What are the Referee's duties, and what do call room judges check?

Sufficient Referees are appointed to cover all event areas, including the call room, track events and field events. A Referee must:

• ensure field officials prepare and set up their areas and have them ready for inspection at least 15 minutes before the first event of the day;
• ensure the rules are observed and explained to the athletes;
• decide any technical points that arise, including those not covered by the rules;
• ensure the Chief Judges correctly supervise measurement of performances;
• check and sign the final result sheet after each event and immediately hand it to the recording area;
• verify that records have been correctly measured, and that high jump record heights are measured before trials are taken.

The Referee also rules on any protest or objection about the conduct of the competition, and may warn or disqualify an athlete or relay team that does not take part in a bona fide manner, shows unsporting behaviour or engages in improper conduct. In serious cases, disqualification may be immediate.

Call room judges check that athletes, guide runners and assistants are correctly attired, including uniforms, spikes, bibs and equipment or aids. Maximum allowable standing height is not applied in Little Athletics.

A Medical Officer with appropriate first aid or medical qualifications should be appointed at each competition, and a Referee may call the Medical Officer to examine any athlete in obvious stress or pain.