Ethics for Officials

Code of Ethics for
USA Track & Field Officials

I, as a USA Track & Field Certified Official, take pride in serving as skilled professional in service to the sport of track and field. While representing USA Track & Field, I ensure the integrity of certified official by adhering to a Code of Ethics to direct my officiating practice. This Code guides every Certified USA Track & Field to:

1. Be Punctual

I will respond quickly to invitations to officiate and commit to those events I am sure that I can work. I will honor every officiating commitment and positively accept any assignment required of me while at the event. I will arrive on time (at least 30 minutes prior to the first call for the events committed to work) and immediately check-in with Chief Official of the assigned event. Upon completion of the assignment, I will assist the Chief Official to assure that the results are promptly submitted and any loaned equipment is returned to its check-out/check-in area. When not assigned, I will either sit in the area designated for non-working officials or, if appropriate, volunteer to serve where my officiating assistance is needed.

2. Wear the Appropriate Uniform and Maintain a Dignified Appearance

I will find out what the officiating attire has been identified for the event, come to the event dressed appropriately and maintain a professional appearance at all times. For all USATF National events, I will come to the event prepared to will wear the appropriate national uniform which includes:

Winter Competitions

Navy blue blazer with USATF Officials Name Badge attached to pocket

Medium gray trousers with a black belt for men and slacks or skirt for women

White shirt with navy blue tie for men or white blouse or shirt with or without a navy blue tie for women

Black shoes and black socks for men, black shoes for women

Summer Competitions

White polo shirt with USATF Officials Name Badge attached to pocket

Khaki slacks or Bermuda-style shorts with a brown belt (slacks or skirt for women)

White shoes and white socks

[Recognizing that in the Florida Association, the Summer Uniform is worn all year, when officiating in another association, I will wear the uniform prescribed by meet management.]

3. Maintain A Positive Athlete-Centered Approach to Officiating

I will seek to ensure that every athlete receives objective and impartial officiating. I will seek to be fair and consistent in applying the rules to each situation. I will exercise appropriate common sense and judgment to my officiating actions-instilling confidence in my integrity, objectivity, impartiality, consistency and knowledge. In dealing with athletes and coaches I will be positive and polite - friendly, but not intrusive or showing favor during the competition. I will maintain a calm demeanor throughout and refrain from actions which draw attention away from the competition proper or which could affect a competitor's performance.

4. Be Professional

As a professional, I will not cause any embarrassment or hamper the efforts of my fellow officials. I will not publicly berate any official, athlete, coach or any other person. I will do the assignment requested and not interfere with or assume duties of tasks assigned to another. I will not publicly question the performance of another official or will take any action which could be interpreted as showing favoritism to any athlete or team.

5. Know the Applicable Rules

I will know the current rules and their appropriate application to the event(s) I am assigned to officiate.

6. Recognize the Importance of Every Meet and Event

I will treat every meet and every event as prestigious and equally important to any other.

7. Smoking and Alcoholic Beverages

I will not smoke in the vicinity of the competition area or anywhere near the spectators or athletes. If I have to smoke, I will go to an area where no one will see me. On the day of a meet, I will have no alcoholic beverages prior to officiating a meet, during the meet or while being identified as a meet official.

8. Avoid Being Influenced by Others

I will ignore all comments from spectators and others making comments about the officiating.

9. Respect for Volunteerism and Professionalism

Every official is offering her/his most precious resources - time and talent. Each such voluntary gift by these competent professionals should be respected and honored. When possible, the official's out of pocket expenses (e.g., parking, lodging and food) should be covered by the event organizer.

Generally, there is no direct compensation for officiating USATF meets other than the personal satisfaction in doing a job well and ensuring every athlete a fair and equal opportunity to compete.