Running Track Certification ASBA Technical Meeting December 2013
Number of tracks in US (roughly) 2001 US Dept of Education (digest of educational statistics) 26,500 public high schools, 10,500 private high schools ~600 public 4 year institutions, ~1,800 private 4 year institutions ~1000 public 2 year institutions, ~600 private 2 year institutions Potential for about 30,000 high school tracks and 3,000 college tracks
Class 5: Certificate of Accuracy Class 5 is usually reserved for tracks that need some assurance of general accuracy. The certificate of accuracy consists of a letter from the line striping specialist. This level is used for high schools or other facilities that are not intended to host a state or national meet.
Sample Specification Upon completion of the track markings, provide an acceptable letter of, or certification of, accuracy to the owner attesting to the accuracy of the track markings and measurements in accordance with current state guidelines.
Class 4: Marking Verification Class 4 is generally used to verify tracks that will be used for major high school events. Procedures include verifying the distances run but not any slope verification.
Sample specification The radius points and point of curves (4) shall be laid out and verified by a licensed civil engineer or land surveyor, or by a certified track builder. A licensed civil engineer shall prepare a set of computerized calculations and diagrams that shall verify the accurate distance around the track for each lane and each race. All calculations should conform to the rules of the National Federation for State High School Associations. The contractor shall consult with the owner prior to the start of his calculations for determination of the finish line, events to be run, color of markings, location of lane numbers and additional paint markings. An experienced track striping specialist shall perform the marking utilizing paint approved for the track surface. The markings shall be certified in accordance with ASBA Class 4: Marking Verification. Documents are available from the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) on their website (www.sportsbuilders.org) or Track Construction Manual.
Class 3: Marking and Slope Verification Class 3 is generally used to verify tracks that will be used for collegiate events. Procedures include verifying the distance run for each event and that slopes are within the rules. This level can be used where national collegiate or NCAA records may be set.
Talking Points You are allowed 2.5 centimeters +/ on line locations at any point Theodolite distance accuracy of my machine is 5mm +/ 5 ppm. Equates to 4.3 cm on a 400 M lap. Theodolite angle accuracy is 10, which is 1/16 in lane 1 of an equal quadrant track. Accuracy to which you can read a tape (.01 foot, 1/8, or about 3 mm) Other limitations: accuracy of prism setup, tension with which you pull a tape, wind, marking chalk or crayon, bipod or tripod
Class 3 requires distances over 20 meters to be measured with an EDM. Class 3 400M distance can be no less than 400 meters and no greater than 400.06 meters. Class 3 individual races can be no more than 1.0002 times the specified length. Class 3 individual line measurements can deviate up to 2.5 cm (1 inch) from the specified location. Class 4 400M distance can be no less than 400 meters and no greater than 400.08 meters Class 4 individual races can be no more than 1.0002 times the specified length. Class 4 individual line measurements can deviate up to 3 cm (1 3/16 inches) from specified location.
IAAF certification class 2 22 page report Only 12 readings on the curves as opposed to 13 in the class 3 certification Angles measured in gradiens, not degrees 200 gradiens in a semi circle as opposed to 180 degrees in a semi circle Allowed 4 cm extra length over a 400 meter lap.
IAAF Class 2 report highlights Track distance and individual race distances (similar technique as type 3 and 4) Kerb height and type Safety zones Track surface and IAAF certificate 4 cm tolerance allowed Track cross slopes (3 points every 50 meters) Longitudinal slopes (.1% max) Verification of stripe width, color, numbers, waterfall starts, etc.
Class 2 report (cont d) Every hurdle mark confirmed Every relay exchange zone mark confirmed Steeplechase details confirmed (lots of mathematical details affiliated with this) Steeplechase hurdle locations confirmed Steeplechase water jump dimensions confirmed High jump runway, take off area, and inclination confirmed Pole Vault runway and inclination
Class 2 report (cont d) PV box details Long jump runway, slope, take off board, landing area details confirmed Triple jump details same as long jump Shot put circle, depth, slopes, landing sector and construction materials confirmed Discus requirements very similar to shot put Hammer details similar to shot and discus
Class 2 report (cont d) Javelin details confirmed Removeable items not included in report
IAAF certification class 1 Same as class 2 except the synthetic surface must be tested on site after installation is complete. Class 2 only requires the surface to be an approved IAAF surface with appropriate paper back up but no in situ testing is required.