Rules / Common DQ's (2024)

Common Track Rule Violations and Disqualifications - Below are the most common ways athletes can get disqualified from track events. This isn't all of them but just the most common. If you have any questions about any of these please ask a coach to clarify it for you.

- If competing in an individual event an athlete must be wearing a school approved uniform and if they are wearing any clothing under the uniform it must be of a solid color. A waistband on the shorts that has a logo going around the entire waist is illegal.

– The uniform of all 4 members of the relay team must match. If a member is wearing

then all other member who are wearing clothing under the jersey must wear the same color. For example if 2 members want to wear a shirt under the jersey they must be the same color, the two who dont can just wear nothing underneath and that's okay. For

; if its above the knee then it can be any color and does not have to match other members. If it is below the knee (ex. long spandex) then it has to match other members who are wearing clothing underneath that extends past the knee. (Socks do not count as part of the uniform and can be different in color and length) We recommend you bring black under armour if your going to wear it, that way everyone has the same color. Athletes should communicate with team members the day before a meet in order to be on the same page during the meet. Please ask coaches if there are questions on this.

- You cannot take your uniform off in the “field of play” (On the Track, Inside the Track, In the bullpen, or any field event areas that are outside of the main track area (Discus and shot put usually are).
- Any clothing worn under the uniforms must be a single solid color and can only have 1 logo, which cannot be bigger than a credit card.
- Anything worn for medical reasons prescribed by a doctor such as running with an inhaler is legal.

Relay Exchange Zones.-
- The Baton must be exchanged or handed off in between the designated area (which differs depending on the relay race.) If the baton is exchanged before the zone or after the zone then the team is DQ’d
- You cannot throw the baton to a teammate it must be handed off
- If you drop the baton you are not automatically DQ’d you just cannot interfere with any team when you go to pick it back up. (So don't walk off the track in frustration if you drop it!)
- This next rule is very important and applies to the incoming runner handing off to the next leg. After the baton has been handed off that runner (who no longer has the baton) must not interfere with another team handing the baton off. After the baton has been exchanged if the runner who no longer has the baton cuts to the inside of the track to get off the track and cuts off another team trying to handoff the baton (Intentional or not) that team is DQ’d. The best way to avoid this is if you are handing off in lane 1, just cut left and get off the track. If you are handing off in lane 2-6 stay in whatever lane you handed off in until the coast is clear to get off. You are allowed to stay running in your lane without the baton until the track is clear to get off. This rule is confusing and will be explained at practice but is one of the biggest reasons teams get DQ’d.

Making sure you’re checked in for your Event.
- Every event will have 3 calls (over a loud speaker); First, Second, and Final. If you are not checked in at the bullpen (Area where you meet and check in for your event) by the final call you will not be allowed to run, even if you show up before the event starts. It’s your responsibly to know when you need to start warming up and to check in during First call for your event.

- Any unsportsmanlike language such as cussing, laughing at, humiliating, teasing can result in a DQ.
- Throwing a baton in anger after a race will result in a DQ.
- Excessive celebration / gloating / taunting after a race can also result in a DQ
- Basic rule – Be a good sport win or lose.

Electronic Equipment
- All electronic equipment (Cell Phones, Ipods, Earphones, ect.) are not allowed on the “Field of play” Which includes the track, inside of the track, the bullpen, and any field event areas that are outside of the main track area (Discus and shot put usually are). Having electronic equipment in these areas may result in a DQ. To be safe Electronic Equipment should only be used when you are in the bleachers with the team.