As we cover many meets throughout the state this season, we also see several track & field rules infractions in almost every meet which are commonly repeating itself. While many coaches go over the sport's rules with their athletes, a friendly reminder each week on the website potentially might make more athletes (as well as parents) aware of these rules & infractions.
This week's topic focuses on athletes running on the line or inside the track curb line in the non-laned races such as the distance races. Sprinters are more aware of the laned lines since they run virtually all of their races within lanes, but distance runners with the exception of alley starts only have to work about one line on the track in the inside curb line of the track. It is important for distance runners to be aware and informed of these rules now because it will not be thrilling news to learn of a disqualification after running 8 laps for the 3200 meters in the championship season when meets have more officials and umpires looking for an infraction. Read below rules from the National Federation High School rule book.
NFHS Rule 5 Section 12 Infractions For Races Not Run in Lanes (2009)
Article 1: Any competitor shall not deliberately run on or inside the track curb (or painted line) and thereby gain an advantage by improving position or shortening the course. A competitor may leave the track to retrieve a dropped relay baton provideded no interference occurs and no advantage is gained.
Article 2: In a race involving a curve where lanes are not specified, a competitor may move toward the inside or outside of the track provided he/she is one full running stride, approximately 7 feet, in advance of the competitor whose path is crossed. It is not a foul if a competitor crosses to the inside or outside if this action does not interfere in any way with another competitor's stride. A competitor shall not, when running around a curve, step on or over the curb or painted curb line, for three or more consecutive steps with either or both feet.
PENALTY: Disqualification from the event.