Scope
The purpose of this section is to aid in construction of individual field events. The location of the field events is often determined by the area available for construction of the facility as well as other sports and recreational programs being held at the facility. Factors to be taken into consideration should be safety, drainage and location.
2.0
A.
Keep landing areas away from spectators and the edge of the track.
B.
Hammer and discus throwing circles must be protected with an energy absorbing net.
C.
All throwing areas should be protected by fencing or flagging.
D.
Runways and landing areas should not interfere with start and finish lines on the running track. An effort should be made to locate runways outside of the track infield.
E.
Protective coverings should be placed over landing areas where other sports activities can come in contact with the area.
3.0
Drainage
All water should drain away from the event areas. See also Guideline I.C.
4.0
Location
The location of the field events is often determined by the area available for construction of the facility.
A.
Prevailing Winds
Jumping events are normally run with the wind. Avoid cross winds for pole vaulting. Throwing events are held into the wind, although new styles of javelin can be thrown with the wind.
B.
Sun or Lighting Reflection
Consideration must be given to sun and light reflection so that the athlete’s vision is not blurred during competition or practice.
C.
Events should be accessible to storage shelters.
D.
Events need to be placed so that spectators can safely see the competition.
E.
Events need to be accessible for athletes.
F.
Grouping the events makes participation and administration easier.
E.
Events need to be accessible for athletes.
5.0
Field Event Specifications
All dimensions should meet the criteria specified by the appropriate governing body; i.e., International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) which governs international competition; USA Track & Field (USATF) which governs open competition in the United States; National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) which governs college competition; or National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHSA) which governs high school competition.
International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF)
17 Rue Princesse-Florestine
BP359, MC 98007
Monaco
011-377-931-0888
USA Track & Field (USATF)
Suite 140
Hoosier Dome
Indianapolis, IN 46225
317-261-0500
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
6201 College Boulevard
Overland Park, KS 66211
913-339-1906
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHSA)
P. O. Box 20626
Kansas City, MO 64195
816-464-5400
A.
High Jump
IAAF
The minimum length of the runway should be 15m except in certain large international competitions where the minimum length should be 20m. When conditions permit, the minimum length should be 25m. The maximum overall inclination of the runway and take-off area should not exceed 1:250 in the direction of the center of the cross-bar. The take-off area should be level.
USATF
The apron is a 15m semicircle surrounding the standards. In championship competition, the suggested minimum length is 20m. The maximum overall inclination of the runway and take-off area should not exceed 1:250 in the direction of the center of the cross-bar.
NCAA
It is recommended that the approach be an octagon or square with a surface of at least 21m. The minimum length provided should be 15m. The maximum overall inclination of the runway and take-off area should not exceed 1:250 in the direction of the center of the cross-bar. The take-off area is the semicircle enclosed by a 3m radius whose center point is directly under the center of the cross-bar.
NFSHSA
The approach should consist of a semicircle or rectangle of level and unvarying surface. The center of the semicircle or rectangle is to be the midpoint between the standards. The depth of the approach should be a minimum of 50’. The inclination in the approach should not exceed 1:100. Hard and unyielding surfaces, such as concrete, wood, or asphalt that extend out from beneath the sides and back of the high jump landing pad should be padded with a minimum of 2" dense foam or other suitable material. Note: It is recommended that hard and unyielding materials, such as asphalt and concrete, that extend out from beneath the landing pad be removed.
B.
Pole Vault
1.
Runway
IAAF
The minimum length of the runway should be 40m, when conditions permit 45m. The minimum width should be 1.22m and with a maximum width of 1.25m. The runway should be marked by white lines 5cm in width. A white line 1cm wide may be drawn at right angles to the axis of the runway at the level of the inside edge of the top of the vault box. This line should be prolonged as far as the outside edge of the uprights. Maximum allowance for lateral inclination of the runway is 1:100. Overall inclination of the runway in the running direction should not exceed 1:1000.
USATF
Same as IAAF.
NCAA
The minimum length of the runway should be 38.1m. Recommended width is 1.22m. Maximum allowance for lateral inclination of the runway is 1:100. Overall inclination of the runway in the running direction should not exceed 1:1000.
NFSHSA
Recommended minimum length of the runway should be 40m, when conditions permit 45m. Width of the runway should be 1.07m whenever possible. Maximum allowance for lateral inclination of the runway is 2:100. Overall inclination of the runway in the running direction should not exceed 1:1000.
2.
Vaulting Box
IAAF
Should be constructed of suitable rigid material sunk level with the runway. Should be 1m in length, measured along the inside of the bottom of the box. Should be 60cm in width at the front end, tapering to 15cm in width at the bottom of the stop board. The length of the box at runway level and the depth of the stop board are determined by the angle of 105 degrees formed between the base and the stop board. The base of the box should slope from runway level at the front end to a vertical distance below ground level of 20cm at the point where it meets the stop board. The box should be constructed in such a manner that the sides slope outwards and end next to the stop board at an angle of approximately 120 degrees to the base. Note: If the box is constructed of wood, the bottom should be lined with 2.5mm sheet metal for a distance of 80cm from the front of the box.
USATF
Same as IAAF.
NCAA
Same as IAAF except it should be painted white.
NFSHSA
Same as IAAF except it should be painted a contrasting color.
3.
Landing Area
IAAF
The landing area should measure not less than 5m by 5m. The sides of the landing area nearest the box should be placed 10cm to 15cm from the box and should slope away from the box at an angle of approximately 30 degrees. Note: The approximate length of the pad should be 1.3m. This is in addition to the previously identified 5m.
USATF
Same as IAAF.
NCAA
The landing area should measure a minimum of 4.88m wide by 3.66m deep. The front portion should be the same width as the back, 4.88m, extending from the back edge of the stop board to the front edge of the vaulting box. The maximum cutout for the vaulting box should be 91.44cm measured across the bottom of the cutout. The back of the cutout should be placed no farther than 36cm from the vertical plane of the stopboard. Suitable padding should be placed around the base of the standards.
NFSHSA
Same as NCAA. All hard and unyielding surfaces should be padded with a minimum of 2" of dense foam or other suitable materials. Note: It is recommended that all excess material, such as asphalt or concrete, that extends out from beneath the landing pad be removed.
C.
Long Jump
1.
Runway
IAAF
The minimum length of the runway should be 40m and where possible 45m. The minimum width should be 1.22m with a maximum width of 1.25m. The runway should be marked by white lines 5cm in width. The maximum allowance for lateral inclination of the runway should not exceed 1:100. Overall inclination of the runway in the running direction should not exceed 1:1000.
USATF
Same as IAAF.
NCAA
Same as IAAF with exception of minimum length of runway should be 39.62m. When the runway is not distinguishable from the adjacent surface, it is to be lined as IAAF.
NFSHSA
Same as IAAF with following exceptions: Width of runway should be 1.07m when possible. Lateral inclination should be a maximum of 2:100. Note: All runway lengths are measured to the respective foul line.
2.
Takeoff Board
IAAF
The takeoff should be marked by a board sunk level with the runway and the surface of the landing area. The edge of the board which is nearer to the landing area should be called the takeoff line. Immediately beyond the takeoff line there should be placed a plasticine indicator board for the assistance of the judges. The takeoff board should be rectangular, made of wood or other suitable rigid material. It should measure 1.21m to 1.22m long, 20cm (+/- 2mm) wide and 10cm deep. It should be painted white. The distance between the takeoff board and the far end of the landing area should be at least 10m. The takeoff board should be placed between 1m and 3m from the nearer end of the landing area. The plasticine indicator board should consist of a rigid board, 10cm wide (+/- 2mm wide) and 1.21m to 1.22m long and be made of wood or other suitable rigid material. The board should be mounted in a recess or shelf in the runway, on the side of the takeoff board nearer the landing area. The surface should rise from the level of the takeoff board to a height of 7mm (+/- 1mm). The edges should either slant at an angle of 30 degrees with the edge nearer to the runway covered with a plasticine layer along its length 1mm thick or should be cut away such that the recess, when filled with plasticine, should slant at an angle of 30 degrees. When mounted in this recess, the whole assembly should be sufficiently rigid to accept the full force of the athlete’s foot. The surface of the board beneath the plasticine should be of a material in which spikes of an athlete’s shoe will grip and not skid.
USATF
Same as IAAF.
NCAA
Same as IAAF with following exceptions: Length of takeoff board should be at least 1.22m long. Width of the takeoff board should be 19.8cm to 20.32cm and it should be not more than 10cm thick. Distance between the takeoff board and the nearer edge of the landing area should be not less than 1m or greater than 3.66m. The plasticine indicator board, not mandatory, should be prepared so that the top of the plasticine is level with the takeoff board. The plasticine should be of a contrasting color.
NFSHSA
The takeoff area should be marked by a rectangular shaped takeoff board, manufactured of wood or synthetic material. The takeoff board must be set firmly in the ground and level with the runway and the surface of the landing area. It must provide a firm base. The width should be between 8" (minimum) and 24" (maximum). It should be at least 4’ long. If the takeoff board is 8" wide, an additional 8" of firm, resilient material may be placed so that it abuts against the edge of the takeoff board farthest from the scratch line. On hard surfaced runways, a painted scratch line of contrasting color and with the same size specifications may be used in lieu of a takeoff board. The boys’ scratch line should be located 12’ from the nearer edge of the landing area. The girls’ scratch line should be located 8’ from the nearer edge of the landing area. Note: These distances may be adjusted to accommodate different levels of competition.
3.
Landing Area
IAAF
The landing area should have a minimum width of 2.75m and a maximum width of 3m. The landing area, if possible, should be so placed so that the middle of the runway, if extended, would coincide with the middle of the landing area. The landing area should be filled with soft damp sand, the top surface of which should be level with the takeoff board. Note: For those landing areas that do not conform to the width and centerline requirements, then tape dividing lines are placed so that the dimensions are achieved.
USATF
Same as IAAF.
NCAA
The landing area should be not less than 2.74m in width and should be identical in elevation with the takeoff board. The area should be filled with sand level with the takeoff board.
NFSHSA
The landing area is to have a minimum width of 9’ and a minimum length of 15’. The landing area should be filled with sand level to the takeoff board and of sufficient depth to ensure a safe landing.
D.
Triple Jump
IAAF
Same as for Long Jump with following exceptions: Distance between the takeoff board and the far end of the landing area should be at least 21m. Recommended takeoff board locations for international competitions: Men - not less than 13m from the nearer end of the landing area. Women - not less than 11m from the nearer end of the landing area. Note: For other competition the distance should be appropriate for the competition.
USATF
Same as IAAF with the following exception: The women’s takeoff board location should be at least 10m from the nearer end of the landing area.
NCAA
Same as for NCAA Long Jump with the following exceptions: Men - The distance from the foul line to the nearer edge of the landing area should be at least 10.97m (recommended is 12.5m). Women - The distance from the foul line to the nearer edge of the landing area should be at least 8.53m (recommended is 10.36m).
NFSHSA
Same as for NFSHSA Long Jump with the following exceptions: The boys’ scratch line should be located 32’ from the nearer edge of the landing area. The girls’ scratch line should be located 24’ from the nearer edge of the landing area. The length of the runway is measured from the long jump foul line.
E.
Shot Put, Discus and Hammer Throw
1.
Circle
IAAF
Circles should be made of band iron, steel or other suitable material. The top of the circle should be flush with the ground outside. The interior of the circle may be constructed of concrete, asphalt or some other firm but not slippery material. The surface of this interior should be level and 14mm – 26mm lower than the upper edge of the rim of the circle. A portable circle meeting with these specifications is permissible. The rim of the circle should be at least 6mm thick. The rim of the circle should be painted white. A white line 5cm wide should be drawn from the top of the metal rim extending for at least 75cm on either side of the circle. It may be painted or made of wood or other suitable material. The rear edge of the white line should form a prolongation of a theoretical line through the center of the circle at right angles to the center line of the landing sector.
USATF
Same as IAAF with following additions: The metal rim should have a height of 76mm. Inclination for the circle should be 1:100 lateral and 1:1000 in the throwing direction.
NCAA
The circles in the throwing events should be made of a band of metal or suitable rigid material (rubber is not suitable) and should be secured flush with the throwing surface. The interior should be of concrete or similar material. The surface of the interior should be 19.05mm +/-6mm lower than the surface outside the circle. All other information is the same as USATF except the shot put ring height is 19mm.
NFSHSA
The throwing circles should be marked with a metal, wood or plastic band which should not rise more than 3/4" (19mm) above the level of the circle. If the circle has a surface of asphalt, concrete, wood or other hard material, a painted line 2" (5cm) wide may be substituted for the band. A concrete surface with a 1/64" (1mm) roughness is recommended. Projecting lines 2" (5cm) wide and 8" (20cm) in length lying on the diameter extended and outside the circumference, should be used to designate the back half of the throwing circle.
NFSHSA
Same as IAAF, but no tolerances.
Note: When a white line borders any circle, the lines are not a part of the circle measurement.
3.
Shot Put Stop Board
IAAF
The board should be white and made of wood or other suitable material. It should be made in the form of an arc so that the inner edge coincides with the inner edge of the circle. The board should be placed and securely anchored to the ground midway between the sector lines. The board should measure 11.2cm to 30cm wide, 1.22m (+/- 1cm) long on the inside, and 10cm (+/- 2mm) high in relation to the level of the inside of the circle. Note: Stop boards to previous specifications remain acceptable.
USATF
Same as IAAF.
NCAA
Same as IAAF with following exceptions: It should measure 112mm to 116mm in width and 98mm to 102mm in height.
NFSHSA
The board should be constructed of concrete, fiberglass, metal, wood or other hard-surfaced material. It should be made in the form of an arc so that the inner edge coincides with the inner edge of the circle and firmly secured in this position. The board should measure 1.22m long along the inside, 10cm in height and 11.4cm in width. The inside edge of the line or band is the limit of the putting circle.
4.
Implement Landing Areas
IAAF
The landing sector should consist of cinders, grass or other suitable material on which the implement makes an imprint. The overall downward inclination of the landing sector should not exceed 1:1000 in the throwing direction. The landing sector should be marked with white lines 5cm wide at an angle of 40 degrees such that the lines, if extended, would pass through the center of the circle.
USATF
Same as IAAF
NCAA
Same as IAAF.
NFSHSA
Inclination from the throwing area to the landing area should not exceed 1:100. The shot put throwing sector angle should be 65.5 degrees. The discus throwing sector angle should be 60 degrees.
Note: When college facilities are used, the 40 degree sector angle is allowed.
5.
Safety Cages
IAAF
Shot Put: No cage required.
Discus and Hammer: Required. Detailed options are explained in IAAF Handbook as well as in the IAAF Track and Field Facilities Manual.
USATF
Shot Put: No cage required.
Discus and Hammer: Required. Detailed options are explained in the USATF Rules book.
NCAA
Shot Put: No cage required.
Discus and Hammer: Required. See Drawings, Guideline III.I.
NFSHSA
Shot Put: No cage required.
Discus: Required. See Drawings, Guideline III.I. Note: All cages are designed to provide limited protection for spectators, officials and competitors. Cages do not ensure the safety of these personnel.
6.0
F.
Javelin
1.
Runway
IAAF
The minimum length of the runway should be 30m. When conditions permit, the minimum length should be 33.5m. The maximum length of the runway should be 36.5m. The runway should be marked by two parallel white lines 5cm wide and 4m apart (lines are not a part of the 4m measurement). The throw should be made from behind an arc of a circle drawn with a radius of 8m. The arc should consist of a strip painted or made of wood or metal 7cm wide. The arc should be painted white and be flush with the ground. Lines should be drawn from the extremities of the arc at right angles to the parallel lines marking the runway. These lines should be white, 75cm long and 7cm wide. The maximum lateral inclination of the runway should be 1:100 and 1:1000 downward in the running direction.
USATF
Same as IAAF.
NCAA
Same as IAAF with following exceptions: All measurements are not rounded off. Recommend that the runway be an artificial surface. When artificial surface is used, then extend the runway 1m past the foul line for safety.
NFSHSA
Same as NCAA without comment regarding artificial surface. Lateral inclination is not more than 2:100 and not more than 1:100 from the throwing area to the landing area.
2.
Implement Landing Area
IAAF
The landing sector should consist of cinders, grass or other suitable material on which the javelin makes an imprint. The maximum allowance for the overall inclination of the landing sector in throwing direction should not exceed 1:1000. The landing sector should be marked with white lines 5cm wide such that the inner edge of the lines, if extended, would pass through the two intersections of the inner edges of the arc and the parallel lines marking the runway and intersect at the center of the circle which the arc is part. The sector is thus about 29 degrees.
USATF
Same as IAAF.
NCAA
Same as IAAF.
NFSHSA
Same as IAAF except inclination from the throwing area to the landing area should not exceed 1:100.
Note: The ASBA makes every effort to keep up to date on the various rules changes from each association. All rules information has been taken from the various associations’ rules books. However, these rules are subject to change without notice to the ASBA, and there is no assurance that the current rules are included in this guideline. If you need to make a specific rules determination, you are advised to contact the appropriate governing body for its current rule book.
