Track & Field Comments on the Rules - 2026
3-2-3k: The games committee has the authority to determine takeoff board placement in the horizontal jumps aligning with existing role in setting starting heights for vertical jumps. Athletes may still change which approved takeoff board to use during competition.
3-8-6: The rule change recognizes the increasing cost and limited availability of .32 caliber blanks used in starting devices. By expanding the range of acceptable calibers, meet management is provided greater flexibility in selecting starting equipment, while maintaining the safety, reliability, and functionality necessary for proper race administration. Electronic or gunless devices are also still permissible.
4-6-5: The change affirms that the safety of student-athletes is a top priority and supports the use of appropriate health care professionals to evaluate a downed competitor on the course when designated by the games committee. This evaluation may occur without resulting in disqualification, provided the competitor is not assisted in progressing along the course. This interpretation maintains the integrity of the competition while ensuring that timely medical evaluation can occur when necessary. It reinforces the balance between competitive fairness and the health and well-being of participants.
4-6-6c: The rule clarifies that athletes are not permitted to wear any audio or video recording or transmitting devices during a race, trial, or while in restricted areas. This restriction minimizes potential distractions and interference with performance. This language is consistent with policies found in other NFHS rules books and reinforces a uniform standard across interscholastic sports.
6-2-2 NOTES (3) NEW: The addition of the note clarifies changes made in previous years that the time limit for a consecutive attempt applies within a height and at a height change.
6-3-2b4(a): The committee supports the continued inclusion of metric measurements alongside imperial units in the rules book to promote clarity and consistency in meet management. This approach acknowledges the increased use of metric measurements in field events. Standard metric progressions are typically 5cm increments with 15cm aligning closely to the traditional 6 inches. Including both units supports coaches, athletes and officials in conducting fair and accurate competition and ensures the rules book remains a practical resource for all users.
6-8-6: In large competitions, the current rule allowing warm-up only after passing three consecutive heights can result in extended periods of inactivity, sometimes exceeding an hour, for athletes who enter later in the event. This can pose both a competitive disadvantage and a potential safety concern. The revised rule promotes fairness, consistency, and risk minimization. This change ensures that all athletes have an adequate opportunity to prepare, regardless of when they enter the competition.
6-9-21 and 6-9-28: The rule change clarifies that the padding requirement applies specifically to hard and unyielding surfaces that are elevated relative to the ground. This refinement helps differentiate between surfaces that present a greater risk of impact during a fall (such as raised concrete, asphalt, wood, or platform extensions) versus ground-level areas that may already be accounted for with landing system setup.
6-10-5: The addition of the implement construction specifications for the javelin ensures that all necessary information is readily available, specific to the high school level, and aligned with the intent of education-based athletics. This addition reinforces consistent equipment standards and enhances clarity and accessibility for high school coaches, athletes and meet officials.
9-1-1: The addition of the 200-meter dash to indoor meets provides states with greater flexibility to structure events based on facility size, and meet goals.
9-6-1: The rule change establishes a uniform 20-meter exchange zone for indoor relays and creates a single standard for ease in officiating.