NFHS 2010 Rule Changes Announced

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.nfhs.org/web/2009/07/2010_tr ... chang.aspx

The committee made several changes affecting competitors in the vertical jumps. A modification to Rule 7-2-11 now allows the use of the previously prohibited bungee cord in place of the crossbar for warm-ups. The committee noted that the bungee cord must be approved by the games committee and must be manufactured specifically for use in track and field for this purpose. In addition, the bungee cord may only be used if the standards for the event are able to accommodate it. Rule 7-5-4 is also affected by this change. The committee added the phrase "or any other equipment which is not legal" to clarify this rule, regarding items not permitted in warm-ups.

Another change affecting pole vault competitors is a modification to Rule 7-5-29g regarding fouls by the competitor. It is no longer a foul when a team member clears the cross bar in the pole vault when the uprights are positioned incorrectly by the officials.

A final modification specifically affecting pole vaulters and high jumpers is a note added to Rule 7-4-6, stating that beginning January 1, 2013, the crossbars in these events must be circular (as opposed to being triangular or square with beveled edges). Rule 7-5-11 is also affected by this change.

Another important change by the committee is a note added to Rule 3-2-4g, which states that designated areas for coaches to observe and confer with their team members must be clearly marked and identified by the host meet management.

"This addresses risk management and fair competition," Oakes said. "The rule keeps the safety of the athletes and the coaches a priority. If the coaching box is clearly identified with flags or in another way, the coaches can be confident about where they can and cannot be. It will also make it easier for the officials to enforce the rule."

A change to Rule 3-2-7 states that any television monitoring equipment must be identified and approved by the games committee before the start of the competition.

"The terms and conditions for the meet should always be established before competition starts," Oakes said.

Following are other changes approved by the committee:

- Rule 4-5-8e prohibits communication with the competitor in competition through the use of any device.

- Rule 4-6-3 states that all heats and/or sections shall use the same starting procedure.

- Rule 6-5-5 clarifies how a shot put sector should be marked through the stopboard.

- Rule 3-17-2 specifies the location of the anemometer for all events requiring wind readings.

The committee also identified five points of emphasis for next season: 1) coaching box, 2) pole vault, 3) games committee responsibilities, 4) contestant/competitor and 5) application of "design of uniform" for relays and cross country.

[rainbowgirl28]

Here is what the wording will likely be on those rules:

7-2-11: “allows for the use of the bungee cord during the warm-up period
at the competition site.”

7-4-6 & 7-5-11: “states that beginning January 1, 2013, the crossbar in
these events (HJ & PV) must be circular (as opposed to being triangular
or square with beveled edges.)
(this isn't talking about the crossbar ends, but the bars themselves)

7-5-4: “adds “or any other equipment which is not legal’”

7-5-29g: “It is no longer a foul when a team member clears the cross bar
in the pole vault when the uprights are positioned incorrectly by the
officials.”

[KirkB]

... 7-5-29g: “It is no longer a foul when a team member clears the cross bar
in the pole vault when the uprights are positioned incorrectly by the
officials.”

I don't understand what this means. Even if the uprights are set wrong, if you clear the bar, why was that formerly a foul?

Kirk

[vault3rb0y]

Good question.... just like why if a vault gets rejected is in not a miss?

[rainbowgirl28]

... 7-5-29g: “It is no longer a foul when a team member clears the cross bar
in the pole vault when the uprights are positioned incorrectly by the
officials.”

I don't understand what this means. Even if the uprights are set wrong, if you clear the bar, why was that formerly a foul?

Kirk

I don't think it was, I think maybe it was not clarified in the rules. So most officials would rule it a non-jump, but maybe some were confused? Now it is clear.

[vaultman18]

I don't think it was, I think maybe it was not clarified in the rules.

I believe it was a foul according to this rule. Although it doesn't clarify that the officials position them incorrectly.

Section 5 Pole Vault
Art. 29 It is a foul if the competitor:
g. Clears the crossbar with the uprights position incorrectly.

[rainbowgirl28]

I don't think it was, I think maybe it was not clarified in the rules.

I believe it was a foul according to this rule. Although it doesn't clarify that the officials position them incorrectly.

Section 5 Pole Vault
Art. 29 It is a foul if the competitor:
g. Clears the crossbar with the uprights position incorrectly.

I'd have to see it in context, but I thought maybe that referred to if a vaulter set the standards outside of the legal settings (like at 12", for example).

Anyway, the new rule clarifies something that obviously wasn't 100% clear before.

[1yeldud1]

Another change affecting pole vault competitors is a modification to Rule 7-5-29g regarding fouls by the competitor. It is no longer a foul when a team member clears the cross bar in the pole vault when the uprights are positioned incorrectly by the officials

I would like this rule explained - I'm not 100 pecent just what they are talking about - What if an official sets the standards at 32 when the vaulter asks for 22 - Could someone please give an opinion


The committee made several changes affecting competitors in the vertical jumps. A modification to Rule 7-2-11 now allows the use of the previously prohibited bungee cord in place of the crossbar for warm-ups.

Will the bunge be placed at the opening height only or will the vaulters have the option of having it raised up and down at their wish ????

[vaultman18]

I don't think it was, I think maybe it was not clarified in the rules.

I believe it was a foul according to this rule. Although it doesn't clarify that the officials position them incorrectly.

Section 5 Pole Vault
Art. 29 It is a foul if the competitor:
g. Clears the crossbar with the uprights position incorrectly.

I'd have to see it in context, but I thought maybe that referred to if a vaulter set the standards outside of the legal settings (like at 12", for example).

Anyway, the new rule clarifies something that obviously wasn't 100% clear before.

I agree with you Becca. The old rule is unclear and confusing.

[CowtownPV]

Could it be that if the vaulter tells the officials to set them at 12" and they do and the vaulter clears the bar, some one can not now say " 12" is illegal" and the officials go back and make it a miss?

[drcurran]

7-5-29g: “It is no longer a foul when a team member clears the cross bar in the pole vault when the uprights are positioned incorrectly by the officials.” Comments: Once upon a time --all good stories start this way -- the competitor set his own standards prior to starting his attempt (note: I said his, that rule was in effect prior the girl’s stating to compete in the pole vault.) We are not going to charge a foul to a competitor when the officials set the standards outside the area of legal settings.

This explanation is thank to Bill Boyd from VA. Thanks Bill!

PS - In his notes Bill also pointed out that this is the first time in 10 years that there was not an addition to the uniform rules. (It's about time!)

[rainbowgirl28]

The NFHS has released the second issue of the “Track and Field Pre-Meet
Notes,” a web-based, preseason publication. The NFHS Track and Field Rules
Committee have identified a strong need for training and educational
materials for track and field officials and the many volunteers who work our
interscholastic meets. The NFHS Officials Education program is utilizing
the publication to help train new track and field officials.

The NFHS, working in a collaborative effort with USA Track & Field Officials
Training Subcommittee, has prepared this publication for the training and
recruitment of new officials. In the second edition, the material focuses
on the new rules, points of emphasis and other topics relating to track and
field and cross country. The publication supports the efforts of the NFHS
and USATF in providing positive participation experiences through well
administered competitions and promotes growth in the sport of track and
field.

You may access the new publication using the following link:

http://www.nfhs.org/track.aspx and select NFHS Track and Field Pre-Meet
Notes.

Clearing Crossbar with Uprights Positioned Incorrectly
Pole vaulters rely upon the event officials, once the competition has commenced, to correctly set
the uprights and position of the cross- bar. The competitors will make their attempts trusting that all equipment is properly placed as the competition pro- gresses. The com- petitors are focused upon their perform- ance and not the actions of the event officials.
If the officials have the uprights set incorrectly and the competitor
successfully clears the crossbar, he or she shall no longer be called for a foul—it will be recorded as a make. If, however, the athlete’s attempt was unsuccessful, it will be considered ―no jump‖ and the vaulter will receive a new trial.
Bottom line, the competitor should not receive a penalty for an error by the official on such an in- tegral part of the jumping event.

Bungee Cord/Elastic Crossbar Now Permitted in Warm-ups
Beginning with the 2010 season, it will be per- missible for competitors, in the pole vault and high jump, to use a bungee cord (sometimes called an ―elastic crossbar‖) for warm-ups. The use of the bungee cord is permitted providing certain conditions are met.
The bungee cord/elastic crossbar shall be manufactured for the specific intended purpose for use in the field event.
The bungee cord/elastic crossbar shall be supplied by the host meet management. Should the hosting school elect not to se- cure and provide a bungee cord, it is not permissible for a competitor or another school to supply or use a bungee cord for warm-ups.
The bungee cord/elastic crossbar shall never be used once competition begins.

Pole Vault
The National Federation Track and Field Rules Committee places a high priority on risk minimization for pole vault competitors. The pole vault event can be conducted with minimal risk of injury if all parties do their part.
Meet management is responsible for providing a landing system, standards, cross- bar and runway
that meet the rule requirements. Each of these items and the venue for the event should be well maintained and inspected throughout the season.
Coaches are re- sponsible to in- sure their com- petitors receive proper technique training and are knowledgeable of the event rules. Coaches also have the re- sponsibility of making certain their vaulters have and are using legal vaulting poles, including verify- ing his/her vaulter’s weight is at or below the manufacturer’s pole rat- ing.
Officials should check the venue to make sure all equipment is properly placed and in good order. The im- plement inspector has the
responsibility to inspect the poles and be certain all rules are met. The event judge should be certain the state association procedure is followed by coaches to verify their vaulters and their poles for the com- petition are legal under the rules.
To emphasize the importance of risk minimization in the pole vault, the NFHS Track and Field Rules
Committee has reaffirmed the requirements of Rule 7-5-3 that etchings, serial numbers, etc. that may appear on poles shall not replace the requirement of the manufac- turer’s pole rat- ing in the mini- mum 3⁄4-inch marking in a contrasting color on each pole either above or within the re- quired 1-inch
circular band marking the top handhold position. In order to pre- serve the in- tegrity of the event and reduce the risk of injury to the pole vault com-
petitor, no person involved in the event, including meet management, coach or officials, can disregard any requirements of the rules dealing with the landing system, standards, runway, vaulting poles or vaulter.

Pole Vault
The National Federation Track and Field Rules Committee places a high priority on risk minimization for pole vault competitors. The pole vault event can be conducted with minimal risk of injury if all parties do their part.
Meet management is responsible for providing a landing system, standards, cross- bar and runway
that meet the rule requirements. Each of these items and the venue for the event should be well maintained and inspected throughout the season.
Coaches are re- sponsible to in- sure their com- petitors receive proper technique training and are knowledgeable of the event rules. Coaches also have the re- sponsibility of making certain their vaulters have and are using legal vaulting poles, including verify- ing his/her vaulter’s weight is at or below the manufacturer’s pole rat- ing.
Officials should check the venue to make sure all equipment is properly placed and in good order. The im- plement inspector has the
responsibility to inspect the poles and be certain all rules are met. The event judge should be certain the state association procedure is followed by coaches to verify their vaulters and their poles for the com- petition are legal under the rules.
To emphasize the importance of risk minimization in the pole vault, the NFHS Track and Field Rules
Committee has reaffirmed the requirements of Rule 7-5-3 that etchings, serial numbers, etc. that may appear on poles shall not replace the requirement of the manufac- turer’s pole rat- ing in the mini- mum 3⁄4-inch marking in a contrasting color on each pole either above or within the re- quired 1-inch
circular band marking the top handhold position. In order to pre- serve the in- tegrity of the event and reduce the risk of injury to the pole vault com-
petitor, no person involved in the event, including meet management, coach or officials, can disregard any requirements of the rules dealing with the landing system, standards, runway, vaulting poles or vaulter.