Check your understanding of the rules that govern high school cross country! Photo by Alan Versaw.
As sports go, cross country isn't long on rules, but it does have a few.
Test your knowledge of high school cross country rules here! All answers are as determined by the NFHS rule book.
1. The length of a high school cross country course shall be between what two distances?
2. If you saw a red flag at least six feet high and visible for at least 100 feet ahead on a course, what would that flag mean?
3. What is the first tie-breaker for cross country team scoring (note that this is not the same first tie-breaker as is used at the NCAA level)?
4. What is the second tie-breaker for cross country team scoring, and when would it come into play?
5. How wide should the funnel be at the finish line?
6. Is there a provision in the rule book for video review of order of finish in a chip-timed race?
7. Why would anyone ask a question like #6 (above)? Note, the answer to this question will not be found in the NFHS rule book.
8. How are teams to be assigned to their boxes on the start line?
9. What is the only command given before firing the gun to start a cross country race?
10. How many American flags are allowed to be worn on a competitor's uniform?
11. What is the penalty for a false start in cross country?
12. Does the rule book specify how long a competitor has to make a non-legal uniform legal before racing?
13. What is the penalty for providing liquids to a runner during a race?
Are you the brave kind? Post your answers here.