Class 4 Tracks
Class 4 Markings Certification for Running Tracks
Instructions to Surveyor
Version 1/10/10
1. Purpose of this document:
This document is intended to serve as verification to the owner of the facility
that their track meets the requirements of the appropriate governing body in
the categories described below. Class 4 Certification is intended to be completed
as an integral part of the striping, and not as an “after the fact” undertaking.
For tracks requiring certification after the striping is complete, use Class
5 Certification. This form has been published by the American Sports Builders
Association to assist owners of track facilities in verifying that their track
facility meets the official requirements of the relevant governing body of
the sport. The American Sports Builders Association makes no representation
with respect to the requirements of any governing body, nor does it warrant
or guarantee the accuracy or correctness of the measurements or conclusion
of the certifying party.
This form may be completed by a competent measurer, such as a Registered Land
Surveyor, Professional Engineer, Certified Track Builder, or an experienced
Track Striper.
2. Relevant parameters of the sport:
The 400m oval typically consists of two semi circles of equal radius, which
are joined by two straights of equal length.
The inside of the oval track shall be bordered with a white line of 0.05m wide.
This border may include a curb of suitable material, approximately 0.05m in
height and width, installed on top of the white line. The theoretical running
length of the oval shall be measured on the surface of the track along the
theoretical path of the runner (known as the measuring line). If curbing is
to be installed over the line, the painted line is to be located 30cm inside
the 400m measuring line. The painted line is to be located 20cm inside the
400m measuring line (toward the inner field) when no curbing is to be installed
over the line. All other lane lines are to be located 20cm inside the corresponding
measuring line for that lane. The actual length of the 400m measuring line
should not be less than 400m, and no more than 400.08m.
The horizontal variance allowed for the individual races is between 1 and 1.0002
times the specified length along the measuring line for each lane.
The location of incidental markings, such as hurdles, steeplechase barrier
placements and baton exchange zones should be noted.
3. Report of Measurement:
Complete the document for Report of Measurement. Attach valid certificates
of accuracy of instruments.
a. Locate the centers (radius points) of the two semi-circles.
b. Measure the distance between the centers of the two semi-circles. The
deviation from the desired value should not exceed 0.007 meters.
c. Place a mark on the synthetic surface at the specified radius for the outer
edge of the inside line at points 1-13, which are 15 degrees between points.
These are the radius control points. At the same angles, place marks in the
same manner for all other lane lines.
d. Repeat this procedure for points 14-26.
e. Measure the distance between points 13 and 14 (line AB). The deviation from
the desired value should not exceed 0.007m. Record the measured distance on
table 5.1.
f. Measure the distance between points 1 and 26 (line CD). The deviation from
the desired value should not exceed 0.007m. Record the measured distance on
table 5.1.
a. At points 1-13 and 14-26, measure the distance between the radius control
points and the outer edge of the painted line. Record the measured deviations
on table 5.1.
b. Calculate the average deviation from the desired value of radius of curve
DA and BC. Record the average deviations on table 5.1.
c. Calculate the length of curves DA and BC, the length of the inside border,
the theoretical running distance of the track and the deviation of the theoretical
running distance from 400m following the instructions on table 5.2. If such
deviation does not exceed +0.08m (and is not short of 400m), the 400m oval
can be considered dimensionally accurate.
d. Although a table is not provided, the surveyor should verify that radii
for all lanes meet the same criteria as 3.3.c, and that the average line radii
do not vary more than .015m from the design radius when averaged at points
1 through 26, with no individual point varying more than .03m.
a. Using certified, computer generated calculations, or data file derived from
such, place a mark at the locations for the starting and finishing lines of
all events. These are the start/finish control points. At the option of the
contractor and surveyor (if the two are separate), the surveyor may also layout
the locations of all other track markings, such as hurdles, steeplechase barrier
placements and baton exchange zones.
a. Measure the distance between all start/finish control points and the leading
edge of each painted start and finish line. Record the deviations on table
5.3. If the combined total deviation of each start line and the finish line
for that event do not exceed + .0002 x course length (and is not short of design
length), the event can be considered accurate.
b. The surveyor should verify the location of the steeplechase barriers (if
required), and randomly, at least 9 incidental markings (hurdle placements,
exchange zones, etc.) and record the deviations on table 5.4.
Class 4 Report of Measurement
Name of Track/Stadium: ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Company: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Tel: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Fax: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Surveyor Name: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Qualifications: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Theodolite: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Distance Meter: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Instrument Certificates: Attached ……
Date of Survey: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Weather: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Temperature: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Desired Radius at outside edge of inner curb or line: ……………..
Desired distance between radius points: ……………..
Theoretical length of oval at measuring line: ……………..
Number of lanes: ……………..
Width of lanes: ……………..
Type of inner edge: Painted line only ….. Raised curb…..
5.1. 28 point control measurements
The 28 point control measurements described in figure 5.1 have been carried
out and the readings recorded in Table 5.1


The theoretical running distance of the oval track and its deviation from 400m
are calculated as described in table 5.2

The deviations from design locations of start and finish lines are recorded
in table 5.3

Record deviations of randomly chosen marks. A positive number indicates deviation
toward the finish line in the running direction. A negative number indicates
deviation toward the start line, in the running direction.

a. We hereby certify that all measurements and information shown on this report
are accurate and are the result of a well-conducted survey.
b. The measurement for lane one was 0.30 meters…. 0.20 meters….
(check one) outward from the inside border.
c. The control of the inside length of the track gives a length greater than
400 meters.
d. The calculated distance of ………..m is within the acceptable
plus tolerance of 0.08 meters.
Date:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Surveyor Name:………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Signature:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Download PDF of above guide.