3-1-2: No meet official, including meet referee and jury of appeals, shall set aside any rule.

Rationale: Clarifies within the rules that the referee, meet officials or jury does not have the authority to set aside a rule except as provided under special circumstances.

3-2-8, 3-2-4k, 3-2-7: The use of electronic communication devices is permitted during meets in unrestricted areas and coaches’ boxes; however, they may not be used for any review of a referee’s decision or to communicate with an athlete during a race or trial.

Rationale: Technology advancements in the area of electronic audio and video devices have made such items easy to use and very accessible. Their use, if not used for communication during the actual competition when a competitor is on the track or completing a trial, no longer creates an advantage or disadvantage among competitors or teams and can serve as a coaching tool.

3-19-3, 7-5-5: Removes the requirement that the implement inspector shall inspect vaulting poles and the responsibility rests with the field referee or head field judge.

Rationale: The implement inspector’s expertise is in the throwing implements, not the vaulting poles. The scales typically used are limited to about 40 pounds; therefore, are not usable for this purpose. This provides for a more efficient and practical process.

4-3-1c(7), NOTES 1, 4-3-2, 9-6-1c(7): Any visible undergarment worn underneath the uniform bottom that does not extend below the knees is now considered a foundation garment and not subject
 to single, solid color rule. An undergarment extending below the knees shall meet all requirements regarding a visible undergarment.

Rationale: Compression-style shorts that extend beyond the length of the uniform short, but above the knees are frequently being worn as foundation garments, similar to a sports bra. The color of such visible undergarment plays no significant role for officiating purposes. The time and attention by officials to be certain athletes are in compliance when wearing such items delays progression of the meet and the severity of a penalty of disqualification for a noncompliant garment is too severe as the item does not impact the competition.

6-2-9: Consistent in all field events for communication, a pass shall be communicated to the event judge before the start of the trial clock.

Rationale: Consistency in language in all field events regarding proper communication between competitor and judge when the athlete is going to pass.

6-6-1 NOTE: Clarifies the diameter restriction for the rubber tip javelin.

Rationale: Updates the equipment requirements for the rubber tip javelin.

7-2-10, 6-2-9: Adjusts the prescribed time limits for pole vault and places time limits for consecutive trials in the throwing events.

Rationale: Adjusts the prescribed time limits for the pole vault and now places the time limits for consecutive trials in Rule 6, Throwing Events, which has not previously been addressed in the throws.

7-5-24: Padding meeting the ASTM Specification Standards shall be required for the start of the 2014-15 track season.

Rationale: For the purpose of minimizing risk of injury to a pole vaulter, require that planting box padding shall meet the applicable ASTM Specification Standard no later than the start of the 2014-15 track season. This required implementation date allows for product availability.

2014 Track and Field Major Editorial Changes

4-6-3,4: These two articles, which address how to order reruns after an act of interference has occurred, have been deleted from Rule 4 and moved to Rule 5-9, which defines interference in running events.

5-1-3, 5-2-6: All-weather track surfaces utilizing a painted line to mark the inner edge of the track are now the more commonly-used surface. The order of listing a painted line, followed by a raised curb to designate the inside edge of the track is more appropriate for the construction and design of today’s tracks.

6-3-1,2;7-3-1,2: Clarifies that the tie-breaking procedure in field events applies only for places scoring and removes unnecessary language from the rules.

2014 Track and Field Editorial Changes
3-4-5, 3-8-3, 4-4 NOTE, 4-6-3 PENALTY, 4-6-4 PENALTY, 5-9-2, 5-9-3, 6-2-10, 6-2-12, 6-2-14
PENALTY, 6-4-2, 6-4-3, 6-5-2, 6-5-3, 6-6-2, 7-1-2, 7-2-1, 7-2-6, 7-2-10, 7-2-17, 7-4-1, 7-5-1, 7-
5-29, 7-6-1, 8-1-1 NOTE, 8-1-2 NOTE, 9-6-4 PENALTY, Appendix A

2014 Track and Field Points of Emphasis
1. Throwing implements returned to competitors by officials
2. Proper coaching requires staying up to date on rules and techniques
3. Coaches getting it right with uniforms
4. Importance of proper training of volunteers to work the meet