Field Events
Revised 03/27/2015
Recreational Events
Competitive Events
Football Throw
Softball Throw
Weight Throw
Frisbee Throw
Long Jump, Triple Jump
High Jump
Discus
Javelin
Pole Vault
Shot Put
Hammer Throw
QUALIFYING RULES
1. All first-, second-, third- and fourth-place winners or athletes meeting this sport’s NSGA
minimum performance standards in competition at a 2014 NSGA qualifying games will qualify
for the 2015 National Senior Games.
2. All athletes who compete in hammer throw at a 2014 NSGA qualifying games will qualify for
the 2015 National Senior Games.
ENTRY REGULATIONS
1. The Local Organizing Committee shall provide certified implements for all events and age
groups. In addition, athletes shall be permitted to use their own implements, provided they have
been certified by the Track & Field Committee. Athletes who wish to use their own implements
shall agree to all certification procedures including but not limited to marking, impounding, etc.
2. Shoes must comply with USATF Rule 143, 3(a) – (f).
FORMAT
1. For field events, if there are more than 12 athletes in any age division, a qualifying round may
be held.
2. For track events, the number of heats will be determined based on the number of entries.
3. The 1500-meters will be a timed final event.
4. Awards will be presented for 1st through 3rd place for each event within each age division.
SPORT RULES
1. This meet will be conducted in accordance with USA Track & Field rules, except as modified
herein. For a copy of these rules, please write or call:
USA Track & Field
132 East Washington St., Suite 800
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 261-0500
www.usatf.org
Weight Implements
Age Division
M50-54
M55-59
M60-64
Discus
1.5kg
1.5
1.0kg
Hammer
6kg
6kg
5kg
Javelin
700g
700g
600g
Shotput
6kg
6kg
5kg
M65-69
M70-74
M75-79
M80+
W50-54
W55-59
W60-74
W75+
1.0kg
1.0kg
1.0kg
1.0kg
1.0kg
1.0kg
1.0kg
.75kg
5kg
4kg
4kg
3kg
3kg
3kg
3kg
2kg
600g
500g
500g
400g
500g
500g
500g
400g
5kg
4kg
4kg
3kg
3kg
3kg
3kg
2kg
Discus:
1) Discus weights see above chart
2) Participants are allowed four (4) attempts.
3) Touching on top or outside the circle with any part of the body, after starting your throwing
action, is a foul.
4) The single longest throw determines the winner. A throw is measured from the nearest mark
made by the discus to the inner edge of the ring bounding the circle. Measurement is along a line
from the mark and through the center of the circle. Distances shall be measured in meters and
shall always be recorded to the nearest 0.01m below the distance measured if the distance
measured is not a whole centimeter (i.e., fractions less than 0.01m must be ignored).
5) In case of a tie the next best throw(s) will determine the winner.
Hammer Throw:
1.) All athletes who participate in the Hammer Throw will qualify for Nationals
2.) The competitor in the starting position, prior to the preliminary swings or
turns, is permitted to rest the head of the hammer on the ground inside or
outside the circle. In making a throw, the competitor may choose to assume any
starting position and shall use both hands, holding the hammer exclusively by
the handle.
3.) It shall not be considered a foul throw if the head of the hammer touches the
ground or the top of the iron band. The competitor may stop and begin the
throw again, provided no other rule has been breached.
4.) If the hammer breaks during the throw or while in the air, it shall not count as
a throw provided it was made in accordance with the rules. In the event that
the competitor thereby loses balance and commits a foul, it shall not be charged
and the athlete shall be awarded a new trial. The competitor in the starting position, prior to the
preliminary swings or turns, is permitted to rest the head of the hammer on the ground inside or
outside the circle. In making a throw, the competitor may assume any position he or she chooses
and shall use both hands, holding the hammer exclusively by the grip.
5.) Gloves for the protection of the hands are permitted.
6) See implement weight chart above
Rule Changes as a result of WMA Implement Specification changes going into effect in 2014:
98. Modify Note following Rule 188.4 for shot diameters by removing the word “USATF” so
that it applies to all Masters Meets whether under USATF or WMA sanction.
RULE 98 CHANGES THE MAXIMUM DIAMETER OF ALL THE MENS SHOT PUT TO
130MM
99. Modify Rule 189.3 for the 0.750 discus by increasing the outside maximum diameter spec to
182 mm.
BY CHANGING THE MAXIMUM DIAMETER IT WILL ALLOW THE W75+ WOMEN
THE OPPORTUNITY TO THROW DIFFERENT SIZE DISCS.
100. Modify Rule 191.9 for the 2 Kg hammer to change acceptable the diameter spec range from
80-90 mm t0 75-100mm.
THIS ALLOWS A GREATER DIAMETER BALL FOR THE 2k HAMMER.
101. Modify Rule 332.3(g) by changing the overall weight of the Javelin for women’s ages 60 t0
74 from 400g to 500g.
THE W60 TO W74 WILL NOW HAVE TO THROW A HEAVIER JAVILIN.
High Jump:
1) The event will be measured in meters. The highest height cleared wins.
2) Each participant is allowed three jumps for every height cleared. (For example: if a
participant clears 2m, the participant will get three more attempts to clear the
next height.
3) Each jumper must use a single leg take off. Two methods are the flop and the straddle.
4) A miss will be recorded when the cross bar is dislodged during the jump. A good attempt
will be recorded when the jumper clears the crossbar without dislodging it.
5)Ties will be decided by the number of misses and the height that they occurred.
6. (a) Except as provided in subparagraphs (b) and (c), if a competitor misses a
turn in a field event for any reason, (e.g., arriving late, unexcused absence,
etc.) that competitor shall not be permitted to have warm-ups using the
competition area (or take the trial or trials so missed,
but may be permitted to take his/her remaining trials if he/she was entered
in the event before it began. If a competitor by his or her own decision
makes a trial in an order different from that previously determined, the
competitor shall be warned (or disqualified in case of a second infringement)
but the result of the trial (valid or failure) will stand in the case of a warning (first infringement).
7) In the High Jump and Pole Vault, the Chief Field Judge of the event shall permit a tardy
declared contestant to start at the height of the bar at the time of his or her arrival. Where there is
no formal declaration procedure, anyone entered shall be accepted. The bar shall not be lowered
to permit an athlete to make up jumps at earlier heights.
Pole Vault:
For a complete list of rules refer to: USA Track & Field rules for the Pole Vault
Essential rules would be:
1. 3 attempts per height.
2. If a vaulter’s pole dislodges the crossbar it is a failed attempt. However, if the pole rests
against the standards or crossbar but the crossbar remains on the pegs until the vaulter
exits the pit, it is a cleared attempt. No one shall catch or retrieve the pole until the
vaulter leaves the pit. If a vaulter’s hand touches the crossbar (attempting to reset it on
the standard pegs), it is a failed attempt.
3. Tie breaks: fewest failed attempts at the tied height, else fewest total failed attempts, else
the tie stands.
4. Crossbar heights increase 15cm (<>6”) until 2.45m (<>8’-3/4”), then every 5cm (<>2”).
Vaulters may petition to adjust this threshold, provided no remaining vaulter objects.
5. Once the crossbar and standard setbacks are in place, the official will call the order of
vaulters using “#1-up” , “#2-on deck”, “#3-in the hole”, followed by “#1-OK”. With 5 or
more vaulters at any given height, regardless of age group, #1 is allowed one minute from
the time “#1-OK” is called to move forward on the runway. Aborted runs do not reset the
time allowed. With fewer than 5 vaulters at any given height, two minutes are allowed to
begin the runway advance. The last remaining vaulter at any given height may be allowed
three minutes between his/her second and third attempts, starting from the moment the
crossbar is reset.
6. To avoid delays and misunderstandings, vaulters should ask the official for leave-time in
advance when competing in other events. Without prior notification, vaulters exceeding
their runway-advance time will be charged with a failed attempt.
7. Based on total number of vaulters, 2 separate flights, approximately 2 hours apart, may
be required.
8. Warm up run throughs without the crossbar should be at 60 minute intervals. This may be
adjusted, based on the number of vaulters remaining and those taking leave for other
events.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for weather conditions, collision avoidance with other
events, Pole & competitor staging area, clearing the sight line for track timers, etc,. Based on
available equipment, the lowest possible starting height is expected between 3’-9” (1.15m) and
5’ (1.5m).
Javelin:
1. Requirements for a valid throw:
(a) The javelin must be held by the grip with one hand only, so that the little finger is nearest to
the point and the thrower's last contact with the javelin shall be with the grip.
(b) At no time after preparing to throw until the javelin is in the air may the competitor turn
completely around so that his/her back is towards the throwing area. The javelin shall be thrown
over the shoulder or upper part of the throwing arm and may not be slung or hurled.
(c) No throw shall be valid or counted in which the tip or the point of the metal head, in
contacting the ground when it first lands, is not completely within the inner edges of the lines of
the sector before any other part of the javelin, or where the competitor touches with any part of
the body, the arc as marked or the lines drawn from the extremities thereof at right angles to the
parallel lines, or the ground beyond the arc or such lines.
(d) Competitors may not in the course of an attempt touch with any part of their body the lines
which mark the runway or the ground outside.
(e) Competitors shall not leave the runway until the javelin has touched the landing surface.
When leaving the runway, the competitor's first point of contact with the parallel lines or the
surface outside the runway must be completely behind the arc and the lines drawn from its
extremities. The first contact with the parallel lines or the surface outside the runway is
considered leaving. A competitor shall also be considered to have left the runway in a valid
manner once the implement has touched the ground and the competitor makes contact with or
behind an identified line 4m back from the ends of the throwing arc, or if a competitor is already
behind such line and inside the runway at the moment the implement touches the ground.
2. If the javelin breaks at any time during the course of the throw, it shall not count as a trial
provided the throw was made in accordance with the rules. If the competitor thereby loses his/her
balance and contravenes any part of this Rule, it shall not be counted as a foul throw and the
competitor shall be awarded a new trial.
3. If a thrower improperly releases the javelin in making an attempt, it shall be recorded as a foul
throw.1) The javelin must be without mobile parts. The cord grip is around the center of gravity.
4. See implement chart above
Long Jump:
1) Event will be measured by meters. Longest distance wins.
2) Each participant is allowed (4) jumps, with each jump measured, provided it is not a scratch.
3) Touching beyond the scratch line or passing line shall count as a foul.
4) If the participant falls backward, measurement is taken from the point of landing closest to
the take-off.
5) In case of tie, the participant whose second best jump is the longest is declared the winner.
In case of a second tie, the third jump will be used to break the tie.
Triple Jump:
All athletes who participate in Triple Jump will qualify for Nationals
1) The competitor shall first land upon the same foot as that from which he/she has taken off.
The other foot shall be used for the second landing, and either or both feet shall be used for
the third landing. It shall not be considered a failure or foul if the competitor, while jumping,
touches the ground with the ‘sleeping’ leg.
2) The Triple Jump shall consist of a hop, a step and a jump in that order.
3. The hop shall
all be made so that an athlete lands first on the same foot as that from
which the athlete has taken off, the step shall land on the other foot, from which,
subsequently, the jump is performed. It shall not be considered a failure if an athlete,
while jumping,
ing, touches the ground with the ‘sleeping’ leg.
4) The placement of the take-off
off board should depend upon the caliber of the competition. In
major competition for men, the take
take-off
off board for the Triple Jump should be placed at least
13m from the landing area.
rea. In major competition for women, it is recommended that the
take-off
off board for the Triple Jump be placed at least 10m from the landing area.
5)) It is recommended that the distance between he take
take-off board and the end of the landing area
be at least 21m.
6)) In all other respects the rules for the Long Jump shall govern.
7) If a tie occurs, the second-best
best performance of the tied competitors shall resolve the tie. If
the tie still remains, the third-best
best performance of the competitors shall resolve the tie,
t and so
on. If the tie still remains and concerns first place, the competitors having achieved the same
result will compete again in the same order in a new attempt until the tie is resolved.
Shot Put:
1) Shot put weight, see chart above
2) Participants are allowed four (4) attempts.
3) Shot must be put, not thrown. Shot should remain close to neck or shoulder.
4) The single longest put determines the winner.
5) Touching on top or outside the circle or toe board with any part of the body before the
throw is a foul.
6) In case of a tie, the next best throw(s) will determine a winner.
7) Participants may enter the ring from any area, but must exit from the back half of the ring.
Absence from Competition – Field Events
1. If the competitor has not secured permission to be excused (All field events):
events)
(USATF, NCAA, & NFHS)) If a competitor leaves the field event venue during preliminary or final
competition, his/her name is called "up" in order, time is allowed to expire, and the competitor is
charged with a failed attempt.
2. If the competitor has secured permission to be excused:
a. Throws and horizontal jumps preliminary competition
1) (USATF & NCAA): If athletes are competing in another event, the Head Judge of the event
may allow them to take preliminary attempts, but not the final attempts, out of order
within the competitor’s designated flight, which may or may not be in succession. If a
competitor is not present for a trial, it shall be deemed that the competitor is passing once
the allowable time has elapsed. Excused competitors must not delay the start of the finals.
Reassignment to another flight may not be made to accomplish such an absence.
2) (NFHS): If athletes are competing in another event during the preliminary competition,
the HFJ of the event may allow them to be excused within the time limits set by the Games
Committee. Trials may be taken in succession or out of order to accommodate those who
are excused. The Head Judge should encourage them to take their trials in the
preliminaries prior to departing. If a competitor elects not to take all their attempts, and
the authorized time has expired, the competitor is called “up,” time is allowed to expire, a
“pass” is awarded for the remaining attempt(s); then the Head Judge must close the
preliminaries and set the order of competition for the finals.
b. Throws and horizontal jumps finals competition
1) (USATF & NCAA): There are no excusals during the finals. Competitors leaving the venue
for another event do so at their own risk. Each competitor is called “up” in the order they
are listed on the event sheet. If a competitor is not present for a trial in the finals, it shall
be deemed that the competitor is passing once the allowable time has elapsed.
2) (NFHS): If a competitor is competing in another event during the final competition, the
Head Judge of the event may allow the competitor to be excused within the time limits set
by the Games Committee. Trials may be taken in succession or out of order to
accommodate those who may be excused. The Head Judge should encourage competitors
to take their trials in the preliminaries prior to departing. If the competitor has elected not
to take all his attempts, and the authorized time has expired, the competitors will called
“up,” allow the time to expire, award a “pass” for the remaining attempt(s); then the Head
Judge must close the finals and score the event.
c. Vertical jumps competition:
1) (USATF, NCAA, & NFHS): The Head Judge may allow attempts out of order, which may or
may not be in succession. The competition continues in the excused competitor's absence
and the competitor shall compete at the existing height upon their return, being allowed
the number of attempts the competitor had remaining when excused. If the competitor is
not present for a trail before the bar is raised, it shall be recorded as the competitor has
"passed" attempt(s) at that height once the allowable time has elapsed.
Recreational Rules:
Frisbee Throw for Accuracy:
1) One baseline to begin throw.
2) Each participant allowed five throws, with one (1) practice throw with a 165 gram
Frisbee.
3) Combined total of five throws, will determine winner.
4) There will be three regulation hula hoops mounted on stands (5'6" high) each different
distance from the baseline. Each hoop will be worth a certain number of points according
to distance from baseline.
Hoop#
1
2
3
Women Points
5
10
15
Distance from Baseline
15 feet
25 feet
30 feet
Hoop#
1
2
3
Men Points
5
10
15
Distance from Baseline
20 feet
30 feet
40 feet
In case of a tie, the first and fifth attempts will determine the winner. In case of a second tie, the
third attempt will be the tie breaker.
Football Throw for Accuracy:
1) All rules for the softball throw will be used here with the following exceptions:
a) Men will throw a youth sized football.
b) Women will throw a junior sized football.
Softball Throw for Accuracy:
1) There will be one baseline to begin throw and participant may throw in any style.
2) Running starts will be allowed. A regulation size softball (12" - Man, 11" - women) will be
used.
3) Each participant is allowed 3 throws and the longest single throw wins.
4) The distance will be measured from the baseline (edge of line closest to the thrower) to
where the ball first hits the ground.
5) This event is for distance and accuracy. The ball must land within the boundary line
determined by a 20 foot line drawn parallel on each side of the centerline. Balls outside
this line will score zero.
6) Participants should attempt to throw as close to the center line as possible. Distance off the
centerline will be deducted from the distance thrown. Example: A 100 foot throw (distance in
length) that is 5 feet from the center line, will result in a 95 foot recorded score for this event.
7) In case of a tie, the next best throw(s) will determine the winner.
Weight Throw:
1) In making a throw, the competitor may choose to assume any starting positions and shall
use both hands, holding the weight exclusively by the handle.
2) The competitor in the starting position, prior to the preliminary swings or turns, is permitted to
rest the Weight on the ground inside or outside the circle. In making a throw, the competitor may
assume any position he or she chooses and shall use both hands, holding the Weight exclusively
by the grip.
3) It shall not be considered a foul throw if the head of the Weight touches the ground when
the competitor makes the preliminary swing or turns.
4) Gloves for the protection of the hands are permitted.
5) In making a throw, the competitor may assume any position he or she chooses and shall
use both hands, holding the Weight exclusively by the handle.
6. Implement weights:
Women: 50-59 years 7.26kg (16#) 60-74 years 5.45kg (12#)
75+ years
4.00kg (8.8#)
Men:
50-59 years 11.34kg (25#) 60-69 years 9.08kg (20#)
70-79 years 7.26kg (16#) 80+ years 5.45kg (12#)