers touch outside the pit behind their mark in the pit. (Note this rule is interpreted to mean that if an athlete landed short of the pit that it would be considered a scratch. 10/99)
Article 2. In the triple jump, the hop shall be made so that the competitors shall first land upon the same foot with which they have taken off. In the step, they shall land on the other foot from which the jump is subsequently performed. In all other respects the rules for the long jump shall apply.
Article 3. Each legal jump in both the long jump and triple jump shall be measured perpendicularly to the scratch line or its extension and from that point in the pit touched by person or apparel of the jumper that is nearest the scratch line or its extension.
Article 4. No marker may be placed on the runway or in the landing pit. However, it is permissible to place a marker at the side of the runway or the landing pit.
Note: As an aid to competitors measuring their check marks, meet management may place a mark on, or at the side of the runway 100 feet from the scratch line.
For additional rules see National Federation Rule 7
Section 5: The Class “A” and “B” Long Jumps Additional Rules
Article 1. The Class “A” and “B” long jump shall be standing long jumps.
Article 2. At a distance of not less than one foot from the end of the landing pit nearest the scratch line, there shall be a take-off board. This board shall be of a wooden joist at least 8 inches wide, 4 feet long and 2 inches thick. The take-off board shall be set firmly on or in the ground so that its top surface is level with the surface of the landing pit. The edge of the board nearest the landing pit shall have a 2 inch depth of exposed toe space. The sand in the pit is level with the runway surface.
Article 3. The “competitor” shall take-off from the toe board and may have feet extend beyond the front edge of the toe board. If the competitor’s foot or shoe makes a mark or touches the ground in front of the toe board, the jump shall not be measured, but shall count as a trial.
Article 4. Both feet must be in contact with the take-off board when the jump is made. Double jump, springing, crow-hops, etc. are not permitted.
Section 6: Class “A” and “B” Triple Jumps – Additional Rules.
Article 1. The Class “A” and “B” triple jump shall be a standing triple jump.
Article 2. The equipment for the Class “A” and “B” triple jump must meet the same standards as the Class “A” and B long jump with the following exceptions: the take-off board shall be placed level with the ground and even with the landing pit, and will be placed at a safe distance from the landing pit as directed by the coach of the respective athlete.”
Article 3. “Competitors” are allowed to make any preliminary movements desired in preparing for this event, i.e., arm swings, leg swings, etc. The movement at the time of the jump must be from one foot. The foot of the take-off leg must be in contact with the take-off board and must not be lifted or completely removed from the take-off board.
Article 4. The “contestant” may have the foot of the take-off leg extended beyond the front edge of the take-off board. If the competitor’s foot or shoe makes a mark or touches the ground in front of the take-off board, the jump shall not be measured, but shall count as a trial.
Section 9: The Shot Put
Article l. To aid Class “A” competitors, a marking stake shall be placed in the ground at the rear of the shot put circle. The stake shall be a minimum of 2 inches wide, 1 inch thick, and shall rise above the surface of the ground a minimum of 12 inches.
For additional rules see National Federation Rule 6
Section 10: Three Consecutive Jump
Article l. The Class “A” and “B” three consecutive jump shall be executed from a standing position.
Article 2. Equipment for this event shall meet the same standards as the standing long jump with the following exceptions: the take-off board shall be placed level with the ground; be even with the landing pit; and will be placed at a safe distance from the pit as directed by the coach of the respective athlete.
Article 3. All rules governing the Class “A” and “B” long jump apply to this event. The measurement of the three consecutive jump shall be at the conclusion of the third jump. The athlete may jump the third jump in the sand.
Article 4. All take-off and landings must be from both feet simultaneously. (No crow hops)The feet shall remain stationary between jumps.
Article 5. There shall be no time consideration given between each phase of the jumps. It is permissible to pause between each of the three jumps.
Rule 12 Order Of Events and Time Schedule
Section 1: Order of Events
Article 1. The order of events shall be established by the Games committee.
Article 2. The time schedule shall be established by the games committee.
Rule 13 Eye Examinations
Section 1: The Eye Examination
Article l. The NCASB eye examination shall be administered prior to the eligibility deadline (see 14-2-1), to every contestant.
NOTE: It has been interpreted that this rule shall be met if an athlete is tested at any time after the completion of the previous years Track and Field tournament, and prior to the eligibility deadline for the current years tournament.
Article 2. Eye examinations shall be submitted as part of the eligibility information as prescribed in 14-2-1.
If so indicated on the eye examination, a Class “A” contestant may require no further examinations if permanently classified as a Class “A” contestant.
Article 4. An eye examination need not be submitted for a Class “C” contestant.
Article 5. The NCASB Eye Examination Form is included as a particle of this rule and section as an addendum to the rules. (Click following link: NCASB Eye Examination)
Rule 14 Eligibility
Section 1: Eligibility Limitations
Article 1. The eligibility form shall contain all rules and regulations concerning eligibility and is included as a part of this section and rule.
Article 2. The Track and Field director appointed by the conference shall act as the eligibility commissioner for Track and Field.
Click the following links for the Eligibility List and Track & Field Entry Form
Eligibilty List
Track & Field Entry Form
Additional Information
1. If a student has a time or distance from an earlier meet that time or distance must be entered on the NCASB conference entry form.
a. (Voted on and passed Spring 06) If a student has a time/distance from a previous meet it must be used as an entrée time at upcoming meets. When a time/distance is not available for an athlete, under the discretion of a coach, a practice time/distance may be used as an entrée.
2. Conference entries will be due the Monday prior to the conference meet at 12:00 noon. Eligibility will be due 2 weeks prior to the meet.
3. Outstanding Track Athletes: Each coach can nominate one male and one female from their school for outstanding athlete. Nominations can be made up until the scratch meeting. Nominations will be reviewed at the scratch meeting. Each coach will vote for one outstanding male athlete and one outstanding female athlete at the conclusion of the meet.
4. Track Coaches recommended Frank Alexander to the NCASB governing authority as permanent Track Director. Voted on and passed Spring of 06.