October 18, 2001
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (October 18, 2001) — Information released today by the Manchester Union-Leader in Manchester, New Hampshire, regarding the NFHS Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Committee prohibiting officials from using pistols to start races at high school track meets was erroneous and without a source.
Rule 5-7-1 in the NFHS Track and Field and Cross Country Rules states that "all races shall be started with the firing of a pistol or electronic gunless device." The committee has not met since its meeting this past June and did not discuss the issue of pistols at that time. Three years ago, the committee added the option of an electronic gunless device, but there has been no recent discussion about not allowing pistols to start races at high school track meets.
Although the Union-Leader article said that "Last week, the NFHS . . . enforced a bylaw that prohibits officials from using caliber pistols. . . to start races," the NFHS Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Committee has not met since June and did not discuss this issue at that meeting.
The Union-Leader is running a follow-up story in Thursday’s edition, noting its mistake and printing Rule 5-7-1 from the NFHS Track and Field and Cross Country Rules.
With indoor meets this winter and outdoor meets in the spring, the method of starting races remains the same – a pistol or electronic gunless device.
The NFHS is the national service and administrative organization for high school athletics and fine arts programs in speech, debate, theatre and music. Since 1920, the NFHS and its member associations in the 50 states plus the District of Columbia have provided leadership and national coordination for the administration of interscholastic activities.
MEDIA CONTACT: Bruce Howard or John Gillis, 317-972-6900