New rule covers preliminary and final competitions
The Division II and Division III Playing Rules Oversight Panel and the Division I Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country Oversight Committee approved a rule that all preliminary warmups for horizontal jumps and throwing events can be no longer than 30 minutes per flight.
If all athletes in the flight are ready to compete before the allotted time ends, competition can start immediately.
All warmups for the final in horizontal jumps and throwing events cannot be more than 15 minutes. If all the athletes are ready to compete before the allotted time ends, competition can start immediately.
Other rules changes:
- In cross country, turns should have distinct barriers located along the course.
- Rules regarding calibration of equipment will return to rules established in the 2023 and 2024 NCAA Track and Field/Cross Country Rules Book.
- If a competitor is suspected of using an illegal shoe, a protest is allowed.
- Current collegiate coaches or enrolled track and field student-athletes from any competing school in a meet cannot officiate a competition.
- A flagrant action is now defined as an evident, clear or decisive act that infringes upon or impedes another competitor.
Scoring option
The Division I Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Subcommittee and the Division II and Division III Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Committee rescinded the optional indoor and outdoor team scoring proposals.
Committee members will continue to discuss this topic, but it will not be an option for the 2026-27 academic year.
