Southeast Meet of Champions – Competition Rules (2026)

1. Meet Overview
   The Southeast Meet of Champions is a USATF-sanctioned track & field competition held May 22–23 at the University of North Florida. The meet is open to athletes ages 6–18 and includes Youth (U8/U11), Middle School, and High School divisions. The meet is designed to provide opportunities for athletes of all levels while showcasing top regional talent in select New Balance Showcase Sections.

2. Eligibility
   Open to athletes ages 6–18

Divisions:

• Youth: U8, U11

• Middle School: Grades 6–8

• High School: Grades 9–12

Athletes may compete as club teams (USATF) or unattached. High school athletes must be currently enrolled (no post-grads).

1. Entry & Registration
   All entries must be submitted online through the official registration platform. Entry deadlines will be strictly enforced. Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of meet management if space allows. No performance standards are required to enter.

2. Seeding, Sections & Lane Assignments
   Athletes will be seeded using verified entry marks. Heats will be organized from slow to fast, with top sections last.

New Balance Showcase Sections (high school only) will feature top athletes and are selected based on performance or invitation.

Lane assignments will be determined by meet management based on verified entry marks, with priority given to outdoor performances. Indoor marks may be considered but will carry less weight.

200 and 400 meter preferred lanes: 6-5-7-4-8-3-9-2-1

Meet management reserves the right to adjust sections, combine heats, or reseed events.

1. Event Structure & Advancement

Track Events

• Prelims to Finals format for:

  • 100m (all divisions)

  • 100m/110m hurdles (middle school and high school)

  • 200m (U8 and U11)

• Finals on Time format for:

  • 200m (middle school, high school, NB Showcase)

  • 400m (all divisions)

  • 800m, relays, and distance events

• For events contested with prelims:

• If there are 2 preliminary heats: top 4 finishers from each heat + next fastest overall time (9 total qualifiers)

• If there are 3 preliminary heats: top 2 finishers from each heat + next fastest 3 overall times (9 total qualifiers)

• If there are 4 preliminary heats: heat winners + next fastest 5 overall times (9 total qualifiers)

• Sections will be seeded based on entry times

Field Events

• Each athlete will receive three preliminary attempts

• The top 9 athletes will advance to the final and receive an additional three attempts

• Flights will be seeded based on entry marks

1. Relay Rules
   Relay teams will compete under a club (TC) designation. School-based teams should enter under their affiliated track club. Composite relay teams are permitted. All athletes must be properly entered and listed on the relay roster prior to competition. Athletes may only represent one relay team per event. Relay order must be submitted prior to check-in. Substitutions are allowed until the check-in deadline.

2. Check-In Procedures
   All athletes must check in prior to their event

Track events: approximately 20–25 minutes before start
Field events: approximately 45–60 minutes before start

Failure to check in on time will result in a scratch

1. Scratches
   All scratches must be submitted through the official scratch process. Athletes who fail to report scratches may be removed from additional events and could impact future entry eligibility.

2. Competition Rules
   The meet will follow USATF rules where applicable. Starting blocks are required for applicable sprint events. False starts will be enforced per governing body rules.

3. Implements & Equipment
   Personal implements must be weighed and approved prior to competition. Only certified implements will be allowed. Starting blocks will be provided where required.

4. Awards
   Top 6 finishers in each event and division will receive custom medals. Awards must be picked up onsite unless otherwise specified.

5. Facility & Conduct
   Only competing athletes and authorized personnel are allowed in restricted areas. Coaches must follow credential or wristband policies. Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification or removal from the meet.

6. Schedule & Timing
   The meet will operate on a detailed time schedule. Events may run up to 10 minutes ahead. The final time schedule will be released during race week. Heat sheets will be published prior to each competition day.

7. Results, Timing & Protests
   Fully automatic timing (FAT) will be used. Results will be posted live online.

Protests must be filed within 30 minutes of results posting. All protests must be submitted to the meet referee. Decisions by the jury of appeals are final.

1. Meet Management Discretion
   Meet management reserves the right to modify the schedule, adjust event formats, combine or split sections, and enforce rules in the best interest of competition and safety.

2. Weather & Safety
   The meet will be conducted rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe. Any delays or changes will be communicated through announcements, the website, and social media.