2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

1. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches Nancy Eastman NHTOA Supervisor of Officials

2. Information Covered • Important Notice • Rule Changes • Major Editorial Changes • NFHS Points of Emphasis • 2019 Uniform Rile • Uniforms & Visible Undergarments • Shoes • Atomizers and Inhalers • Cross Country Course Measurement Directions • Entries • Behavior & Disqualifications • Starting Procedures • Finish Line Protocols • Team Scoring • NHIAA Policies and Procedures Manual for Boys and Girls Cross Country • NHIAA Lightning Guidelines • Miscellaneous Environmental Information (Blood Spillage & Body Fluids, Heat Stress & Athletic Participation, Guidelines on Ozone & Physical Activity) • NHIAA Concussion Statement • Comments or Questions? 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

3. Important Notice • Watches may once again be worn by any cross country athlete in any any cross country competition. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

4. Overview • Information provided herein is from the NFHS 2019 Track and Field and Cross CountryRules Book,NFHS 2019 Track and Field and Cross Country Case Book, and the 2019 NHIAA Policies and Procedures for Cross Country. • NHFS Track and Field and Cross Country Rules 4 and 8 are the primary rules used for cross country. Other rules may be used. The general uniform rules as well as the specific uniform rules for cross country (and relay teams) are located in Rule 4. Rules regarding sportsmanship, medical alert information and inhalers are also located in Rule 4. Rules specific to cross country competition may be found in Rule 8. • All coaches are expected to be familiar with the rules. These rules should also be discussed with the members of your cross country team. • All team members are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship and also be familiar with the rules. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

5. Overview • It is the coach’s responsibility to ensure that their team members are attired in compliance with NFHS 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

6. 2019 NFHS Cross Country Rule Changes (1) • The NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee reorganized Rule 4-3: The uniform top and bottom rules were combined into 4-3-1b to help reduce redundant language within the book. • 4‐3‐1 Eliminates redundant language and expands definition of foundation garments. Rationale: This change expands the current interpretation of foundation garment to include any item worn under the uniform top and/or bottom as well as eliminate duplicate language in same rule.   • Anything worn under the uniform (top and bottom) is now considered a foundation garment. • There are no longer any restrictions on foundation garments. • Foundation garments are not subject to logo/trademark/reference or color restrictions. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

7. Rule Changes (2) 4‐3‐2 Clarifies uniform language for relay and cross country team members.   Rationale: Slight differences in design of uniform do not negatively impact the identification of a relay or cross country team. The expectation of this rule is that all relay and cross country team members can be clearly identified as representing the same school. Underlined portions in the rules that follow indicate the new rule changes. • The rule for relay teams and cross country teams reads: “All relay and cross country team members must wear uniforms clearly identifying, through predominant color, school logo, and color combinations of all outer garments worn as a uniform, that members are from the same team. Note: The official should be able to observe that all members are from the same team.” • (The official shall have no difficulties in determining that all members are from the same relay team.) • Items worn under the uniform of relay and cross country team members no longer have any restrictions and don’t have to match. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

8. Rule Changes (3) • All relay and cross country team members uniforms (shirts or one-piece uniforms) must have the same school identification (i.e., school name, school nickname, or school logo.) • Ensure that the uniform bottoms or all relay and cross country team members are all either with vertical stripes or all without stripes (similar design). The number of stripes do not have to be the same. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

9. Rule Changes (4) • 8‐1‐1—3 Clarifies legal course layout. Rationale: Clarification of course markings. Notes: (Underlined areas indicate the actual rule changes.) - Thisrule changes added that “measurement shall be along the shortest route a runner may take on the prescribed course”…. The course may be marked “by a single wide line or boundary lines, both inside and outside, …” - “Note: If a single wide line is used, it may or may not mark the shortest possible route that a runner may take.” • Flag designations: Along with the designations of the different colored course flags, the rules now indicates on which side of the flag a competitor must run. For example, a left turn in the course is indicated by a red flag and “runners must stay on the right side of the flag”. • 8‐3‐2 thru 5 Clarifies order of finish based on torso. Rationale: Clarifies that no matter the system used, the order of finish is based on when the torso crosses the finish line. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

10. Rule Changes (5) • 8-3-2 “A competitor finished a cross country race when the torso of the runner breaks the plane of the finish line when using hand- or image-based timing systems or a combination or image-based and chip timing systems.” • 8-3-3 “In cross country, a competitor shall wear the assigned contestant number and/or computerized transponders/chips during competition. The number and/or transponders/chips shall be worn, ;unadorned, for the purposes of official timing and place finish.” • 8-3-4 Computerized transponders/chips may be used to record the finish order of a runner in cross country. A bib transponder or two transponders/chips per runner, one attached to each shoe is preferred. When transponders/chips are used, the official order of finish for the runners is that recorded by the transponder/chips, unless meet management is also using an image-based timing system that indicates the order should be adjusted. . 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

11. Rule Changes (6) • It is recommended an image-based timing system, officially designated by the meet director, be used to verify the order of finish in all cases proactively when desired by meet management and/or if there is a challenge to the finish order. • If the finish order determined by the transponder/chip is reversed using an image-based timing system, the times shall also reflect the change. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

12. 2019 NFHS Major Editorial Changes Competitor’s uniform in track and field and cross country • 4-3-1 “The top or one‐piece uniform may have school name, school logo, school nickname and/or competitor's name.” Disqualification and Conduct  • 4-6-5 Note 1: ”The use of an inhaler during competition containing a prescription drug designed to alleviate the asthmatic condition is not considered to be an illegal aid as long as a physician’s statement documenting the need of the athlete to use the prescription is presented to the meet director/referee prior to the beginning of the meet.”   (Previous wording was atomizer.) 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

13. NFHS Points of EmphasisUniforms It has become increasingly more difficult to officiate the uniform rule given the increase in the number of programs nationwide that are allowing individual team members the option of independently purchasing either all or part of their team uniform. The slight differences in design of a uniform do not negatively impact the identification of a relay or cross country team by an official. The expectation of this rule is that all relay and cross country team members can be clearly identified as representing the same school through predominant color, school logo, and color combinations of all outer garments. Through the results of the 2018 Track and Field and Cross Country Questionnaire, the clear majority of coaches, officials and state association personnel surveyed across the nation were in favor of a simplification of the rule. The rules committee took action to help minimize issues related to garments worn underneath the uniform and provide meet officials more flexibility to determine if relay or cross country team members can be clearly identified as representing the same school. Any garments worn under the uniform are not subject to logo/trademark/ reference, color or length 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

14. NFHS Points of Emphasis Uniforms/Wearable Technologies restrictions. Variations in trim and/or accents within members of the same relay or cross country team should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as to whether or not these variations negatively impact a meet official's ability to identify teammates. Officials should be (easily) able to observe that all members are from the same team. Under Rule 3-2, the games committee will continue to have the authority to restrict or permit the wearing of any item outside of the required school uniform. Wearable Technologies The availability of wearable technologies that allow individuals to monitor a variety of body functions, including but not limited to, heart rate, blood pressure, pace and distance traveled are readily available and cost effective. Nearly all these wearable technologies can both transmit and receive collected data from other mechanisms. This data can be used to evaluate how the body is performing, and the user can adjust as needed based on that data. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

15. NFHS Points of EmphasisWearable Technologies This type of technology is being incorporated into watches, garments, shoes and jewelry and, in most cases, is nearly impossible to distinguish from the same item type that does not include the technology (e.g., Apple watch vs. traditional watch). NFHS Track and Field and Cross Country Rules do not prohibit the use of wearable technologies, but Rules 3-2-8a and 4-6-5d state that no competitor may receive electronically transmitted data from a coach or other third party. If such communication is observed by an official, the competitor should be disqualified. While preventative officiating helps to avoid issues in any event, it is obvious that those trying to police wearable technologies by restricting what can be worn by competitors is asking event officials to perform an impossible task. Restricting the wearing of a watch because it contains GPS capability is futile when the same technology is available in the shoe, the sports bra they have on or the ring they are wearing. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

16. NFHS Points of EmphasisWearable Technologies The market for wearable technology is forecasted by most sales and marketing experts to continue to grow – some estimate that nearly 500 million wearables will be sold by 2021. This massive expansion creates the potential for more coaches and athletes to be "connected" through some type of wearable technology. It is important that all involved (administrators, coaches, parents, student-athletes) understand the privacy and legal issues surrounding the sharing of personal biometric information. Discussions and steps should be taken to ensure that compliance with any Federal and State policies or laws are addressed appropriately. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

17. 2019 NFHS Uniform Rule RULE 4‐3:   NOTE: The wearing of a medical alert with the alert visible is encouraged for risk minimization. The ultimate responsibility to have each competitor compliant with uniform rules and other reasonable and legal items is with the coach.   ART. 1 . . . The competitor's uniform shall be school‐issued or school approved, worn as intended by the manufacturer, and meet the following requirements and restrictions: • Each competitor shall wear shoes on both feet. • The shoes shall have an upper and recognizable sole and heel. • The (shoe) upper must be designed so that it can be fastened securely to the foot. • In cross country, the sole and heel may contain grooves, ridges or track spikes which are no longer than 1 inch. NOTE: The games committee may also determine the length of spikes allowed on all‐weather surfaces. (3‐2‐4a) • The use of slippers or socks does not meet the requirements of the rule 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

18. 2019 Uniform Rule b. Each competitor shall wear a school‐issued or school‐approved full‐length track top and track bottom or one‐piece uniform. Any outer garment (e.g., t‐shirts, sweatpants, tights) that is school‐issued or school‐approved becomes the official uniform, when worn. • When numbers are used, each competitor shall wear his/her assigned, unaltered contestant number. • The top and/or bottom or one‐piece uniform may have school name, school logo, school nickname and/or competitor's name. • The top shall not be knotted or have a knot‐like protrusion. Bare midriff tops are not permitted. The top must hang below or be tucked into the waistband of the uniform bottom when the competitor is standing upright. • Loose‐fitting boxer‐type bottoms or compression‐style bottoms are permitted for boys and girls. Closed‐leg briefs are acceptable for girls. French or high‐cut apparel shall not be worn in lieu of the uniform bottom. The waistband of a competitor's bottom shall be worn above the hips. • A single manufacturer's logo/trademark/reference, no more than 2¼ square inches with no dimension more than 2¼ inches, is permitted on the top and bottom or one‐piece uniform. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

19. 2019 Uniform Rule • One American flag, not to exceed 2 inches by 3 inches, may be worn or occupy space on each item of uniform apparel. By state association adoption, to allow for special occasions, commemorative or memorial patches, not to exceed 4 square inches, may be worn on the uniform without compromising its integrity. • Any visible garment(s) worn underneath the uniform top and/or bottom is considered a foundation garment. Foundation garments are not subject to logo/trademark/reference or color restrictions. ART. 2 . . . Additional restrictions for relay teams and cross country teams. • All relay and cross country team members must wear uniforms clearly indicating, through predominant color, school logo and color combination of all outer garments worn as a uniform, that members are from the same team. b. NOTE: The official should be able to observe that all members are from the same team. PENALTY: (Articles 1, 2) For the wearing of an illegal uniform, when a violation is observed and noted by a meet official, the competitor shall be required to make the uniform legal before becoming eligible for further competition, and shall be issued a warning that a subsequent violation 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

20. 2019 Uniform rule shall result in a disqualification from the event. The referee shall be notified of the violation by the observing meet official, and the referee shall then notify or cause to be notified the head coach of the offending school of the competitor's violation and warning. ART. 3 . . . Removing any part of the team uniform, excluding shoes, while in the area of competition, as defined by the games committee, is illegal. PENALTY: This shall lead to a warning and if repeated, to disqualification from the event. If the incident recurs, the competitor will be disqualified from further competition in the meet. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

21. Uniforms & Visible Undergarments The important cross country uniform rules are listed below. Please refer to Rule 4-3 for the entire list of uniform rules. • All cross team members must wear uniforms of the same color. • All school identification must be the same for all team members • All uniforms worn by team members must be similar in design. • There are no longer any restrictions on items worn under the uniform top and bottom. Please remember that these athletes are representing their school and all undergarment items worn should be school-appropriate. • Multiple logos on the waistband or more one name or logo on the uniform top or bottom make the uniform illegal. • Logos must be no larger than 2 ¼ square inches with the largest logo size 2 ¼” X 1”. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

22. Uniforms & Visible Undergarments • Special Notice: Per order of the NHIAA Cross Country Committee, no warning for uniform violations will be issued.All athletes observed competing while wearing illegal uniforms will be disqualified. • The wearing of hats and gloves are not normally permitted. If allowed, only stocking-type caps may be worn. (At the championship meets, a decision concerning the wearing of hats and gloves will be made prior to each race.) 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

23. Uniforms & Visible Undergarments, Medical Alerts Medals, Hats • Medical Alert medals should be visible so officials are aware of a potential problem. • Hats are allowed only when medically required and a medical note is given to the meet director prior to the competition. • Shoes and socks are not considered part of the uniform and therefore do not have to be identical. • The wearing of metal spikes or hard plastic cleats is not recommended during the cross country championships due to safety concerns about running on paved surfaces. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

24. Inhalers • The use of an inhaler during competition containing a prescription drug designed to alleviate the asthmatic condition is not considered to be an illegal aid as long as a physician’s statement documenting the need of the athlete to use the prescription is presented to the meet director/referee prior to the beginning of the meet. (NFHS Rule 4-6-5 Note 1) 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

25. Course measurement directions: “Envision the shortest possible route as a string, stretched along the course. Along corners/sharp curves, stay approximately one foot off corner/curve, straight through S-turns and diagonally between corners and curves 2012 NFHS Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes NFHS Cross Country Course Measurement Directions 2012 NFHS Track and Field Pre-Meet Notes 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

26. Entries • The coach, athletic director or principal is to complete the entry procedure using www.directathletics.com for the NHIAA Cross Country Championship meets. • Each school may enter a maximum of seven (7) athletes. (recommended). • Coaches will not be able to add entries after the entry deadline, they will only be able to replace someone already entered. Replacement will be allowed until just prior to the race by notifying Lancer Timing of the change. • If a school has a cross country team and is not entering any competitors in the Divisional Championships, the NHIAA must be notified on or before the deadline date. • Entry deadlines and other all cross country procedures may be found in the 2019 Policies and Procedures for Cross Country at www.nhiaa.org by clicking on Sports and then either Cross Country Boys or Girls and then the Policies and Procedures manual. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

27. Behavior & Disqualifications • Competitors, including coaches, are expected to exhibit good behavior at all times. Competitors who are “unsporting” or use “unacceptable conduct” during the meet or at or near the finish line or chute will be disqualified and will be referred to the NHIAA for possible disciplinary action. • NFHS Rule 8-6-1 states that any competitor who exhibits any of the following behaviors will be disqualified from the meet: • False starts. (5-7-4) • Interferes with another competitor. (5-9-1) • Is unsporting or uses unacceptable conduct.(4-6-1, 4-6-2) • Receives any assistance from any other person. Rule 4-6-5 Note: Providing liquids during competition is not considered to be an aid or assistance. (Rule 3-2-4u) • Receives assistance from any other competitor to finish the race. (Both competitors will be disqualified unless a competitor is injured or becomes ill and an appropriate health –care professional is not available; in this case only the injured/ill competitor will be disqualified.) • A competitor who fails to complete the prescribed course that is defined by a legal marking system. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

28. Starting Procedures • All athletes must report to the starting line at least 15 minutes prior the scheduled start of their race. Although announcements will be made, it is the responsibility of the coaches, individual athletes and team members to arrive promptly. • Team and individual starting line positions will be been randomly assigned by the Cross Country Committee. • Races will NOT be delayed for teams reporting late. Teams not checked in by the clerk prior to race time may not compete. • Once the competitors have been called to the starting line for final instructions by the starter, no further run-outs are allowed. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

29. NHIAA X-C Championships Finish Line Protocols – 2019 NHIAA X-C Policies and Procedures Manual The following guidelines for competitors will help prevent bottlenecks at the X-C finish line when chip timing is used. • Run through the finish line and continue moving toward the exit. • Don’t stop after crossing the timing mats; you will impede athletes finishing behind you. Don’t stop running to stop the timer on your watch – electronic timing is being used at the meet. • Do not intentionally cross the finish line simultaneously with teammates. • Don’t talk to family, friends, or coaches until you depart the exit area • Listen to the officials. Special Note: When chip timing is used, the finish order does not have to be maintained after crossing the timing mats. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

30. Team Scoring (I) • To be considered for team scoring in the State Championships, each school must have a minimum of five (5) finishers. • Schools with fewer than five (5) runners (finishers) will not be eligible for team awards. • Team scores will be determined by adding the places in which the first five (5) runners from each school finish. • The finish positions of non-team competitors will be eliminated and team finish positions re-ranked in order to determine team scores. • Ties in team scoring shall be resolved by comparing the sixth place finishers from the tying teams. The team with the best sixth place finisher shall prevail. • If two teams tied for a position each have only five finishers, the sum of the first four (4) finishers is used to break the tie. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

31. NHIAA 2019 Policies and Procedures for Boys and Girls Cross Country • The 2019 Policies and Procedures for Boys and Girls Cross Country (P&P) contains all of the important information relevant to the State Cross Country Divisional Champions and the Meet of Champions. The P&P may be accessed at www.nhiaa.org by clicking on Sports, followed by Fall then Cross Country and finally NHIAA Policies and Procedures for Cross Country 2019. All coaches are expected to be familiar with this manual. Some of the important information is highlighted below. • Any variation/exception to any of the regulations outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual must be for medical reasons and have the prior approval of the Committee/Meet Director. Written documentation from a physician must be provided to the Committee/Meet Director prior to competition. • There will be no coach’s information given on the day of the Divisional Championship meets or the Meet of Champions. Only the starting line position assignments and competitor’s numbers will be given out. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

32. NHIAA 2019 Policies and Procedures for Boys and Girls Cross Country • There will be athletic trainers at the State Divisional Championships, the Meet of Champions, and the New England Championships. Schools requesting medical services are to provide the necessary supplies for the athletic trainer at all regular season and tournament events. • The starting times for each Division at the State Cross Country Divisional Championships will be rotated on an annual basis. Please be sure to check the meet schedule prior to the day of the meet. • State Divisional Championship competitors must have participated in at least one cross country meet during the regular season. (NHIAA By-Law Article XVII.) 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

33. NHIAA 2019 Policies and Procedures for Boys and Girls Cross Country Important information included in the P&P: • Cross Country Divisional Alignments • Championship Meets dates and starting times (This can also be found at www.lancertiming.com.) • Entry information and deadlines • Points of emphasis • Special information • Protest procedures • Maps of both courses 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

34. NHIAA Lightning Guidelines It is very difficult to recall cross country runners during practice and meets. Please pay particular attention to the weather when thunderstorms are predicted so as not to endanger the athletes. NHIAA Lightning Guidelines • The NHIAA Lightning Guidelines are listed below. • If you can hear it – clear it. This means if you can hear thunder, you must suspend activities and go to a safe shelter or location. • If you can see it – flee it. If you see lightning, take shelter immediately. • You must wait until 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder or lightning bolt before activities can be resumed. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

35. NHIAA Lightening Guidelines • Lightning has been known to strike up to 10 miles ahead of or behind a thunder storm. It does not have to be raining or even cloudy overhead for lightening to strike. Meteorologists at The Weather Channel have said “If you are close enough to hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightening.” • The complete lightning guidelines may be found in the 2019 Policies & Procedures Manual. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

36. Other Miscellaneous Environmental Information • Please refer for the 2019 Cross Country Policies & Procedures manual for complete information about any of the following topics: • Heat Stress an Athletic Participation including standards on participating in weather with high heat and humidity • NHIAA Guidelines on Ozone Pollution and Physical Activity. • Information concerning Blood Spillage • For air quality forecasts and current air pollution levels in New Hampshire, call 1-800-935-SMOG or visit the DES website at wwwairquality.nh.gov. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

37. NHIAA Concussion Statement • The NHIAA mandates the following of the NFHS Guidelines for Management of Concussions. • Concussions: Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional. • to view the NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussions and the state law, New Hampshire SB402, concerning concussions, please visit www.nhiaa.org, About NHIAA; select the Handbook and then By-Law Article III Sports Medicine. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches

38. Comments or Questions? • If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Nancy Eastman, NHTOA Supervisor of Officials, by email at neastman@metrocast.net or by phone at 332-7327. Questions about the Divisional Championships and Meet of Champions may be referred to members of the NHIAA Cross Country Committee. • Please send me your rule interpretation questions and I will forward them fo the NHTOA Rules Interpreter. • Answers to many questions may be found by reviewing the NFHS 2019 Track and Field and Cross Country Rule Book or the 2019 NHIAA Policies & Procedures Manual for Cross Country. • Good luck and have a great cross country season. I hope to see you at the State Divisional Championships. 2019 Cross Country Rules Review for Coaches