Lincoln Track Club Rules of Competition

Introduction: Lincoln Track Club ("LTC") has established a Games Committee ("Games Committee") in accordance with the USA Track & Field Rules of Competition ("USATF Rules"). LTC follows and applies the USATF Rules in all events it produces. The Games Committee is responsible for establishing, implementing, communicating, and enforcing the Rules of Competition for each event. The Rules of Competition incorporate the USATF Rules and additional provisions adopted by the Games Committee to ensure a safe, fair race for all participants. The complete USATF Rules are available at www.usatf.org. The USATF Rules are implemented by the Games Committee in accordance with the following Rules of Competition. Where a rule is specific to a particular LTC Event, the event name is specified in the rule.

1. Race Applications/Bibs

1.01 Participant Numbers: Every competitor shall be provided with a race number, which shall be conspicuously worn on the FRONT when competing. The race numbers are to be worn as issued (cutting or folding numbers is not permitted). No athlete shall be permitted to participate in any competition without the appropriate number or numbers. USATF Rule 143

1.02 No Transfer Permitted: Once a number has been assigned to a competitor, no other competitor may use it. Participant race numbers are personal and may not be exchanged with or transferred to any other person. USATF Rule 43

1.03 Race Number Pick-Up: Each participant shall provide photo identification at the time of number pick-up verifying that they are the individual to whom the race number is assigned. In the event an authorized participant wishes to have another individual pick up their race number for them, they must have photo identification for themselves. Race numbers may be picked up only at the times and in the manner specified in the written instructions provided to participants. No special arrangements will be made.

1.04 No Refunds: Entry fees are non-refundable, and may not be deferred or otherwise transferred.

1.05 BibTag Verification: Participants are responsible for verifying that the BibTag timing device on the back of each Bib is working properly prior to the race and worn correctly during the race.

1.06 Participants Under Age 18: All athletes under 18 years of age must have a statement signed by the athlete’s parent or legal guardian permitting the athlete to compete. USATF Rule 241

2. The Start

2.01 Assembly: All competitors are responsible for knowing the starting time, knowing the assembly method, and for being at the starting line at the appointed time for instructions and the start of the race. Participants shall assemble for the race not less than 10 minutes prior to the start of the race. USATF Rule 242

2.02 Start Line: Start shall be indicated by line on the road not more than 5 cm wide. With BibTag timing, all mats at the start shall be placed before the measured starting line. USATF Rule 241

2.03 Method of Start: All competitors must be behind the line when starting. Race shall be started by a universal starting pistol or an air horn. The commands of the starter shall be decided by the Race Director. False starts in road races should not be recalled. USATF Rule 242

2.04 Questions/Protests Regarding Start: All questions regarding the start shall be determined by the Starter. The Starter shall report to the Race Director any misconduct by any competitors at the start. The Race Director shall have the authority to disqualify such competitors. USATF Rule 162

3. Timing

3.01 Race Time is Official: Official times shall be recorded from the start of the race by the starting pistol/air horn to the point where the participant crosses the finish line. The starting pistol/air horn shall be sounded only once, at the official start of the race. For the Marathon/Half Marathon, times shall be rounded to the next highest second. Where two or more timing devices are used, one should be designated as "official" before the start of the competition. Net times (marathon/half marathon) shall not be used for any purpose other than Masters LDR records per USATF Rule 265.10. USATF Rule 165

3.02 Official Starting Time: Timers start timing devices at the starting pistol/air horn or the first moment a competitor crosses the start line, whichever happens first. False starts in road races shall not be recalled. Official time is elapsed time between start of timing devices and the athlete crossing the finishing line. If an athlete crosses the start line after the start of the timing devices, the elapsed time can be made known to the athlete but will not be considered as official time. USATF Rule 245

3.03 Times Displayed: Elapsed times shall be displayed or read at various points along the running course in each event for the benefit of the runners and to record such time intervals. Such places will be determined by the Race director and approved by the Games Committee Chair. USATF Rule 244, 245

4. The Course

4.01 Course Marking: All LTC event courses shall be adequately marked at strategic points to keep competitors on course. USATF Rule 243

4.02 Course Monitoring: Turns and major intersections on the course shall be monitored by Course Marshalls. A record shall be made of the runners and their running times at specific points on the course. USATF Rule 243

4.03 Vehicles on Course: All event courses shall be free of vehicular traffic and all dangerous intersections should be staffed to provide for traffic and spectator control. A lead vehicle should be provided, with additional vehicles to assist in monitoring the competition, timing, or other required functions as determined by the Games Committee. USATF Rule 243

4.04 Leaving the Course: No competitor, after leaving the course, shall be allowed to rejoin a race either for the purpose of gaining a place or to pace or to assist another competitor. In any road race, a competitor may leave the road with the permission and under the control of an authorized official, provided that by going off or returning to the course the athlete does not lessen the distance to be covered. USATF Rule 163.6, 243

4.05 Shortening the Course: Any competitor who has been found by the Race Director to have gained an unfair advantage by intentionally shortening the route of the race ("cutting the course") shall be immediately disqualified from the competition. USATF Rule 243

4.06 Obey Officials: Any competitor who shall refuse to obey the directions of the Race Director or other proper official, or who shall conduct himself/herself in an unsportsmanlike manner, or who is offensive by action or language to the officials, spectators, or competitors at any competition may be disqualified by the Race Director from further competition.

4.07 Assistance to Athletes: Except as provided in USATF Rule 241, a competitor who has received any assistance whatsoever from any other person may be disqualified by the Race Director. "Assistance" is the conveying of advice, information, or direct help to an athlete by any means, including a technical communication device. It also includes pacing in running events by persons not participating in the event. It does not include participation of an officially designated pacesetter in the race, provided such pacesetters start in the event. Competitors may carry or wear articles of personal equipment such as wrist chronometers and heart rate monitor. USATF Rule 144

4.08 "Cheering" Permitted: Verbal or other communication, without the use of any technical device, from an individual who is not in the competition area to an athlete who is in the competition area shall not be considered assistance. USATF Rule 144

4.09 Bandits: No attendant or competitor who is not actually taking part in the competition shall accompany any competitor in the competition, nor shall any competitor be allowed, without permission of the Race Director, to receive assistance or refreshment from anyone during the progress of the competition. Any person not properly displaying a properly authorized and issued Bib shall be directed to leave the course. USATF Rule 144

4.10 Medical Assistance: Medical personnel authorized by the Games Committee or Race Director to do so may examine any athlete who appears in distress. If in their opinion it is in the best interest of the athlete’s health and welfare, they may remove the athlete from the competition. A hands-on medical examination during the progress of an event by officially designated medical personnel shall not be considered assistance and will not result in disqualification if deemed medically fit. USATF Rule 144, 241

5. Finish

5.01 Finish Line: The exact finish line shall be clearly marked and stated in competitor instructions in order to eliminate confusion with designs on or adjacent to the running surface near the finish line. The use of a tape, held by individuals not serving as judges, may be used to help identify the location of the finish line. USATF Rule 165, 244

5.02 Course Finish: The finish of the course is the edge of the line closest to the approaching runners. USATF Rule 244

5.03 Placement of BibTag Timing Mats: In events using transponder timing mats, the first mat shall be placed so that the edge of the mat closest to the approaching runners is the finish line. At least the first 15 cm of the mat shall be of a color in contrast to the running surface to indicate the finish line. Any additional or backup mats shall be placed beyond the finish line. USATF Rule 244

6. General

6.01 Athletic Attire: In all events competitors must wear clothing that is clean, designed and worn so as not to be objectionable. USATF Rule 142

6.02 Course Certification: All LTC Events except the Lincoln Mile shall be conducted on USATF certified courses and any other event conducted by LTC may be certified at the discretion of the Race Director. The Race Director shall be responsible for coordinating the proper certification of the courses in accordance with USATF Operating Regulation 6. USATF Rule 240

6.03 Professional Conduct of Participants: All partricipants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner during their participation in any LTC event. This means, for example, that urinating or defecating anywhere on or near the course shall be strictly prohibited except in toilet facilities.

6.04 Marathon Time Limit: The marathon finish line remains open until 1:30 p.m. Participants must cross the finish line by 1:30 p.m. in order to be considered "official finishers". After 1:30 p.m., the course and finish line are closed. The finisher medal will not be awarded after 1:30 p.m. nor will the participant be listed in the official results.

7. Safety

7.01 Electronic Devices: Portable listening devices not capable of receiving communication will be allowed in any LTC event. However, those competing for awards of any kind may not use such devices. USATF Rule 144.3(h)

7.02 Wheeled Devices: The use of wheeled devices by participants or any other person authorized to be on the course shall be strictly limited to (a) authorized and registered competitive wheelchair participants and (b) authorized course marshals. No baby joggers, baby strollers, skate boards, roller blades, unauthorized bicycles or any other wheeled device will be permitted on the course.

7.03 Medical and Safety Concerns on Course:

(a) Aid Stations: Aid stations providing water and other suitable refreshments shall be available on the course every two to three miles. USATF Rule 241

(b) Medical Assistance: Adequate first aid should be provided, preferably by use of a mobile unit or units on the running course. USATF Rule 241

(c) Removal from Race: A hands on medical exam during the race is not assistance – Competitor must retire at once from the race if ordered to do so by a member of the official medical staff. USATF Rule 241

7.04 Inclement Weather: The Race Director shall determine whether any LTC event shall be delayed, cancelled, or suspended due to inclement weather in accordance with the LTC Emergency Protocol on Inclement Weather.

8. Violation of Rules of Competition

8.01 Process: The process for consideration of possible violations of the Rules of Competition shall be as follows:

(a) Violation Determined by Official: In the event a potential violation is determined to have occurred by any Race Official, all available evidence shall be forwarded to the Games Committee. The Games Committee shall review each potential violation in accordance with the following:

(i) An initial determination of the nature of the violation shall be made. The participant or participants involved shall receive written notice of the initial determination. This determination shall be made within 30 days of the race day or as soon as practicable thereafter. The participant shall have an opportunity to respond with any additional clarifying information available within 14 days of the date of the initial determination.

(ii) Within 60 days of the initial determination, the Games Committee shall meet for a final review of all potential violations and any responses submitted. A final determination will be made and participants notified of the result and any penalty imposed.

8.02 Penalties: Any violation of these Rules shall result in assessment of a penalty up to and including a lifetime ban from further participation in any LTC Event in accordance with the following:

(a) Failure to Cross all Checkpoints on Course: Disqualification from event’s official results.

(b) Participate in Event Not Registered For: Any participant who registers for the Half-marathon and participates in the Marathon shall be disqualified from the event’s official results and participation in either event for one additional year.

(c) Transfer of Race Number: Any registered participant who transfers, sells, or otherwise permits any other individual to wear the race number assigned to them shall be disqualified for all remaining current year LTC events and one additional year.

(d) Unauthorized Assistance: Any registered participant who receives unauthorized assistance shall be disqualified for all remaining current year LTC events and one additional year. This includes any registered participant who permits an unregistered runner to run with them for any part of the event.

(e) Unauthorized Participation/Bandits: Any person who participates in any LTC event without any race number or BibTag shall be disqualified from all remaining current year LTC events and one additional year.

(f) Unprofessional/Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Any participant who engages in any unprofessional or unsportsmanlike conduct, including, without limitation, the providing of any false or misleading information in connection with their application for or participation in any LTC Event shall be disqualified from all remaining current year LTC events and may, in the discretion of the Games Committee, be disqualified from future years of participation in LTC Events.

(g) Electronic Devices: Race Officials shall be authorized to disqualify any individual whose use of portable listening devices causes them to act in an unsafe or discourteous manner. Individuals either competing in, or winning LTC age group awards, or prize money will be automatically disqualified and will not receive payment if applicable. Further, acting in an unsafe or discourteous manner may result in disqualification from future LTC events at the discretion of the Games Committee. Race Officials shall be authorized to disqualify any individual for using devices capable of receiving communications while on the course.

(h) Other Violations: The Games Committee shall assess penalties for any violations not specifically addressed taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances.

(i) Multiple Violations: Any combination of violations of multiple Rules in a single year or the same Rule in multiple years may result in additional penalties over and above those stated here at the discretion of the Games Committee including a lifetime ban from any and all LTC events.

8.03 Request for Reinstatement: Any individual who has been disqualified from all future LTC events may apply for reinstatement of eligibility after a period of 3 years from the date of the disqualification. The decision to grant reinstatement shall be at the discretion of the Games Committee. In considering the application the Games Committee shall take into account the original basis of the disqualification, the applicant’s race etiquette record during the intervening period and any other relevant information.

Policy Adopted by the Board of Directors
March 18, 2018

Lincoln Track Club Policy on Transgender Runners

Background

While the Lincoln Track Club (LTC) desires to have as few rules as possible, the club recognizes the need for a policy to facilitate the participation of transgender runners. Our overall goal is to have a simple workable policy that respects the rights of runners but also preserves the integrity of awards and records based on sex. Furthermore, any event sanctioned by USA Track and Field (USAT&F) is required to maintain such a policy.

Policy

General Rule: A runner should enter a LTC event under the sex that the runner declares publicly for all other purposes.

Exception: A male-to-female transgender runner may not enter as a female unless that runner currently is taking hormone treatments related to gender transition and has been taking those treatments continuously for one year.

Enforcement: LTC will accept a runner’s word that the runner is in compliance with this policy. Additionally, LTC will rely on the honesty of runners to enforce this policy. It expects that applicants will indicate their correct sex for competitive purposes under the International Olympic Committee (IOC) policy. LTC will accept an applicant’s declaration of sex and only inquire further in cases where there is an obvious problem.

Policy Adopted by the Board of Directors
March 18, 2018