There have been several attempts at American Age-Group records recently. Officials,  athletes and event directors are reminded that the event and athletes must meet certain requirements. Here’s a quick checklist.

• The race walk must be in an event limited to race walkers only.
• You need five Judges if the race walk is on a track . You need a minimum of six Judges if the race walk is on the road.
• At least one-half of the Judges must have a National or higher level certification and at least one Judge must have a Master or IAAF certification.
• Road courses must be USATF or IAAF certified before the day of the event. For race walks 10 kilometers, or longer, the circuit cannot be longer than 2500 meters. For race walks less than 10 kilomters, the circuit cannot be longer than 1250 meters.
• The race walk performance must be made in a bona fide event open to two or more clubs, schools, colleges or organizations which has been fixed and advertised before the day of competition.
• Records are acceptable only in events that have been sanctioned by the USATF, a member organization of USATF or another member federation of the IAAF by competitors eligible to compete under IAAF Rules.
• For track events over 10,000 meters and road events up and including the marathon, multiple events may be contested simultaneously. The race walker must complete the distance they entered in order for an intermediate time to be considered.
• For events longer than the marathon,  race walkers may compete at a distance shorter than the stated race distance, but longer than the marathon. The race walker is eligible for records even if the stated race distance is not completed.

For a complete listing of American record requirements, check the current USATF Competition Rules Book. Rules regarding records begin in Article V, with Rule 260.

I’ll add to this list so be sure to check this page again. Thank you. —  Justin

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