05/01/18 – Reminder Multi-Event Athletes, Regional & State Track Meet

April 30, 2018

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We want to remind Athletic Directors and coaches about the strict time schedule at postseason track meets. Throughout the regular season, we realize that many athletes are competing in a rolling schedule style meet. However, both the regional and state track meets are structured to be held to a specific time schedule. With the state meet taking at-large qualifiers, it is important that all 21 regions adhere to a strict time schedule to ensure competitive fairness for the at-large qualifiers attempting to advance to the state meet. 

Managers are required to ensure that the regional meets adhere to the posted time schedule. Events cannot start before the published scheduled time. This allows for the same amount of rest for all athletes competing across the state when qualifying for at-large positions. Each regional time schedule has been created and can be found by clicking the link below: 

Regional Time Schedules for 2018

The 2018 KHSAA State Meet time schedule is posted on the KHSAA website and there will be a copy of it in each team packet for those qualifying for the state event. 

It is critical for coaches to assume the appropriate scheduling role in entering athletes. While rolling schedule meets (and cafeteria style events) in the regular season may allow for athletes to compete in a variety of events, it simply may not be feasible to enter that same number of events in a timed postseason meet. This is one example of the myriad of decisions coaches are required to make, and coaches must make them wisely, to ensure a positive experience for the athletes and the entire team.

Coaches, it is also very important that you speak with your athletes about the schedule prior to the meet, particularly those that are in multiple field events, or a combination of field and running events. Athletes and coaches must know the appropriate rules regarding check-out (and in) and MUST COMMUNICATE continually with meet officials (particularly the head judge of each event) to ensure a smooth transition if necessary to report to another event. The games committee has determined appropriate time limits for competitors excused to compete in another event but it is the athlete’s responsibility to adhere to check-in requirements. Athletes must check back in with the head judge upon return to the event. This is very important, so please discuss this procedure with your athletes. 

This season, there are also some unified events that will take place simultaneously. Coaches need to be sure that any unified pairs that are entered in both long jump and shot put are aware of the check-out (and in) procedure as well. Partner athletes should be able to assist in getting from one event to the other in a timely fashion.

– KHSAA –

The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/sports-blogs/

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