USA Track and Field Code of Conduct for Officials

USATF Officials are committed to providing a safe sport that maintains only the highest ethical and honorable standards. As the national governing body for track and field, long distance running and race walking, USATF has developed the following Code of Conduct to hold Officials to those Standards. USATF hereby adopts the following Code of Conduct to govern Officials. A USATF Official agrees to abide by this Code of Conduct, and shall not evade, violate or circumvent, whether directly or indirectly, this Code of Conduct.

Officials Code of Ethics

USATF Officials shall:

1. Be knowledgeable and abide by USATF Bylaws and Regulations, Code of Ethics, Competition Rules and other USATF policies, procedures and guidelines.
2. Be fair, consistent, and impartial to ensure equitable treatment for all competitors.
3. Have a thorough knowledge of the rules and procedures for the particular event or position assigned and review them prior to a competition.
4. Cooperate with fellow officials to conduct competition in a safe and professional manner. Be courteous and avoid confrontations or making derogatory comments to athletes, coaches, spectators, or other officials.
5. Demonstrate respect and courtesy for other officials. Avoid interfering with duties assigned to other officials or publicly questioning the performance of other officials. Assist in correctly applying rules and support final decisions rendered by chief officials. Provide and accept performance feedback in a positive manner.
6. Honor all assignments and agreements made for performance of officiating and support duties.
7. Not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or other protected characteristic.
8. Not engage in harassment by making unwelcome advances, remarks, or display of materials where such would create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
9. Not fraternize with athletes or coaches, provide tips or comments which could be construed as coaching for any athlete, nor cheer for or provide encouragement to particular athletes or teams during a competition.
10. Not use tobacco products while in the field of competition, nor consume alcoholic products before or during a competition.
11. Not seek recognition or attention during a competition.
12. Conduct an honest self-evaluation after each competition, to identify errors made and areas for improvement; and be receptive to suggestions for conducting events in the best possible manner in the future.