New track officials can struggle to figure out what equipment they need. Track and field has a lot of events. Each one has specific equipment needs.

For example, a throwing event judge needs a tape measure for the shot put. That judge will need longer tape for the discus, and will also need steel tape to certify a record. If judges are “pulling tape,” they will also have the practical concern of not suffering a back injury from bending to place the tape all day. So, wise throwing event judges will obtain a measuring cane or a long pole-like device that will allow them to spear tape from a standing position. 

A track official in Arizona will pack some sun protection, while an official in Wisconsin might pack hand-warmers and other cold-weather gear. Field event officials will need pencils, pens and a clipboard to run their events. Finally, a track meet can run for the better part of a day, so a wise official brings food and water.

A new official doesn’t have the benefit of years of experience to figure out all of the equipment needs. In addition, the new official might not have a specialty yet. The official might be running throws one day, pulling tape on another day, serving as a starter at a youth event yet another day, and acting as an exchange zone judge on the weekend. Different events require different equipment needs. Umpires, exchange-zone judges, finish-line personnel and all the other officials who work a track meet make use of different equipment. Many host schools supply much of the equipment (flags for umpires, stop watches for timers, clipboards for field events, etc.), but all officials should be prepared for whichever event(s) they work.

New officials can be overwhelmed without some guidance as to what equipment to get for each event and where to get it. A checklist that lists equipment needs can prove to be very useful. 

The Northeast Wisconsin Track and Field Officials Association (NEWTFOA), a local track officials association based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, recently offered a clinic on starting mechanics and procedures for all track officials. One of the goals of the clinic was to provide instruction that results in more consistency among officials in that area. Clinic attendees were provided with a list of items that track and field officials should have in their bag. With permission from NEWTFOA, that list is provided below. Please note that some of the items are unique to Wisconsin (striped shirt) and to the climate (disposable hand warmers, etc.). Officials should review the list and make whatever additions, deletions or substitutions that are appropriate for their state and part of the country.

Uniform, etc.

• Black-and-white striped shirt (most prefer one with a pocket)
• Black pants (or shorts)
• Black shoes (polished) and black socks
• Brightly colored arm sleeve
• Closed-barrel starting pistol with holster (.32 caliber and/or .22 caliber)
• Plastic whistle on lanyard (preferably black lanyard)
• Ear protection (ear plugs or muff)
• Flash shield
• Hat (optional). All officials should preferably wear the same-colored hat. 
• Black-and-white striped jacket or transparent rain suit for diverse weather conditions

Official’s bag

• Extra shells
• Cleaning rag and WD-40 (or other lubricant) for gun
• Extra whistle
• Fanny pack or other holder for shells, rules books, etc.
• Rules Book, Case Book, Officials Manual, state adaptations
• Clipboard, multi-pocket folder or other device to hold printed materials
• Pens and/or pencils
• 3” x 5” cards
• Roll of athletic tape
• Marking material for shot and discus (markers, white-out, fingernail polish, etc.)
• Balancing ring for shot for weigh-in (milk jug ring works well)
• Tape measure (25’)
• Pliers
• Spike-measuring device
• Two-gallon zip-lock bags for protecting clipboards during rainy weather
• Rain gear
• Gloves (warm and/or waterproof)
• Disposable hand warmers
• Sunscreen
• Plastic garbage bag into which to put official’s bag for protection from rain
• Lap-counting paddles or cards
• Small cones for cut-ins, lane designations, etc.
• Forms, cards, other aids

Clearly, the amount of information for the new track official is overwhelming. Even more overwhelming is the prospect of lugging all of the needed equipment around. If ever a group of officials needed a bag, track officials need one. As to what’s in the bag - well, that boils down to what your state or local association requires, and what extra things work for you.