Track And Field Regulations 2025-2026: Participation Limits And Event Restrictions.pdf

Key points include:

General Participation Limits:

One contest per day maximum for each student participant.
Event Specific Limits:
Grades 9-12: Maximum of four events per contest.
Grades 7 & 8: Maximum of three events per contest.
Penalties for exceeding limits: Ineligible athlete status and potential postseason ban/fines.

Prohibited Events:

Javelin and hammer throw are not permitted in interscholastic competition; schools participating face fines and bans.

Specialty Relays:

Allowed per NFHS rules, including mixed gender relays with required waivers.
All specialty relays follow regulations outlined in the Track & Field Coaches & Officials Manual.

Team Division:

Schools can divide squads to compete at multiple meets on the same day (double or triple duals).
Each individual athlete is limited to 16 contests total throughout the season.

Gender Participation:

Girls participating on boys teams permitted by OHSAA Bylaw 1-6-1, but restricted to boys events only during that meet.
Girls may participate in both girls and boys meets during regular season, but choose one tournament (girls or boys) for postseason.

Competition Requirements:

Outdoor Only: All meets and events must be held outdoors.
No Exhibition Competitions: Prohibited; all contestants must be eligible to score in all events. Fines apply for member schools hosting or participating in exhibition events.
Concurrent Meets: High school and 7th/8th grade competitions can occur concurrently, but with separate heats/sections/flights.

No Contest Scenarios:

Meet canceled due to weather, darkness, venue damage, etc. after start:
60% or more completed events: Meet scored based on completed events.
Less than 60% completed events: "No contest"; does not count towards records, ejection consequences, transfer rules, or maximum contests allowed.

Non-Interscholastic Participation:

* Students who participate in interscholastic meets cannot compete in non-interscholastic contests during their school's season (with exception for one event under specific conditions).