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USATF Lap Scoring Best Practices for 1 or 2 Scorers, Lecture notes of Sport Studies

Guidelines for lap scoring in track and field events, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of 1 or 2 scorers. It covers the use of lap scoring sheets, lap counters, and communication between scorers. The document also addresses challenges in large fields and relays.

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2021/2022

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USATF Ofcls Best Practices, Lap Scoring-1 or 2 Scorers, Apr 15 (Credit: J. McGonigle, G&M Butler)
USATF OFFICIALS BEST PRACTICES
LAP SCORING BASICS - For 1or 2 SCORERS
(USATF Rule 131, NCAA Rule 3.18)
Introduction
Lap scorers are required to keep a record of laps covered by each competitor for races of one mile or longer (USATF), and
times for each competitor’s lap for races of three miles/3000 meters or more. Also, lap scorers should not be assigned
more than three competitors in any race. When a sufficient lap scoring crew is present, see the Best Practices “Lap
Scoring” document for how to perform this duty, along with the associated “Lap Scoring Sheets.
However, at many meets only one or two lap scorers are assigned, and this paper describes how to perform the duty in
these instances. At least two people are needed for races with more than ten runners. In the absence of multiple lap
scorers, and with a field of many athletes, it’s impossible to accurately record laps, keep track of lapped athletes and
finishers, and record times. In these cases, do not attempt to record times because the correct number of laps remaining,
and an accurate order of finish are the most critical elements. Scorers must be focused for the entire race for accuracy.
Preparation
Assume nothing will be supplied by the meet or facility. You’ll need the following at a minimum:
Clipboards and several reliable pens or pencils
Graph paper or lap scoring sheet (LSS). Instructions for creating a form in Microsoft Excel are at Appendix A
A lap counter device and/or large hand held numbers to display to the athletes
A finish line bell, or possibly a metal baton suspended from a lanyard and struck with a metal rod
A lap counter device displays laps remaining for the leader in a race. Lap scorers and the counter device are positioned just
before the finish line so laps remaining can be shown to athletes as they approach the finish. When using hand held
numbers, drop numbers youre finished displaying; you can’t display a wrong number if you’re not holding it.
Coordinate with the Clerk regarding issuing of hip numbers. Ensure runners have a number on both the chest and the hip
so they’re clearly visible to the scorers (if scorers are inside the track, then numbers go on the left hip & chest).
A standard indoor track s 200 meters though many are various other sizes. Dont take anyone’s word for it; arrive early, find
out the length and calculate the number of laps for each race in the meet. There are more distances run indoors (see
Appendix B) and lapping happens twice as fast due to the smaller track. Be aware of the challenges for relays: the
competitor that starts the race does not end the race; many times only the final runner in each team wears a hip number,
and there may be different distances for different legs and exchange zones moving around the track. It’s useful to put the
total laps in the race on the lap counter and use hand held numbers for the individual runners.
Neatness counts; if your 7’s look too much like your 2’s your sheets will be worthless to anyone else trying to read them
during or after a race. The lap scoring sheets below are one example; others have designed sheets with larger spaces to
handle smaller fields, and sheets that record the running order horizontally vs. vertically. Use what works for you.
Procedures
Before a race starts get a count of how many athletes will run, hip numbers used, and hip numbers in sequence not used.
This allows you to prepare your lap scoring sheets and helps to identify dropouts. Obtain this from the Clerk (especially
needed for races that do not start near the finish line). Record the initial sequence of hip numbers on the sheet in the
highlighted or “ST” or START column/line. If time permits, make a mental or written note of a description of the runners
especially 1st place; for example # 6 is a blonde with white top and red shorts (white on red).
One scorer is watching the field, calls out the hip numbers of athletes in order as they approach the finish line and operates
the lap counter. Call out and record hip numbers as early as possible (head of the straightaway) to maximize the number
of athletes you can score each lap; having the runners’ descriptions helps you to do this. The other scorer has their head
down and is recording the order of athletes on each lap and keeping track of lapped athletes.
In the first few laps of the race it’s unlikely all hip numbers can be recorded. Don’t worry - get as many as you can from both
the front and the back of the field. As the athletes string out during the race, you should be able to record all athletes in the
race. Circling a number on the lap chart may be used to indicate a runner who has been lapped.
On every lap, change the lap counter when the leader reaches the head of the final straightaway so you don’t change it
twice on the same lap. As you prepare to change the lap counter, confirm verbally with other scorer that the next open
column on the sheet matches the new number displayed on the lap counter. For any athlete who has been lapped, you
must call out to them the number of laps they have remaining (may display the appropriate hand held number).
Always know who is in first place and who is in last place.
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USATF OFFICIALS BEST PRACTICES

LAP SCORING BASICS - For 1or 2 SCORERS

(USATF Rule 131, NCAA Rule 3.18)

Introduction

Lap scorers are required to keep a record of laps covered by each competitor for races of one mile or longer (USATF), and

times for each competitor’s lap for races of three miles/3000 meters or more. Also, lap scorers should not be assigned

more than three competitors in any race. When a sufficient lap scoring crew is present, see the Best Practices “Lap

Scoring” document for how to perform this duty, along with the associated “Lap Scoring Sheets.”

However, at many meets only one or two lap scorers are assigned, and this paper describes how to perform the duty in

these instances. At least two people are needed for races with more than ten runners. In the absence of multiple lap

scorers, and with a field of many athletes, it’s impossible to accurately record laps, keep track of lapped athletes and

finishers, and record times. In these cases, do not attempt to record times because the correct number of laps remaining,

and an accurate order of finish are the most critical elements. Scorers must be focused for the entire race for accuracy.

Preparation

Assume nothing will be supplied by the meet or facility. You’ll need the following at a minimum:

 Clipboards and several reliable pens or pencils

 Graph paper or lap scoring sheet (LSS). Instructions for creating a form in Microsoft Excel are at Appendix A

 A lap counter device and/or large hand held numbers to display to the athletes

 A finish line bell, or possibly a metal baton suspended from a lanyard and struck with a metal rod

A lap counter device displays laps remaining for the leader in a race. Lap scorers and the counter device are positioned just

before the finish line so laps remaining can be shown to athletes as they approach the finish. When using hand held

numbers, drop numbers you’re finished displaying; you can’t display a wrong number if you’re not holding it.

Coordinate with the Clerk regarding issuing of hip numbers. Ensure runners have a number on both the chest and the hip

so they’re clearly visible to the scorers (if scorers are inside the track, then numbers go on the left hip & chest).

A standard indoor track s 200 meters though many are various other sizes. Don’t take anyone’s word for it; arrive early, find

out the length and calculate the number of laps for each race in the meet. There are more distances run indoors (see

Appendix B) and lapping happens twice as fast due to the smaller track. Be aware of the challenges for relays: the

competitor that starts the race does not end the race; many times only the final runner in each team wears a hip number,

and there may be different distances for different legs and exchange zones moving around the track. It’s useful to put the

total laps in the race on the lap counter and use hand held numbers for the individual runners.

Neatness counts; if your 7’s look too much like your 2’s your sheets will be worthless to anyone else trying to read them

during or after a race. The lap scoring sheets below are one example; others have designed sheets with larger spaces to

handle smaller fields, and sheets that record the running order horizontally vs. vertically. Use what works for you.

Procedures

Before a race starts get a count of how many athletes will run, hip numbers used, and hip numbers in sequence not used.

This allows you to prepare your lap scoring sheets and helps to identify dropouts. Obtain this from the Clerk (especially

needed for races that do not start near the finish line). Record the initial sequence of hip numbers on the sheet in the

highlighted or “ST” or START column/line. If time permits, make a mental or written note of a description of the runners –

especially 1st^ place; for example # 6 is a blonde with white top and red shorts (white on red).

One scorer is watching the field, calls out the hip numbers of athletes in order as they approach the finish line and operates

the lap counter. Call out and record hip numbers as early as possible (head of the straightaway) to maximize the number

of athletes you can score each lap; having the runners’ descriptions helps you to do this. The other scorer has their head

down and is recording the order of athletes on each lap and keeping track of lapped athletes.

In the first few laps of the race it’s unlikely all hip numbers can be recorded. Don’t worry - get as many as you can from both

the front and the back of the field. As the athletes string out during the race, you should be able to record all athletes in the

race. Circling a number on the lap chart may be used to indicate a runner who has been lapped.

On every lap, change the lap counter when the leader reaches the head of the final straightaway so you don’t change it

twice on the same lap. As you prepare to change the lap counter, confirm verbally with other scorer that the next open

column on the sheet matches the new number displayed on the lap counter. For any athlete who has been lapped, you

must call out to them the number of laps they have remaining (may display the appropriate hand held number).

Always know who is in first place and who is in last place.

The Start Figure 1 – Lap Scoring Sheet, Prepared For 10,000m Run, 15 competitors, First Lap. Figure 1 shows a LSS prepared for a 10,000m race with 15 competitors after the first lap. Outdoor 10,000m races begin at the finish line so all the action happens right in front of you. 24 is the first open column on the LSS, which corresponds to what the lap counter displays as the competitors enter the home straight for the first time. As soon as possible, start entering hip numbers in the 24 column in the order the athletes pass the finish line. It’s rare that you’ll capture the complete order of finish on the first lap (see Figure 1 with no entries for the middle of the pack), so get as many as you can from the front and from the back. Don’t guess; if you’re unsure of a number; wait and get a record of the complete order of athletes on subsequent laps. After the field passes, count the runners as best you can to confirm the number of starters. On every lap, confirm verbally with the other scorer that the next open column on the LSS matches the new number displayed on the lap counter. Pay attention every single lap that the display has the right number.

Order

24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Fin (^1) 2 (^2) 1 (^3) 3 (^4) 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 (^13) 12 (^14) 13 (^15) 14 Not recorded on the 1st^ lap – all were bunched together.

Middle of the Race Figure 3 – Lap Scoring Sheet, Middle Race. Continue to enter numbers into the empty cells in each column as those competitors complete those laps. You’re still paying attention to the first empty column on the LSS and making sure that number is displayed to the leader. The middle of the race is where lapping starts. The leader has caught up and passed runners at the end of the field and. One way to capture this on the LSS is to circle #14 (in this case with 18 laps to go) to graphically indicate #14 is lapped. Every competitor listed after a circled runner in a column is a lapped competitor. Similarly, #11 is circled with 17 laps to go and #15 is circled with 15 laps to go. #14 will be circled again with 13 laps to go, indicating he is lapped twice since 2, 3, 6, 1 and 8 have been entered with 11 laps to go already. When #7 approaches with 12 laps to go, he will be circled. This is also indicated by the empty cells in the 13 and 12 columns. Alternatively, or in addition, you may draw a bold line (or use a highlighter) between the lapped vs. un-lapped runners to indicate where the lapping begins – as has been done above in columns 18, 17, and 16. As runners drop out of the race, try to capture and record this; use whatever works for you – a diagonal line thru their number in the last lap completed, or a “DNF” in the column after the last lap completed (as has been done above for #13). Again, inform the timing officials if possible. You must indicate to lapped competitors how many laps they have remaining. Order 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Fin (^1) 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 (^2) 1 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 (^3) 3 3 1 1 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (^4) 6 6 6 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (^5) 7 8 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 (^6) 8 7 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 (^7) 15 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 (^8) 4 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 (^9) 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 (^10) 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 (^11) 11 10 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 (^12) 10 12 10 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 (^13) 12 12 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 (^14) 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 DNF 14 (^15) 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

The Finish Figure 4 – Lap Scoring Sheet, The Finish. The LSS above shows the chart configuration as the leaders cross the finish line with one lap to go. The bell is rung as the leader crosses the line. It’s evident from the chart that 2, 3, 6, 1, and 8 will be finishing the next time they cross the finish line. Every competitor who has been lapped gets a verbal “One Lap” or “Two Laps”, etc. as they go by. 7 and 4 will have two laps to go the next time they cross the finish line and the rest of the runners have three laps to go when they cross the finish line, except 14 who will have 4 laps to go. The person recording the numbers on this sheet knows how many laps each runner has remaining and should communicate this information to the person calling out the hip numbers and telling each runner his laps remaining. This race is not over for you until #14 finishes 4 laps from now. As each runner approaches the finish line, announce verbally whether the runner is a finisher or how many laps to go he has left. Record the order of finish in the Fin column. The completed lap sheets should be turned in to the head umpire. Order 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Fin (^1) 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 (^2) 1 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 (^3) 3 3 1 1 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 (^4) 6 6 6 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (^5) 7 8 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 (^6) 8 7 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 (^7) 15 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 (^8) 4 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 (^9) 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 (^10) 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 (^11) 11 10 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 (^12) 10 12 10 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 (^13) 12 12 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 (^14) 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 DNF 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 (^15) 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14