Code of Practice For Athletics Officials
General
On arrival report to your Chief/Referee and the Meeting Manager
Time of arrival before the start of the meeting
Track ½ hour
Photo finish 1 - 2 hours
Field 1 hour Starters/Marksmen ½ hour
Timekeepers ½ hour:
Grades 1 & 2
Finally
When upgrading reports are required contact your referee/chief at least one week before the meeting
Process results as quickly as possible
Only cross the centre of the arena when absolutely necessary and when it is safe to do so, especially when throwing events are in progress
When crossing the track or field take care not to impede athletes
SAFETY IS THE KEY COMPONENT OF ALL DISCIPLINES
PHOTO FINISH
Composition of Photo finish Team
Area of Responsibility
Procedures
TRACK OFFICIALS
Track officials should:
FIELD OFFICIALS
N.B. At higher profile meetings it may be the
responsibility of a Technical Manager and/or Clerk of the Course to ensure
these are in place. 5. control and conduct each event in a fair and proper
manner according to the Rules of Competition. 6. before each individual long throw, visually check the sector and its
surrounds, blow the warning horn loudly to alert officials to face
the throwing area / prevent athletes entering the throwing area until the
warning horn has been acknowledged / acknowledge the warning horn. 7. produce performance card(s) of all trials attempted by each competitor
and determine the correct result for events(s). All cards must be submitted,
to the appropriate Referee for verifying. 8. ensure the return of all implements and equipment to the appropriate
store at the conclusion of the event(s). 9. concentrate at all times, be aware of what is happening on the track and
liaise with track officials and starters as necessary. 10. leave the infield when the event is finished, unless moving directly to
officiate at another event, taking care not to cross the line-of-sight of
timekeepers and photo finish.
TIMEKEEPERS
TIMEKEEPERS CODE OF PRACTICE (TAKEN FROM uk:athletics RULES FOR COMPETITION)
F1. Timekeepers should report to the Meeting Secretary and the Chief Timekeeper at least 30 minutes before the first Track event.
The Chief Timekeeper should report to the Meeting Manager/Secretary before the Meeting, to ensure that all necessary paperwork has been completed.
F2. Individual Timekeepers should not be required to take more than one time in sprint races. Good practice requires that Timekeepers should not take times other than those requested by the Chief.
F3. In distance races on the track with large fields, timers with multiple-memory functions or print-out facilities (but not programmable computers) should be used where possible, to ensure that all runners are timed to 1/10th sec. Otherwise or in addition a Running Watch should be used.
A lap chart is advisable if lapping takes place.
F4. For deciding fastest losers, hand times to 1/100th must not be used.
F5. Calling of intermediate times. Provided that there are sufficient timekeepers available, intermediate times in races of more than one lap should be called at the Start Line and at the Bell. In the case of the Steeplechase, because of the varying distance of the lap on different tracks, calling should take place at the Finish Line. Variations may be made at the Chief Timekeeper’s discretion, but normally calling will not take place at intervals of less than one lap except for the Bell time. In Mile races, intermediate times should be called at the ¼ miles. On indoor tracks of 200m times should be called every 400m, plus Bell time, unless otherwise required. (N.B. Lap times should be recorded every 200m, in accordance with UKA Rule 119(5) and IAAF rule 165(40.
Timekeepers going out on duty should be aware of safety and courtesy to athletes, officials and spectators.
F6. To enable Timekeepers to comply with UKA Rule 119(5) and IAAF Rule 165(4), a clearly visible marker should be placed on or near the inner edge of the track to indicate the distances of 1K and 2K in the 3000m Steeplechase. Similar marks should e placed at any other distance required e.g. 1500m in 1Mile, 3k in 2Miles, etc.
F7. The Chief Timekeeper is responsible for any intermediate times given over the Public Address System. The Chief can provide this service:
timekeepers for giving intermediate times, provided that the Chief is satisfied that such times are sufficiently accurate.
If none of these is possible, then no intermediate times should be given.
F8. Relays. Split times for Relay events should not be taken if the individual legs are less than one complete lap. The split times shall be taken as the baton crosses the centre of the take-over box.
In the case of the 4 x 400m, competitors may be required to run in lanes for three bends; the first take-over is therefore staggered and in each lane the centre of the take-over box should be marked on the track by a white line with a green mark super-imposed; Timekeepers recording times for teams in lanes 2-8 therefore should take up positions on the outside of the track opposite these marks for the first take-over. For lane 1 and for all subsequent take-overs the centre of the box is the Finish Line and times should be taken from the stand.
It is recommended that Timekeepers allocated to each team for split times should revert to their normal finishing position at the finish.
F9. Where Photo finish is in operation, the Chief Timekeeper should ensure that the hand times are communicated to the Chief Photo finish as soon as possible after the completion of a race.