(No. 15, Abby Knouff of Walsh Jesuit shown during 2020 indoor competition at the Rubber City Open)
Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Administrator of Track and Field and Cross Country, Dale Gabor announced on Wednesday, following a board meeting, that athletes will no longer be required to wear numbers on the back of their track and field and cross country uniforms moving forward.
The issue was originally brought forth by the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches (OATCCC) and was met with a unanimous vote against the continuing of this practice during the board's proceedings.
Gabor noted that a lack of purpose, increasing costs and a wide-spread preference to not require numbers were chief among the reasons to do away with the rule.
His press release also outlined the need for members of the same team to wear similar uniforms, with this being particularly important during track-based relay events. There will be a statewide waiver that permits teams to either have or not have numbers, without penalty. More clarity will be provided in upcoming issues of the Pre-Season Cross Country and Track and Field Manuals.
Mr. Gabor's full statement can be viewed below ~
