Parents: Track & Field Event Guidelines

Here are just a few things you should know about the rules of the Hershey's Track & Field Games. For the complete list of rules download the Official Rule Book in PDF format.

Who Can Participate?

  • The only restriction for participation is age – participants must be between 9 and 14 years old as of December 31st of the current year.
  • A participant must compete in his/her age group and gender division.
  • All local meet winners must have their ages verified.
  • A participant must participate in the state/province in which he/she resides.

General Rules

  • Participants must report on time to an event.
  • If there is a tie for first place, there will be a run off for the running event. In the field events the contestant with the best second throw or jump will be declared the winner.
  • Only the winners at local meets advance to the district meets in states/provinces where district meets are held, and the winners of the district meets will move on to the state/provincial meets.
  • Many district, state and provincial meets will be held rain or shine.
  • 4x100 Relays in the 9&10 and 11&12 age groups are held at the local, district and state/provincial meets only. These events do not qualify for the North American Final.

Disqualifications

Any of the following can result in a participant's disqualification:

  • Entering more than three events.
  • Competing in more than one local and/or district meet.
  • Competing in the wrong age group.
  • Aiding a participant directly or indirectly (accompanying participant to starting area, running along side participant, or being stationed at points along the track to aid or coach participant).
  • Second false start.
  • Interference.
  • Lane infraction.
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct (i.e. throwing a baton).

Equipment

  • No spikes or shoes designated for spikes will be allowed on the track.
  • In field events, any shoes designed for turf surface sports (natural or artificial) are not allowed.
  • No athlete will be allowed to compete in bare feet.
  • Jewelry, sunglasses (except prescription) shall not be allowed during competition.

Track Rules Highlights

  • Starting blocks are not permitted.
  • Each running competitor is allowed one false start.
  • A regulation baton must be used in relays. It may not be wrapped with tape.

Field Rules Highlights

  • A participant may be excused from a field event to participate in a running event. The individual should return directly to the field event following the running event.