The rules contained in the following pages are intended to help avoid problems in track and field meets. The track and field committee responsible for these rules recognize that they are neither perfect nor complete. They are not intended to cover all unusual situations. They are intended to be simple and concise. Decisions made by applying these rules and those situations not covered by these rules must be reached consistent with the spirit of fair play and safety, specifically:

Officials - Knowing rules and being just, objective and courteous, while firm in enforcing rules. Acts of dishonesty, unsporting conduct or unprofessional behavior are unacceptable in the sport of track and field and subject to reprimand and/or removal by meet management.

Spectators - Acting in a sporting manner at all times. A spectator who acts in an unsporting manner may be removed from these premises. Meet management will be responsible for any removal.

Coaches and Institutional Representatives - Doing the utmost within the rules to help athletes perform their best, placing honor and team welfare above victory. Acts of dishonesty, unsporting conduct or unprofessional behavior are unacceptable in the sport of track and field and subject to reprimand and/or removal by meet management.

Athletes - Asking no unfair advantage, resorting to no questionable practices and doing nothing small or mean to gain an end. Athletes should be sportsmen in the finest sense, always honoring teammates and opponents with their best effort, accepting victory with pride and humility while accepting defeat with goodwill.

B. The Conference year shall be from September 1st to August 31st.

A. Any team applying for or intending to retain membership:

1. The Valley Youth Conference Track Team competition will be embodied in a single division composed of not less than our (4) teams nor more than ten (10) teams; however, as an exception, should more than ten (10) teams qualify for membership, the Division shall then be divided into leagues of the division of not less than four (4) nor more than ten (10) in each league.

2. Any deviation must be approved by a majority rule of the Board. Leagues shall be formed considering geographic locations and anticipated team make-up to maximize competition in each age group.

1. Each Valley Youth Conference Track Team shall consist of ten (10) age group classifications:

1. Gremlin Girls, age 5, 6 and 7 at option of each team
2. Gremlin Boys, age 5, 6 and 7 at option of each team
3. Bantam Girls, age 8 and 9
4. Bantam Boys, age 8 and 9
5. Midget Girls, age 10 and 11
6. Midget Boys, age 10 and 11
7. Youth Girls, age 12 and 13
8. Youth Boys, age 12 and 13
9. Intermediate Girls, age 14 and 15
10. Intermediate Boys, age 14 and 15

Note: Gremlins are eligible to compete in the League Open Finals or Relay Carnival but are ineligible to compete in League Finals.

2. The maximum number of certified athletes in participating clubs shall not exceed 275. There is no limit or constraint on age or gender composition of teams. All athletes must be certified as of the final date for certification established by the Board. Note: Time trials in any manner shall not be used to eliminate a participant from a club. The League President or Commissioner may spot check rosters at anytime within two weeks of certification and may assist in the timely transfer of athletes to other clubs if a club is at risk of exceeding the maximum allowable of athletes. Should the club choose to "hide" athlete documentation during a review then the club shall be assessed a penalty of $25 per athlete for unsportsmanlike conduct. Should this conduct persist in additional seasons, then the responsible person shall face additional actions including probation, suspension or expulsion.

3. The first heat of any running event shall include all athletes who have met the qualifying standards.

4. In races with multiple heats, athletes are seeded in heats on a time basis.

5. Athletes who have met a qualifying standard are only eligible to complete in the League finals.

6. Athletes who have not met any qualifying standard shall be eligible for the Open Meet.

7. Any athlete who competes in the post-season Open Meet or a Relay Carnival in any event, including relays, is ineligible for the League Finals and/or the IEC Finals.

8. The Commissioner or his/her delegated or Executive Board members may spot check any roster at any time.

9. Each team must have a Head Coach and should have one or more Assistant Coaches. The Head Coach must be 21 years of age or older.

10. All teams should have their competitors in matching uniforms. Under no circumstances will there be any commercial placed on the competitor’s uniform. See Section VIII. Definitions.

11. Normal spiked track shoes may be worn by competitors. Gremlin and Shot Put contestants may not wear spikes.  Shoes may contain any number of spikes that the shoe is designed for.

D. Competition age shall be the competitors age as of December 31 of the preceding Valley Youth Conference competition season.

1. Taunting and Baiting - Taunting and baiting of opponents has no place whatsoever in athletics. The individual acts of taunting and baiting are really a part of a bigger problem which we call "poor sportsmanship." Using ridiculous motions, pointing fingers and gesturing are ways in which an opponent can be taunted. "Trash talk" is becoming more prevalent and certainly does nothing but taunt or bait resulting in further inappropriate conduct and behavior. Coaches must get directly involved in eliminating this type of conduct from the sport. A responsible coach will not allow it, and will act swiftly when it occurs. When the coach takes no action, he or she is simply sending the message that it is acceptable behavior. Allowing participants to commit acts of taunting or baiting without reprimand or removal from competition is really telling the player that is "OK".

Taunting and baiting an opponent is contrary to the basic concept of fair play and honorable competition. Taunting an opponent is exactly opposite to the type of conduct and behavior which participation is intended to teach. Track and field provides countless opportunities for competitors to show good sportsmanship as it relates to dealing with an opponent. Why have we allowed it to become a place where the very worst acts of disrespect toward an opponent are allowed? Athletes, officials, parents, are subject to reprimand for the first occurrence and removal from the meet for any occurrence thereafter, by meet officials.

2. Throwing of a baton - Any throwing of a relay baton is considered "unsportsmanlike conduct", the contestant shall be disqualified.

3. Offensive Language - Competitors who use offensive language, shall be disqualified by the meet officials from future competition at the meet.

4.     Offensive Actions - Competitors who conduct themselves in an "unsporting manner" or in an offensive manner shall be disqualified by the meet officials from future competition at the meet.

5.     Performance Enhancing Substances – The VYC and its member organization and representatives of these organizations shall not recommend, promote or suggest any type of substance whether it be chemical, vitamin, mineral or herbal to be used by its athletes. Official notification of this rule shall be given to parents or guardians of athletes in their registration packets and shall be acknowledged by the parent or guardian via their signature.

1. Practice for all teams shall start no sooner than the date set by the Valley Conference Track Board of Directors. These practice sessions will be limited to six (6) hours per week, two of which will be meet time during the competition season. No practice session shall exceed two hours. Practice sessions are at the direction of the Coach, but no practice sessions shall last past 8:30 P.M. in any age group. Any team in violation shall be disqualified from Valley Youth Conference competition that year.

a. This paragraph shall not be interpreted to limit an athlete’s work-out on an individual basis, with or without written or verbal instruction of his/her coach. It shall be interpreted to limit a Coach’s attendance at controlled practice sessions.

2. No athlete during the Valley Youth Conference Season, beginning January 1, who participated and/or trained as a member of a High School Track team will be eligible for Valley Youth Conference competition. This rule applies to 9th grade and above participating in CIF or in a City Program. Violation of this rule will result in immediate disqualification of that athlete and the Club fined $500.

a. An athlete who competes with a Valley Conference Team during the regular season and then competes with a second Valley Conference Team during the post season period, is prohibited from joining the second team during the subsequent regular season unless the athlete moves into the second teams area (equal to or less than 1/2 distance between adjoining teams). The athlete will be permitted to join the second team after 90 days have past from the beginning of the subsequent regular Valley Conference Track Season (Note: Teams shall be interpreted to include coaches, administrators or parents). Additionally, the transfer of any post season athlete shall be allowed if that athlete requests, in writing, to the conference commissioner, approval for the transfer by June 1, (before start of post season).

b.   No Valley Conference Track Team is authorized to recruit athletes from within the Valley Conference framework.

a. Conference approved scheduled meets shall start within the month approved by the Valley Conference Track Board of Directors. Conference teams may compete in practice meets and participate in invitational meets prior to the start of scheduled Conference competition, or on byes during the league season. No Valley Conference Club can remove a majority of athletes from an age group from a Valley Conference track meet to compete in any other meet. Any team in violation shall be disqualified from Valley Conference Competition that year.

b. No team will be allowed to compete in more than one meet per week during schedule Conference competition. An exception may be made if it becomes necessary to re-schedule a postponed league meet.

c. Participation in or hosting of pre-season and/or post season meets shall be approved by the commissioner or league president not less than five (5) days in advance of any scheduled meet.

d. Meet starting times will be shown on the approved league schedules. Any deviations of the times, and/or locations, as listed on the schedules which have been furnished by the commissioner, must be approved by the League President. A running event, including relays, will be recorded as official as long as any competitor is entered and completes the event without regard to team affiliation; a Field event will be recorded as official with one competitor entered.

e. No meet shall begin after 10:00 am unless Commissioner grants permission.

f. Any officially postponed meet will be re-scheduled at a later date decided by the League President.

g. Subject to time, league alignment and facility availability, all Division teams within a league will be scheduled to participate in one meet per week normally on Saturday. When an organization registers more than one team in a Division, the teams will be placed in separate leagues to the extent permitted by the number of leagues established.

h. The Leagues shall maintain records of individual competitors by Event, Times, Distances, or Heights within each age group classification.

i. Dual meet awards shall be as defined in Section VI.G. Awards at the League Final meets and post-season Valley Conference competition will be ribbons of a larger and more attractive nature than the ribbons awarded at dual meets.

j. Participation ribbons shall be awarded in each event to participating athletes who have not otherwise been awarded position ribbons, medals or trophies for IEC, League Finals Open Finals and dual and tri-meets.

k. The Conference recognition of individual event champions of any age classification will be as a result of the Conference Individual Event Champions Meet to be held as directed by the Conference Board.

1) Medals will be awarded to the top six finishers in each event.

4. Conference approved scheduled meets will be either dual meets between two organizations, tri-Meets between three organizations, League Finals, The Open Meet, Relay Carnivals, The Individual Event Championship (IEC) Finals, or any other format approved by the Board, between all participating organizations.

5. Competition will be conducted in accordance with these rules at all times.

1. A competitor of age groups Bantam and above may participate in a maximum of four events where one of these events shall be a relay. Gremlin maximum is three events.

2. A non-certified athlete is not permitted in any Valley Conference function.

3. All qualified athletes should be in the first (unless there are more qualified athletes than lanes) heat for a given age and sex race. In the League Finals, Valley Conference Relay Carnival, Open Meet, and the IEC Final, there is no limit to the number of competitors from a given team that are allowed to start in any event.

4. The following events shall constitute the Official Valley Youth Conference Track program in Track and Field.

a. Gremlin Age Group Classification (5, 6 & 7)

Boys	Girls
100-meters	100-meters
200 meters/220-yard dash	200 meters/220-yard dash
400 meters/440-yard dash	400 meters/440-yard dash
800 meters/880-yard run	800 meters/880-yard run
1500 meters	1500 meters
400 meters/440-yard relay	400 meters/440-yard relay
(4 x 100)/(4 X 110)	(4 x 100)/(4 X 110)
Running Long Jump	Running Long Jump

b. Bantam Age Group Classification ( 8 & 9)

Boys	Girls
100-meters	100-meters
200 meters/220-yard dash	200 meters/220-yard dash
400 meters/440-yard dash	400 meters/440-yard dash
800 meters/880-yard run	800 meters/880-yard run
1500 meters	1500 meters
400 meters/440-yard relay	400 meters/440-yard relay
(4 x 100)/(4 X 110)	(4 x 100)/(4 X 110)
Running High Jump	Running High Jump
Running Long Jump	Running Long Jump
4-lb. Shot-put	4-lb. Shot-put

c. Midget Age Group Classification (10-11)

Boys	Girls
80 meters hurdles	80 meters hurdles
100-meters	100-meters
200 meters/220-yard dash	200 meters/220-yard dash
400 meters/440-yard dash	400 meters/440-yard dash
800 meters/880-yard run	800 meters/880-yard run
1500 meters	1500 meters
3000 meters	3000 meters
400 meters/440-yard relay	400 meters/440-yard relay
(4 x 100)/(4 X 110)	(4 x 100)/(4 X 110)
1600 meters/One-mile relay	1600 meters/One-mile relay
(4 x 400)/(4 X 440)	(4 x 400)/(4 X 440)
Running High Jump	Running High Jump
Running Long Jump	Running Long Jump
6-lb. Shot-put	6-lb. Shot-put

d. Youth Age Group Classification (12-13)

Boys	Girls
100 meters	100 meters
low hurdles-30"	low hurdles-30"
100-meters	100-meters
200 meters/220-yard dash	200 meters/220-yard dash
400 meters/440-yard dash	400 meters/440-yard dash
800 meters/880-yard run	800 meters/880-yard run
1500 meters	1500 meters
3000 meters	3000 meters
400 meters/440-yard relay	400 meters/440-yard relay
(4 x 100)/(4 X 110)	(4 x 100)/(4 X 110)
1600 meters/One-mile relay	1600 meters/One-mile relay
(4 x 400)/(4 X 440)	(4 x 400)/(4 X 440)
Running High Jump	Running High Jump
Running Long Jump	Running Long Jump
8-lb. Shot-put	6-lb. Shot-put

e. Intermediate Age Group Classification (14-15)

Boys	Girls
100 meters	100 meters
low hurdles-30"	low hurdles-30"
100-meters	100-meters
200 meters/220-yard dash	200 meters/220-yard dash
400 meters/440-yard dash	400 meters/440-yard dash
800 meters/880-yard run	800 meters/880-yard run
1500 meters	1500 meters
3000 meters	3000 meters
400 meters/440-yard relay	400 meters/440-yard relay
(4 x 100)/(4 X 110)	(4 x 100)/(4 X 110)
1600 meters/One-mile relay	1600 meters/One-mile relay
(4 x 400)/(4 X 440)	(4 x 400)/(4 X 440)
Running High Jump	Running High Jump
Running Long Jump	Running Long Jump
10-lb. Shot-put	8-lb. Shot-put

1. Coaches may prepare a list of entries prior to the start of the meet. The list shall contain the surname and first name of all competitors. Changes may be made at any time, provided the regulation of III.C.3 and IV.D.1 are not violated.

2. The visiting team will also assist the Meet Director by providing adults who will be available for use as timers, judges, and assistant field judges. Visitors will also be responsible for a long jump pit, another Field event and the Gremlin 100s on the alternate side of the track.

1. All meets conducted shall be under the sanction of the Valley Youth Conference Track Board of Directors and shall be conducted in accordance with these rules.

2. A playing field to the specifications listed in section VII of these rules shall be provided by the host organization.

3. The host organization will designate a meet director whose overall responsibility will be to conduct the meet in accordance with these rules.

1. THE MEET DIRECTOR - is the executive in charge of all phases of the meet operations. He shall insure that all requisite personnel are instructed and assigned for each event and that it is expeditiously and properly conducted. As a minimum he will appoint a Starter, a Referee, a Head Finish Judge, a Timer, Inspectors and Field Judges.

a. If there are any changes in schedule which occur during the course of the meet, a representative from each Club must be notified prior to the change.

2. THE STARTER - has jurisdiction over the competitors at the starting line. He is the sole judge as to whether any competitor goes over the starting line too soon (except when an assistant starter is also used in this capacity). The Starter’s procedure for races 400 meters/440 yards-down will be: First whistle - "Come to your mark"; Second whistle - "set" and "go" on gun. In races of 800 meters/880 yards-up, the Starter will say "Come to your mark" and "go" with the gun. He shall give a signal by bell or pistol at the beginning of the last lap in each distance race. He is also responsible for calling aloud the laps remaining to each competitor in races of 800 meters/880 yards or more.

3. THE CLERK OF THE COURSE (STAGER) - shall verify track event entrants and assign them to lanes according to times (see seeding chart). He shall make final assignments (per Section VI A) for competitors in upcoming races, competitors in starting block adjustment, and generally the starter to insure against unnecessary delays.

4. THE REFEREE - is in direct charge of enforcing Valley Conference Rules during the meet. He shall make the final decision on all questions which arise in connection with the events including:

a. Action not specifically under the jurisdiction of other officials.

b. Disqualifications for unsportsmanlike conduct, including willful disobedience of his instructions.

c. Disqualification for running infractions including those observed by him in the absence of an inspector.

In dual meets, the responsibilities of Starter and Referee may be combined at the discretion of the Meet Director. In IEC preliminary and final meets, these duties should not be combined.

d. In the event of the disqualification, the referee shall immediately inform the club representative of the infraction.

5. THE ASSISTANT STARTER - may stop the race and recall runners if there is an unfair start. The use of an assistant starter is especially recommended for "Staggered" starts where it is difficult for one starter to observe all runners. During distance races, he should take a position of the first turn, where there may be a spill which would be cause for recalling the race.

6. THE RECORDER - shall indicate on event forms the winner and the order in which the competitors finished. He will also record the times on the forms and sign the sheet.

7. THE HEAD FINISH JUDGE and TIMER - shall designate the places to be picked by the finish judges. Without consulting other judges, each shall communicate the place winner selected by him to the head finish judge. The decision of any judge picking the higher place shall overrule the decision of any judges picking a lower place.

The decision of the judges shall be final and without appeal. The Conference Board of Directors may authorize official pictures (accutrack only) of the finish to assist in the final decision.

Proper procedure dictates that the judges concentrate on the runners until they are all within ten yards of the finish line. Then they should watch the finish line. At the conclusion of a race, the recorder should indicate on the event forms the winner and the order in which the competitors finished. He will then consult with the timers to determine and record the times.

Each track event shall have an equal number of timers to lanes filled. At the conclusion of the race, each timer will read his watch to the Head Finish Judge and Recorder who will record the times on the forms provided and sign the sheet.

At all track competitions, place judges should be used for the 100, 200, 400, and 4 X 100 meter events.

Each participating team will select and ensure the presence of at least one or more individuals to assist participants in adjusting starting blocks, but coaching of any nature is prohibited during this procedure.

The Head Finish Judge and Timer shall designate one of the timers who will announce the lap times to competitors in the distance races. Split times may be given at the 200 meters/220-yard mark for all races of 800 meters/880 yards and up as long as they be given to all athletes during the course of each running event.

For all hand-timed races on the track, times shall be returned to 1/10th second. If the hand of the watch stops between two lines indicating the time, the longer time shall be accepted.

If a 1/100th second watch or an electronic manually operated timer is used, all times not ending in zero in the second decimal shall be rounded to the next 1/10th second, i.e. :45.23 shall be read and recorded as :45.3.

Full automated timing for races on the track up to and including 10,000 yards (meters) shall be taken in 1/100th second and shall be converted to the next longer 1/10th second and recorded in 1/10th (i.e. 59:26.32 shall be recorded as 59:26.4).

The official time of a race start with the flash of a pistol. If two watches agree and the third disagrees, the time indicated by the two is considered the official time. If all watches disagree, the time indicated by the watch showing the middle time is official. When two watches are used, the Head Finish Judge and Timer shall decide the official time.

When a record is involved, the times registered by each watch shall be checked by the Head Timer and the Head Finish Judge. No record in the Valley Conference can be granted unless the time is recorded by at least two watches. Visiting teams shall not have the right to appeal decisions of the Head Finish Judge and Timer unless they make available at least two finish judges and two timers for conduct of the meet.

8. THE INSPECTORS - When lanes extend around a turn, each inspector shall be responsible for an entire turn. Each inspector on a turn near the finish line should move toward the finish line as the race is ending and watch for possible infractions. When an inspector detects an infraction, an irregularity during a race, such as illegal crowding or running on or over the left line of a runner’s lane, or violating the hurdle or relay rules, the inspector is required to immediately signal. After the race has been run, the inspector must report the infraction to the Meet Director/Referee who has the final authority to make the necessary decision. In any hurdle race, the Meet Director shall report that the hurdles are properly spaced.

For relay races, at least one passing zone judge for each four lanes must be assigned to each passing zone except at League Finals and IEC Finals, one passing zone judge for every two lanes.

9. THE MEET ANNOUNCER - is responsible for giving proper announcements to aid the competitors in reporting to the Clerk of Course or to the field events judge on time. It is recommended that he give the first call 15 minutes before the specific race or field event is expected to begin and the final call five minutes before it begins.

In dual meets the responsibilities of Clerk of Course and Meet Announcer may be combined at the discretion of the Meet Director.

10. THE SCORER - shall keep a record of the participants in each event. He shall compile this from the records of events provided by the recorder and field judges. Copies of meets results must be provided to the visiting team at the conclusion of the meet. At the end of the meet, all records will be delivered to the Meet Director.

11. TEAM COACHES - The Track, the enclosure inside the track, and all adjacent areas involving field event competition shall be kept clear of all persons except officials, coaches and the competitors. Coaches will be permitted on the field but must not interfere with the meet. Any coach who interferes according to the Meet Director or Referee shall be issued a warning. A second warning shall result in that individual leaving the Track & Field permanently. A further incidence of interference are grounds for suspension.

12. RIBBON WRITERS - will write ribbons for first through eighth finishers in all running events and field events and participation ribbons to all finishers. Each team will be responsible for writing their own ribbons. Meet Director will provide them with the event sheets. The Ribbon writers table shall be off limits to coaches, athletes and parents.

13. FIELD JUDGES - each has jurisdiction over a particular field event. In their event, they shall supervise and be responsible for measurement, judging and recording each trial of each competitor.

They shall call the contestant for each trial (unless he has been excused to participate in another event). The contestant shall be given a reasonable time to warm up and preparation prior to completing his trial. The minimum reasonable time is two minutes. When a competitor becomes unsteady or hesitant, the judge shall attempt to steady the athlete. If the competitor persists in unreasonable delays or false trials, the judge shall inform the athlete that the trial must be completed within the upcoming two minute period or a trial/miss will be counted. The judge may restart the period if, in his opinion, external events prevent a fair trial.

The Field Judge shall sign the record sheet indicating the places and insure that it is delivered to the scorer immediately after each event is finished.

Any irregularity or dispute in a field event shall be reported to the Meet Director/Referee by the responsible Field Judge for a final decision.

The high jump takes precedence over other field events, but not over any track events. Visiting teams shall make available three assistant field judges (one for each field event) for the conduct of the meet. Failure to do so will void the visiting teams right to protest decisions in field events.

The Field Judge should sign the record sheet indicating the winners and insure that they are delivered to the scorer immediately after the event is finished.

Any irregularity or dispute in a field event shall be reported to the Meet Director/Referee by the responsible Field Judges for his final decision.

MEASUREMENTS IN THE FIELD EVENTS - must be made with non-stretchable tape such as fiberglass, nylon or steel. For the running long jump and shot-put, the assistant judges shall hold the tape in such a way that the reading will be at the takeoff board or circle so that the contestant will immediately know the result of his effort to the nearest less 1/4 inch.

AT THE CONCLUSION - of any field event, there shall be no further practice and implements should be removed from the area.

b. Track events will begin at 08:45 am. The normal order of competition will be Gremlin Girls, Gremlin Boys, Bantam Girls, Bantam Boys, Midget Girls, etc., through to Intermediate Boys. Deviations to this order are shown in the order of the events which follows:

3000 meters		(Midget, Youth, Intermediate Boys and Girls)
80 -meters low hurdles		(Midget Girls, Midget Boys)
100-meters low hurdles		(Youth, Intermediate Girls and Boys)
1500 meters		(Gremlin, Bantam, Midget, Youth and Intermediate)
100-meters		(Gremlin, Bantam, Midget, Youth and Intermediate)
400 meters/440-yard dashes		(Gremlin, Bantam, Midget, Youth and Intermediate)
400 meters/440-yard relays		(Gremlin, Bantam, Midget, Youth and Intermediate)
800 meters/880-yard run		(Gremlin, Bantam, Midget, Youth and Intermediate)
200 meters/220-yard dashes		(Gremlin, Bantam, Midget, Youth and Intermediate)
1600 meters/One-mile relays		(Bantam, Midget, Youth and Intermediate)

c.  League Finals and IEC’s shall permit the combining of events where it will enhance the administration of the meet. (This rule will generally only be utilized in events such as the 3000, 1500 and high jump). This rule shall also include dual meets.

2. League Finals/League Championships:

a. A League Final meet will be held for each league.

b. To qualify for entry into the League Final meet, an athlete must fulfill both of the following requirements:

i) Have participated in at least half of the team’s league dual meets.

ii) Have a recorded mark in the entered event as good or better than the qualification standard for the age/sex group. (These standards shall be set so as to keep the number of competitors between 6 and 12 in each event. The League President shall monitor performance during the season. He may relax the standards to assure full competition, but may not make them more difficult).

In order to assure that lanes are full, the League President shall relax the event qualifying standard to accommodate the top eight athletes of each League. However, the athletes who did not meet the original qualifying standard may optionally choose to participate in either the League Championship or the League Open Championship meet.

c. A competitor of any team may participate in a maximum of any four events.

d. Running events will be conducted in heats or flights as shown below:

Hurdles		(prelim [heats])
3000 meters		(M, Y, and I) - Final flights
80 -meters low hurdles		(Midget Girls, Midget Boys) - Finals
100-meters low hurdles		(Youth, Intermediate) - Finals
400 meters/440-yard relays		(B, M, Y and I) - Finals
100-Prelims		(B, M, Y and I) - Heats
1500 meters		(B, M, Y, I) - Finals flights
400 meters/440-yard dashes		(B, M, Y and I) - Final flights
100-meters		(B, M, Y and I) - Finals
800 meters/880-yard run		(B, M, Y and I) - Finals
200 meters/220-yard dashes		(B, M, Y and I) - Heats
1600 meters/One-mile relays		(B, M, Y and I) - Finals
200 meters/220-yard dashes		(B, M, Y and I) - Finals

e. Field events will be conducted in the same order as the IEC'S.

All field events will begin at 08:45 am and run concurrently.

HIGH JUMP		LONG JUMP		SHOT-PUT
Bantam Girls		Intermediate Boys		Youth Boys
Bantam Boys		Intermediate Girls		Youth Girls
Midget Girls		Midget Girls		Intermediate Girls
Midge Boys		Midget Boys		Intermediate Boys
Youth Girls		Youth Girls		Bantam Girls
Youth Boys		Youth Boys		Bantam Boys
Intermediate Girls		Bantam Girls		Midget Girls
Intermediate Boys		Bantam Boys		Midget Boys

f. Conduct of the meet is the responsibility of the League President who may name a committee to provide assistance. All competing clubs are to supply adults for meet official duties. A host club may be designated if the league members deem this appropriate.

g. League Finals, Open Finals and IEC’s shall permit the combining of events where it will enhance the administration of the meet. (This rule will generally only be utilized in events such as the 3000 meters, 1500 meters and high jump). This rule shall also include dual meets.

3. League Open Finals/League Open Championship:

a. A League Open Final meet will be held for each league.

b. To qualify for entry into the League Open Final meet, an athlete must fulfill both of the following requirements:

i) Have participated in at least half of the team’s league dual meets.

ii) Have not achieved an event qualifying standard except as stated in the paragraph below.

c. A competitor of any team may participate in a maximum of any four events.

d. Running events will be conducted as final flights as shown below:

3000 meters		(M, Y, and I) - Final flights
80 -meters low hurdles		(Midget Girls, Midget Boys) - Final flights
100-meters low hurdles		(Youth, Intermediate) - Final flights
1500 meters		(G, B, M, Y, I) - Final flights
100-meters		(G, B, M, Y and I) - Final flights
400 meters/440-yard dashes		(G, B, M, Y and I) - Final flights
400 meters/440-yard relays		(G, B, M, Y and I) - Final flights
800 meters/880-yard run		(G, B, M, Y and I) - Final flights
200 meters/220-yard dashes		(G, B, M, Y and I) - Final flights
1600 meters/One-mile relays		(B, M, Y and I) - Final flights

e. Field events will begin at 08:30 and run concurrently unless combined.

HIGH JUMP	LONG JUMP	SHOT-PUT
Bantam Girls	Gremlin Girls	Midget Boys
Bantam Boys	Gremlin Boys	Midget Girls
Youth & Int. Girls	Bantam Girls	Youth Int. Boys
Youth & Int. Boys	Bantam Boys	Youth Int. Girls
Youth Boys	Midget Girls	Bantam Boys
Midget Girls	Midget Boys	Bantam Girls
Midget Boys	Youth & Int.. Girls
	Youth & Int. Boys

f. Conduct of the meet is the responsibility of the League President who may name a committee to provide assistance. All competing clubs are to supply adults for meet official duties. A host club may be designated if the league members deem this appropriate.

4. Valley Conference Relay Carnival:

a. The conference may conduct a relay carnival at any time upon agreement by the majority of participating Clubs.

b. Running events are defined and scheduled as follows:

1)	GG	4 X 100
2)	GB	4 X 100			KEY
3)	BG	4 X 100			Medley A [ 2 X 200; 1 X 400; 1 X 800]
4)	BB	4 X 100			Medley B [ 1 X 200; 1 X 600; 1 X 800; 1 X 1600]
5)	BG	Medley (A)			AGE GROUPS
6)	BB	Medley (A)			G - Gremlin
7)	GS	4 x 100			B - Bantam
8)	BS	4 x 100			M - Midget
9)	MG	4 x 100			Y - Youth
10)	MB	4 x 100			I - Intermediate
11)	Y/IG	4 x 100			Y/I - Youth or Intermediate
12)	Y/IB	4 x 100			X - Mixed, one each
13)	IB	4 x 100			Bantam, Midget,
14)	GG	Medley (A)			Youth, and Intermediate
15)	GB	Medley (A)
16)	MG	Medley (A)
17)	MB	Medley (A)			SEX
18)	Y/IG	Medley (A)			G - Girls
19)	Y/IB	Medley (A)			B - Boys
20)	MS	4 x 100			S - Mixed, 2 Girls
21)	Y/IS	4 x 100			and 2 Boys
22)	BG	4 x 400
23)	BB	4 x 400
24)	MG	4 x 400
25)	MB	4 x 400
26)	Y/IG	4 x 400
27)	YB	4 x 400
28)	IB	4 x 400

c. Field event relays add the best scores of four individual teammates to a combined total for team score. The events are defined and scored as follows:

LONG JUMP	HIGH JUMP	SHOT-PUT
GG	BG	MB
GB	BB	MG
BG	YG	YB
BB	IG	YG
MG	YB	IB
MB	IB	IG
YG	MG	BB
YB	MB	BG
I/G,B

d. The Open meet will follow the same format as a regular meet.

e. League President will provide a listing of eligible athletes to the conference (i.e., those who have not achieved any qualification standards).

1. All athletes who meet qualifying standards should be in the first heat (unless there are more qualified athletes than lanes) for a given age and sex race.

In the League Finals, Valley Conference Relay Carnival, the Open Meet, and the IEC Final, there is no limit on the number of competitors from a given team that are allowed to start in any event.

2. Each competitor shall be responsible for obtaining his competition assignments and a time schedule. He must be in a proper track uniform before he will be permitted to compete. He is solely responsible for promptly reporting for each event in which he is entered, at the starting mark for any running event or at the place designated for any field event.

A competitor officially becomes a participant when he or a relay team of which he is a member reports to the starting line or when he reports to the judge of a field event in which he has entered.

3. Attendants shall not accompany a competitor onto the playing field at any time during the meet.

A. General Rules - Field events are to begin at least 30 minutes before the first track event.

1. Measurements in the Field Events must be made with non-stretchable tape such as fiberglass, nylon or steel. For the Running Long Jump and Shot-put, the assistant judges shall hold the tape in such a way that the reading will be at the takeoff board or circle so that he contestant will immediately know the result of his effort to the nearest 1/4 inch. If the mark is between the quarters, then the lesser is counted.

2. Athletes will report promptly to the Field Event Judge at the location of the field event when the event is called.

3. A competitor must request from the Field Event Judge that he be excused from the event in which he is taking part, long enough to participate in another event, and such contestant can take the remainder of his trials within a reasonable time after the event is finished. The maximum excusable time is from second call of a running race until five minutes after the race is completed.

4. The High Jump takes precedence over the other field events, but not over track events.

5. Visiting teams shall make available three assistant judges (one for each field event) for the conduct of the meet. Failure to do so will void the visiting teams right to protest decisions in the field events.

6. Warm-up Trials shall be allowed.

a. Three trials per competitor prior to that entrant beginning the field event competition.

7. Competition Trials shall include the following:

a. The competitor will be charged with an attempt if:

i) He does not complete it within a reasonable time after being called; or

ii) He does not indicate that he is passing.

b) The order in which the contestants take their attempts shall be determined by the field event judge.

8. Boy and girl competition in a field event may be combined to expedite meet competition.

a. All coaches must agree that this is acceptable.

b. This may only be done within a single age group.

c. Separate awards will remain.

9. Competitors in the jumping events may not use any weights or artificial aids.

a. Shoe or shoes which incorporate any of the following may not be used:

i) Spring

ii) Any device of any kind

iii) Sole or inner sole having an overall thickness in excess of 1/2 inch including cleats or ridges.

b. Shoes with sole spikes and heel spikes (none of which are longer than normal sprint spikes) are permitted.

10. A competitor must request of the judge that he be excused for other running or field competition no sooner than second call. (*See section IV B 13 for more information).

11. At the conclusion of any field event, there shall be no further practice, and implements shall be removed from the area.

1. Starting heights of the crossbar:

a.		Bantam Girls		2' 10"
b.		Bantam Boys		3' 0"
c.		Midget Girls		3' 2"
d.		Midget Boys		3' 4"
e.		Youth & Intermediate Girls		3' 4"
f.		Youth & Intermediate Boys		3' 8"

2. Official measurement of the crossbar:

a. It is a perpendicular line from the level of the take-off to the lowest point on the top side of the crossbar.

b. Accurate measurement should be made each time the crossbar is placed at a new height or when a broken bar is replaced.

1) A displaced crossbar should be set on the standards in exactly the same position as before its displacement.

a) One face should be set on the standards in exactly the same position as before its displacement.

b) To insure this, one face should be marked for identification.

3. The runway should consist of a semi-circle of level and unvarying surface.

a. The center of the semi-circle to be the midpoint between standards.

b. The radius of the area is to be 50 feet.

4. Competitors trials during high jump competition:

a. The order is to be determined by the judge.

b. Each competitor is allowed a maximum of three attempts at any one height.

1) He may accept all three attempts, or

2) He may choose to pass any one of them.

c. He may try a subsequent height unless he has had three unsuccessful attempts at a given heights.

d. The competitor is disqualified when he has had three consecutive unsuccessful trials regardless of the height or heights at which the unsuccessful attempts were made.

5. The judge may raise or lower high jump bar at his discretion in order to expedite the meet. This procedure is also allowed to determine a first place winner where a tie is involved.

6. Elevation of the crossbar subsequent to the opening height shall be raised in 2" increments up to and including at the qualifying height for that age group and subsequently in 1" increments.

a. If no competitor makes the opening height, the bar shall be lowered in two inch increments until at least one competitor clears it.

7. A competitor may attempt to clear the bar in any manner provided:

a. He jumps from one foot.

b. No weight or artificial aids are used.

8. It counts as an attempt if the competitor:

a. displaces the bar

b. passes under it

c. crosses the plane of the bar extended, or

d. leaves the ground in an attempt.

9. No misses should be charged to a competitor for a passed height.

10. A jump will be declared a no-jump if in the opinion of the judge the contact of the jumper causes the bar to fall.

11. If contestant does not complete each attempt in two minutes, the attempt counts as a miss.

12. In the event of a tie between competitors at a given height, the following criteria shall be used to determine places.

a. The competitor with the lowest number of trials (a pass does not constitute a trial) for the height at which the tie occurs shall be awarded the higher place.

b. If a tie still remains, the competitor with the lowest total number of misses through out the competition (up to and including the height last cleared) shall be awarded the higher place.

c. If a tie still remains, the competitor with the lowest total number of trials (whether successful or not) throughout the competition, up to and including the height last cleared, shall be awarded the higher place.

d. If a tie still remains after all of the above:

i) If it concerns first place, the competitor trying shall have one more attempt for the height at which they failed.

a) If no decision is reached, the bar shall be lowered or raised to the heights which shall be announced before the commencement of the competition.

b) Each competitor attempts one trial at each height until the winner is determined.

ii) If the tie concerns a place other than first, the competitors shall be awarded the same place in the competition.

1. Each competitor shall be allowed four attempts during actual competition and he shall be credited with his best performance. Note: Gremlins are allowed only three attempts. Gremlins athletes are allowed two practice jumps.

2. The long jump judge determines the initial order of competition.

a. He may change the order to accommodate competitors and meet operation.

b. Any reasonable request for change should be granted.

3. The jumper should take off from behind the scratch line or the scratch line extended.

a. If the jumper’s shoe extends over the scratch line or makes a mark in front of the scratch line, the jump shall not be measured but shall count as an attempt.

b. If a jumper runs across the scratch line or the scratch line extended during competition, it shall count as a trial.

4. Measurement should be from the closest break in the sand to the take-off board, measure perpendicular from board or scratch line extended.

5. Jumper must exit in front of his mark from the rear half of pit.

6. 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.

7. If the distance resulting from the best performance of competitors is identical:

a) The higher place is awarded to the tied competitor whose second best performance is best.

b) If those marks are identical, the higher place will be awarded on the basis of the third ranking performance, etc.

1. Each competitor shall be allowed four trials during the actual competition, and he shall be credited with his best performance.

2. The Shot-put judge determines the initial order of competition.

a. He may change in order to accommodate competitors and meet operation.

b. Any reasonable request for change should be granted.

3. The Shot-put shall be:

a. From the shoulder and against the nape of the neck.

b. The competitor shall not allow the shot to pass behind or below his shoulders during his attempt.

i) No harness or mechanical device attached to the hand or arm shall be used.

ii) Taping the wrist, palm, fingers or back of the hand is not permissible.

4. The Put must be made from the circle. (4 lb - BG, BB; 6lb - MG, MB, YG; 8lb - YB, IG; 10lb - IB)

a. It is a foul if the competitor, after stepping into the circle and starting his put:

i) touches the circle (not including the inner face of the stop board or the band, if one is used).

ii) touches the ground outside the circle.

iii) touches the top of the stop board with any portion of the body or apparel before the put is marked.

b. It is also a foul if the shot falls outside the sector.

c. It is a foul if the competitor fails to leave by the back half of the circle after having completed his put.

d. A foul put is not measured but it is counted as an attempt.

5. Measurement is from the nearest edge of the first mark made by the shot to the point on the inside edge of the stop board nearest such a mark.

6. If the distance resulting from the best performance of competitors is identical:

a. The higher place is awarded to the tied competitor whose second best performance is best.

b. If those marks are identical, the higher place will be awarded on the basis of the best third ranking performance, etc.

A. The track events include the 100-meters dash, the 200 meters/220-yard dash, the 400 meters/440-yard dash, the 800 meters/880-yard run, the 1500 meters, the 3000 meters, the 100 meter low hurdles, and the relay events. The 400 meters/440-yard dash, for all age group classifications, shall be run in lanes for the entire distance. The 800 meters/880-yard run shall be initiated using the waterfall start. Athletes are permitted to brake for the pole when it is safe to do so. Note: The use of heats is not anticipated in dual meets; but, if they are necessary, final placing will be determined based on individual times.

B. Lane Assignments:

1. In dual meets, lanes will be selected by the Clerk of the Course. (Stager). SEE CONFERENCE SEEDING CHART.

2. For Conference-Wide and Individual Event Championship Meets, the determination of the number of contestants to qualify in each heat is the responsibility of the Conference Board of Directors. The Preliminary heat assignments will be made from the coaches’ seeded lists of qualified contestants.

3. Where heats are prescribed, and if the number of contestants to appear are not more than the number of available lanes, the referee is empowered to see that only one heat is run. However, if more than one heat is required no winner or second place in the heat shall be barred from a chance to qualify for the finals. The referee may grant a chance to qualify on the basis of time, but under most circumstances this is an undesirable practice.

THE TRIALS SHOULD BE ARRANGED so that no competitor is compelled to run in more heats than another. The number to qualify for the final race should be more heats than another. The number to qualify for the final race should be at least one more than there are scoring places. It is a good practice to qualify as many as the lanes will accommodate unless this creates an odd number in the qualifying heats.

IF THERE IS A TIE IN ANY HEAT which affects qualification for the next round or the finals, the tying competitors shall both qualify if the lanes or positions are available. If they are not available, the tying competitors shall compete again for the available lane or position.

1. THE STARTING OF EACH RACE shall be done by the report of a pistol fired so that its smoke or flash will be visible to the timer. In all meets, a pistol which can be cocked and at least .32 caliber or any approved cap starting pistol shall be used. The snapped cap, that is, a shell which is not fired, does not indicate a start.

FOR AN UNFAIR START, the starter or assistant shall recall the runners by a second shot. After a starter gives the order to "set", if any competitor is in motion, the starter shall not fire the pistol.

2. THE STARTER MUST RECEIVE A SIGNAL from the head finish judge that the judges are ready.

3. IN STARTING THE RACE, the starter’s procedure will be: First whistle "come to your mark." At this signal, competitors will immediately take their proper positions in their standard lanes. After they have taken their positions and are steady on their marks, the starter will blow a second whistle for "set" position. At this, all competitors shall at once and 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 shall fire the pistol. For races of more than 400 meters/440 yards, the starter will use the command "on your marks" and when all competitors are steady, shall fire the pistol.

4. 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 second whistle, or if a runner leaves his mark without the pistol being fired. The offender or offenders shall be warned the first time and shall be disqualified on the second violation.

WHEN COMPETITORS ON THEIR MARKS are nervous and unsteady, the starter should call them up and attempt to make them steady. If the order "set" is given and a competitor breaks before the starter can call him up or fire the pistol, the official has no alternative but to charge it as a false start.

A Starter can save other competitors from also making a false start by ordering them up as soon as one competitor has made a break. Of course, if two or more break simultaneously, all violators must be penalized. If a competitor uses tactics at the starting line which are obviously designed to disconcert, he shall be warned, and if he persists, shall be disqualified.

5. STARTING EQUIPMENT FOR RUNNERS include starting blocks (except for the Gremlins) which shall be made available by the Host Team. When starting blocks are used, each competitor’s feet must be low enough on the blocks so that they are in contact with the ground. Hand or body supports are prohibited. Note: In Dual meets starting blocks are prohibited in the 400 Meters race.

a. Gremlins may use blocks to push-off from a standing start only

1. THE FINISH LINE is a line on the ground across the track from finish post to finish post. The competitors place in the order in which any part of their bodies (i.e, "torso" as distinguished from head, neck, arms, legs, feet, or hands) reaches the edge of the finish line first crossed by the competitor. For the purpose of aiding the judges, but not as a finish line, a soft yarn shall be stretched across the track at the finish line (3-4 feet above the ground or chest high on the younger age group classifications). It shall be held or fastened to the finish post on one side of the track and held on the opposite side so that it is always at right angles to the course and parallel to the ground. This yarn should be "breasted" by the competitor or competitors in finishing. A soft yarn in white, yellow or orange has been found to be satisfactory.

1. Legal running in lanes - In all races run in lanes, competitors shall start and finish within their assigned lanes. Note: if a runner runs outside the assigned lane in the straightaway or run outside the outer line on the curve, with no material advantage gained and no other runner obstructed, no disqualification will take place.

2. Legal running without lanes - the following situations will constitute legal running in non-lane events:

a) A competitor may run anywhere on the track at any pace or any change of pace as long as the competitor does not impede or obstruct by any body or arm action the progress of another runner.

b) A competitor may pass another runner legally on either right or left side.

c) A competitor may cut in front of another runner, provided that the overtaking runner has one full stride (this rule applies to the curved line start.)

d) A competitor who is lapped in a distance race shall run the normal course. Note: if the runner is required to withdraw, the runner shall exit to the inside of the track.

2.1 Running Violations In All Races - When an athlete commits a flagrant foul in a race to aid a teammate, all persons from the offending team in that race shall be disqualified. Such infraction would be reported by the official and ruled on by the meet official.

2.2 Running Violations In Lanes - Disqualification shall be ruled by the official when a competitor:

a) Impedes another runner

b) In a race on a curve, steps on or over the lane line to the left with two consecutive steps of the left foot.

c) In a race starting but not finishing in the lanes, the athlete does not cross the break line within the assigned lane, or

d) Does not start and finish within the assigned lanes.

Note: The official shall not disqualify competitors who:

1. Are pushed or forced by another runner to step on or over the lane lie to the left with no material advantage gained, or

2. Step out of their lanes on the straightaway.

2.3 Running Violations Not In Lanes - Disqualification shall be ruled by the official when a competitor:

a) Jostles, cuts across or obstructs another competitor so as to impede the other runner's progress. Direct contact is not necessary; any action that causes another runner to break stride or loose momentum can lead to disqualification;

b) Veers to the right or to the left so as to impede a challenging runner and forces the challenging runner to run a greater distance;

c) Voluntarily leaves the track, and presumably the race, then returns later to continue the race;

d) Tries to force a way between two leading runners and makes direct contact so as to impede the progress of either, or

e) Steps on or over the curb with two consecutive steps of the left foot.

Note: The official, after consulting the meet official, shall not disqualify competitors who:

1. Are pushed or forced by another runner to step on or over the curb with no material advantage gained, or

2. Step on or over the curb on the straightaway unless an advantage is gained by improving position.

3. A HURDLER SHALL BE DISQUALIFIED if he advances or trails his leg or foot alongside a hurdle, or runs over a hurdle not in his lane, or runs around a hurdle; or, when out of his lane, impedes another hurdler; or when he deliberately knocks down any hurdle by hand or foot, after impedes another hurdler. There is no penalty for accidentally knocking down one or more hurdles.

4. IT IS UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT if anyone associated, directly or indirectly, with a competitor, paces him by running or taking a position along the track for the purpose of coaching or otherwise assisting him; or, if a competitor who is a lap behind the leading runner paces or otherwise assists a teammate or impedes another runner; or, if any runner intentionally leaves the track and then re-enters to continue the race; or, if any competitor willfully fails to follow the direction of the referee.  FOR ANY SUCH ACT, THE COMPETITOR SHALL BE DISQUALIFIED.

1. RELAY RACES are races between teams of four contestants, no one of whom may run more than one distance (leg). Note: For League Finals and IEC’s, rules for relay make-up will be determined by the Valley Conference Track Board of Directors.

It is permissible for the order of running (provided the same contestants comprise the team) to be changed between heats and succeeding rounds of the final, except in medley relays where all runners do not run the same distance.

2. EACH RUNNER SHALL CARRY A BATON in the hand and shall pass it to the teammate who succeeds him as a runner. The first runner shall start with the baton which may not touch the ground on or in advance of the starting line.

The last runner shall carry the baton across the finish line. In all relays, the baton must be passed while it is within a 22-yard exchange zone which is formed by lines drawn parallel with and 11 yards on each side of the exchange mark. The lines marking the limits of the exchange zone are included in the 22-yard measurement. The baton must be actually handed (not thrown) from the competitor to the succeeding teammate and this teammate may not reach outside the exchange zone to take the baton. If the baton is dropped in the exchange zone in a legitimate attempt to pass it, either runner may retrieve it without penalty provided he does not interfere with an opponent. If the baton is dropped outside the the exchange zone, it must be retrieved by the runner who dropped it and without interfering with an opponent. After passing the baton, the relieved runner should stand still or jog straight ahead until all teams have completed their passes at that zone. He may then step off the track.

3. A TEAM SHALL BE DISQUALIFIED for failure to pass the baton in accordance with the rules. The referee may also disqualify a team for other infractions. The rules relative to fouling, coaching, or impeding a runner apply to relay races as they do in all other track events, except within the exchange zone, the runner who passes the baton and his successor who receives it may overlap each other. The incoming runner shall not assist his teammates by pushing him/her.

4. IN RELAY RACES UP TO AN INCLUDING 4 X 200 meters/220 yards members of the team, other than the first runner, may take their positions on the track and commence running not more than 11 yards outside the exchange zone, but the baton must be passed while it is in the exchange zone. A distinctive mark shall be made on the track to denote his extended running limit.

5. IN RELAY RACES WHICH ARE LESS THAN A HALF MILE in length or which are run the entire distance in lanes, the positions of the teams on the starting line shall be determined by lot, and teammates of each starting runner shall occupy the same lane or corresponding position at each exchange mark and the baton may be exchange only in such lane or position.

6. IN RELAY RACES OF ONE HALF MILE OR LONGER, which are not wholly run in lanes, the competitors at each station will line up in the same relative lane position as that of his teammate who starts the race.

Movements to a position better suited to meeting the passer of the baton shall subsequently be directed by the starter or his designated representative, who will grant the leading team lane 1, etc. Each passer will keep a straight course to the exchange zone, and the burden of the responsibility for taking a position which properly corresponds to passer’s position is on the receiver. This permits a team which has a distinct lead throughout the race to make all exchanges in the pole position.

If a runner impedes the next runner of another relay team by interfering with the other runner progress, the team interfering will be disqualified.

7. For a 4 X 400 meter (4 X 440 yards) relay using a two turn staggered start, the first leg must be run entirely in lanes for the first 400 meters (440 yards). The runners of the second leg shall be in staggered lanes similar to an 800 meter lane start. The second leg shall run in his lane until he reaches a point (approximately 100 meters from the start/finish line) where he shall be advised to break to the pole. Standard Track relay passing zone rules and interference of other athletes shall be enforced.

8. ANY RELAY CONTESTANT WHO THROWS THE BATON SHALL BE DISQUALIFIED FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT.

1. Awards

A. Regular Season Competition

a. Place ribbons will be awarded to the first through eighth positions in each heat or field event. Participation ribbons shall be awarded to all other finishers.

B. Open Finals

a. Ribbons shall be awarded to athletes in each flight in the same manner as in done during the regular season. (1st. thru 8th.). The top three finishers (based on time) shall receive medals.

Each athlete who qualifies for League championship or League Open Championship, shall be awarded a Valley Youth Conference medal of participation.

C. League and I.E.C. Finals

a. Medals will be awarded to the 1st thru 6th place finishers in each event. Ribbons will be awarded to the 7th, thru 9th. place finishers in each event.

A. Track and Field Facilities:

1. No team or teams shall be approved to hold home meets unless they have an approved track facility as determined by a committee appointed by the Conference Commissioner. This approval must be received prior to date of the approved Division Schedule.

B. Equipment:

1. Starting blocks and hurdles shall be furnished by the Host team.

2. Finish tapes, timer watches, measurement tapes for distances and heights, and first aid kits will be furnished by the Host team.

C. Track and Equipment Specifications:

1. The LENGTH OF THE TRACK shall be one quarter mile or 400 meters.

A SOLID CURB with a rounded top surface two inches above the track level shall mark the inner edge of the track. On all-weather tracks, a painted line two inches wide may be used for this purpose.

THE DIRECTION OF RUNNING SHALL be such that the inner edge of the track is to be left on the runners, unless facility marking favors the opposite direction for specific sprints and hurdles.

2. DISTANCES WHICH ARE RUN AROUND A CURVE but not on lanes shall be measured upon a line 12 inches outward from the inner edge of the track, when a raised curb is used. If a painted line is used to mark the inner edge on all-weather tracks, the distance shall be measured upon a line eight inches outward from the inner edge of the track. Those which do not involve a curve shall be measured in a direct line from the starting line to the finish line.

3. DISTANCES WHICH ARE RUN IN LANES and which involve a curve shall be separately measured for each lane and the measurement shall be upon a line eight inches from the nearest edge of the lane line which is on the runner’s left, except the lane next to the inside raised curb shall be measured 12 inches into the lane from the raised curb.

4. EACH LANE SHALL BE MARKED so the left-hand boundary line is outside the runner’ line. A lane should be a least 36 inches wide. A width of 42 to 48 inches is preferred. Lanes should be marked with a material which is not injurious to the eye or skin. It is suggested that, if more than one stagger is marked with a lane, a different colored material be used for each stagger. To promote uniformity, the lane nearest the inner edge of the track is referred to as lane 1. It is also called "the pole."

5. WHEN RACES RUN IN LANES AROUND A TURN OR TURNS, it is necessary to stagger the starting lines so that each competitor will run the same distance. When the start is on a turn or when relay exchanges are made in turns, the staggered distance should be determined by a competent engineer. Each lane must be measured when the staggers are on a curve. Whenever possible, startsand exchanges zones should be placed on a straight-away.

a. FOR RACES WHICH ARE RUN IN LANES and have starting lines and relay exchanges zones on the straight-away, the placement of the staggered starting lines is determined by the following table. Lane Number One is the inside lane. The distance is accurate for any track which has semicircular turns, regardless of the number of laps per mile.

NUMBER OF 180 TURNS TO BE RUN

Handicap		2		1-1/2		1		1/2
Lane 2 over 1 (36" wide)		16' 9"		12' 6-3/4"		8' 4-1/2"		4' 2-1/4"
Lane 3 over 2, Lane 4 over 3, etc. (36" wide)		18' 10-1/4"		14' 1-3/4"		8' 5-14"		4' 2-1/4"
Lane 2 over 1 (42' wide)		19' 10-1/2"		14' 11"		9' 11-1/2"		4' 11-1/2"
Lane 3 over 2 Lane 4 over 3 etc. (42" wide)		21' 11-1/2"		16' 6"		11' 0"		5' 6"

6. Plane A and B are two suggested track markings for reference purposes:

Legend:

A Starting Line for 100-meter dashes; 100 meter low hurdles

B Starting Line for 200 meters/220-yard dash

C     Finish Line for 100-meter dash; start and finish for 800 meters/880 yards, 1600 meter/mile and 3200 meter/two mile

D Finish Line for 100-meter low hurdles

E     Finish Line for 200 meters/220-yard dash; start and finish for 400 meters/440-yards dash and 400 meters/440-yard relay

F Inspector’s station and relay passing zones

 

Plan A utilizes passing zones which are not placed on curves. The 200 meters/220-yard dash commences into the curve but has the straight-away for the completion; the same is true for the 400 meters/440-yard run.

PLAN B

The passing zones are located at two mid-curve points; this is acceptable by many high schools and is not considered as a major drawback.

7. Hurdles:

a. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HURDLES shall standard as approved by the CIF. The low-hurdle height shall be 30" for girls and 30" for boys. THE HURDLE shall be of such weight and balance that it requires a pullover force of not less than eight lbs. a low hurdle height, of six lbs. at high hurdle height and not more than 8 lbs. 13 oz. at either height. The hurdle gates shall be placed so that the turnover resistance is nearest the starting line.

b. Hurdle Spacing:

Number of Start To Between Last Hurdle

8. The Relay Baton shall not exceed 11.81" in length and 4.724" in circumference. It shall be uniform in circumference with no corrugations or built-up ridges. It shall weigh at least 1.766 oz. The use of tape in wrapping the baton is prohibited.

9 Field Equipment and Specifications:

a. RUNNING HIGH JUMP equipment must meet the following standards: The landing pit shall be no less than 16' wide by 12' long and shall be filled with 24" of foam rubber or an air mattress inflated to 14".

THE CROSSBAR SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN 12' nor more than 14' 10" in length of uniform thickness, and shall have a weight of not more than five pounds. A round glass composite-type bar is the only type to be used. Maximum diameter is 1-3/16th". Metal crossbars are not allowed. The upright standards which support it shall be at least 12 feet apart. The platform which supports the crossbar shall be rectangular planes 1-1/2" by 2-3/8". There may be an extension of the standard above the crossbar. The long dimensions shall be pointed toward to opposite upright so that it will be parallel to the crossbar.

ACCURATE MEASUREMENT of the height of the crossbar for the high jump is important and a level takeoff area must be provided. Material 2' long by 8" wide shall be set under the crossbar flush with the take-off level.

b. EQUIPMENT FOR THE RUNNING LONG JUMP must meet the following standards: The take-off board shall be marked by a rectangular shape wood joist (take-off board) the width of which shall between 8" (minimum) and 24" (maximum) and at least 4' long. It shall be set firmly in the ground, level with the runway and the surface of the landing pit. If the take-off board is 8" wide, and additional 8" of firm, resilient material my be placed so that it butts the edge of the ta