Clerk of the Course Responsibilities Also known as bench worker
Article 1 & 2 1. The clerk of the course shall be responsible for recording the name and number of each competitor and shall assign each runner to the proper heat and starting position, as approved by the games committee or meet director. 2. The clerk is responsible for giving all necessary instructions concerning the rules governing the race, and either the clerk or the assistant starter, shall be at the starting mark before each race to announce the lane assignments and hold each competitor responsible for reporting promptly to the starting line when the race is announced. Also, the clerk of the course should check and enforce uniform, visible apparel and shoe regulations.
Article 3 Adjustments in heat or lane assignments or in the number of heat qualifiers may be made by the clerk with the approval of the referee. In a race run in lanes, each competitor shall run in the lane drawn unless the clerk moves the competitor to avoid use of a lane which, because of unusual conditions, would unfairly handicap a competitor. The clerk of the course shall provide the head finish judge with a listing of changes in writing.
Article 4 In a race run in lanes, each competitor shall run in the lane drawn, unless the clerk of the course moves the competitor to avoid use of a lane which, because of unusual conditions, would unfairly handicap a competitor.
Responsibilities A. Familiarize himself/herself with all starting and finish lines and exchange zones.
B. Give all necessary instructions concerning the rules governing the race, including method of qualifying in preliminary and semifinal heats, and places to be scored.
C. Assign each competitor to the proper heat and starting position.
D. Deliver the competitors at the starting line promptly for the starter.
E. Inspect or distribute batons for relay races and cause the collection of batons from the anchor runners.
F. Check and enforce visible uniform apparel, shoe regulations, no wearing of jewelry and unaltered contestant number.
G. Coordinate calls with the announcer and assist with keeping the meet on schedule.
H. Inform all competitors of the type of stagger to be used in their race, i.e., waterfall, one-turn, two-turn, etc., and exchange zone markings.
I. Remind competitors of the necessity to remain in their assigned lane at the conclusion of a race to aid finish-line personnel in the timing and placing process.
J. Remind competitors of prohibited items by the games committee, such as any wearing apparel in addition to the school issued uniform, radio/stereo equipment, wireless communication devices, tobacco, and of any special instructions.
2. SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT a. Time schedule and order of events. b. List of entries, heat and lane assignments, and event cards. c. Clipboards and pencils. d. A watch which has been synchronized with the official meet time. e. Speaker system to call missing persons or schools. f. Numbered tongue depressors, balls or discs for drawing for lanes. g. A radio for communication with the announcer and the finish-line personnel. h. Guide cards for each event see following example.
Guide Card Example 1. TWO-TURN STAGGER START: 400-METER RUN. Competitors must run in their assigned lane all the way. They may never cross the line to their left. The line on the left is the curb line. Competitors should stay off of it and not run on it. If they run three consecutive steps on or over this line with one or both feet on the curve, they shall be disqualified. Competitors are running against time; the eight fastest times shall place and score. After competitors have crossed the finish line, they should come back to the finish line in their respective lanes to help the judges in their decisions (hand-held). Step off the track at designated area beyond the finish line (with automatic timing systems).
2. THREE-TURN STAGGER START: 4X400 METER RELAY GUIDE CARD Runner No. 1 Must run in his/her lane all the way. The line on the left is the curb line; stay off of it, do not run on it. Runner No. 2 No. 2 shall receive the baton in the lane in which he/she is assigned. After receiving the baton, No. 2 must run the curve in his/her lane until the break line. Runner No. 2 may move towards the inside curb provided he/she does not impede, interfere or have physical contact with opposing runners. Incoming runner Nos. 2 to 3 and 3 to 4 need to watch their teammate as he/she comes around the curve. It is the incoming runner s responsibility to line up with his/her teammate. It is the incoming runner s responsibility to avoid impeding outgoing runners. Runner Nos. 1, 2, 3 After handing off the baton, stay in their lane; don t leave or exit the track until all lanes are clear and, if bumped while in their lane, it is legal. But if they are bumped out of their lane, illegal; disqualification. Runner Nos. 2, 3, 4 The inside line on the track is the curb line; stay off of it, do not run on it. If the competitor runs three consecutive steps with one or both feet on this line on the curve, his/her team shall be disqualified. Runner No. 4 No. 4 should not throw the baton after he/she crosses the finish line. The team shall be disqualified.
EXCHANGE ZONE. Acceleration zone may not be used. Any visible shirt worn under the uniform top and other visible apparel worn under the uniform bottom must be unadorned and the same single color. The baton must be legal. It may touch the track any an place on or in front of the starting line, as long as the competitor has a legal starting position.