January 19, 2025

Important Newsletter: USATF Officials Committee

I can’t help but think of what the challenges and opportunities will be for the officials’ community during the next four years: Certifying new officials to work Para Championships, preparing for the U20 World Championships on U.S. soil in 2026, and ultimately the 2028 Olympic Games in LA.

Now for a couple of announcements. Rich Schornstein will now be the Best Practices Library Editor. Rich is replacing Greg Utecht who stepped down from the position. Please send any suggestions, changes, and or updates to Rich at kidz1023@comcast.net.

Also, Robert Kern will continue to be the Editor for the NFHS Track and Field Pre-meet Notes and will also continue to coordinate the NOC Officials Grants programs.

Last, if you have been selected for one of the 2025 USATF Championships and have not responded to your selection email to indicate whether you accept or decline your assignment, please do so as soon as possible.

Rule Changes and New Rule Books

No surprise, there are rule changes for 2025. Here is your handy online list of rule change sources for USATF, NCAA, and NFHS rules:

USATF Rules Committee Scorecard for USATF changes
Go here to view the recording of the USATF rule changes virtual meeting that was held on January 6. Use passcode: 5B&ih*+6. Read Dick Boyd’s article in this newsletter about rule changes for the throws.

NCAA rule changes resource #1
NCAA rule changes resource #2
Go here to view the recording of the NCAA rule changes virtual meeting that was held
on January 8. Use passcode: 2=sghRsq

NFHS rule changes resource #1
NFHS rule changes resource #2
See Julie Cochran’s article in this newsletter about NFHS rule changes.
Be sure and attend the NFHS rule changes virtual meeting scheduled for January 28 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88371183856?pwd=DHWbjL2CZKKYh1eJ7SKaMBQsbuTadW.1
Meeting ID: 883 7118 3856
Passcode: 928801

G o here to learn about the new rule books

Rich Schornstein Returns
As Best Practices Editor

Rich Schornstein has been appointed, on an interim basis, to serve again as the NOC Best Practices Library Editor. He replaces Greg Utecht who stepped down as editor.

Schornstein was Editor from 2010, when he created the Best Practices Library, through 2022.

Schornstein, a USATF National Officials Hall of Fame member from Colorado, will oversee the material posted on the online Best Practices Library located on the USATF national website. He welcomes input of new or updated material for the library.

You can contact Rich at: kidz1023@comcast.net.

Best Practices Library,
Still a Great Resource

By Rich Schornstein, NOC Best Practices Library Editor

As the indoor season gets underway, the NOC wants to highlight our USATF Officials’ Best Practices Library – materials with useful information on all disciplines, for both new and veteran officials. These are great resources for trainers' use in conducting certification or training clinics (perhaps use them as handouts), and for individual officials' personal use.

These documents are frequently updated, so officials should check that they have the latest version. All materials have a month and year at the bottom of the page.

Go here to see all the Library documents.

NOC Women’s Focus Group
Wraps Up Its Two-Year Mission

By Terri Tutt, Women’s Focus Group Chair

The National Officials Committee Women’s Focus Group recently concluded its two-year mission to study and make improvements for women officials. This endeavor started at the 2022 USATF Annual Meeting at the request of then NOC Chair Mike Armstrong. An online questionnaire was developed and sent in May of 2023 to female USATF officials. The results were then compiled and presented at the 2023 Annual Meeting.

After studying the statistical data, Action Statements were compiled and presented to the National Officials Committee. Each Action Statement below is followed by the actions taken by the NOC on each statement. See the Women’s Focus Group presentation at the 2024 Annual meeting.

Go here to view the Action Statements

Be Professional, Wear the Official Uniform

By Patty Mitchell, Uniform and Equipment Committee Chair and NOC Secretary

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

As we begin a new year and a new track and field season, I would like to remind all USATF Certified Officials of the current uniform guidelines. As Certified Officials, we represent USATF at all meets and events, especially USATF Association and National Championship meets. Certified Officials are expected to maintain a professional appearance.

It is the responsibility of the official to not only be professional at their assigned role, but also to look professional while working USATF track and field, cross country, race walk, and road running events. This includes World Athletics events held in the United States.

A reminder: The national uniform is the navy-blue polo shirt (short and long sleeved) with no USATF Association name embroidered on the shirt. Follow this link to view the four versions of the national polo shirt.

Keep reading

Keep in mind you have membership options:

One year adult membership - $55 plus transaction fee
VIP membership - $150 plus transaction fee (enhanced benefits)
Special four-year discounted certified officials membership - $200 plus transaction fee(save $20)

Some Throws Rules have Changed

As we entered a new Olympiad, there were 65 either new or changed USATF rules coming from the USATF Annual Meeting. See the rules article in this newsletter.

The PDF version of the 2025 rulebook has been going through the proofing stage. The goal was to have this stage completed by January 4. Shortly after completion of the proofing stage, the PDF will be uploaded to the Officials page of the USATF website where it can be downloaded. The hard copy of the rulebook is normally available for sale in late February.

There have been several changes made in the rulebook dealing with the throws. Let’s look at a couple of them:

Check out the throws rule changes

The plan is to offer more virtual training sessions nationwide this year.
If you had to select one topic that should be covered in these sessions, what is that topic?

Note: Survey responses are anonymous. No personal information is collected.

Enter your answer here

Tips on Flying to Track & Field Meets

By Cindy Slayton, USATF Georgia Association

The impossible has happened again: 1904, 1932, 1984, 1996, and now 2028. The Summer Olympics is coming to the USA via Los Angeles in 2028.

Whether you are applying to officiate the Olympic Games, the Olympic Trials, other USATF or NCAA Championship meets, officials are going to be traveling during this Olympiad. Some may live near big meets and can drive or use public transportation. Some officials may be willing to drive long distances and or carpool, but most officials will need to reach the meet by flying.

We must deal with weather, traffic, holidays, construction at airports, crowds, going through security, and just unexpected things when racing to catch a plane to officiate a track meet. What are some possible tips or ways to make our flying experience better and less stressful? When I fly somewhere, I fly from the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL). Some of the things I have learned flying out of ATL that might help when traveling from and through other airports:

Keep reading, this is good stuff

The New Year Certification Impact

Happy New Year!

This month's Fast Facts revisits last year's data, highlighting the impact of the New Year on the number of USATF Certified Officials. The difference is even more pronounced this year due to our requirements for completing rules reviews and paying the recertification fee for the 2025-2028 certification period.

Please remember to work with your Association Certification Chair to confirm and complete the recertification requirements for your Association. As a reminder, the deadline to finish your recertification steps is March 31, 2025. After this date, officials certified during the 2021-2024 certification period will be considered inactive. Officials certified for the first time in 2024 do not need to complete the recertification process but must maintain active membership, including a valid background screen, and Safe Sport training.

New and Enhanced Zoom on One Training

Greetings, everyone. Here we are some days into the first month of the year and only about a month out from the USATF Annual Meeting. And what a month. It has been a very busy month with all of the activity associated with certifications combined with the demands of the holidays and, for me and my wife, persistent cases of COVID.

The Annual Meeting provided wonderful opportunities to see and chat with fellow officials and to hear what they think is important for upcoming training. Everyone expressed interest in more of the virtual Zoom on One training sessions. I can assure you of my commitment to these free online sessions, but in an altered format.

Read more about the changes to this popular training series

NFHS Rule Changes for 2025

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has announced a series of key rule changes for the 2025 track and field season, with a significant update regarding competition fairness in sprint races. These changes, approved by the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee, aim to enhance athlete safety, ensure fairness, and improve overall competition standards across high school events.

A major update focuses on the rules for sprint and middle-distance events. Beginning with the 2025 season, races will be recalled if unintentional contact between competitors occurs within the first 50 meters.

This rule adjustment, now codified in Rule 5-7-4, emphasizes athlete fairness during one of the most critical parts of a race—the start. Contact during the early stages can disrupt runners’ momentum, impairing their chances for a competitive performance.

Keep going to read more

Mike Trego Makes Sweet Music While Officiating

By Mark Maloney, Midwest Region News Coordinator

A friendly tip if Mike Trego challenges you to a “Name That Tune” contest, decline!

In addition to being a USATF Master Official, Trego is a musical master. His background in music and education has served him well as an official.

Although he lives in Celina, OH, Trego serves as Certification Chair for the USATF Indiana Association. His list of contributions on the National Officials Committee level include: Publishing articles for the NOC Best Practices Library; co-writer of the 2017-2020 Basic Rules Review; co-creator of the original officials’ evaluation form; co-creator of the Junior Officials Program curriculum. He is also a regular presenter at the USATF Annual Meeting.

There is a lot more about Mike Trego

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News from the Southeast Region Associations: Alabama | Florida | Georgia | North Carolina | South Carolina | Tennessee | Virginia

Pass It On

By Laurie Gunn, Southeast Region News Coordinator

What is one thing every official has accumulated over the years? Polo shirts and t-shirts! We have them in every color including red, white, and blue. Some are embroidered. Some represent an athletic brand. You name a college invitational, conference championship, or national meet, and there is an official with a polo shirt that says, “I worked that meet.”

Where do you keep the shirts made of cotton, polyester, or a blend of both? Stuffed in a drawer? Tossed in a garbage bag? Or nicely folded in a plastic bin?

Do you have a favorite one? Or one that you just can’t let go for sentimental reasons? So, what are you going to do with the other 99 polos and t-shirts that you have not worn since the meet you officiated?

As we start a new year, donate your shirts to a shelter, elementary or high school, or youth center. USATF Associations can designate a day and place(s) for members to drop them off as a donation. There are many children and adults who are homeless and underserved. They will appreciate having a nice, clean shirt to wear.

Finding Purpose and Passion in Officiating

By Mark Heckel, USATF Three Rivers Association

Sometimes, purpose finds us when we least expect it. This is particularly true in officiating track and field, where the service we provide is not about us, but about creating a fair, smooth, and enjoyable environment for athletes to compete. This work often teaches us profound lessons about ourselves—lessons we couldn’t learn any other way.

In the words often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Through officiating, we lose ourselves in the meticulous details, the collective effort, and the commitment to upholding the sport’s integrity. In doing so, we uncover clarity about our own values, strengths, and passions.

What is "Stepping Up" in Officiating?

Six Ways to Share your Passion and Skills
On the Affirmative Development Committee

By Raymond Pierre, NOC Affirmative Development Committee Chair

When you join the NOC Affirmative Development Committee (ADC,) you can select from six different subcommittees to join.

The ADC’s Six Project Groups are:

Why not join the ADC?

**********

ADC Planning Two New Surveys

By Bill Leavy, NOC Affirmative Development Committee Surveys and Research Group

The Affirmative Development Committee Surveys and Research Group will be helping the other National Officials Committee (NOC) groups with their goals to serve our officials better, help grow our numbers and create an inclusive environment in the decision-making process through feedback from our data. This year we are sending out a survey to officials at the country's large relays and invitational meets, including the Penn Relay, Texas Relays, Florida Relays, and Mount SAC. The survey will ask for feedback on meet management, housing, compensation, and how we can use these large events as a training and recruiting ground for new officials.

Another survey will be sent to coaches and Master athletes about becoming future officials. These questions aim to gather insights into training, communication, inclusiveness, event experience, recruitment, and general feedback, which can help the ADC and NOC address various aspects and strengthen our officiating experience.

How can we help you make your officiating experience better? Contact our group at usatf.officials.surveys@gmail.com with suggestions.

Officials Quick Para Athletics Reference Guide

Adaptive Track and Field USA (ATFUSA) has developed an “Officials Quick Para Athletics Reference Guide (QPARG).” It is designed to assist officials as a handy reference on major rules and officiating mechanics for use when working Para Athletics meets.

This guide is designed to address events conducted under World Para Athletics (WPA) and Adaptive Track & Field USA (ATFUSA) rules. The QPARG is not meant to replace the World Athletics (WA), World Para Athletics (WPA), or ATFUSA rule books or best practices, but covers many para track and field rules and procedures in a concise manner.

Para officials that have worked in some major para meets have been given copies of QPARG. The QPARG covers rules, responsibilities of officials, setup, implement weights and sizes by classification, reasons for warnings and/or DQs, etc. It is a useful overview and handy to have at para meets along with the relevant rule books.

A copy of the guide is available here on the ATFUSA website and clicking “Meet Manage by Role Guide.” The current version of the QPARG reflects all the latest rule changes as of July 2024. It is worth para officials having and reviewing.

Remembering our colleagues who have passed this year or late December 2024. Your presence is missed and your contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.

The NOC has been notified of two USATF Certified Officials that have passed since our last NOC newsletter was published. Go here to read the names of the two colleagues we have lost so far in 2025. The list is in chronological order by date of death.

To submit the name of a current or retired USATF Certified Official who has passed away in 2025, email officialsnewsletter@gmail.com and request a submission form.

Bell Lap News

Radical Change?: How House vs NCAA could reshape the college track and field world.

Preserving the Amateur Athlete Model: The NCAA is hopeful for legislative reform from Congress.

“Our Sports are Under Siege”: The future of NCAA track & field is anything but assured according to the CEO of the USTFCCCA, Sam Seemes.

Grand Slam Track: BBC article about the new Grand Slam Track series of track-only meets. The article contains a calendar of Grand Slam Track meets, Diamond League meets, World Championships, European Championships, and United Kingdom Championships.

Olympic Games Revenue Generation: John Slusher, a former Nike executive, will lead thecommercial strategy for the LA28 Olympic Games. The current budget for the Games is $6.88 billion.

Promoting and Expanding the Shot Put: Ryan Crouser is planning on launching an “American Shot Put League.”

Important Dates and Deadlines

Today: Recruit a new official. Refer the prospect to your Association Certification Chair.

January 1 - December 31: Renew your Background Screening. The renewal deadline varies by individual. Your Background Screening expires two years from the date of your last screening. Login to your USATF Connect account to determine your Background Screening status.

January 1 - December 31: Renew your SafeSport training. SafeSport training is now an annual requirement, meaning it should be completed once every 365 days. Login to your USATF Connect account to determine your SafeSport status. Or, you can search for your name on theSafeSport Compliant List.

January 1 - December 31: Upgrade your USATF certification.

NOW: The NCAA exam (Endorsement) testing is available online.

NOW: Renew your USATF membership for 2025. Use your USATF Connect account.

January 28: Virtual training session covering the new NFHS Rules. Access information can be found in the "Rules" article in this newsletter.

March 31: Absolute final deadline to complete your recertification.

First day of every month: Deadline to submit an article and/or photographs for the next issue of the NOC newsletter. Send your material to: officialsnewsletter@gmail.com.

This newsletter is published monthly
by the USATF National Officials Committee.

Editor: Phil Sutton, Associate Editors: Mike Cahn and Bettina Huber, Support: Len Krsak, Patty Mitchell, David Gercken, Jay Marshall, and the many frequent newsletter contributors. Contact the newsletter team at: officialsnewsletter@gmail.com. Go here to view an archive of previous issues.
Copyright © 2024-2025 USATF National Officials Committee, All rights reserved

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