Competition Rules

USATF Rules Apply

USATF rules will apply to all events. Any protests must be filed in writing within 30 minutes of the results being posted online and must include a $40 cash deposit which will be returned if the protest is upheld. Protests for all running and in-stadium field events (Pole Vault, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump) can be filed in the Clerking area. Protests for all throwing events can be filed in the Implement Inspection area. Athletes may wear a uniform of their choosing but we suggest following your state association rules. This is an invitational style meet that is sanctioned by USATF. It is not sanctioned by any high school federation since it is contested after the official high school season.

Track Events

Track Events (800m, Mile, 2 Mile, Relay Finals on Time) Sections assigned by performance list with best section running last unless otherwise specified. All athletes in track events must report to the clerking area at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the event. 

How to Advance to Semi-Finals and Finals for Sprints & Hurdles

Boys

Championship 100 Meters
Preliminaries (to qualify for Semi-Final): Heat Winners + 13 fastest qualifiers
Semifinal (to qualify for Championship): Top 2 in each of the 3 semifinals plus next 2 fastest times

Championship 200 Meters
Preliminaries (to qualify for final): Top 8 times to final

Championship 4×100 Meters
Preliminaries (to qualify for final): Top 8 times to final

Championship 110 Meter Hurdles
Preliminaries (to qualify for semi-final): Heat winners + 16 next fastest)
Semifinal (to qualify for Championship): Top 2 in each of the 3 semifinals plus next 2 fastest times

Girls

Championship 100 Meters
Preliminaries (to qualify for Semi-Final): Heat Winners + 15 fastest qualifiers
Semifinal (to qualify for Championship): Top 2 in each of the 3 semifinals plus next 2 fastest times

Championship 200 Meters
Preliminaries (to qualify for final): Top 8 times to final

Championship 4×100 Meters
Preliminaries (to qualify for final): Top 8 times to final

Championship 100 Meter Hurdles
Preliminaries (to qualify for semi-final): Heat winners + 13 next fastest)
Semifinal (to qualify for Championship): Top 2 in each of the 3 semifinals plus next 2 fastest times

Middle School/Freshman
Preliminaries (to qualify for final): Top 8 times to final

Starting Blocks

Per USATF rules, athletes in the Championship Division MUST use starting blocks and start in a crouch position for all events up to and including the 400 Meter Dash and the first leg of all relays where that leg does not exceed 400 meters. For the Freshman and Middle School divisions, the general rules regarding the use of starting blocks and stance are waived, with the use of starting blocks and stance being within the discretion of the athlete. The starting blocks at Franklin Field are the Gill Fusion 8s.

Event Check-In Procedure

Runners: To enter the check-in area 25-30 minutes prior to their scheduled event. Runners must enter the Clerking area “race ready.” No excess bags/ clothing/ sneakers, etc will be allowed or stored in Clerking.

Field Event Athletes: Please check in 30 minutes before the start of the first flight and check in at the event’s venue. Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump and Pole Vault will enter the stadium through clerking however they must report to the officials at the venue 30 minutes before the start of the first flight. Any athletes that fail to check-in prior to the start of the first flight, will not be allowed to participate in their event.

False Start Rules

In the Championship and Freshman divisions, one false start disqualifies the athlete who committed the offense.

For the Middle School division, a yellow and black card will be raised for a false start that will be assessed to the entire field. Any 2nd false start committed will result in a disqualification to the athlete.

Relay Starting Information

4×100 and 4×200 = Lanes all the way

4x400m and 1600 SMR = 3 Turn Stagger

4×800 and DMR = 1 turn alley start

4×1 mile = Merge on straightaway

Preferred Lanes

Curved races: 6-7-5-8-9-4-3-2-1
Straightaway races: 5-6-4-7-3-8-2-9-1

Throws Awards

Throws Awards will be held in Franklin Field.  The top 6 athletes in each event will receive wristbands for their family to enter Franklin Field at the conclusion of the competition.

Throwing and Pole Vault Implements

Implement inspection will be conducted at the site of the competition beginning 1.5 hours prior to the scheduled start of each event. Each athlete will be limited to two implements to be inspected. 

Implement Inspection for throws will occur at the Mondschein Throwing Complex. Please note: Thursday’s multi implements will be inspected inside the Franklin Field Stadium as shot put will occur on the infield. Per USATF rule 187.10, once inspected, implements lose their identity as privately owned implements for the duration of the competition.

Implement weights will be as follows:

Pole vaulters may enter through the Big East Gate off of South Street Overnight Storage in the fenced in area by the Big East Gate (Southeast corner of the track by the sprint finish line). New Balance and the University of Pennsylvania are not responsible for lost poles.

Pole Vault Progressions

Boys Championship progression: 4.35 (14′ 3″), 4.50 (14’ 9”), 4.65 (15’3”), 4.80 (15’9”), 4.90 (16’1”), 5.00 (16’5″) 5.10 (16’9”), 5.20 (17’ ¾”), 5.30 (17’4.5”), 5.40 (17’8 ½”)
Boys Freshman progression: 3.35 (11′ 0″), 3.50 (11’6”), 3.65 (12’0″), 3.80 (12’6″), 3.95 (12’11.5”), 4.05 (13’4″), 4.15 (13’8″), 4.25 (14′), 4.35 (14’4″)
Girls Championship Progression: 3.45 (11′ 4″), 3.60 (11’10”), 3.75 (12’4″), 3.85 (12’7.5″), 3.95 (12’11.5”), 4.05 (13’4″), 4.15 (13’8″), 4.25 (14′), 4.35 (14’4″)
Girls Freshman progression: 2.75 (9′ 0″), 2.90 (9’6”), 3.05 (10’0″), 3.20 (10’6″), 3.30 (10’10”), 3.40 (11’2″), 3.50 (11’6″), 3.60 (11’10″)

High Jump Progressions

Boys Championship progression: 1.93 (6’4″), 1.97 (6’5-1/2″), 2.01 (6’7″), 2.04 (6’8-1/4″), 2.07 (6’9-1/2″), 2.10 (6’10-1/2″)

Boys Freshman progression: 1.76 (5’9-1/4″), 1.80 (5’10 3/4″), 1.84 (6’1/2″), 1.87 (6’1-1/2″), 1.90 (6’2-3/4″) , 1.93 (6’4″)

Girls Championship Progression:  1.58 (5’2-1/4″), 1.62 (5’3-3/4″), 1.66 (5’5-1/4″), 1.69 (5’6-1/2″), 1.72 (5′ 7 3/4″), 1.75 (5′ 8 3/4″)

Girls Freshman progression: 1.43 (4’8-1/4″), 1.47 (4’9-3/4″), 1.51 (4’11-1/2″), 1.54 (5’1/2″), 1.57 (5’1-3/4″), 1.60 (5’3″)

Jumps & Throws Finals Qualification

The eight competitors with the best valid and measured performances will be allowed three additional attempts in the Final round. The order of competition for the Finals will be in reverse order of the best performance in the first three trial rounds.

Hurdles

Boys Middle School 100 meter hurdles are 33 inches

Girls Middle School 100 meter hurdles are 30 inches

Boys Freshman and Championship 110 meter hurdles are 39 inches

Girls Freshman and Championship 100 meter hurdles are 33 inches

Boys Freshman and Championship 400 meter hurdles are 36 inches

Girls Freshman and Championship 400 meter hurdles are 30 inches

Uniforms

Athletes may wear a uniform of their choosing but we suggest following your state association rules.

Schedule

While our hope is to stay on schedule throughout the duration of the meet, we reserve the right to go up to 10 minutes ahead of schedule. 

Relay Batons

Meet management will provide batons at the start of the race. Please do not bring your personal batons and be sure to return them as soon as your race is complete.

Number of Events

As per USATF youth rules, an athlete may not compete in more than 4 events.  A 100m Dash prelim, semi and final only counts as one event.

Transgender Athlete Policy

Eligibility rules for transgender athletes are in line with current USATF and World Athletics rules.