Track & Field
Beginning Track & Field Officiating
Start safely, observe carefully, and help every performance count.
Aligned with NFHS Track and Field Rules. Always confirm current-year rules and state association adaptations, including event offerings, meet formats, and local safety procedures.
Individual enrollment
$50
One-time, full course access
Course outline
Officials' Roles and Pre-Meet Preparation
- 20 min
Meet Officials and Professional Preparation
Meet the starter, clerk, field judge, and umpire or inspector roles. Learn how preparation and impartial conduct support a safe, orderly meet.
- 20 min
Pregame Becomes Pre-Meet: Inspection and Briefing
Use a pre-meet inspection and officials' briefing to prevent confusion. Identify who can authorize corrections, delays, and changes.
Venue, Equipment, and Meet Basics
- 20 min
Venue Layout, Implements, and Athlete Equipment
Learn the physical features officials use to administer events. Understand why implement checks and specialized event safety require trained supervision.
- 20 min
Meet Flow, Entries, Attempts, and Results
Follow athletes from check-in to official results. Learn why accurate records and authorized procedures matter as much as visible rulings.
Core Rules: Starts and Track Events
- 20 min
Starting Commands and False Starts
Learn the responsibilities of starters and clerks before a race begins. Understand false-start enforcement and why special events require separate instructions.
- 20 min
Lane Violations, Break Lines, and Hurdles
Observe track violations without guessing from a single glimpse. Learn to report the location, action, and effect for the referee's decision.
Core Rules: Relays and Field Events
- 20 min
Relays, Exchange Zones, and the Finish
Learn what makes a relay exchange legal and how to observe it. Identify the body part that determines a runner's finish.
- 20 min
Field-Event Trials, Measurement, and Records
Learn the fundamentals of horizontal jumps, vertical jumps, and throws. Practice accurate measurement while recognizing when a specialist must supervise.
Positioning, Signals, and Crew Communication
- 20 min
Positioning for Starters, Clerks, and Inspectors
Choose positions that support observation without creating hazards. Coordinate station coverage and athlete movement across the venue.
- 20 min
Flags, Reports, and Crew Communication
Use approved signals and concise factual reports. Learn how accurate communication helps the referee resolve questions without guessing.
Meet Management, Sportsmanship, and Safety
- 20 min
Meet Management, Sportsmanship, and Questions
Handle athlete and coach concerns respectfully within the meet's procedures. Protect competition from disruption while avoiding unnecessary confrontation.
- 20 min
Venue Safety, Medical Concerns, and Reports
Recognize event-specific hazards and emergency triggers. Learn how to stop unsafe activity and record incidents responsibly.
Final Review
- 30 min
Final Review & Certification Exam
Review the course decision process and complete a twelve-question assessment. Passing this course assessment does not replace state association registration, testing, observation, or certification requirements.