Technical Instructions

Runners competing in the 2022 USATF Masters 10 km Championships on Sunday, April 24, 2022 as part of the James Joyce Ramble in Dedham, MA should be aware of the following points of emphasis. Competitors who fail to comply with these and other applicable USATF Rules of Competition risk possible disqualification. These Technical Instructions will also be available at Packet Pick-up for perusing. Questions should be directed to the Championship Referee, Michael Scott.

Start Time: 11:00 a.m. on East Street, one block south of the Estate grounds.

Packet Pick-up:

• Saturday, April 23 from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) to 5:00 p.m. at the Endicott Estate
• Sunday, April 24 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM SHARP at the Endicott Estate

Host Hotel:
Holiday Inn Boston-Dedham Htl & Conf Ctr
55 Ariadne Rd.
Dedham, MA 02026
1-781-329-1000

1. The Race Course: The course map is available online and at packet pick-up. The course is the roadway between its edges and curbs. Please follow directions of course marshals and any road cones. A course map is available at: www.ramble.org.
   
   The course certificate and map are available here.

2. Cutting the Course: Any competitor who has been found by the Referee to have gained an unfair advantage by receiving assistance or by intentionally shortening the route of the race (“cutting the course”) shall be immediately disqualified.

3. Illegal Assistance: Anyone found to have received illegal assistance is subject to disqualification. “Assistance” is the conveying of advice, information, or direct help to an athlete by any means, including a technical device. It also includes pacing in running or walking events by persons not participating in the event, by competitors lapped or about to be lapped, or by any kind of technical device. Verbal or other communication, without the use of any technical device, from an individual not on the course shall not be considered assistance. The course is defined as the roadway and bike path between their edges and curbs. Pacesetting, by a person entered in an event as an officially designated pacesetter, is permissible. There are no designated pacesetters for this event.
   
   All athletes should compete honestly with bona fide effort in all Masters LDR Championship events. To that end, pacing by an athlete of the opposite gender in a mixed gender championship race could be considered "illegal assistance" and dealt with accordingly by the Referee. We discourage all instances of a "faster" spouse pacing a "slower" partner in Masters LDR mixed gender championship events. The "faster" spouse is obviously not competing honestly with bona fide effort.

4. Competition Front Bib Numbers/Timing Tag and Age/Gender “Back” Numbers: Competition bib numbers must be pinned on the front of the outermost layer of clothing that you will be wearing in the race. Per USATF Competition Rules, “bibs are to be worn as issued.” They should not be crinkled, folded, or cut. The timing antennae or “B” tag is a part of the bib number and is disposable after the race. All Masters entered in the USATF Masters 10 km Championships must also wear an age/gender “back” number pinned to the back of the outermost layer of clothing that they are wearing in the race. Please use 4 pins to affix the “back” number in such a manner that it is visible to any runner behind them and will not flip up. Any competitor failing to wear a competition bib number on the front and a visible age/gender “back” number will be subject to disqualification. If your packet is lacking a “back” number, extras will be made available at packet pick-up and at the start line.
5. Start Time: Each competitor is responsible for knowing the starting time of 11:00 a.m. All competitors are responsible for being at the starting line at the appointed time with their competition bib number and age/gender “back” number properly affixed. USATF Masters Championship runners are welcome at the front of the start line. The citizen’s 10 km race will start 3 minutes after the USATF Masters start. 
6. Online Entry Registration: Enter online no later than April 21^st at 11:59:59 p.m. Entry instructions, eligibility information, and the online entry form for the 2022 USATF Masters 10 km Championships are available at: 2022 USATF Masters 10 Km Championships | USA Track & Field.
7. In-Person USATF Masters Entry Registration: Registration in person as well as chip-embedded bib and tee shirt pick-up are available for individuals running unattached on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) to 5:00 p.m. at Endicott Estate, 656 East Street, Dedham, MA. No registration for individuals on Teams after the close of online registration. No USATF Masters entries will be accepted on Sunday, race day.
8. Race Day Packet Pick-Up: Packet pick-up begins at 8:30 AM on Sunday at the Endicott Estate and runs until 10:30 AM SHARP. We encourage you to be early if you plan to pick up your race packet including chip and bib number on Sunday morning and take the time to properly stretch and clear the estate to access the start line. The Race will begin on East Street one block south of the Estate at Boulevard St. Plan your morning accordingly. Please refer to course map. NOTE: There is no USATF Masters Championship race day registration available. 
9. Parking: Race day parking is available for early arrivals on the Estate fairgrounds. On-street parking is available above Mount Vernon Street and near the High School and Middle School.
10. Because of security issues, there will be no bag check-in. 
11. Start Details: The USATF Masters Championship portion of the 10 km will start promptly at 11:00 a.m. The Clerks will begin team uniform verification at 10:30 a.m. at the Start Line. Complete teams must check-in together to verify uniforms (see uniform rule below). All runners will be checked for proper front bib and back numbers prior to the start. After the National anthem, there will be a two-command start: “On your marks” followed by the firing of the starter’s pistol signaling the start of the race. Overall, age division, and team awards are based on “gun time.” Net times will only be used for Age Graded results and for American Record purposes.
12. No false start: False starts will not be recalled. Runners who false start are subject to disqualification.
13. Water: Water will be available at the start and the finish. Runners may at any time carry water and other refreshments by hand or attached to their body provided it was carried from the start or received at any official water station.
14. Wireless Devices: The use of wireless devices (iPhones, iPods, etc.) is not permitted. Competitors may carry or wear articles of personal equipment such as wrist chronometers and heart-rate monitors. The use of iPhones during the race is not permitted. 
15. Withdrawal for medical reasons: A competitor must retire from the race immediately if directed to do so by a duly authorized official of the race or by an appropriately identified member of the race medical staff. 
16. Eligibility: You must be a 2022 USATF member to enter the USATF Masters 10 km Championships. All Masters athletes must be citizens of the United States and eligible to represent the United States in international competition to be eligible for team scoring and for USATF medals and prize money. Non-citizens who are USATF members are welcome to compete but may not score for a team nor win USATF medals and prize money. If you do not have a 2022 membership, please complete a membership application first.
17. Sponsor Affiliation: In addition to a club affiliation, athletes are able to represent one (1) corporate sponsor. This corporate sponsor must be a registered USATF Corporate Member and be part of the athlete's membership profile. Corporate Membership applications can be obtained by sending an e-mail to membership@usatf.org. All sponsor affiliations must be finalized by close of entries. No sponsor changes will be accepted after this date.
17. Age Verification: Unless your date of birth/age has already been verified according to your USATF online membership profile, all entries must be accompanied by a copy of a legal document (passport or birth certificate) in order to verify date of birth and citizenship. If you have a valid passport at the time of entry, please use a copy of the information page of your passport as verification of citizenship and birth date. These copies will not be returned. If you need help with this process, there is a step-by-step video to assist you with the uploading process at: https://vimeopro.com/user44435707/usatf-connect-member-tutorials/video/403329154.
17. Awards Ceremony: Sunday’s awards ceremony for the 2022 USATF Masters 10 km Championships will begin, after the one-hour protest period, around 12:30 p.m. on the Endicott Estate grounds. The Hillman Literary Challenge will also take place in the afternoon, proving just how literally astute you are. As usual, there will be a host of refreshments and food offerings at the James Joyce Ramble Post-Race Soiree. If you plan to drink a beer or two after the race, you are expected and required by law to have photo proof of being of the legal age. A wrist band will be issued to you at registration. Bring a photo I.D. on race day. This is in accordance with Massachusetts general law.
17. Race Day Registration: There will be NO USATF Masters Championship race day registration.
17. Results: Results will be posted near the awards stage adjacent to the finish line as soon as they become available. Please see the Masters Championship Referee immediately if there are any problems/omissions. There is a one-hour protest period after results have been posted to amend results.

17. Team Uniform Rule: All members of each team must be clearly identifiable as team members. Team identification shall be clearly visible and shall distinguish one team from another. The jersey or singlet worn by the members of a team (e.g. Atlanta Track Club M80+ “A” team) in all Masters LDR Championships shall be basically identical for each member in color and style, and must be clearly visible throughout the race (i.e., worn as the outer garment if other apparel items are worn underneath by one or more team members). Individuals not complying with this uniform rule may be disqualified from scoring for a team. Front and back bibs must be securely fastened (4 pins) to this outermost jersey or singlet. The USATF Clerks will begin to verify team uniforms at the start line from 10:30 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. All scoring team members should be present at check-in. Do not wait until the last minute to verify team uniforms. Early check-in is encouraged at the Packet Pick-up area prior to 10:30 AM.
    
    “B” Teams: If a club enters two (or more) teams in the same team age/gender division, then members of these teams shall wear different singlets. If this is not possible, then the games committee shall issue identifying letters to all members of the “B” teams to be worn on the back of the singlet. Stick-on letters (“B,” “C,” etc.) will be available at packet pick-up and at the start line.

17. Club Teams: All clubs must be registered with USATF for 2022. Only teams consisting of duly accredited representatives of a member club shall be eligible to score as a team. The formation of club teams must meet all of the parameters found in Regulations 4 and 6 in the 2022 USATF Governance Handbook found at: https://www.usatf.org/governance/bylaws-regulations. USATF Association, Regional, or National “all-star” teams are not eligible to compete in Masters Long Distance Running Team competition. According to USATF Competition Rule 341.8, “Only one athlete per team (i.e., Club M50+ team) who is a non-resident member of an Association is eligible to compete for a team in that Association.”
17. Club Affiliation: Athletes must be bona fide members of a 2022 USATF club in order to represent a club and score team points. All athletes entering as part of a club must be affiliated with that club as part of their USATF online membership profile. Per new USATF Competition Rule 341.12, absolutely no changes will be allowed to runner team affiliation after the close of online registration. An athlete's current affiliation can be viewed in their USATF Connect profile found. Note that this request must be made by the athlete at least one week prior to the date of the race and finalized prior to the close of online registration. This is the athlete’s responsibility. New Rule 341.12 as follows: "In Masters Long Distance Running including Masters Cross Country, an athlete may not change affiliation prior to the Championships or be eligible to represent or score points for the club to which he/she seeks to change affiliation after the closing of online entries for Masters LDR and Master Cross Country Championships. If the athlete does not desire to compete for their original club, if any, then they may compete unattached, representing no club. Changing club affiliation prior to Master Championship online entry deadlines is the responsibility of the athlete." For a primer on how to change your club affiliation see the USATF Governance Manual Regulation 4.C.2 at: https://www.usatf.org/governance/bylaws-regulations. Also, contact your local Association’s Membership Chair for help.
17. Masters Final Team Declarations: As part of the online registration system, there is unlimited team registration. However, only five athletes are allowed to be on the final team declaration per team respective of team division. If you have listed more than five athletes on your team’s online declaration form, only the first five listed shall comprise your club's declared scoring team unless you revise your team roster. Revisions may be made by a team representative using the online team portal prior to the close of online registration at midnight on Thursday, April 21, 2022. No email, phone, or fax declarations will be accepted. A hard copy revision to final team declarations may be submitted in-person at packet pick-up no later than 5:00 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Team revision forms will be available at packet pick-up. Questions should be directed to the Championship Referee.
17. Masters Team Scoring: Masters Teams for all Road Race Championships shall be scored by gun time as follows: The team score shall be the aggregate official time of the scoring members. The team with the lowest aggregate time is the team winner. Team divisions for both Masters Men and Masters Women are: 40+, 50+, 60+, 70+, and 80+. For all Masters Team divisions – three (3) individuals shall score for each team with a maximum of five (5) individuals declared per team. Each age division shall be scored separately by adding the official times of the top 3 declared team finishers. A runner may only be listed on a single team roster. We will score only complete teams.
17. Incomplete Teams: USATF Rules indicate that when scoring by time; if a team fails to finish with a complete scoring team (i.e., less than 3 finishers), then that team shall not be scored. However, the team members who do finish shall be counted as individuals in the race results and shall be eligible to win individual awards.
17. Ties: Ties between two or more teams within a division shall be resolved by determining which team's last scoring member has the faster time. The team whose last scoring member (i.e., 3^rd runner) has the faster time will be awarded the higher place. Individual runners who tie in official gun time rounded to the slower full second shall be resolved by the position of their torso at the finish line when viewed by the finish line camera.

17. 2022 USATF Masters 10 km Championships Prize Money Breakdown: USATF Championship medals will be awarded to the top 3 places in each 5-year individual division for both Masters Men and Women (40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, etc.), the top 3 Age Graded Masters Men and Women, and the top 3 Overall Masters Men and Women. A total of up to $10,850 in prize money will be awarded to member USATF Masters runners who have appropriately entered the Championship competition. Prize money is available for U.S. citizens only, per USATF Championship rules. All prize money will be mailed to clubs or individuals following the race.
    
    Non-citizens who are USATF members are welcome to compete, but may not score for a team nor win USATF medals and prize money. Non-citizens can qualify for Elite Performance Medals.
    
    Elite Performance Medals will be given to all competitors achieving at least 80% age graded in accordance with the USATF tables. You can find a link to a calculator consistent with the 2020 tables here.
     

    Prize Purse: $10,850
     

    Age Graded USATF Masters (40+) Finishers

    Men

    1st	$500
    2nd	$400
    3rd	$300
    4th	$200
    5th	$150
    6th	$125
    7th	$100

    Women

    1st	$500
    2nd	$400
    3rd	$300
    4th	$200
    5th	$150
    6th	$125
    7th	$100

    Overall USATF Masters (40+) Finishers

    Men

    1st	$300
    2nd	$200
    3rd	$100

    Women

    1st	$300
    2nd	$200
    3rd	$100

    USATF Masters Champions in each 5‐year Age Division beginning at 40‐44 and continuing to the division of the oldest finisher. 

    • Men: $100
    • Women: $100

    USATF Masters (40+) Top 3 Teams in each 10‐year Division beginning at 40+ and continuing to the division with the oldest complete, finishing team.

    Men

    1st	$250
    2nd	$125
    3rd	$75

    Women

    1st	$250
    2nd	$125
    3rd	$75

18. Drug Testing: All competitors entered in the USATF Masters 10 km Championships are eligible for “in-competition” drug testing. Any questions regarding prescriptions or other over-the-counter medication should be directed to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) at 1-888-233-0393.
    
    If the 2022 USATF Masters 10 km Championships are selected for drug testing, prize money checks will be mailed following our receipt of the drug testing results. The race has no control over when the results of the drug tests are released, and we cannot release the prize money until we have official results as it can directly affect the distribution amounts.

19. Protests: Protests concerning the result or conduct of an event shall be made to the Referee at once and not later than one hour after the announcement/posting of the results.

    
    For further information about the James Joyce Ramble, please visit: www.ramble.org.