BASIC TRAINING FOR NEW TRACK &
FIELD OFFICIALS
The third of a set of modules developed for the training of new officials.
THE THROWS
Shot Put, Discus, Javelin, Hammer, Weight
USATF Officials Training Subcommittee
Initial Training Group
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THROWING EVENTS
The third of a set of four modules developed for the training of officials
The five throwing events, five outdoor and two indoor, have in recent times become the
premier events to watch at many track and field meets, especially the Indoor and Outdoor
National Championships, the Olympic trials, the Olympics and other major international
meets. Officiating the throwing events requires agility, safety awareness, stamina, and the
ability to make quick, but correct, decisions.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic
Module Objectives
A. Officiating Near the Cage or Runway
Safety considerations near a cage or runway
Rules governing the throws
Long throws (Javelin, Discus, Hammer)
Short throws (Shotput, Weight Throw)
Officials near the cage or runway
Chief judge of the event
Circle or Foul line judge
Flight coordinator
Timer
Recorder
Performance board operator
Tape puller
B. Officiating In or Near the Sector
Safety considerations in or near the sector
Officials in or near the sector
Marking judge
Secondary marking judge
Sector judges
Implement retrievers
Javelin landing judge
C. The Measuring of Throws With a Steel or Fiberglass Tape
Measuring objectives – Safety, accuracy, Speed, and Focus
Teamwork
Measuring equipment
Checking the measuring equipment
Checking the impact area
Warm-ups
Positioning measurement officials
Finding the mark
Proper marking
Holding the mark
Pulling the tape
Reading the tape
Returning to the proper position
Between flights
After competition
D. The Measuring of Throws With an Electronic Device
E. Appendix
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Page Number
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Module Objectives
-
Become familiar with the rules governing the five throwing
events
Practice safe officiating techniques for throwing events
Be familiar with the various officials’ positions and the attendant
duties for a throws event
Be able to lay out the proper sector for each throwing event
Be able to properly and accurately record preliminary throws,
determine those competitors advancing to finals, and determine
final places for a throwing event
-
A. OFFICIATING NEAR THE CAGE OR RUNWAY
Safety considerations near the cage or runway
There are a number of safety considerations that officials in the throws areas need
to keep in mind:
First – Everyone should stay a safe distance away from the netting around the
discus/hammer cage. The distance of at least six (6) feet is generally suggested.
Athletes must be confined to a safe area during the competition.
Second – Implements can slide under netting and gates so that officials need to
find positions where this is not likely to happen.
Third – Hammers get stuck high up in the netting and officials entering the ring
need to be aware that the implement can suddenly fall whether provoked or not.
Fourth – The javelin runway area can get very congested at times during warmups and all officials crossing the runway must be certain that a thrower is not
charging down the runway for a practice throw.
Fifth – Make sure that retrievers are facing the circle/runway when retrieving
implements. It is good practice to have five or six competitors take a warm-up
throw, then have the implements retrieved. This is especially true when athletes
are retrieving their own implements (never a good idea, but sometimes necessary
in smaller meets.)
Sixth – There should be no use of the circle/runway after the event is concluded.
Seventh – Most incidents resulting in injury to officials/competitors/spectators
occur during the warm-up period. Officials need to be extremely vigilant while
supervising the warm-up prior to the start of the event.
Rules governing the throws
A brief narrative covering the throws can be found in the Appendix on pages 21
to 25. The following two matrices provide information on specific rules and
locations of the rule(s) in the rule book:
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Rule
USATF
HIGH SCHOOL
NCAA
Uniform
“Not objectionable”
Full length shirt/singlet
No bare midriff
Shoes required
No
Yes
No
Jewelry allowed Yes
No
Yes
Flight Sizes
4 – 12
5 – 12
max of 15
Electronic devices - Only with Games Committee Approval (Generally “NO” for USATF &
NCAA. Not specified in High School rules)
Trial time
60 seconds
60 seconds
60 seconds
Warning time
15 seconds
None specified
15 seconds
Implement
Strikes cage
Legal throw
Foul throw
Legal throw
Measurement Long throws
Short throws
Lesser cm.
Lesser cm.
Lesser inch
Lesser ¼ inch
Lesser cm.
Lesser cm.
Warm-up time
None specified
None specified
15 minutes/flight
Rule
USATF
HIGH SCHOOL
NCAA
Check-in
Rule 142
Rule 4.1
Rule 4.2.2 / 6.2.2
Attire
Rule 143
Rule 4.3
Rule 4.3
Field event
Rule 180
Rule 6.1
Rule 6.1
Throwing event Rule 187
Rule 6.2
No general rule
Discus
Rule 189
Rule 6.4
Rule 6.9
Hammer
Rule 191
Not competed
Rule 6.11
Javelin
Rule 193
Rule 6.6
Rule 6.10
Shot put
Rule 188
Rule 6.5
Rule 6.8
Weight throw
Rule 195
Not competed
Use Rule 6.1
OFFICIALS NEAR THE CAGE OR RUNWAY
The chief judge matches up the available officials with the required duties and if enough
officials are available, additional duties that are desirable to have. The number of
officials available along with their experience and abilities will determine how a chief
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judge will make initial assignments and modify those assignments as the event
progresses.
For several reasons the chief judge may elect to delay making all initial assignments until
warm-ups are well under way but EVERY official working the event, whether having
received an assignment or not, should offer to help the chief judge in preparing the event
for competition upon arrival at the venue.
Chief Judge of Event:
-
Coordinates with meet management and Head Field Judge or
Referee
Organizes and positions the event crew
Equips the event crew
Instructs the event crew
Instructs athletes
Calls circle/arc fouls with flags
Reads tape after each throw
Announces reading to Recorders and Performance Board
officials
Sets gates for hammer throwers
The Chief Judge reads the tape measurement at the circle or foul line and
announces the distance for the Recorder(s) and others. With limited assistance,
the Chief Judge may also need to do the recording of results. If not recording
results, the Chief Judge should check periodically that results are recorded
properly and accurately.
If a “silent circle/runway” is being used, the Chief Judge should keep the flags
signaling a fair throw (white flag) or foul throw (red flag) up until the field crew
acknowledges it. The flags should be held steady and not waved around. If a
silent circle/runway is not being used, the fair throw (“Mark”) or foul throw (“No
Mark”) should be called out loudly enough so that the field officials and
competitors can hear the command.
A list of things that the Chief Judge may elect to consider, undertake, or delegate
to other officials before and after the competition can be found in the Appendix
on pages 17 to 20
Circle Judge or Foul Line Judge:
-
Assists Chief Judge in reading the tape
Indicates circle or scratch line fouls
Approaches the circle from the side opposite the Chief Judge and
verifies the distance read. S/he is a second pair of eyes on the
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-
tape who should concentrate on the “meter” since a majority of
the reading errors are for the meter (Especially on those tapes
that do not have the meter mark every ten centimeters.)
Indicates to Chief Judge with “thumb up or palm up” (fair) or
“thumb down or palm down” (foul) if a throw is fair or foul.
Sweeps the circle/runway when requested or needed.
Makes certain the thrower is still in the circle or on the runway
until the implement has landed once competition has started.
May operate one of the gates on the hammer cage.
Flight Coordinator:
-
-
Notifies the athletes of their order
Notes and coordinates athletes in other events
Helps conduct warm-ups
Holds athletes in a safe staging area
Calls athletes ALICE- UP…BARBARA-ON DECK…CONNIEON HOLD (or some other method such as
SMITH….JONES….JACKSON…SMITH UP)
Works excused and tardy athletes into the rotation
The Flight Coordinator must be familiar with the rulebook in use at the meet for
the rules governing excused and late-arriving athletes and when the Chief Judge’s
permission is required for such athletes to enter the competition.
If a Flight Coordinator is checking in athletes before an event starts, a list of
things s/he may want to obtain or provide for the competition is given on page
A.18
Timer:
-
Starts the stopwatch when the Flight Coordinator calls athlete UP
Raises yellow warning flag at the appropriate time
Announces remaining time when appropriate (see above)
When time expires, announces “sixty seconds” and lowers
yellow flag
In NCAA competition, a YELLOW flag is raised with 15 seconds left at which
time the Timer should announce “15 seconds”. In USATF competition, a
YELLOW flag is raised with 15 seconds left, at which time the Timer should
announce “15 seconds”. There is no warning given to high school athletes.
When the Timer lowers the YELLOW flag after 60 seconds, the Chief Judge
should raise the RED flag and the Recorder(s) should record a “time” foul on the
flight performance sheet.
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For the Hammer, Weight, Discus, and Shot Put, the Timer should be at the back
of the ring at 30 to 45 degree position from the center of the ring so that the
thrower can see him or her. For the Javelin, the Timer should be near the foul
line and adjacent to the runway.
Recorder:
-
-
Echoes and records athlete’s mark on flight performance sheet.
Records “P” for a pass or “F” for foul ( It is helpful to also add
an “F” for a foot foul or a “S” for a sector foul or a “T” for a
time foul or an “R” for a runway foul in the javelin).
Coordinates selection of finalists and final places with Chief
Judge and Flight Coordinator.
After competition begins, the Recorder should record numbers on the flight
performance sheet as read by the Chief Judge for each throw. Numbers should be
repeated aloud by the Recorder as a check that they were read and recorded
correctly. This role may be combined with the Flight Coordinator.
After preliminary rounds of all flights are completed, the Recorder should
determine the finalists and the order (reverse performance) in which finalists will
throw. During the last round of the finals, the Recorder(s) should determine and
record each athlete’s best performance and enter it in the appropriate column.
If two or more recorders are used (including a Palm Pilot/Field Lynx operator),
they should compare their recordings between flights, prior to finals and after
finals, before the final standings are announced.
Page A.29 provides an excellent step-by-step illustration of how flight sheets need
to be completed for the first three rounds. (Note: Clinic Presenters are
encouraged to have participants fill out the final three rounds of the competition.)
Performance Board Operator:
-
Posts performances as announced by the Chief Judge.
Before and between flights may help as a retriever.
During competition, this official posts performances on the performance board in
either Imperial (feet-inches) or Metric (meters-centimeters) or first in one then in
the other as dictated by meet management. The performance board operator may
need to convert from metric to imperial distances.
Tape Puller:
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-
-
-
Before warm-ups begin, makes certain the center of the circle or
the javelin runway is clearly marked.
Observes the release of the javelin and indicates a release foul to
the Chief Judge. (see note below on proper holding and release
of javelin)
Indicates landing/sector foul of any implement to the Chief
Judge.
Pulls the tape through the center spot of the circle or the arc
without stepping inside the ring and holds the tape steady during
reading and announcement.
Clears tape from runway or circle.
(Note: The javelin must be held at the grip with one hand only with the little finger
nearest the point and thrown over the shoulder or upper part of the arm and not slung,
hurled, or thrown side-armed.)
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B. OFFICIATING IN OR NEAR THE SECTOR
Safety considerations in or near the sector
Safety is the basic responsibility of all officials during warm-ups and competition.
Officials involved in or near the sector are no exception. Everyone in the impact area or
near the sector lines needs to face the ring or scratch line of the javelin runway. Once an
implement is in flight DO NOT BACKPEDAL OR TRY TO RUN BACKWARD. If
running is necessary, run forward and to the side while keeping an eye on the implement.
Officials in or near the sector
{Picture}
Primary marking judge:
-
-
-
Determines and marks the point of impact to be measured. It is
advisable for the Primary Marking Judge to hold the tape (if one
is being used) up off the ground until the Tape Puller has
tightened the tape to straighten it out for the measurement.
Must know if a minimum distance to be measured has been set
and where that line is. This may be marked by securing small
pieces of a light-colored material along the arc of the minimum
distance.
Holds the mark until the Chief Judge or First Reader or
Electronic Measurement Operator indicates that the mark has
been properly recorded.
(Note: In some competitions (especially Athletics for the Disabled/Wheelchair
competitions), it is customary for the primary and/or secondary marking judge to
use numbered markers to indicate each athlete’s mark during the competition,
then to move the measuring tape onto the impact area to measure all marks at the
end of each flight or final. This is not a recommended method of determining
marks, as the numbered markers may become dislodged by another implement or
accidentally dislodged by one of the marking judges.)
Secondary marking judge:
-
Assists the marking judge in finding the point of impact to be
measured. This judge may use a skewer-type tool to point out
the impact point.
Sector judge:
-
Determines sector fouls.
Stands near or on the sector line and indicates by an arm
movement or a red flag that an implement is on or outside the
sector line.
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Implement retriever:
-
-
Should know how legal implements have been marked and
should make certain all implements being retrieved are properly
marked as certified.
Carries (not throws) all implements back to the ring or runway to
the athlete staging area during warm-ups and competition.
Javelin landing judge:
-
-
Makes the determination if a javelin lands tip first or not.
Is situated back from the sector line a few yards near the
anticipated impact site. S/he should be low and able to clearly
see the landing.
Raises a white flag to indicate a fair throw or a red flag to
indicate a foul throw.
C. THE MEASURING OF THROWS WITH A STEEL OR FIBERGLASS
TAPE
Measuring Objectives – Safety, Accuracy, Speed, and Focus
Safety is the first objective and must remain so throughout the duration of the event.
Accuracy is a must regardless of the level of competition or number of officials working
on the crew. The measurement process must insure that all legal throws are measured
and recorded accurately.
Speed is a desirable objective but must not be achieved at a risk of safety or accuracy. In
throwing events a good officiating crew establishes an efficient rhythm that moves the
event along quickly without forfeiting safety or accuracy.
In order to effectively satisfy the first three objectives, every official in the sector needs
to concentrate on his/her assignment for the duration of the event. In the measuring
process too many problems arise when an official gets distracted, tries to demonstrate
his/her multitasking abilities or otherwise loses focus on what s/he should be doing.
Teamwork
Teamwork is an essential ingredient in every good throws officiating crew. Safety,
accuracy, and speed cannot be achieved without crew members working together and
helping each other verbally and by action.
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Measuring equipment
Measuring tapes used for throwing events are made of either fiberglass or steel. While
most are metric on one side and imperial (feet-inches) on the other side, some will be
exclusively metric or imperial. (Beware of surveyor tapes which some facilities
mistakenly purchase that are divided in tenths of a foot on one side.)
Most tapes in use have a zero point at the end of the tape (“true zero”), but some may
have the zero point several inches up the tape (“non-true zero”).
To make the job easier, many officials use a measuring cane (“stabber” or marker stick)
to place and hold the zero point of the measuring tape over the mark to be measured. If
one is used, the end of the measuring tape must attach to it without too much difficulty.
Measuring tapes and marker sticks may be purchased from on-line equipment supply
businesses such as MF Athletics or other reputable suppliers.
Checking the Measuring Equipment
Before competition begins, the marking judge should make certain that the measuring
tape to be used is in good condition, is long enough to serve the event, and has the
necessary metric or imperial calibrations. If a measuring cane is used, the tape should be
attached to it and the zero point on the tape located. Note that some measuring tapes that
have the imperial and metric measurements on opposite sides of the tape will have a zero
point at the end of the tape on one side and a zero point up the tape (not at the end) on the
other side. THE MARKING JUDGE MUST CHECK TO SEE WHERE THE TAPE’S
ZERO POINT IS FOR THE (METRIC OR IMPERIAL) SIDE OF THE TAPE THAT
WILL BE USED DURING THE COMPETITION.
For throws the end of the measuring tape should be set on the measuring cane so that the
end of the tape is no more than two inches above ground level after the measuring cane
has been pushed into the ground at the mark.
Measuring canes differ. For long throws on a windy day and a hard landing surface, a
cane with a sharp point is more desirable than one with a blunt end that may be pulled out
of position as the tape is being straightened by the tape puller.
Before competition, the measuring tape should be stretched out from the edge of the
impact area to the back of the circle or the center of the javelin arc. If concentric distance
arcs have been painted on the impact surface, the marking judge and tape puller may
verify the accuracy of at least one of the arcs, especially the arc nearest the circle or
scratch line and the interval between successive arcs, as athletes will unfailingly want to
know what distances the arcs represent.
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Checking the impact area
Officials operating in the impact area of throwing events should carefully check the area
before warm-ups and between flights and attempt to smooth out problem areas. Often
sand is available to fill in holes that an official might otherwise trip over when
backpedaling or moving from side to side in an effort to get to the mark swiftly. When
an implement is in flight, the officials need to watch the implement and not the ground .
During competition, if an indentation is made in the surface, the marking judge or a
retriever should take a few seconds to smooth it out before the next throw.
Warm-ups
While the warm-ups periods for throws do not directly involve measurement, they are the
time during which officiating crews need to get their act together.
For safety purposes, all officials in an impact area should fan out and face the ring at all
times. As an official, DO NOT stay within a few feet of another official or expect to
have extended eye contact with another official while in the impact area during warm-ups
or competition. The impact area is a place to focus on the event and while a certain
amount of informative chatter should be taking place between officials involved, it is not
an area for most types of socializing.
A common practice during discus warm-ups is for athletes to enter the cage with two
implements at a time. Everyone in the impact area needs to be aware that there may be
little time between that athlete’s first and second warm-up throws. Some throwers will
also take “phantom” throws i.e. throwing motion without an implement which will cause
officials in the impact area that are not paying close attention to search wildly for the
airborne implement.
During javelin warm-ups, the chief judge may elect to have five or six throwers throw
before any are picked up and returned. An official should stand at the foul line as
javelins are being collected and returned and not allow “run throughs” with or without
javelins. On windy days with a cross wind blowing toward the return alley, the same
process could be advisable for discus warm-ups.
During warm-ups, the officials in the impact area should note the distances and
characteristics (left / right handed thrower, et cetera) of each thrower to know where to
position themselves during competition.
Positioning Measurement Officials
Kleeman’s monograph}
{graphic of positioning- George
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While the chief judge may choose to do otherwise, for a number of reasons most
throwing competition is set up so that the throwers assemble on the left side of he
throwing circle or runway (as you face the impact area). To avoid tripping over the
measuring tape, the reel is placed in the back of the ring or the adjacent to the center
point of the arc off the runway on the right side. For efficiency, this layout sets up the
following:
Officials on the right side of the circle or runway –
Tape puller – for caged events, the first person into the cage after a throw has
been judged fair.
Circle judge or Foul line judge – follows the tape puller for caged events.
Officials on the left side of the ring or runway –
Chief Judge – should be on the left side so that the tape can be read right side up.
This is particularly important if there is no circle judge or foul line judge.
While the javelin landing judge is not directly involved with the actual measuring that
judge may declare a foul throw that measuring officials need to be aware of.
The positioning of officials in the impact area is well described in the following taken
from “The Throwing Officials Manual” printed by USATF and compiled by George
Kleeman in 2008. It can be found on the USATF website in the Officials section.
“When positioning yourself as a marker, always try to be on the side where you expect
the implement to land and slightly long of the expected mark. For safety reasons you
should not be closer than 15 feet to any throw. Which side (you are on) depends on the
wind and if the throw is right or left-handed. This is for your safety since most
implements tend to skip on impact as well as to help with accurate marking, particularly
for the lighter javelin and discus. You can never be sure which way an implement may
go after it hits the ground. Some have been known to go 90 degrees from the thrown
direction. Know the throwers. See where they throw in warm-ups so that you can be
properly positioned to get the mark easily, quickly and safely. Be mindful of the wind
direction and if the thrower is left or right handed since in the longer throws this should
guide you as to which way to move if the implement gets too close. This is particularly
true for the javelin and discus. If you move in the wrong direction the implement may
tend to follow you. Don’t freeze and wait too long if the implement is coming at you.
Think about which way to move before the throw. Since most thrower are right handed
you normally will want to move to your left, which is not normal for right-handed
people.”
Finding the mark
Being in the right position is the first key to finding the right spot to mark. If marking
judge assistants are available, they should be located away from the marking judge in a
position where all judges triangulate the landing spot from different directions. Generally
the most difficult throws to find a good mark are in the javelin and 1 K discus events.
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Marking should be done with authority and quickly. Delays only open the door to
questions and protests. Marking judges should focus on getting to the mark and not be
concerned whether there might be a foul called at the circle or runway. It is better to
locate the mark then see that a foul has been called then to miss the mark because it
appeared to be a foul at the circle or runway.
Since a protest can overrule a throw that has been indicated as a foul, it is necessary to
always determine where a throw has landed and go to that spot. This is referred to as a
“silent mark” in which the throw is measured and recorded elsewhere on the sheet
(perhaps the back), but is not announced unless the protest is upheld.
On very wet surfaces, always try to determine the spot to be marked before shot or
hammer is removed since the implement may be imbedded in the ground and the mark
will be altered by removing implement.
An important part of teamwork that becomes obvious to all watching is the verbal clueing
by other officials in the impact area that a throw is foul and that the marking judge and
any marking assistants can act accordingly. The clueing process does not need to be
loud, but clear to the marking officials.
Proper Marking
{picture}
When holding a measuring cane, the marking judge should also hold a portion of the
measuring tape of about two feet against the measuring cane with the same hand that is
holding the measuring cane to relieve stress on the end of the tape and minimize twisting
of the tape between the measuring cane and the tape puller.
The marking judge should secure the measuring cane so that the zero point is over the
proper mark while still holding the tape against the cane. The marking judge may
indicate that s/he has the mark by raising the other hand to signify to the tape puller that
the tape may be pulled in. The marking judge should check to see that the end of the tape
has not kinked or wrapped around the base of the measuring cane.
The marking judge should let the tape puller begin to straighten the tape while the
marking judge continues to hold a portion of the tape firmly a foot or two above the
ground. Once the tape has cleared any surface obstructions and is fairly straight, the
marking judge should let go of the tape and the tape puller should pull in the remaining
tape. Once the tape has been pulled in, the marking judge should let the tape puller know
immediately if the tape does not appear to be straight.
On windy days for the long throws, it is important that the marking judge holds the tape
firmly and close to the ground while the tape puller swings the tape upwind to get it
straightened out. The marking judge may also step on the tape about one foot from the
measuring cane on windy days while the tape puller is straightening the tape out.
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Holding the Mark
{picture}
Once the mark has been set and the tape pulled successfully, the marking judge should
stand behind the measuring cane, hold it steady, preferably with both hands, and face the
circle or runway until the chief judge leaves the circle or runway. By holding the
measuring cane with one hand or turning to one side to watch something else, the
marking judge is more likely to move the top of the cane enough to make the tape at the
ring slide back and forth at the point where it is being read. Every competitor deserves an
accurate measurement regardless of the level of competition.
In general, the marking judge should hold the measuring cane steady until the chief judge
leaves the circle or runway, but there are several points that the marking judge must be
aware of:
-
-
Throws that are initially indicated to be fouls should be marked if
there seems to be some controversy. The mark should be
measured, but not announced, unless a protest overrules the foul.
This is termed the “silent mark” and is recorded somewhere else
on the record sheet for possible later reference.
The chief judge should be aware of existing records and if a
throw is better than the record, the marking judge should be told
to hold the mark for further verification of the mark and possibly
for the use of a steel tape.
In any event, the marking judge should attempt to quickly smooth out the landing surface
after pulling up the measuring cane and before getting into position for the next throw.
Pulling the tape
{picture}
Tape pulling is a critical and time-consuming activity that requires skill, concentration,
and energy in order to get the measuring tape straight, apply the proper tension, and hold
it steady until the chief judge is finished reading the measurement at the front of the ring
or the foul line.
For the throws, the tape puller should be on the opposite side of the competitors and for
the hammer and discus, be in a position to enter the cage quickly after a fair throw has
been indicated.
For the hammer and discus, the tape reel should be left inside at the rear of the cage with
enough slack available to cover the longest thrower in the flight. For the javelin, the reel
should be alongside the runway and beyond the center of the foul arc with enough slack
available to cover the longest thrower in the flight. For the shot, the tape puller should
remain behind the ring and slightly to the side out of the competitors direct line of sight
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and may very well hold the continuously throughout the entire competition. Ideally, the
tape puller should know about how far the next thrower will throw and allow enough
slack so that the marking judge does not pull the reel across the throwing surface while
moving into position.
For all of the long throws, it is important that the tape puller work with the marking judge
to straighten the tape. The tape puller MUST wait until the marking judge has
established the mark before beginning to pull the tape taut. Generally, the marking judge
will hold a portion of the tape while the tape puller straightens it out. This is done so that
the end of the tape on the measuring cane is not broken off which always results in a time
consuming delay.
On a windy day, the marking judge should hold the tape close to the ground and the tape
puller may need to swing the tape to the windward side (against the wind) of the ring or
runway to get the tape straight.
The tape puller will pull the tape from the spot in the back of the ring and through the
center spot of the ring. The tape puller should never step into the ring. For javelin
events, the tape may be pulled from the back of the center of the foul arc which is eight
meters (26’3”) behind the foul line. The tape puller should try to adjust the tape so that
the appropriate side of the tape is up for the chief judge depending upon the system of
measurement being used for the competition. This task becomes difficult if the tape
becomes badly twisted.. To avoid tape drift at the spot it is being read, the tape puller
may hold the tape against the concrete behind the back of the ring (not on the surface of
the ring) or the runway surface until the chief judge is leaving the ring or runway.
Reading the tape
{picture}
Ideally, after a throw has been judged fair, the chief judge/primary reader will approach
the tape from the left side of the ring or runway (as you face the field) so that the tape
numbers will not be upside down. A circle judge or foul line judge, if used, should
approach from the opposite side and follow the tape puller. For ring events, none of the
officials should step into the ring.
The chief judge should check to see that the tape is straight, has the right tension, and has
been pulled through the center of the circle or arc center before reading the distance. If a
circle judge or foul line judge is used, the chief judge should quietly read out the distance
and get confirmation before announcing the distance to the recorder(s) and others. The
recorder(s) should repeat the distance back to the chief judge for verification.
The chief judge should know if a minimum distance for a measured throw has been
established and what that distance is. If a throw is under that distance, the distance
should not be announced and the throw is recorded as “NM” for “no mark” or “not
measured” and announced as “NO MARK” to the recorder(s) and others.
17
The chief judge should always know if a record is possible and the process to follow if a
record is indicated by a distance read. In some situations, a steel tape will need to be
used and the implement impounded for re-certification by Weights and Measures
personnel. In any event, the chief judge should immediately notify the marking judge to
hold the mark and possibly for the retrievers to impound the implement. Necessary other
officials (referee, head field judge, et cetera) may need to be summoned to the venue to
certify the record attempt.
When each flight has been completed, the chief judge should make sure that all officials
in the impact area are aware of it. A common signal is to stand in front of the circle or
runway and make a crossed arms signal to the impact area officials. At the end of the
competition, the chief judge should place a cone in the ring or at the foul line of the
javelin runway.
Returning to the proper position
After each throw all officials involved in the measuring process need to return to their
proper position before the next thrower can get started. For officials in the impact area,
this means sizing up the next thrower and working together to determine where each
official should be located.
Between flights
Between flights, the tape puller and the primary marking judge should get the twists out
of the measuring tape. By starting from the reel and walking out toward the zero point,
the job can be done quickly if the marking judge takes the zero end of the tape off the
measuring cane. If the measuring tape is fastened to the measuring cane with tape, it may
be easier to reverse the procedure and straighten the measuring tape from the measuring
cane in to the reel.
If possible, any problem areas in the impact area should be smoothed out between flights.
Once warm-ups have started for the next flight, the officials should help retrieve the
implements while keeping security and safety precautions in mind.
After competition
The chief judge should let all officials know that the event has concluded and place a
cone in the circle or at the foul line of the runway. The marking judge should detach the
tape from the measuring cane and help the tape puller reel it in. If the tape is wet or
muddy, it should be pulled through a towel as it is being reeled in. All officials should
help to clean up the venue and see that all equipment is properly returned to its rightful
place.
In some events, the implements may be signed out by the participants. In other events,
the implements may have to be returned to Weights and Measures for later distribution to
athletes.
18
{picture}
D. MEASURING OF THROWS WITH AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
When electronic measuring is utilized for an event, the process is a bit different. The
circle/runway officials will have to follow the direction(s) of the Electronic Measurement
official(s) as to the correct procedure(s) to follow. Generally, the circle/runway judges
will not enter the ring or the runway areas during competition as the electronic
measurement official will have already made the necessary set-up measurements prior to
the commencement of the competition. Circle/runway judges and impact area judges may
be needed to assist in this preliminary work.
The marking judge will use a measuring cane with a prism device attached near the
bottom of the cane. The marking judge must make certain that the measuring cane is
perpendicular to the impact area by using the leveling bubble on the top of the measuring
cane and that the prism is facing the electronic measurement tripod/transit.
19
E. CHECK QUESTIONS:
1. You are working in the impact area of the discus throw. When the discus is thrown, due
A.
B.
C.
D.
to a cross-wind, the implement is coming directly at you. In order to avoid being struck,
you should:
backpedal away from the implement.
Run forward toward the ring/circle
Run at a ninety degree angle away from your present postion.
Do nothing and hope that the implement will miss you.
Answer: C Run at a ninety degree angle away from your present postion.
2. You are assigned to a meet at a location that you have never been to before. You should:
A. Call your assigner to find out what other officials from your area have also been assigned
to the meet to arrange a carpool.
B. Consult Mapquest (www.mapquest.com) for the driving directions to the meet or input the
address into your Global Positioning System.
C. Plan to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the scheduled start of the meet.
D. Do nothing and wait for someone to contact you.
Answer: A, B, and C.
A.
B.
C.
D.
3. You are the second official working the ring (circle) in the shotput. When the
competitor makes a throw, you should:
Watch the competitor’s feet to make sure that there is not a foot foul.
Watch to see where the implement lands
Locate the place on the flight sheet where you will write the results.
Tell the competitor, “Nice throw”.
Answer: A. Watch the competitor’s feet to make sure that there is not a foot foul.
4. You arrive at a men’s and women’s collegiate invitational meet and are assigned to
officiate the hammer throw along with several student volunteers. When you arrive at the
hammer ring, you notice that the netting around the ring has several holes in it and is hanging
two to three feet below the top of the cage. You should:
A. Conduct the events as scheduled.
B. Try to repair the holes in the netting and raise the netting to the proper height using the
pulleys and ropes, if it can be done quickly.
C. Notify meet management that the event will not be held until the hammer cage netting
has been repaired.
D. Find the referee responsible and advise the referee of the situation.
Answer: B, if not immediately repairable, then D. If referee is not available, then C.
5. You are assigned to be the primary marker in the javelin throw at a high school conference
meet. Your duties would include:
A. Calling a foul when the javelin lands flat or tail first.
B. Watching the flight of the implement and noting very carefully where the javelin first
contacts the impact area.
C. Moving to the mark, removing the javelin from the ground, and placing your marking cane
at the mark closest to the scratch line.
D. Looking first at the runway to determine if there was a foul.
20
Answer: First B, then C.
6, List the minimum equipment that an official working a throws’ event might reasonably be
expected to have.
Answer: (Digital stopwatch, marking cane, marking tape with both imperial and metric
markings, clipboard with rainproof cover, personal raingear, writing implement(s), applicable
rulebook(s), flags (yellow, red, white), yellow highlight marker, white athletic or duct tape, a
small pin or stake to mark record throws)
7. According to the flight sheet, a competitor’s throw has exceeded the NCAA national
record. You are using a fiberglass tape to measure the throws. In what order would you
do the following?
A. Call for the appropriate referee and obtain a steel tape if you do not already have
one available.
B. Immediately tell the primary marker to hold the mark.
C. Record the mark on the flight sheet and note that it may be a new record.
D. Suspend competition until the mark is certified by three officials. If this will
unreasonably delay the competition, carefully place a small stake at the location
of the mark.
Answer: B, C, A, D.
8. You are assigned to assist at a throwing event in a championship meet. When you arrive
at the meet, what should you do first?
A. Find the refreshment tent so you can get your coffee and Danish before they are
all gone.
B. Report to the meet director to find out your assignment.
C. Go sit in the stands and wait until someone notices that you are there.
D. Sit in your car until the meet starts, then go to one of the event venues and offer
to help out.
Answer: B. Report to the meet director to find out your assignment.
9. You are measuring throws in the impact area of a high school discus competition. You
notice on the first throw of the second round that the official measuring the throws at the
ring calls out a mark as, “ fifty three feet, six and one quarter inches. What should you
do?:
A. Ask for the competition to be suspended temporarily and quietly, out of the
hearing of the competitors and spectators, ask the official doing the measuring
what system of measurement (s)he is using. If necessary, tell the official that the
measurement should be to the closer lesser inch.
B. Call into the official at the ring that the measurement should be to the closer
lesser inch.
C. Mind your own business because the official at the ring has been a throws official
for twenty-five years.
D. Wait until the competition is over and tell the official in charge that (s)he was
using the wrong measurement system.
Answer: A. Ask for the competition to be suspended temporarily and quietly, out of the
hearing of the competitors and spectators, ask the official doing the measuring what system
of measurement (s)he is using. If necessary, remind the official that the measurement should
be to the closer lesser inch for high school competition in the discus.
21
10. After a throws competition is finished, what steps should you take before leaving the
meet site?
Answer: (Announce the unofficial results of the competition; turn in the results to the
appropriate person (referee, meet director, results tent or room); return all equipment
supplied by meet management to the proper location or individual; police the competition
area; collect all of your equipment, clean it and store it properly; check with the officials’
coordinator/referee/meet director to see if your assistance is needed elsewhere; thank the
appropriate persons for the privilege of officiating at the meet.)
22
APPENDIX
Site Check List
1.
Examine all field event areas for overlaps with other competition
areas including running lanes.
2.
Examine the sectors where implements will land.
3.
Examine all rings / runways and equipment for the competition.
4.
Examine all implement cages and their positioning.
5.
Check all implement impact surfaces.
6.
Examine position and brightness of lights if competition involving
field events will be held at night.
7.
Determine availability of health-care professionals for meet
sufficient for needs of the meet.
8.
Have hydration stations properly maintained.
Chief Judge or designee:
Upon arrival at officials tent

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Determine who field referee is
Find the event sheets for the event
Determine how many flights will be needed if not already
indicated by meet management
Determine how many competitors will advance to finals
Determine if measurement will be manual or electronic
Determine if measurement will be metric or imperial
Determine location of event if unfamiliar with meet venue
Determine the number of throws to be allowed in preliminaries and
finals
Determine if a minimum distance has been set for legal throws
Determine how legal implements have been marked by implement
inspector
Determine meet record and write down on event sheet(s)
Determine start time of event
Determine time to start warm-up period and length of warm-up(s)
Determine if initial warm-up period is flight specific or general
23
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Plan to be at event venue 45-60 minutes before warm-up period
starts
Determine availability of medical personnel
Check procedures for check-in of competitors (at event venue or
at clerks’ tent)
Check procedures for competitors arriving after start of
competition
Determine who will announce first, second, and third calls for
event and how they will be coordinated
Determine who will get final results when finished
Determine where needed equipment may be located and where to
return equipment when competition is over
Carry needed equipment to venue.
Upon arrival at event venue

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Take inventory of the equipment that you have and need
Acquire any equipment still needed
Set up staging/seating area for competitors on left of circle/runway
Set up implement return lane
Set up chairs and tents as needed for competitors and officials
Clean up and dry off ring/runway
Check stability/condition of ring/condition of runway
Mark center of ring/runway arc
Mark back/front of ring/extension of foul line with tape/spray paint
if not already marked
Place cone in center of ring/at foul line arc
Attach tape to measuring cane and note zero point
Lay out measuring tape along right sector line
Let other officials know how legal implements are marked and to
check them as they work
Remind other officials that safety and security of competitors,
themselves, and spectators is utmost priority
Print names of other officials on the back of the event sheet or on
separate piece of paper
Assign duties to other officials
Checking in throws event competitors
 Make certain first call for the event has been made
 Highlight with marker or circle competition order number as the
athletes check in (It is helpful to place event sheets side by side if
there are multiple flights)
 Obtain pronunciation of each athlete’s name (write in phonetic
spelling for difficult names)
 Check athlete’s uniform and competition number
 Check for any tape on athletes’ hands
24

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
Check for jewelry (National Federation meet)
Let athlete know when warm-ups will start, length of warm-up
period(s), and when competition will start
Let athlete know where staging area is located
Let athlete know where the implement return lane is located
Let athlete know the number of flights and his/her flight and
competition order
Let the athlete know the number moving on to the finals
Find out and record other events that s/he will be in
Explain procedure if s/he is not at venue when called up to
Throws event warm-up period
 Make certain that second call for the event has been made
 Check in competitors on all event record sheets
 Remove the cone from the center of ring or foul line of runway
 Announce start of general warm-up period
 Keep competitors in assigned staging area
 Move all non-competitors out of staging area
 Make certain that final call for the event is made in a timely
manner
 Assist competitors by returning implements promptly during
warm-up period
 Maintain safety within the venue
 Check to see that legal implements are being used
 Announce the end of general warm-ups and the start of flight
specific warm-ups
 Announce periodically amount of time left in flight specific warmups
 Close warm-ups for flight one five minutes prior to the start of
competition to give instructions
 Sweep ring or runway
 Place cone in center of ring or at foul line of runway
Starting competition
Call all competitors in all flights together:
 Make final check-in of competitors. Ask if anyone’s name was not
included
 Explain how many flights there will be and how many will be in
each flight
 Explain how many competitors will go to finals
 Explain how many throws are allowed in trials and finals
 Explain how finalists will be announced (at venue, over public
address system, et cetera)
 Explain procedure for calling competitors for attempt (UP - ON
DECK - ON HOLD, or a similar system)
25
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Explain the time limit and when competitor’s time will start
Explain use of yellow flag
Go over major fouls with demonstration, if needed
Explain if performances within a minimum distance are not to be
measured
Go over rules for passing a throw
Announce order of competition for each flight while confirming
other events entered by each competitor
Provide the meet record for the event
Encourage competitors to remain in staging area
Ask if there are any questions
Position all officials
Remove cone from center of ring/foul line of runway
Mark the start time on the event sheet
Call up the first competitor
After flight one is completed, allow flight two warm-ups to begin
During each flight warm-up period, recorders should verify each
competitor’s marks and circle the competitor’s best effort
After the completion of the last flight, determine, confirm, then
announce finalists in reverse order of best performance
Allow finalists to warm-up (This may not be necessary if all
finalists are from last flight to complete. This is a meet
management decision)
After completion of competition

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
Mark the end time on the event sheet
Place cone in center of ring or foul line arc
Determine the place of each competitor (In some cases, only the
place of each finalist may have to be determined.)
Complete the event sheet after recorders have confirmed final
standings
Have appropriate officials sign the event sheet and provide their
USATF certification numbers, if applicable (Event chief, ring
judge, recorder(s), marking judge)
Turn the signed event sheet over to head field judge or field referee
Retain any extra record sheets for possible questions that may arise
Clean up venue by removing tape and trash
Thank other officials for their assistance
Return equipment and unclaimed implements to the proper
location
Basic and optional equipment
{picture of array of basic equipment}
Basic:
(mm – supplied by meet management)
26
(official – supplied by official, if possible)
Straight broom and/or push broom (mm)
Chairs (mm)
Clipboard(s) (official)
Tent or shelter for officials/competitors (if available)
(mm)
Flight sheets (mm)
Red (2), white (2), and yellow (1) flags (official)
Highlight markers (yellow preferred) (official)
Pencils (official)
Applicable rule book (official)
Measuring cane /stick (official)
Fiberglass and/or steel tape measure - at least 200 feet
(or more) in imperial and metric (official)
Optional:
{picture of array of optional equipment}
(mm – supplied by meet management)
(official – supplied by official, if possible)

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The Big Gold Book (or Green or Red)
– to translate from metric to imperial
or vice-versa (official)
Clear plastic cover for clipboard(s) or
Weatherwriter™ – in case of rain
(official)
Stop watch (official)
White duct tape or athletic tape
(official)
Towel(s) – Large for drying off shoes
before entering ring/runway and small
for drying off implements (mm)
Traffic cone for ring/runway (mm)
Trash bag(s) (mm)
Chair in a bag for comfort and to use
while doing paperwork (official)
Definitions:
A trial is an attempt in a field event
A flight is a round of trials in a preliminary or
qualifying competition for a group of contestants
A foul throw is one which is counted as a trial but
which is not measured because of some violation of
the rule
27
General rules:
1. If there are more than 8 (USATF) or 9 (NCAA) competitors, there are usually
three preliminary rounds and three additional final rounds
2. To be eligible for finals, a competitor must have at least one legal attempt. One
more competitor than scoring places will qualify for finals, although this may be
altered by meet management or the rule book governing competition. If there are
ties, all competitors tying for a qualifying place advance to finals in high school
and college. Under USATF rules, the tie must be broken. Competitors throw in
reverse order of performance, the best thrower throwing last.
3. Under USATF and NCAA rules, if there are 8 (USATF) or 9 (NCAA) or fewer
competitors, all are allowed six attempts if one of the first three attempts is made,
even if none of the first three attempts are fair throws.
4. In certain meets, the games committee may allow competitors just four trials, all
finals
5. Under high school rules, if a qualifying contestant withdraws from competition in
the finals, no substitute may replace the withdrawn contestant
6. Winning performances can be from preliminaries or finals
7. Breaking ties: a higher place is awarded to the tied competitor with the second
best performance, et cetera
8. The implements must be checked and weighed
9. In all throwing events, a competitor who has not otherwise committed a foul may
interrupt a trial once started, may lay the implement down inside or outside the
circle or runway before returning to the runway or a stationary position in the
circle, and begin a fresh trial. When leaving the circle, the competitor must leave
from the back half. This must occur within the one minute time limit allowed.
10. The time limit for USATF, NCAA, and National Federation is sixty seconds. If
no time clock is available within the competitors’ view, an official will mark the
time using a yellow flag. In both NCAA and USATF, a yellow flag warning is
given fifteen seconds before the one minute time period expires. Yellow flag
warnings may be supplemented by a verbal warning, such as, “Fifteen seconds.”
11. There is no flag warning given in high school competition, however a verbal
warning should be given
12. In order to obtain a better grip, competitors may use a suitable substance on their
hands only. In the shotput, a suitable substance may also be applied to the shot
and neck area
13. Competitors may not spray or spread any substance within the circle or on their
shoes.
14. Hammer and discus competitions must be from an enclosure or cage that meets
USATF, NCAA, or National Federation rules to ensure the safety of spectators,
officials, and competitors. If the cage/enclosure does not meet the
specifications set forth in the applicable rule book, the competition shall not
be held
15. In NCAA and USATF, a throw is valid even if the implement has contacted the
cage as long as the implement initially lands within the legal impact area. In high
school, the discus throw is a foul if it touches the cage.
28
16. Implements may be provided by the games committee. If individual implements
that meet specifications are allowed, they lose their identity during the
competition and may be used by all competitors. In youth rules, an exception is
made for privately owned javelins. In masters’ rules, privately owned implements
may be used by other competitors only with the owner’s permission.
Measurement
17. A foul throw or put is not measured but counts as a trial
18. In the discus, shotput, weight throw, and hammer throw, the measurement of each
throw shall be made from the nearest mark made by the fall of the shot, discus, or
head of the weight/hammer to the inside of the circumference of the circle along a
line from the mark to the center of the circle. The zero end of the tape marks the
location of the implement and the tape is pulled through the center of the circle to
the back edge of the circle.
19. In the javelin throw, the measurement of each throw shall be made from where
the tip of the metal head first struck the ground to the inside edge of the arc along
a line from the point of fall to the center of the circle of which the arc is a part
(Youth and high school exception: the measurement is made from the first point
of contact [tip, grip, or tail])
20. Implements must be carried back to the runway or the circle and never thrown
back
21. USATF, IAAF, NCAA: All implements - the measurement is made to the next
lesser centimeter. High School- Discus throw and javelin- the measurement is
made to the next lesser inch. The shotput is measured to the next lesser quarter of
an inch.
22. In the shotput, discus, weight throw, hammer throw, and javelin, taping the wrist
is permissible. In the hammer throw and weight throw, gloves may be worn or
tape may be wound around individual fingers to form a glove-like covering. In
the shotput, discus, and javelin, gloves may not be worn and tape may not be
worn on the hand except to cover an open wound
23. An attempt is unsuccessful if:
1. The competitor does not start from a stationary
position within the circle.
2. The competitor touches the top of the iron band
or stopboard or the painted circle during his/her
attempt or touches with any part of his/her body
the surface outside the circle.
3. The competitor does not leave the circle through
the back half or the javelin runway behind the
scratch line extended.
4. The competitor leaves the circle or runway
before the implement has landed
5. The implement lands on the sector line or
outside the sector. Sector lines are out of
bounds. The handle/wire of the hammer or
29
weight or the tail of the javelin may be outside
the sector
6. The competitor uses an illegal implement
7. The competitor does not initiate a trial within
the time limit operable for the event.
{video of proper & improper techniques for each event}
Shotput
The shot shall be put from the shoulder with one hand only. At the
time the competitor takes a stance in the ring to commence a put,
the shot shall touch or be in close proximity to the neck or chin,
and the hand shall not be dropped below this position during the
act of putting. The shot must not at any time be brought below the
line of the shoulders.
Hammer throw
24. The competitor in the starting position, prior to the preliminary swings or turns, is
permitted to rest the head of the hammer on the ground outside or inside the
circle. In making a throw, the competitor may choose to assume any starting
position and shall use both hands, holding the hammer exclusively by the grip.
25. It shall not be considered a foul if the head of the hammer touches the ground or
the surface of the circle or the top of the iron band when a competitor makes
preliminary swings or turns.
26. If the hammer breaks during a throw or while in the air, it shall not count as a
throw provided the attempt was made in accordance with the rules. In the event
that the competitor thereby loses his/her balance and commits a foul, it shall not
be charged
27. Gloves are permitted, but fingertips must be exposed
Weight throw
28. In making a throw, the competitor may assume any starting position and shall use
both hands, holding the weight exclusively by the handle
29. Otherwise, the rules for the weight throw are the same as those for the hammer
throw
Javelin throw
30. The javelin must be held by the grip with one hand only so that the little finger is
nearest to the point and the thrower’s last contact with the javelin shall be with the
grip.
31. At no point after preparing to throw until the javelin is in the air may the
competitor turn completely around so that his/her back is towards the throwing
area. The javelin shall be thrown over the shoulder or upper part of the throwing
arm and may not be slung or hurled.
30
32. The point of the javelin must fall completely within the inner edges of the lines
marking the sector
33. In USATF and NCAA, no throw shall be valid or counted in which the tip or the
point of the metal head does not strike the ground before any other part of the
javelin, or where the competitor touches with any part of the body or limbs the arc
as marked or the lines drawn from the extremities thereof at right angles to the
parallel lines, or the ground beyond the arc or such lines. In high school and
USATF youth rules, the javelin does not have to touch point first
34. Competitors may not touch or cross either of the parallel lines until the javelin has
been thrown and has landed. The competitor must then exit the runway behind
the lines drawn at a right angle from the parallel lines and behind the foul line
35. If a javelin breaks at any time during the course of a throw, it shall not count as a
trial provided the throw was made in accordance with the rules
36. If a thrower improperly releases a javelin in making an attempt, it shall be
recorded as a foul and not measured
37. No marks may be placed on the runway, but a competitor may place one or two
markers along the runway. If such markers are not supplied by the games
committee, a competitor may use adhesive tape, but not chalk or similar
substance, a shoe, or anything that leaves indelible marks
Discus throw
38. A legal throw is one that is thrown from the circle into the legal sector. The
competitor must start from a stationary position in the circle.
31
SAMPLE FLIGHT RECORD SHEET
Even t 39 - NCAA Women’s Hammer Throw Finals
American Record
College Record
NCAA Meet
Drake Stadium
73.87
72.94
70.72
72.51
06.25.05
04.13.07
06.08.07
2007
Erin Gilreath
Jenny Dahlberg
Jenny Dahlbert
Brittany Riley
Attempt
1
Attempt
2
Attempt
3
Ff
Ft
63.08
Laci Heller Kansas State
58.37
59.76
Kristen Callan VA Tech
61.22
McKenzie Garberg WSU
NYAC
Georgia
Georgia
Southern Illinois
Attempt
4
Attempt
5
Attempt
6
Best
Place
3
64.12
Fs
Ff
64.12
5
59.47
-
-
-
-
59.47
-
60.26
60.40
2
60.40
61.81
62.73
62.73
9
64.09
62.16
F
6
61.71
63.08
58.69
64.09
6
Fs
58.95
60.66
-
-
-
-
60.66
-
Sarah Stevens Arizona State
63.10
63.19
Ff
4
Fs
66.37
Ff
66.37
3
Eva Orban USC
68.27
68.71
Ff
9
Fs
67.05
Ff
68.71
1
Veronica Jatsek Ohio State
58.29
58.76
Fs
-
-
-
-
58.76
-
Stevi Large Akron
60.86
60.40
Fs
1
Ff
59.35
62.88
62.88
8
Brittany Pryor VA Tech
65.26
Ff
Ff
8
Fs
Fs
67.44
67.44
2
Brittany Riley So. Illinois
57.66
63.42
Fs
5
Ff
60.12
62.73
63.42
7
Fs
62.46
64.13
7
Fs
63.24
65.28
65.28
4
Loren Groves Kansas State
Kate Burton Wyoming
Jessica Pressley Ariz. State
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Helpful Resources:
- National Federation of High Schools Rule Book, Case Book, Officials’ Manual
- National Collegiate Athletic Association Rule Book
- United States of America Track and Field Competition Rules
- International Association of Athletics Federation Competition Rules
-- WWW.USATF.ORG website (Go to Resources for Officials)
2008 NCAA Rules Update Clinic – Mark Heckel
Protocols to Minimize Injury, Death, and Bad Results at the Courthouse – J.
Shelby Sharpe
Throws Officials Assignments and Positions
The Throwing Officials’ Manual – George Kleeman
- WWW.USATF.ORG website (Go to under Resources for Officials - Training Center)
Download latest rulebook for NFHS, NCAA, USATF, and IAAF
- The Ring Blog (www.effortlessthrow.org)
- Basic Principles of Track & Field Officiating – Robert Podkaminer (A set of cards with
“quick and dirty” overview of officiating in general for both NCAA and USATF.)
([email protected])
MF athletics for equipment and supplies (www.mfathletics.com)
The material in this training module is derived primarily from the work that Duncan
McGregor prepared for a Throws Clinic given on 11 February 2007. A more lengthy
treatment of how to officiate the throws portion of a Track and Field meet may be found
on the Officials’ page of the USATF website
(www.usatfofficials.com/training/Monograph-ThrowingOfficials(2007).pdf) in the work
done by George Kleeman.
Submitted by: Ollie R. Bunch, 441 Stub Hollow Road, New Hartford, CT 06057-2513
(e-mail: [email protected]
USATF certification: 013898 – Masters’ Level in Throws.
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