Fire Up Chips: Cross Country Competition Rules

According to the International Association of Athletics Federations the cross country season should extend through the winter months after the track and field season. The course that is used by runners should be in a woodland area that is covered mostly in grass with natural obstacles around. Natural obstacles such as large rocks, ditches and thick undergrowth should be avoided when designing a good loop course. The loop course should be measured at 1750 meters-2000 meters and each long loop is recommended to have an ascent of 10 meters.

Crossing of roads or streets of any kind should be avoided at all cost and when it is impossible to avoid, they should be covered with grass, mats or mud. According to the IAAF distance for men's races should be 12km while for women's races 8km. The start of the race should be by the sound of a gun and three minute warnings should be given before the start of every race. Each team member should be lined up at the starting line.

Water stations should be provided at the beginning and end of all races if the weather allows this to be possible. Racers who cheat of go out of the loop in order to shorten the distance shall be disqualified by the referees or judges and points will be deducted from their team.

Remember to keep all of this information in mind at the next CMU cross country meet!

Fire Up Chips!

Source:https://www.bcathletics.org/main/xc_iaaf.htm
Written by: Derrick Morris