Horizontal Jumps include Long Jump and Triple Jump.
For these events, there are 4 officials:
- Recording (Key Official)
- Take off Area
- Spiking
- Raking
Some of these roles may be combined but events run must faster and smoother if there are 4 people filling these roles.
In addition to recording distances, the Recorder is responsible for letting each athlete know when it is their turn to jump.
The Take Off Area official is responsible for ensuring the take off mat has an even amount of sand or chalk dust on it. They are also responsible for ensuring the take off mat is in the correct position. Take Off Area officials are responsible for ensuring the athlete does not commit a foul, which occurs when an athlete oversteps the line at the take off area.
If the jump is not a foul, once the landing point has been spiked by the Spiking official, the Take Off Area official pulls the tape taut to the line at the take off area.
If the athlete took off before the take off area, the measurement is taken from the back of the mat.
For U11 and above, the measurement is always taken from the front of the take off area.
The Spiking official places the spike at the mark made by the athlete that is closest to the take off area. If an athlete falls backward after landing, the closest mark where they fell backward is where the spike is placed.
Once the athlete’s distance has been recorded, the Raking official should smooth the sand so that it is soft and loose. They should also ensure the pit is free from any dangerous objects before the event starts.
Before each event, the Raking official should ensure the pit is even and level. The best way to rake the pit is to push any sand back into the holes left by the athletes from the side. When making the pit level they should push the sand back towards the take off area.
