Cross Country Course Measurement

Best Practices for measuring cross country courses.

Effective Jul 17, 2020

CROSS COUNTRY COURSE MEASUREMENT

Best Practices

Editor

Bill Quinlisk

Associate Editors: Jim Gilmer, Thom Hunt, David Katz, Steve Vaitones

An official publication of USA Track & Field

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USA Track & Field is the National Governing Body for Track and Field, Long Distance Running and Race Walking, and is the United States member of World Athletics

Cross Country Course Measurement

Best Practices

I Introduction

The intent of this document is to offer to coaches, race directors and all who design, develop and maintain cross country courses the best practices for measuring their courses. As USATF Rules note; “the varying circumstances in which cross country running is practiced preclude rigid legislation standardizing this sport”.[1] The tremendous variation in cross country courses in the United States also precludes rigid legislation in cross country course measurement. We can offer these best practices.

This Cross Country Course Measurement Best Practices was created through the collaborative efforts of USA Track & Field’s (USATF) Cross Country Council and Road Running Technical Council (RRTC) to dispel misconceptions and offer guidelines regarding the accurate measurement of cross country courses. These are not rules.

II Cross Country courses can be measured but not certified

You may know that cross country courses cannot be certified in the same way and to the same precision that road race course measurement has been standardized. This is true. Certified road race courses are guaranteed never to be shorter than the stated distance. The purpose of road race course certification is to produce road race courses of accurately measured distances intending to guarantee that the shortest possible route (SPR) that a runner can take through the course is at least the stated distance.

Road course certification measurement needs to be precise. We do not expect the same rigor needs to be applied to cross country course measurement. Accurate cross country course measurements can be obtained by carefully following these best practices. We suggest that road race measurement certification procedures can be modified as appropriate when measuring cross country courses. Interested measurers can refer to the Course Measurement and Certification Procedures Manual[2] developed by the RRTC.

The primary goal of cross country course measurement is somewhat similar to that of road course certification measurement. In cross country, we strive to accurately measure the distance of the course that a runner could legally run within the bounds of the marked course. The cross country course measurement does not guarantee that the course is the exactly equal to an advertised distance; only that it has been accurately measured to a certain distance. The measurement will not and need not be precise. Actual course measurement may determine that the distance is shorter or longer than an advertised course distance.

As an example: The Open Men and Open Women will run a 10k course at Mission Bay Park in San Diego at the 2021 USATF Cross Country Championship hoping to make the US team for the 2021 Cross Country World Cup. We advertise the course as 10 km. The 2020 USATF Competition Rule Book suggests that the course be “as close as feasible” to 10,000m.[3] When we measured the course, we discovered that the distance of the course that a runner could legally run within the bounds of the marked course was actually 10,110m. We still called it a 10k course but let the runners know the results of our measurement.

Understand that there are inherent difficulties in measuring cross country courses that make it impossible to follow the road race course measurement certification guidelines exactly. We suggest that the very technical road course measurement certification procedures are not completely necessary for cross country course measurement. You cannot and will not achieve the same precision and accuracy of measurement for a cross country course that you can for a road course. Nor, is the same precision and accuracy required for cross country.

III – Measuring Methods

Currently, there are three acceptable methods to measure a cross country course with an acceptable degree of accuracy. They are:

1. Steel tape,

2. Measuring Wheel ,

3. Calibrated Bicycle.

Please note that automobile odometers, aerial survey maps, gps devices, mobile phone apps and electronic distance meters (EDM) are not suitable for measuring road courses for certification and would not be considered suitable for measuring cross country courses with the degree of accuracy needed. Scientific advancement may eventually lead to more accurate measuring systems but we are not there yet. Each of the three acceptable methods of measuring has their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to measuring cross country courses.

Trying to measure an entire cross country course using a 50m steel tape would be extremely difficult and time-consuming. Riding a calibrated bicycle would probably take the least amount of time but might be problematic on difficult terrain. Many schools, coaches and meet directors already have a measuring wheel, possibly making it the most used measuring method. One measuring method may not suffice. Each cross country course is different and the variations of terrain, elevation, surface and route may make it necessary to utilize a combination of methods when measuring your cross country course.

Your measurement techniques can be as involved as you wish to make them; understand that a high degree of precision may not be necessary or even possible. Whatever method or combination of methods you use to measure your cross country course; please follow these best practices and take your time.

IV Measuring Wheel

Many coaches and race directors already have access to a measuring wheel. Measuring wheels are sized and sold according to the diameter of the wheel. Each revolution of the measuring wheel measures a specific distance depending on the diameter of the wheel. We strongly recommend using a measuring wheel with at least a 1 meter circumference and a 0.318m diameter. A mechanical device attached to the wheel measures the distance directly by counting each 1/10^th of a revolution of the wheel. For a 1m wheel each count or ‘click’ of the mechanical device measures 10cm of distance. Each full revolution of the wheel would thus measure 100cm or 1m of distance. The older imperial equivalent would be a measuring wheel with at least a 1 yard circumference and a 12.414 inch diameter and is no longer recommended. Measure in meters, it’s easier.

A measuring wheel may also be called a surveyor’s wheel, click wheel, hodometer, waywiser, trundle wheel or perambulator. The measuring wheel is an estimating device. It makes no pretense at being a precision measuring instrument. The surveyor's wheel measures the distance along a surface, whereas in normal land surveying, distances between points are usually measured horizontally with vertical measurements indicated in differences in elevation. Thus conventionally surveyed distances will be less than those measured by a surveyor's wheel.

According to surveyor industry standards, under IDEAL conditions, measuring wheels can only be accurate to within 25cm per 100 meters, that's a margin of error of +/- 0. 25 %. This can be converted to a margin of error of +/- 2.5m per kilometer. It is felt that this margin of error is acceptable for measuring cross country courses. Currently a case study is being done by the RRTC examining the efficacy of different measuring methods, including measuring wheels, for cross country courses. The results of this case study will be published as an appendix to this document when completed.

Measuring wheels can provide a measure of good accuracy on a smooth surface, such as pavement or a good golf course fairway. On rough terrain, wheel slippage and bouncing can reduce the accuracy. Soft sandy or muddy soil can also affect the rolling of the wheel. Obstacles in the way of the path may have to be accounted for separately. Good measurers will keep track of any circumstance on the measured path that can influence the accuracy of the distance measured and will measure that portion with an alternative method, such as using an offset and/or measuring with a steel tape. We believe that most individuals who are responsible for the set-up of cross country courses (coaches and meet directors) will opt to measure their courses with something they are familiar with - their measuring wheel.

Here are the basics when using your measuring wheel:

· Use the largest diameter wheel available (usually 0.318m diameter or 1 meter circumference).

· Before you can use your wheel, make sure that the circumference is clean because any dirt or debris can affect its accuracy.

· Place the measuring wheel directly over the edge of the starting line farthest away from the course and reset the counter to zero.

· As you walk, be sure to keep a steady pace because changing speed as you roll it on the ground can affect the wheel's rotation.

· Do not walk faster the 15 minutes per mile. This is not set in stone but the key would to always maintain surface contact. Absolutely no running or jogging.

· Think like a runner as you measure. Look for all ‘bee-lines’ and measure along the shortest path a runner could follow and still stay on course.

· Use an offset and/or a steel tape to measure any portion of the course with unique circumstances that could affect the accuracy of the measuring wheel. Note: offset technique measures nearest parallel to impassable sections.

· When you get to the edge of the finish line closest to the course, pick up and hold the wheel to prevent further rotation and record the distance being displayed on the counter.

· One of the biggest problems is identifying the parameters of the course which are often not well defined. Optimally, if time permits, measure the course after it has been set-up for the competition.

· The goal is to provide an accurate measurement of the distance the runners will race.

· The use of a steel tape to set up a calibration course on a level portion of the same surface as the majority of the course can provide an additional accuracy check of your measuring wheel.

It is not always possible to measure the course after it has been set up for the competition. The measurement may have to take place prior to the set-up and then try to ensure that the set-up matches the measurement path. Hopefully the course is set up prior to race day leaving time for measurement. For example: at the 2019 World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus, Denmark the 2 km loop course was set up three days before the event and there was plenty of time to do many measurements. In fact, the course was measured twice with a steel tape! It was also measured three times with a measuring wheel. The steel tape measurements were within a meter or two of each other and the wheel measurements were nearly as close. The course was mainly composed of long grass except for a mud and water pit (which was measured via an offset). The long grass would have made riding the course with a calibrated bicycle very difficult.

The wheel pictured below has a 0.318m diameter and a 1-meter circumference. It counts every 1/10 turn (3.937 inches or 10cm). One revolution of the wheel measures one meter. The mechanical counter mounted and read on the axle measures in tenths of a meter and can convert the result into feet with one decimal place.

V Steel Tape

“Any length and any surface may be included in the (road) course if it is measured with a steel tape. The greatest accuracy is obtained by steel-taping all non-paved sections.” [4] We suggest that proper measurements with steel tapes are more than accurate and precise enough for cross country course measurement purposes.

However, we suggest that a steel tape should only be used in the following circumstances:

1. For measuring the calibration course when using the calibrated bicycle with a Jones’ Counter, and/or

2. Any circumstance on the measured path that can influence the accuracy of the distance measured should be measured with an alternative method, such as using an offset and/or measuring with a steel tape.

Attempting to measure a cross country course using only a steel tape would be very difficult and time consuming.

The standard method of measuring a calibration course requires a steel tape, either surveyor's style or construction style, may be used, but to be confident of accuracy, get a tape made by one of the better-known manufacturers of surveying or construction equipment. Nylon-clad steel tapes are okay, but fiberglass tapes are definitely not acceptable. Electronic Distance Meters (EDM) can achieve greater accuracy than steel tapes, although that extra accuracy is not really needed for calibration courses used with a bicycle with a Jones’ Counter. A 30 meter/100 foot steel tape is best, but a 15 meter/50 foot tape is OK. The steel tape is used to lay out the calibration course and to make measure offsets and/or difficult sections on the course.

VI Calibrated Bicycle

“Although there are many ways to measure a road course, experience has shown that the calibrated bicycle method is superior to all others because of the speed and accuracy with which it can be performed”.[5]

The basic method of road course measurement is to compare the number of revolutions of the bicycle wheel needed to cover the road course with the number of revolutions needed to cover a standard calibration course. Once you understand the method, it is simple and direct, but there are many important details that need to be done correctly in order to have an acceptable measurement.

To measure a cross country course using the calibrated bicycle method, simply follow the procedures established for measuring a road course as closely as feasible. We will not reprint the road course measuring procedures in this document as they can be found in the RRTC manual.[6]

As mentioned earlier, there are inherent difficulties in measuring cross country courses vs. measuring road courses. In cross country, variations in terrain, running surfaces, elevation changes and course conditions are to be expected and may make course navigation using a calibrated bicycle impossible. It would take a knowledgeable certified measurer to successfully manage an accurate measurement of a cross country course using the calibrated bicycle method. In addition, the degree of accuracy of measurement provided by the calibrated bicycle method may not be necessary. The database of known and active road course measurers listed by state can be found at: https://certifiedroadraces.com/measurers/

Historically, several kinds of bicycle wheel revolution counters have been used in the calibrated bicycle method. Currently, the standard counter used for this purpose is the Jones’ Counter, a remarkably simple and reliable mechanical device invented by Alan Jones in 1971 and later enhanced by Paul Oerth and by Tom and Pete Riegel. The latest version is called the “Jones Counter model JR” and is available at www.jonescounter.com .

VII Conclusion

Cross country course measurement can be as involved and as precise as desired; understanding that a high degree of precision may not be necessary or even possible. Whatever method or combination of methods you use to measure your cross country course; please follow these best practices to ensure the greatest degree of accuracy possible. We believe that using a measuring wheel as described above will suffice.

Cross country in the United States has been around for a long time. Measured cross country courses in the United States have been around for a long time. The Fall National Open Cross Country Championships dates back to 1883. The Van Cortlandt Park cross country course in New York City was in use in the early 1900’s. An eight mile course at Delaware Park in Buffalo, NY was used for the Pan Am Games Cross Country Championships on September 7, 1901 – the day after President William McKinley was shot. (Note: They were told that McKinley was OK.) The Mt. SAC cross country invitational in Walnut, CA has been run on the same basic course since 1948.

In no way are we implying that venerable cross country course have been measured short – or measured long – they are what they are. We just recommend that the measurers of any and all cross country courses follow the basic guidelines and best practices to produce an accurate measurement of the distance that the runners will race.

End Notes

[1] Blackburn, et. al., Ed., USATF 2020 Competition Rules, USA Track & Field, 2020, Rule 250.1, p.140.

Available at: https://www.usatf.org/governance/rule-books

2 Neal, Mark, Ed., USATF/Road Running Technical Council Course Measurement and Certification Procedures Manual, USA Track & Field, 2018

Available at: https://www.usatf.org/resources/course-certification/certification-procedures

3 Blackburn, et. al., Ed., Rule 15.4, p. 23.

4 Neal, Mark, Ed., USATF/Road Running Technical Council Course Measurement and Certification Procedures Manual, USA Track & Field, 2018, p. 34.

5 Neal, Mark, Ed., p.3.

6 Neal, Mark, Ed., USATF/Road Running Technical Council Course Measurement and Certification Procedures Manual, USA Track & Field, 2018

Available at: https://www.usatf.org/resources/course-certification/certification-procedures

Thanks go out to the following individuals who assisted in the content and preparation of this document:

Editor

Bill Quinlisk USATF Cross Country Council, Masters Rep & Championships Coordinator

Vice-Chair, Masters Long Distance Running

Associate Editors

David Katz USATF Road Running Technical Council, Chairman

World Athletics Competition Commission, Member

Jim Gilmer USATF Online Course Certification Program, Project Director

Thom Hunt USATF Cross Country Council, Chairman

Steve Vaitones USATF Cross Country Council, Associations Representative

USATF New England Association, Executive Director

Comments should be directed to: crosscountry@usatf.org

Appendix I – USATF Rules pertaining to Cross Country

Taken from USATF 2020 Competition Rules – available at: https://www.usatf.org/governance/rule-books

Most cross country course requirements are described in Rule 250 and Rule 251. More detailed recommendations are available in the USATF Cross Country Championships Operations Manual – see Appendix II.

USA Track & Field (USATF) 2020 Competition Rules

RULE 250 – GENERAL

1. Variability - The varying circumstances in which cross country, trail and mountain running is practiced preclude rigid legislation standardizing this sport. The Rules in this Section are intended as a guide for cross country, mountain and trail running.

2. The rules of Long Distance Running, Rule 240 through Rule 246, shall apply where appropriate unless otherwise modified in this section.

NOTE: The LDR Rules include Course Certification, Medical / Refreshment Services, Start Line Requirements / Procedure, Course Markings, Course Monitoring, Finish Line Requirements / Procedure, Timing / Placing / Results Recording Procedure and Team Scoring.

3. Finishers should be recorded and timed according to Rule 244.6.

NOTE 1: For Cross Country exception see Rule 251.12.

NOTE 2: For Youth Cross Country exception see Rule 304.

RULE 251 - CROSS COUNTRY

1. Participation - Cross country is basically a team sport, but participation is not limited to teams, and individual entries may be accepted.

2. The race distance must be declared and the course briefly described at the time invitations are extended. See Rule 15 for required distances.

3. The jersey or singlet worn by the members of a team in cross country shall be basically identical for each member in color and style, and must be clearly visible throughout the race, i.e., worn as the outer garment if other apparel items are worn underneath by one or more team members. Because of the nature of cross country running, the preferences of individual athletes in certain weather situations will allow other apparel items to vary widely without penalty. Individuals not complying may be disqualified from scoring for a team.

Course

4. The race shall be run over a course confined, to the extent possible, to open country, fields, parks, golf courses, and grasslands. The traversing of paved roads should be kept to a minimum. The footing should be of a quality to promote safety and freedom from injury to the runners.

5. The course shall be marked, preferably with red flags to indicate a left turn, yellow flags to indicate a right turn and blue flags to indicate continuing straight ahead. All flags must be visible from the point where the runner passes the previous flag, with a maximum interval of 50m. Each kilometer point should be clearly recognizable. The course should be laid out so that there are no sharp turns at the beginning of the course and so that it is not less than 9m (approximately 10 yds.) wide at any point. See Rule 243.

6. Courses should be designed so as to avoid very high obstacles, deep ditches, dangerous ascents or descents, thick undergrowth, and, in general, any obstacle which would constitute a difficulty beyond the aim of the competition. The starting area should avoid any significant turns for at least the first 400m. The width of the starting area should be such as to accommodate the competitive field.

7. It is preferable that artificial obstacles not be used, but if the requirements of the event render them unavoidable, they should be made to simulate natural obstacles encountered in open country. In World Trials competition, barriers simulating those that are planned to be used in the World Championships should be constructed. In races where there are large numbers of competitors, narrow gaps, or other hindrances that would deny to the competitors an unhampered run, obstacles should be avoided for the first 800 meters.

8. Start - Starting boxes should be used and randomly assigned by the Games Committee or the Meet Director for each team in team races and the members of each team shall line up in an order of their own choosing within their assigned position. In non-team races, the competitors shall be lined up in the manner determined by the Games Committee. See Rule 242.

9. Finish

The finish area for a cross country race should include a final straightaway of at least 200m with clear visibility of the finish line by all runners and clear visibility of the runners by spectators. A straightaway of 400m is preferred. Alternatively, the race may finish with one half or more of a lap on a standard track.

10. The finish line shall be marked both with a solid line and an overhead banner or other indicator of the finish line. Judges, when used, shall be stationed at the finish line to determine the order of finish.

11. Where transponders are not used to determine a preliminary order of finish, a finish chute system of sufficient capacity should be constructed to enable the race officials to hold each runner until the method or methods of scoring are applied. It is recommended that at least two independent systems (e.g., pull tags and recording of competitor numbers) be used to score. At the Open, U20 and Masters Cross Country Championships, three independent systems shall be used, at least one of which shall produce a visual record of the finishers as approved by the Games Committee.

12. Transponder timing shall not be used to determine the final order of finish in USATF Championships.

13. Relays - For Cross-Country Relays, lines 50mm wide 20m apart shall be drawn across the course to denote the takeover zone. All takeover procedures, which, unless otherwise specified by the Games Committee, shall comprise a physical contact.

Appendix II – USATF Cross Country Championship Guidelines

Selections taken from USATF Cross Country Championships Operations Manual

For a pdf copy of the complete document, please contact crosscountry@usatf.org

Section II - Bid Application

B. Preliminary Bid Application Tasks - For the LOC

1) Select the Course Site.

a) Parks, golf courses, or specially designed XC courses are recommended. The race shall be run over a course confined, to the extent possible, to open country, fields, parks, golf courses, and grasslands. The traversing of roads should be kept to a minimum. The footing should be of a quality to promote safety and freedom from injury to the runners.

b) For cross country national championship events, courses that permit easy viewing of the majority of the race course are preferred over courses in which athletes are out of sight from the start and finish areas for the majority of the competition. The exception would be the Masters 5k XC where all course types are considered.

2) Design Course.

a) Please see USATF Competition Rule 251 for basic requirements of course design.

b) USATF Competition Rules are available at: https://www.usatf.org/governance/rule-books

c) The course should be laid out in such a manner as to be able to handle maximum field sizes of 350-500 senior men at the USATF National Club XC Championships in the fall or 150-200 senior men at the USATF XC Championships in the winter.

d) While the XC Council encourages the use of hills, obstacles, and turns to make the course more challenging, the runners’ safety should be foremost when designing a course. Very high obstacles, dangerous ascents or descents, deep ditches, thick undergrowth, dangerous footing, and, in general, any obstacle which would constitute a difficulty beyond the aim of the competition must be avoided.

e) For detailed information on the course design and course set-up, please see Section VI below.

Section VI – The Course

A. Site Visit

1) The Chair of the XC Council, or their designee, will schedule a site visit to preview the proposed race course and advise the LOC regarding the efficacy of the proposed running routes.

2) It is suggested that the site visit occur no later than six months prior to the race date to allow for implementation of any requests for change.

3) If the course site has not been used for cross country racing in the past then the XC Council strongly suggests that the LOC hold a Preview XC Meet on the proposed course. Not only does this allow the athletes to preview the course in advance of the national championships, but it also allows the LOC to test the course and their procedures. It is suggested that those officials that wish to work the national championships also work the preview meet if possible.

B. Race Schedule - XC Council in consultation with the LOC shall establish the time schedule for all races.

C. Course appearance.

1) The Cross Country Council expects that the course and event site will be set up with a professional appearance that befits a USATF National Championship.

2) Well-marked courses (i.e., double flagged), crowd control hard fencing in start/finish areas as well as other areas in which crowd control may be an issue, appropriate signage, tents for athletes, medical, press, officials, announcer, etc., and a well-marked finish with a banner and scaffold towers are EXPECTED at a minimum.

3) The general atmosphere should be that of a major event or festival; this is not simply an all-comers meet and the event site should be set up in a manner that creates a national championships atmosphere.

4) Please contact the USATF National office for branded banners and flagging.

D. Course Design.

1) Please see USATF Competition Rule 251 for basic requirements of course design.

2) USATF Competition Rules are available at: http://www.usatf.org/About/Competition-Rules.aspx

3) The course should be laid out in such a manner as to be able to handle maximum field sizes of 350-500 Open men at the USATF National Club XC Championships in the fall or 150-200 Open men at the USATF XC Championships in the winter.

4) While the XC Council encourages the use of hills, obstacles, and turns to make the course more challenging, the runners’ safety should be foremost when designing a course. Very high obstacles, dangerous ascents or descents, deep ditches, thick undergrowth, dangerous footing, and, in general, any obstacle which would constitute a difficulty beyond the aim of the competition must be avoided.

5) Obstacles must be avoided for the first 1500m. It is preferable that artificial obstacles not be used, but if the requirements of the site render them unavoidable, they should be made to simulate natural obstacles encountered in open country.

6) In international selection competition, barriers simulating those that are planned to be used in the international competition, if known, should be constructed if possible. Any obstacles must be soundly constructed in such a manner that they do not collapse during competition, be clearly marked with tall flags not less than 7 feet tall so that athletes running in a pack can clearly see them approaching, and flagged in such a manner as athletes must clear them in order to continue on the course. Consideration must be given to the ability level of Master runners. Alternate routes around barriers and obstacles may be necessary for Master races.

7) The XC Council must approve the final course design.

E. General course equipment.

The following course equipment is suggested. Additional equipment may be necessary depending on the site.

1) Chalk/paint/spray chalk/spray paint.

2) PA system(s) – requirements dependent on site and course layout.

a. PA system with sufficient power to be audible throughout the entire start area.

b. PA system with sufficient power to be audible throughout the entire finish area.

3) Scaffold tower (for PA speakers).

4) Generator(s) if power not available.

5) Flagging - may use combination of hard fencing, flagging, and banner tape to double-flag the course.

6) Water - jugs cups, and trash cans available at start and finish areas.

7) Tents - requirements dependent on course site, anticipated weather and course layout.

8) Tables and chairs as needed.

9) Bathrooms and Portable toilets - numbers dependent on site, course layout, anticipated crowd and number of entries.

10) Toilets and/or portable toilets – locate adjacent to start area – numbers required dependent on anticipated numbers of entries, officials, volunteers, and spectators.

a. Toilets reserved for runners.

b. Toilets reserved for officials and timers – convenient location(s).

c. Toilets for general public use.

d. Toilets reserved for USADA drug testing – if applicable.

11) Trash cans as needed.

12) Stakes and zip-ties as needed.

13) Distance markers: Minimum required - all kilometers and 1 mile marked with signage and painted marker on the running surface. Suggested additional markers – All mile marks and 400m-, 300m, 200m, 100m to go to finish with painted markers on the running surface and/or signs. Both if sloppy conditions.

14) Clocks: Minimum of two clocks placed as appropriate depending on course layout to maximize their use (i.e., odd and even kilometers or repeat kilometers marks). Additional clock(s) at the first mile and/or all mile markers may also be used.

15) Water/Sponging station. For warm weather championships, water tables and sponging stations shall be provided on the course. The tables should be set up on the outside of the course so as to not impede the participants. Equipment needed include: 2-3 tables, water containers, cups, sponges, and 2-3 trash cans.

16) “Festival atmosphere” materials: Please include any items that will increase the vibrancy of the course. i.e., colorful balloons at kilos.

17) The finish should be visually exciting and professional in appearance.

18) Finish banner – contact USATF National office for branded banners and flagging.

19) Scaffold towers or other system to hang finish banner safely (possible wind concerns).

20) Snow fencing or similar fencing is strongly suggested for the finish corral and the 50 to 200m approaching the finish line for crowd control and athlete safety.

F. Course Setup.

1) The Cross Country Council expects that the course and event site will be set up with a professional appearance that befits a USATF National Championship.

2) The course should be adequately marked in time for course previews the day before the event.

3) The course must be clearly marked (i.e., double flagged alley) to keep all runners on course at all times.

4) A white line painted on the ground or an enclosed alley indicating the correct course should be available the entire route.

5) The competition area shall be defined by the Games Committee. It is normally the area where the competition is being staged, physically separated from areas used by spectators.

6) The competition area shall be clearly marked with hard fencing, banners, flags and other suitable material to clearly indicate all areas which have access restricted to competing athletes and other authorized personnel.

7) The course should be laid out so that there are no sharp turns at the beginning of the course and that it is not less than 9m wide at any point.

8) While cross country courses cannot be certified, the race distance should be measured and must be declared and the course briefly described at the time of bid application. A course map is required for all races.

9) In races where there are large numbers of competitors, narrow gaps, obstacles, or other hindrances that would deny the competitors an unhampered run, must be avoided for the first 1500m.

10) Umpires should be stationed at all key points of the course to monitor the runners, especially on loop courses where they should monitor all lapped runners. Additional umpires should be randomly assigned to patrol the course during each race.

11) Marshals shall be stationed as needed to limit all persons from interfering with the fair, orderly and sportsmanlike conduct of the races.

12) Mandatory EMT personnel should be available on site and stationed with direct access to the course. They should be easily contacted in case of situations that may develop during races. See Section VI.F below.

G. Course Preview.

1) It is required that the course be available for preview the day before the Championships races.

2) At a minimum, the course should be opened from 1pm until dusk the day before the Championship races.

3) Tour guides and/or LOC staffing are required on site during the course preview times.

4) The course should be mostly set up prior to the start of the course preview times.

5) A course map should be developed and posted on the USATF meet website.

6) Copies of the course maps should be made available for the course preview.

7) A large laminated course map for display purposes is also suggested. This map can also be used to answer questions at the technical meeting.

H. Site Setup.

1) In addition to facilities already mentioned above, conveniently located sheltered areas for athletes, temperature controlled (i.e., heated or cooled) if necessary, must be made available on race day. Separate areas for each gender are suggested. 20x40 tent(s) w/sides or enclosed buildings are suggested.

2) The athlete area(s) should be adequately staffed for hospitality and security purposes.

3) At a minimum, water should be provided.

4) Equipment needed may include but not be limited to:

a. Chairs, benches and tables as needed.

b. Water and other refreshments.

c. Large folding tables.

d. Trash cans.

5) It is suggested that portable toilets be located adjacent to athlete areas – numbers dependent on anticipated entries.

6) It is strongly recommended that, in addition to a Public Address (PA) system at the start line, an adequate PA system that offers communication abilities for the finish area and main spectator areas be installed. Race announcers should staff the PA systems for the entire meet. Organizational instructions, safety concerns, start times, race play-by-play and results can be announced using a PA system that broadcasts to a wide area.

7) Adequate crowd control measures (e.g., hard fencing, marshals, etc.) are required at the start/finish areas and any sections of the course where spectators may gather to prevent interference with the competition. Sufficient course marshals and umpires should be available to monitor the course and prevent spectator interference.

8) At some venues, such as a golf course or protected parkland, it may be appropriate to create a spectator enclosure to control the areas of the course that spectators may roam. Typically on a world championships-style cross country course, spectators are permitted into the middle of the loop course. If this is the case, then meet management must create and staff ingress/egress routes for spectators so as to prevent interference with the competition.

9) A vendor area may be set up adjacent to the course so as not to interfere with crowd movement or with the course. Contact the USATF National Office for USATF merchandising plans.

10) Separate areas adjacent to the finish line are suggested for the use of VIPs and Credentialed Media personnel.

11) See Athlete Hospitality in Section VII below for further suggestions.

I. Concessions.

1) Concessions sales and their availability are at the discretion of the LOC.

2) The LOC may have to clear the sale of concession with the championship site owners and obtain permits from local authorities.

3) If food is being sold, the LOC will need separate insurance and any outside vendor should supply the LOC with certificate of insurance covering event.

4) The LOC should consider selling the following items:

a. Event T-shirts (logo approved by USATF)

b. Drinks: Coffee, hot chocolate, water, soft drinks, sports drinks

c. Food

J. Parking and Shuttle Transportation.

1) Depending on location and proximity of the course site, the host hotel, and the nearest airport, the LOC should develop a transportation and parking plan.

2) Free shuttles to/from the host hotel to/from the nearest airport are suggested but not mandated.

3) It is strongly suggested that the LOC provide free shuttles from the host hotel to the course and back during course preview hours on the day prior to the championships.

4) It is strongly suggested that the LOC provide free shuttles from the host hotel to the course and back on the day of the championships.

5) It is suggested that shuttles run to/from headquarters hotel to/from the course at least every 30 minutes.

a. Day prior to championships: from start of course preview until 30 minutes after course closes.

b. Championships Day: 2 hours prior to start of first event until 1 ½ hours after last race.

6) If the LOC will not be providing shuttle service, then this needs to be CLEARLY stated in all meet information.

7) The LOC should develop a course parking plan to adequately serve the expected numbers of runners, officials, volunteers and spectators.

a. Site owners and government authorities should be consulted as necessary.

b. Set aside adequate parking nearest the course for Games Committee, Media, VIPs and officials.

c. Parking passes and parking monitors are recommended for these areas.

8) Develop clear directions and maps showing the host hotel, the course and all parking locations. Include this information on the USATF event website.

9) Some locations may need to provide a separate area for team parking. Again, parking passes and parking monitors are recommended for these areas.

10) Onsite parking fees and access fees are strongly discouraged for officials, athletes, coaches and all credentialed meet personnel.

11) Collection of any and all fees is subject to approval of the XC Council.

12) If approved, the LOC shall notify everyone in advance whether there will be a parking fee or facility access fee. All fees should be clearly noted in all meet entry information and posted on the USATF event website.

13) If there are approved fees, then the LOC should make advance arrangements with the facility to provide parking passes for all for Games Committee members, Media, VIPs, officials and other credentialed meet personnel.

14) Note that free shuttles between the host hotel and the course can ease onsite parking requirements.

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