A Couple Tweaks on the Cross Country Model for the Fall

GPS watches appear on the list of tweaks for cross country this fall.

The big change for Colorado cross country this fall is, of course, the new layout for the state cross country course.

But there will be a couple of more subtle changes as well that were discussed in the rules session at this weekend's CHSCA Fall Multi-Sports Clinic.

Probably the most significant change concerns the rule against GPS watches as an assistive pacing device. Athletes coming to the starting line with a GPS watch should be asked to remove the device and could potentially be disqualified for use of the device.

Regular wrist watches are still permissible, but GPS watches such as the one shown in the cover illustration on this article are no longer allowed.

Another change this fall will involve the use of a check-in tent for the state meet. This means that athletes will be reporting for races much like they do at the state track meet.

Word coming out of the meeting was also that times will be recorded at one mile and two mile for this fall's state meet and bib chips will be in use for timing this year. Perhaps owing to the variability of the moment when bib chips register with the timing mat, a camera system will also be in use at the finish line. Accordingly, athletes will be wearing bib numbers on the hip and on the chest.

And, finally, you're going to see a few more officials at meets this fall as CHSAA transitions to a system where an official is mandatory at a high school cross country meet. It's always been a good idea, but it will be moving toward an idea that is required in the near future.

Discussion on Colorado Track XC