2024 Penn Relays
High School Girls Information
All times listed below are tentative.
- All high school competitors must compete for their high school teams and be cleared for competition by the school Athletic Director or Principal/Headmaster. Relay teams must consist of runners from the same school.
- Competition in the High School Division of the Relay Carnival is under the supervision of official representatives of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. To be eligible for competition in the Carnival High School events, a school must conform to the following:
- Be a member in good standing or recognized as an allied member in good standing of its own State High School Athletic Association, or;
- If not so recognized, it must be approved by its own State High School Athletic Association as having eligibility standards which conform to or are stricter than those of the State Association.
- Specific eligibility requirements, such as that of age limit, shall be those established by the State High School Athletic Association under which they regularly compete. However, in no instance may an athlete exceed the following limits:
- Age limit: athlete may not turn 20 before July 1 of 2024.
- High School attendance limit: 8 semesters (7th and 8th grade students are ineligible, as are students who may have participated during their 7th or 8th grade years).
- Any Pennsylvania school that is not a member of the PIAA or the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Associations and wishes to participate in championship relay and individual events must have its principal or headmaster request the PIAA Supplement to Contract Involving Non-Member Schools from the Penn Relays office. The contract binds those schools to complying with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (PIAA) eligibility requirements. The signed original of this form must be received by the Penn Relays Office no later than Monday, March 25, 2024. Non-member schools unable to sign these forms will be accepted for competition at the Penn Relays but will be placed in separate events in the 4x100 and 4x400.
- Non-member schools from states other than Pennsylvania must be approved or recommended for competition by their state association which is a member of the National Federation in order to compete in championship qualifying or individual events. Schools that are neither approved nor recommended for competition will be placed in separate "prep school" events in the 4x100m and 4x400m. Non-member schools from any state other than New York, whether they are approved/recommended or not, may opt to participate in the non-member class in the 4x100m and 4x400m, but must indicate this on a separate letter submitted before the entry deadline.
- Team Membership: No athlete may participate with two different affiliations in one Carnival.
- Rules of Competition: The rules of competition for the Carnival shall be the 2023-2024 Official National Federation Edition Track and Field and Cross County Rules Book, except where the longtime practices, special facilities, and special written rules of the Carnival may require otherwise.
- Relay Substitutions: The rules of the World Athletics regarding replacement on relays will apply for colleges and high schools. This allows for two substitutions. Only four medals or watches will be awarded.
- Track and Field Surfaces: The track, all jumping surfaces and the javelin runway are synthetic surfaces of 3/8" thickness.
- Spikes: Only 1/4" spikes are allowed. No tartan/Christmas tree spikes will be allowed. Spikes will be checked.
- Checkpoints: Relay zone and jumping event checkpoints may be marked with standard white trainer's tape only. No other items may be used, including chalk, powder, duct tape, masking tape, tacks or safety pins.
- Starting Blocks will be provided by Penn where the use of blocks is considered essential. This includes finals of all High School relays starting in lanes. No starting blocks other than these provided will be permitted on the field.
- Ties for Qualifying: Nine teams will qualify for all relay event finals starting in lanes. Running event ties will be broken by re-reading the photo-timer images to one-thousandth of a second. All field event ties involving the ninth qualifying position will be determined by the next best mark.
- Lane Priority: Turn Races (9 lanes) 6-7-8-9-5-4-3-2-1.
- The Penn Relays will use the 30-meter exchange zone for the 4x100m Relay. The 10-meter fly zone is no longer in effect.
- Verification of Receipt of Entries: The Penn Relays will not accept entries after the deadlines (April 1st for High Schools). Coaches should check to verify that the Relays Office has received their entries by clicking HERE. In emergencies, coaches may call Friday, March 29th, before the deadline (215-898-6145). Please do not call for this information on other days.
- Notice of Acceptance: Acceptance into the High School Boys' and Girls' 4x800m, Distance Medley and individual events will be posted HERE. All teams not listed are rejected and will not be allowed to compete.
- Results will be posted HERE. Results will not be supplied to coaches in the Press Area.
- Tri-State Events are open to schools from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
- Events will not be delayed for those who double.
- PROTEST PERIODS FOR TRACK EVENTS
- Qualifying Races: A protest period of 60 minutes for High Schools shall commence upon the posting of the Tentative (Unofficial) Qualifiers list(s) to the Penn Relays results website (pennrelaysonline.com). All protests must be filed within the protest period at the Referees' table inside of turn 1 on the track (please come to the fence behind the table and ask for a gold hat referee). The protest period will NOT close if there is a pending protest or a decision has affected another team. Once all protests have been addressed, the Qualifiers list(s) will become "Official."
- Finals: A protest period of 60 minutes for High Schools shall commence upon the posting of the last result for that event or the final on time standings, whichever is later, to the Penn Relays results website (pennrelaysonline.com). All protests must be filed within the protest period at the Referees' table inside of turn 1 on the track (please come to the fence behind the table and ask for a gold hat referee). The protest period will NOT close if there is a pending protest or a decision has affected another team. Once all protests have been addressed, the Results will become "Official."
- Jury of Appeals will be chaired by Joe Lang. A $25.00 fee must accompany an appeal. The Penn Relays video review will rely only on available archived Relays web streaming, and no independent video may be used in protests or appeals.
- The Jewelry Rule long in force in many states is no longer in effect under P.I.A.A. rules.
STANDARDS FOR HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS ENTRIES
Relay teams should be entered only if they have achieved the following performances in official meets in 2024. Individual event performances must be achieved during the 2024 seasons except for Discus and Javelin, which may be achieved in 2023. All marks must be achieved in meets among at least five schools. Marks not readily verifiable in national track & field periodicals or on national websites must include supporting documentation. Updating of performances is permissible in all events except the 4x100m and 4x400m.
Relay teams and individuals should be entered only if they are capable of achieving the following performances in the Penn Relays:
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9:40.00 large schools
9:50.00 small schools
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Achievement of the above standards does not guarantee acceptance. Entries submitted that do not meet the standard may be considered to fill fields, when applicable.
Size of fields as listed under event headings are approximate and will be adjusted as circumstances require. Event starting times may change.
Athletes may not compete in more than one individual event, nor may a school compete in both the 4x800m and the Distance Medley. Athletes entered in more than one individual event will be accepted only in the event in which they are seeded highest unless the coach indicates a preference.
The same holds for the preference between the 4x800m and Distance Medley.
Updates of team times for the 4x800m and Distance Medley Relays in Carnival-approved meets may be entered on-line or be reported to the Chair of the Secondary School Advisory Committee or to a member of the Advisory Committee not later than 5:00pm, Sunday, April 14th.
Updates for all individual events in Carnival-approved meets must be reported in the same manner not later than 5:00pm, Monday, April 8th. THIS IS THE COACH'S RESPONSIBILITY. DO NOT CALL THE RELAYS OFFICE WITH UPDATES. These times will be used by the Committee in selecting the limited number of teams and individuals to compete and in seeding sections. Accepted entrants will be posted on the website on Tuesday, April 9th (individual events) and Monday, April 15th (4×800m and DMR). Entrants not on this list will not be allowed to compete.
If a relay team (4x100m, 4x400m) qualifies for a consolation final and does not intend to run, they are asked to notify the Referee so another team may be moved up. We will publish a list of alternates along with qualifiers in these races. The World Athletics rule allowing two substitutions in the Relays will be used.
2024 HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS EVENTS
4x100m Relay: Nine fastest teams qualify for Championship final, Friday; next nine fastest schools from outside the United States qualify for International final, Friday; next nine fastest schools qualify for National final, Friday; next nine fastest schools from New England southward to and including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware qualify for Northeastern final, Friday. Blocks for finals only. Lane Priority: 6-7-8-9-5-4-3-2-1.
4x400m Relay: Open Classified Races, Thursday afternoon. Teams will be classified on the basis of their performance in the Penn Relays during the past five years, and on estimated and adjusted times for the current year. Teams which run slower than 4:25 in 2023 will be placed on a one-year probation. Groups will be as follows:
- Northern Delaware Race (open to schools north of the canal)
- South Jersey Small Schools (generally NJSIAA I, II, B) Race
- South Jersey Large Schools (generally NJSIAA III, IV, A) Race
- Philadelphia Catholic League Race
- Philadelphia Public League Race
Separate prizes for each race (prize #8). Races may be reorganized as the best interests of the Carnival dictate.
Nine fastest teams qualify for Championship final, Friday
(
prize #6; to be run in lanes with blocks). The leading team from the Philadelphia Public League, Philadelphia Catholic League, PIAA District I, South Jersey, Northern Delaware and the Philadelphia Inter-Academic League, and the remaining fastest teams from these races qualify for 12-team Philadelphia Area final, Saturday (
prize #7). Teams qualifying for the Championship Final may not run in the Philadelphia Area Final. The alternates list for the Philadelphia Area race will be created solely by time.
4x800m Relay (GROUPINGS OF TEAMS MAY CHANGE as the best interests of the Carnival dictate): High School Races, Thursday. Small Schools (female enrollment 524-) event; 35 teams, two races, separate prizes for each race (
prize #8). Large Schools (female enrollment 525+) event,
Thursday; 35 teams, two races, separate prizes for each race (
prize #8). Twelve fastest teams qualify for Championship final,
Friday (
prize #6). Entries are from small school teams which have run 9:50.00 or faster and large school teams which have run 9:40.00 or faster in Carnival-approved indoor or outdoor meets this year prior to April 14th. Teams may enter a "no time" and update the mark by 5:00pm, April 14th. From these entries, approximately 35 teams will be selected for each event based on meet performances achieved prior to April 14th. Teams may not run in both the 4×800m and Distance Medley. Teams running slower than the entry standard are subject to probation.
Twelve fastest teams, regardless of school size, qualify for Championship final, Friday (
prize #6).
Distance Medley Relay (1200m-400m-800m-1600m): Championship, Friday; 15 teams (
prize #6). Entries are from teams which have run 12:30.00 or faster in Carnival-approved indoor or outdoor meets this year prior to April 15th. Teams may enter a "no time" and update the mark by 5:00pm, April 14th. From these entries, approximately 15 teams will be selected based on meet performances prior to April 15th.
NOTE: Members of selected teams may not compete in the Mile or 3000m. Acceptance of a team member in the Mile or 3000m may result in rejection of a Distance Medley team. Teams may not run in both the 4×800m and Distance Medley. Coaches having a preference about contingencies involving entries in the Mile, 3000m, or the Distance Medley must note their preferences when submitting entries.
Mile Run: Championship, Friday; 15 runners (
prize #9). Coaches must clearly indicate on the entry whether the qualifying mark was run at 1500m, 1600m or Mile. See Note under Distance Medley.
3000m Run: Championship, Friday; 25 runners (
prize #9). Coaches must clearly indicate on the entry form whether the qualifying mark was run at 3000m, 3200m or 2-Miles. See Note under Distance Medley.
High Jump: Championship,
Thursday; 18 jumpers (
prize #9).
Pole Vault: Championship, Thursday; 18 vaulters (
prize #9).
Long Jump: Championship, Thursday; 18 jumpers (
prize #9).
Triple Jump: Championship, Thursday; 18 jumpers (
prize #9).
Shot Put: Championship, Thursday; 18 throwers (
prize #9). Competitors should bring their own high school shots (international junior implements may not be used).
Discus Throw: Championship, Thursday; 18 throwers (
prize #9). College sector will be used. Competitors should bring their own high school discs (international junior implements may not be used).
Javelin Throw: Championship, Thursday; 18 throwers (
prize #9). Competitors should bring their own javelins. Only implements conforming to current high school specifications will be allowed.
PREPARATORY SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY RULES
Any Pennsylvania school that is not a member of the PIAA or the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Associations and wishes to participate in championship relay and individual events must have its principal or headmaster request the PIAA Supplement to Contract Involving Non-Member Schools from the Penn Relays office. The contract binds those schools to comply with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (PIAA) eligibility requirements. The signed original of this form must be received by the Penn Relays Office no later than Monday, March 25, 2024. Non-member schools unable to sign this form will be accepted for competition at the Penn Relays but will be placed in separate events in the 4x100m and 4x400m.
Non-member schools from states other than Pennsylvania must be approved or recommended for competition by their state association which is a member of the National Federation in order to compete in championship qualifying or individual events. Schools that are neither approved nor recommended for competition will be placed in separate "prep school" events in the 4×100m and 4×400m. Non-member schools from any state other than New York, whether they are approved/recommended or not, may opt to participate in the non-member class in the 4×100m and 4×400m, but must indicate this on a separate letter submitted before the entry deadline.
A preparatory school shall be ineligible for preparatory school relays if its regular track meet schedule is mainly with high schools. Preparatory school athletes are eligible to compete in high school relay and individual events if (1) they conform to the eligibility requirements of the State High School Athletic Association under which they regularly compete, and if (2) they conform to Penn Relay Carnival rules for age and attendance listed for high schools (see Secondary School Eligibility Rules, item 2c).
PREPARATORY/INDEPENDENT SCHOOL GIRLS EVENTS
4x100m: Girls' Independent School Races, Thursday (
prize #8). Sections against time.
4x400m: Girls' Independent School Race, Thursday (prize #8). Girls' Prep School Race, Thursday (prize #8). Girls' Philadelphia Academic League Race, Thursday (prize #8).
PENN RELAYS HIGH SCHOOL PROTOCOL
Note that online entry for High Schools must be concluded by Monday, April 1st, 2024 at 5:00 PM (EDT). You may enter any time until the deadline.
Confirmation of receipt of entry and payment is best verified HERE. Please call the office ONLY in case of emergencies about whether we have received your entries.
The update period for individual events ends at noon EDT, Sunday, April 7th. The update period for the 4x800m and Distance Medley relays ends at 5:00pm EDT, Sunday, April 14th. Updates are ONLY for entries which have been properly submitted by the April 1st deadline. Accepted entries for individual events will be posted HERE by Monday, April 8th, and for the 4×800m and Distance Medley on Monday, April 15th.
If the check for your entry fee has been delayed, please let us know via e-mail to pennrelays@upenn.edu. Because of time and workforce restraints we cannot sign and return purchase order requests & invoices unless a self-addressed-stamped-envelope is provided. A purchase order is NOT payment. Participant's passes will not be issued until payment is received.
The Relays Registration Office is in the Hecht/Levy Tennis Pavilion.
The names you enter on a relay are for the sake of the program. DO NOT LIST MORE THAN FOUR NAMES. You may run any legitimate student whether listed or not.
We are listing a few items to guide you on your entries for Girls and Boys:
- We will accept almost all 4x100m Relays
- We will accept almost all 4x400m Relays
- We will accept approximately 70 - 4x800m Relays
- We will accept approximately 15 - Distance Medley Relays
- We will accept approximately 15 - Mile runners
- We will accept approximately 25 - 3000m runners
NOTES
Any person designated by the coach to pick up passes (other than those listed on the on-line entry) must present such authorization written on school letterhead stationery and signed by both the coach who signed the entry form and by the person picking up the passes.
Participant's passes may be used only by team and staff of the school to which the passes were issued. Any use by other parties subjects the user and the original school to suspension in future years. Any person using a participant's pass should carry school identification or be dressed in school uniform at all times. Lack of suitable identification is grounds for ejection.
The first leg of the 4x100m and 4x400m will be allowed to use blocks in the finals only.
Results will be posted online HERE. Results will not be supplied to coaches in the Press Area.
A coach must note on the entries whether entry performances for the Mile and 3000m were run at 1500m, 1600m or the mile for the Mile event; or at 3000m, 3200m or 2-miles for the 3000m event.
If any of your athletes enter an open event in the Relays, they may be subject to drug testing.
RELAY TEAMS: Will assemble in groups designated by your Event Number and Team Letter (AA-AZ, BA-BZ, etc.).
****ENTRY INTO PADDOCK ORIGINATES OUTSIDE THE STADIUM NEAR THE CORNER OF 33RD & SPRUCE STREET. Only the Relay team, a ticketed Relay Support person (to take sweats) and a ticketed Coach will be admitted through the Paddock.
No sweats will be allowed on the track. We urge you to bring a duffel bag so your athletes may put their things in it while on the track. They should give their bag to you or your relay support person before entering the final paddock area.
INDIVIDUAL RUNNING EVENTS: Coaches or athletes must pick up a Bib Number in advance of the clerking process at the Bib Tent that is located track side between the sprint start and the scoreboard. The clerking process mirrors the relay team procedure noted above.
FIELD EVENTS: Athletes will be given a Bib from an event official at your competition venue.
Umpires are stationed at the exchange zones; any unnecessary pushing or contact may be cause for disqualification. Please alert your lead-off person that cutting in too soon will be grounds for disqualification.
Nine teams will be selected for the Boys' and Girls' 4x400m Championship. The Championship will be run in lanes with a three-turn stagger. Teams in lanes 2, 3 and 4 will be breaking outward on the backstretch of the second lap.
Note that the World Athletics rule regarding two relay substitutions is in effect.
The Penn Relays has an extremely large crowd that is difficult to manage regarding security. While we do our best to provide a safe, secure meet, it is helpful if you watch your belongings carefully, never leaving them unattended, particularly in the stands.
