High school track and field rule changes address injury risk

Two changes in field events rules focus on reducing injury risk ahead of the 2027 high school track and field outdoor season.

In an effort to reduce injury risk during warmups in the shot put and discus, all attempts must now be made from inside the circle and facing the sector; no backward, over-the-head attempts will be allowed.

The change was recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Track and Field Rules Committee at its meeting in June in Indianapolis and later approved by the NFHS Rules Review Committee and NFHS board of directors.

The committee noted that warmup attempts by athletes standing on the toe board with their backs to the sector are dangerous because competitors cannot see if the area is clear before throwing the implement. With this rule change, a clear line of sight will be available to make sure the landing area is safe prior to an attempt.

Another safety-related revision addresses the growing use of foreign substances on shoes in throwing events. Language has been revised to provide clearer guidance to coaches and officials.

“Overall, the top priority for the rules committee is always the safety and well-being of the student-athletes, and this year’s committee meeting reflected that continued commitment,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and middle schools and liaison to the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee. “The rules committee continues to focus on minimizing risk in throws events and warmups to ensure a safer competitive environment.

“This was a highly productive meeting where the committee successfully balanced safety with practical rules revisions.”

The rules committee also approved a revision in a rule change that was made last year in the vertical jumps as well as a revision that provides games committees more flexibility in reporting for field events.