WVAL Rules
WVAL LEAGUE PRACTICE MEETS Revised 3/1/24
WVAL LEAGUE FINALS QUALIFIERS
MINIMUM STANDARDS:
Top two (2) in 100 meter & hurdles per team per school
o 100 Meter- 6G 16.5, 7G 16.0 8G 15.5
6B 15.5, 7B 15.0, 8B 14.5
o 65 Hurdles- 6G 15.0, 7G 14.5, 8G 14.0
6B 14.0, 7B 13.5, 8B 13.0
Top three (3) in 800 meter & Mile per team
o Mile- 6G 8:00, 7G 7:45, 8G 7:30
6B 7:30, 7B 7:15, 8B 7:00
o 800 Meter - 6G 3:20, 7G 3:10, 8G 3:00
6B 3:10, 7B 3:05, 8B 2:55
Top three (3) in all field events per team
o Discus- 6G 30’0, 7G 35’0, 8G 40’0
6B 35’0, 7B 40’0, 8B 50’0
o Shot Put- 6G 15’0, 7G 18’0 , 8G 20’0
6B 18’0, 7B 20’0, 8B 22’0
o Long Jump- 6G 9’00”, 7G 10’00”, 8G 11’00”
6B 10’00”, 7B 12’00”, 8B 14”00”
o Triple Jump- 6G 19’00”, 7G 21’00”, 8G 23’00”
6B 20’00”, 7B 22’00”, 8B 24’00”
o High Jump- 6G 3’08”, 7G 3’10”, 8G 4’0”
6B 3’10”, 7B 4’0”, 8B 4’02”
One (1) 4x100 relay per school per team
o 6G 1:10, 7G 1:06, 8G 1:03
o 6B 1:06, 7B 1:03, 8B 0.59
One (1) 4x400 relay per school per team
o 6G 5:40, 7G 5:20, 8G 5:00
o 6B 5:40, 7B 5:10, 8B 4:45
2024 WVAL Track & Field Championships
Coaches Meeting: 3:30PM; Field Events Start: 4:00PM (check in 3:30pm); Running Events start: 4:00PM
Athletes can compete in a maximum of four events (including relays).
All spectators must remain off the fields. They must remain behind the fences.
Please keep coaches, athletes, and other team supporters away from the timing area.
Protests must be made immediately by a coach following the event being protested.
Athletes may only use 1/4" spikes or less on the track and runways.
All Athletes MUST have competition number on hand in black sharpie for ALL events, including field. Sign-ups for field events begin at 3:30 and continue until the official start of the related flight.
Warm-ups for field events will only be allowed immediately prior to the related flight.
Height will be held for athletes if they check-out with a high jump official and check-in within 10 minutes. Shots and discus will be provided and will be the only permitted shot and discus for the meet.
8th grade boys use an 8lb shot, all others use a 6lb shot. All throwers use a 1kg discus.
This year there will be 2 HJ pits. One will be designated for the boys, the other for girls. Both pits will be open and start promptly at 3:30pm
1600M Limit 3 participants per division
65M HURDLES Limit 2 participants per division in qualifying race
400M RELAY Limit 1 team per division (uniforms must satisfy CIF rules)
800M Limit 3 participants per division
100M Limit 2 participants per division in qualifying race
1600M RELAY Limit 1 team per division (uniforms must satisfy CIF rules)
FIELD EVENTS Limit 3 participants per division per event
WVAL TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP ORDER OF EVENT
Top 6 receive medals
Track Umpire Roles
Provided Equipment: Flags.
Umpire Coverage
There should be a minimum of four (4) Umpires assigned to the meet. They are to stand in a position just outside of lane 8 on each curve to observe the runners and at least one should be assigned to the far end of each relay zone to observe for zone violations.
Noting a Possible Violation
Each umpire should be equipped with a red and white flag. If an apparent violation is observed, the red flag is raised and the violation is reported.
Common Violations.
The main violations to watch for are:
- Lane Line An athlete taking three or more consecutive steps with either or both feet on or over the inside lane line while running in an assigned lane on the curve shall be disqualified.
- Interference While running on the straight or the curve in any race, a competitor interferes with, cuts off or impedes another runner.
- Finishes Out of Lane A competitor does not finish the race in her/his assigned lane.
- Relay Exchange Zone The competitor does not exchange the baton within the 20 meter exchange zone—either too soon or too late. Focus on the location of the baton not the runner.
- Dropped Baton. When retrieving a dropped baton, the athlete interfered with another runner. Or, the runner who dropped the baton outside the exchange zone was not the one who picked it up (note: either runner may pick up a dropped baton when in the exchange zone).
- Illegal Hurdling The hurdler fails to clear the hurdle height with both legs or interferes with another hurdler.
Adapted from HS/USATF Chief Official’s Overview Training Program
Track Umpire Roles During Relays
Provided Equipment: Flags.
Umpire’s Role
Umpiring relay races require special attention since the Umpire serves multiple roles—instructor, supervisor and competition observer.
4x100 Umpires
- The 4 x 100 meter relay is run completely in lanes—the Umpire is to watch for lane violations on the curves (if available an Umpire should be specifically assigned to this task).
- A 20 meter acceleration zone is given before the exchange zone. The baton is not to be exchanged in the acceleration zone.
- The exchange zone is the width of the lane and 30 meters long. The arrows marking the ends of the zone are included in the 30 meters.
- At the exchange, all runners have to start and exchange the baton inside the exchange zone.
- The baton must be handed to the next runner, it is not to be thrown.
- When the baton exchange is completed, incoming runners should be instructed to stay in the lane in which they ran until asked by the Umpire to leave the track once the zone is clear.
- Ideally, Umpires are assigned to each end of the zone.
- When there are 6 or less Umpires, priority should be given to placement at the exit end of the zone and the umpire should stand on the outside of the track just beyond lane 8’s zone.
4x400 Umpires
- The 4 x 400 meter relay has no acceleration zone. Athletes must remain within the exchange zone while waiting for the baton and must receive the baton within the exchange zone.
- In the 4 x 400 meter relay, the exchange zone is 10 meters prior to the 400 meter mark. The athletes must remain within the exchange zone while waiting for the baton and must receive the baton while it is in the exchange zone. The runners may then break to the inside so long as they do not impede a runner to the inside of them.
High Jump Procedures
Provided Equipment: Measuring tape; jumping system.
Provided Supplies: Clipboard, scoring forms, pen, stopwatch
Event Runner’s Role
To supervise the safety of all competitors during the warm-up and competition, and to accurately measure/record each jump.
Sign Ups:
- During sign ups, record each grade and gender on a different sheet (six or more sheets). Record Last Name, Competitor Number, School Name.
- Inform competitors that they will compete in the same sequence in which they are signed-up. Line up athletes, as that will reduce confusion.
- At the start of each division competition conduct a quick Official’s Meeting to explain procedures.
Competition Procedures
- Each competitor will receive a total of three attempts at each height.
- The bar is raised up 2” each round and the starting heights are:
- 6th Grade Girls start at 3’08”
- 7th Grade Girls start at 3’10”
- 8th Grade Girls start at 4’0”
- 6th Grade Boys start at 3’10”
- 7th Grade Boys start at 4’0”
- 8th Grade Boys start at 4’02”
- Athletes must check out with officials to compete in another event and MUST return IMMEDIATELY after the other event is over. The bar will not rise during that time.
- Athletes may choose to pass heights - if they have not returned from another event after 10 minutes, they choose to pass the height.
- The bar is not to be lowered under any circumstances. It only goes up.
- A player is eliminated once they have had three fouls at any one height.
Measurement
Each time the bar is raised, the height of the bar should be measured from the ground to the top of the middle of the bar. Do not rely on the standards for knowing the height.
Time Limit
Time limit is 1 minute. Attempts must be started within the time limit.
Fouls
A foul jump is not measured, but is counted as one of the three attempts. It is a foul if the competitor:
- takes off from two feet
- displaces the crossbar in an attempt to clear it
- touches the ground or landing area beyond the plane of the bar without attempting to clear the height
- after clearing the bar, stumbles against the upright and displaces the cross bar
- after clearing the bar, attempts to steady the cross bar
Safety
Check the location of the standards and supervise every practice attempt.
Calls
The following calls are made:
- Up – the current jumper is announced (“Smith is Up”)
- On Deck – the jumper who will jump after the current jumper is alerted (“Smith is up, Jones is on deck ”)
- On Hold – the third jumper in the group is alerted (“Smith is up, Jones is on deck and Baker is on hold ”)
Tie-Breakers
The fewest total trials at the height at which the tie occurs shall be awarded the higher place. If that is a tie as well, the fewest total number of unsuccessful trials throughout the entire competition shall be awarded the higher place.
Awards
Please score the division as soon as it is completed. Gather the athletes and handout awards. If an athlete is not present, label the award with their complete name and school and return it to the scoring table. Indicate on recording sheet athletes have received their award and return score sheet to results table.
Long Jump Procedures
Provided Equipment: 100ft measuring tape (x2); rake.
Provided Supplies: Clipboard, scoring forms, pen
Event Runner’s Role
To supervise the safety of all competitors during the warm-up and competition, and to accurately measure/record each attempt to the nearest quarter-inch (round down).
Sign Ups
- During sign ups, record each grade and gender on a different sheet (six or more sheets). Record Last Name, Competitor Number, School Name.
- Inform competitors that they will compete in the same sequence in which they are signed-up. Line up athletes, as that will reduce confusion.
- You may start to sign athletes in at 3:45 and continue to sign athletes in until the start of jumps for that specific division.
- Prior to starting official jumps, allow athletes to get their step and do run throughs.
- At the start of each division competition conduct a quick Official’s Meeting to explain procedure and identify the different jumping boards.
Competition Procedures
- Each athlete will receive a total of three attempts.
- Athletes must declare their board choice before jumping.
- They must take attempts one at a time. Scratches count as an attempt.
- Any athlete who leaves the event must check out with the recorder. They must return within 10 minutes after the conflicting event concludes.
Measurement.
Measurements are made from the nearest edge of the first imprint made by the body (foot, butt, hand, etc) to the front (pit-side) of the takeoff board. The zero mark of the measuring tape should be held at the nearest edge of the first imprint made by the body. Measurements are rounded down to the nearest quarter-inch and recorded.
Scratches
The jumper shall takeoff from on or behind the takeoff board. It shall be counted as a scratch and not measured if:
- Jumper’s foot extends past the takeoff board
- Jumper runs across the takeoff board
Take Off Board Locations (From Pit)
Board 1: 6’ Board 2: 8’ Board 3: 12’
Awards
Please score the division as soon as it is completed. Gather the athletes and handout awards. If an athlete is not present, label the award with their complete name and school and return it to the scoring table. Indicate on the recording sheet athletes have received their award and return the score sheet to the results table.
Tie-Breakers
If the best jump is identical between 2 or more competitors, the tie breaker will go to the next (2nd) best jump. Then it will go to the third best jump.
Shot Put Procedures
Provided Equipment: 100ft measuring tape TEAM IN CHARGE BRINGS: minimum shot puts (x3) 6lb. & 8lb. and other equipment needed to measure..
Provided Supplies: Clipboard, scoring forms, pen
Event Runner’s Role
To supervise the safety of all competitors during the warm-up and competition, and to accurately measure/record each throw to the nearest quarter-inch (round down).
Sign Ups:
- During sign ups, record each grade and gender on a different sheet (six or more sheets). Record Last Name, Competitor Number, School Name.
- Inform competitors that they will compete in the same sequence in which they are signed-up. Line up athletes, as that will reduce confusion.
- You may start to sign athletes in at 3:30 and continue to sign athletes in until the start of throws for that specific division.
- At the start of each division competition conduct an Official’s Meeting to explain procedure.
- Equipment: Athletes must use the equipment provided by the Official. They may not use their own equipment during the meets.
Competition Procedures
- Each competitor will receive a total of three throws, they will be taken consecutively.
- Each throw will be measured to the nearest quarter-inch (round down).
- The competitor may enter the throwing circle from any point, but must exit following the throw from the nearer back half of the throwing circle.
Shot Put Weights
Eighth grade boys use an eight pound shot put, everyone else uses the six pound shot. Please verify the correct shot is being used before an athlete throws.
Measurement
Measures are made from the nearest edge of the first mark made by the discus to the inside edge of the throwing circle. The zero mark of the measuring tape should be held at the first mark made by the shot. Measurements are rounded down to the nearest quarter-inch and recorded.
Fouls
A foul throw is not measured, but is counted as one of the three attempts. It is a foul throw if the competitor:
- After stepping into the circle, fails to pause before starting to throw
- Touches either the painted or metal circle (not including the inner surface of the stop-board or metal band if one is used) or the ground outside of throwing circle
- The shot lands on or outside the throwing sector lines (lines are out)
- After the shot has landed, does not exit from the back half of the circle
- When shot separates from chin/ neck area during throw
Time Limit
Time limit is 1 minute. Throw must be started within the time limit.
Safety
To ensure the safety of all in the area, supervise every practice throw (using a cone or a person standing in the circle to prevent throws) and keeping everyone behind the cage.
Taping, Belts, and Gloves
No taping of the hands or fingers is permitted except to protect an open wound. A protective belt may be worn; use of gloves of any type is prohibited.
Calls The following calls are made:
- Up – the next thrower is announced (“Smith is Up”)
- On Deck – the thrower who will throw after the next thrower is alerted (“Smith is up, Jones is on deck ”)
- On Hold – the third thrower in the group is alerted (“Smith is up, Jones is on deck and Baker is on hold ”)
- Mark is called when the athlete has completed the throw and properly exited the circle
- Foul is called if a foul has been indicated due to the throw or exiting
Awards
Please score the division as soon as it is completed. Gather the athletes and handout awards. If an athlete is not present, label the award with their complete name and school and return it to the scoring table. Indicate on recording sheet athletes have received their award and return score sheet to results table.
Tie-Breakers - If the best jump is identical between 2 or more competitors, the tie breaker will go to the next (2nd) best jump. Then it will go to the third best jump.
Triple Jump Procedures
Provided Equipment: 100ft measuring tape (x2); rake.
Provided Supplies: Clipboard, scoring forms, pen
Event Runner’s Role
To supervise the safety of all competitors during the warm-up and competition, and to accurately measure/record each attempt to the nearest quarter-inch (round down).
Sign Ups
- During sign ups, record each grade and gender on a different sheet (six or more sheets). Record Last Name, Competitor Number, School Name.
- Inform competitors that they will compete in the same sequence in which they are signed-up. Line up athletes, as that will reduce confusion.
- You may start to sign athletes in at 3:30 and continue to sign athletes in until the start of jumps for that specific division.
- Prior to starting official jumps, allow athletes to get their step and do run throughs.
- At the start of each division competition conduct a quick Official’s Meeting to explain procedure and identify the different jumping boards.
Competition Procedures
- Each athlete will receive a total of three attempts.
- Athletes must declare their board choice before jumping.
- They must take attempts one at a time. Scratches count as an attempt.
- Any athlete who leaves the event must check out with the recorder. They must return within 10 minutes after the conflicting event concludes.
- In the first phase of triple jump, the jumper must land on the same foot as the takeoff foot, in the second phase the jumper must land on the opposite foot and may land in the pit with any feet (R-R-L or L-L-R).
Measurement.
Measurements are made from the nearest edge of the first imprint made by the body (foot, butt, hand, etc) to the front (pit-side) of the takeoff board. The zero mark of the measuring tape should be held at the nearest edge of the first imprint made by the body. Measurements are rounded down to the nearest quarter-inch and recorded.
Scratches
The jumper shall takeoff from on or behind the takeoff board. It shall be counted as a scratch and not measured if:
- Jumper’s foot extends past the takeoff board
- Jumper fails to execute jump correctly
- Jumper runs across the takeoff board
Suggested Take Off Board Locations
Girls: 18’ and 24’ Boys: 18’ and 24’
Awards
Please score the division as soon as it is completed. Gather the athletes and handout awards. If an athlete is not present, label the award with their complete name and school and return it to the scoring table. Indicate on recording sheet athletes have received their award and return score sheet to results table.
Tie-Breakers
If the best jump is identical between 2 or more competitors, the tie breaker will go to the next (2nd) best jump. Then it will go to the third best jump.
Discus Procedures
Provided Equipment: 200ft measuring tape. TEAM IN CHARGE BRINGS: minimum rubber discus (x3) and other equipment needed to measure.
Provided Supplies: Clipboard, scoring forms, pen
Event Runner’s Role
To supervise the safety of all competitors during the warm-up and competition, and to accurately measure/record each throw to the nearest quarter-inch (round down).
Sign Ups
- During sign ups, record each grade and gender on a different sheet (six or more sheets). Record Last Name, Competitor Number, School Name.
- Inform competitors that they will compete in the same sequence in which they are signed-up. Line up athletes, as that will reduce confusion.
- You may start to sign athletes in at 3:45 and continue to sign athletes in until the start of throws for that specific division.
- At the start of each division competition conduct a quick Official’s Meeting to explain the procedure.
- Equipment: Athletes must use the equipment provided by the Official. They may not use their own equipment during the meets.
Competition Procedures
- Each competitor will receive a total of three throws, they will be taken consecutively.
- Each throw will be measured to the nearest quarter-inch (round down).
- The competitor may enter the throwing circle from any point, but must exit following the throw from the nearer back half of the throwing circle.
Safety
To ensure the safety of all in the area, supervise every practice throw (using a cone or a person standing in the circle to prevent throws) and keeping everyone behind the cage.
Measurement
Measures are made from the nearest edge of the first mark made by the discus to the inside edge of the throwing circle. The zero mark of the measuring tape should be held at the first mark made by the discus. Measurements are rounded down to the nearest quarter-inch and recorded.
Fouls
A foul throw is not measured, but is counted as one of the three attempts. It is a foul throw if the competitor:
- After stepping into the circle, fails to pause before starting to throw
- Touches either the painted or metal circle (not including the inner surface of the stop-board or metal band if one is used) or the ground outside of the throwing circle
- The discus lands on or outside the throwing sector lines (lines are out)
- After the discus has landed, does not exit from the back half of the circle
Time Limit
Time limit is 1 minute. Throw must be started within the time limit.
Taping, Belts, and Gloves
No taping of the hands or fingers is permitted except to protect an open wound. A protective belt may be worn; use of gloves of any type is prohibited.
Calls
The following calls are made:
- Up – the next thrower is announced (“Smith is Up”)
- On Deck – the thrower who will throw after the next thrower is alerted (“Smith is up, Jones is on deck ”)
- On Hold – the third thrower in the group is alerted (“Smith is up, Jones is on deck and Baker is on hold ”)
- Mark is called when the athlete has completed the throw and properly exited the circle
- Foul is called if a foul has been indicated due to the throw or exiting
Awards
Please score the division as soon as it is completed. Gather the athletes and handout awards. If an athlete is not present, label the award with their complete name and school and return it to the scoring table. Indicate on recording sheet athletes have received their award and return score sheet to results table.
Tie-Breakers
If the best jump is identical between 2 or more competitors, the tie breaker will go to the next (2nd) best jump. Then it will go to the third best jump.