What happens at check-in and the start of the race?
Rule- Ontario
- OFSAA
- Cross country
- High school sport
- Grades 9-12
- Novice, Junior, Senior
- 2026-27
- Runners
Per the OFSAA race protocol (page dated 2025) and the 2026 playing regulations:
- Report to your association's start box at least 15 minutes before your start, wearing your number plate. Officials check your uniform, that the plate matches the start list, whether you are a team member or individual, and that no team has more than 5 athletes. Only athletes in correct uniform are allowed in the start area.
- Five minutes out, everyone must be in their box and sort out start positions. At three minutes, the team starter (or top-qualifying individual) goes to the start line, teammates line up single file behind in team-chosen rank order, and individuals line up behind the top-ranked individual.
- Once officials raise a white flag, nobody may enter, leave or change position in the box.
- Before the start athletes must stay silent and still. About 60 seconds after the final signal, the gun is fired or the horn sounds.
- Portable audio devices (except hearing devices) are not permitted during competition, and drones are not permitted near the course from the day before the championship until it finishes.
- World Athletics Rules (as of 1 September of the school year) govern the competition.
Added 25 Oct 2026