The new NCAA rule book brings several changes to officials working collegiate meets. One major change concerns the 400 meter relay exchange zones. Instead of having a 10 meter acceleration zone and a 20 meter exchange zone, the baton may now be passed in the entire 30 meter area. Schools are encouraged to repaint their tracks to reflect the change, but NCAA rules interpretations are permitting tape or some other indicator to be used as a reminder.

The second major change that will affect most officials is the new time limit for attempts in field events. Competitors must now initiate throws and high jumps (with exceptions for limited competitors and consecutive tries) in 30 seconds. In weight events, the rule indicates that the clock should start when the competitor “steps onto the pad.” The latest Interpretations of the rule specify that the time limit should start when the competitor’s name is announced a second time if someone delays.

The new rules are available for download at https://www.ncaapublications.com/p-4564-2019-2020-cross-country-and-track-and-field-rules.aspx