How Athletes Are Judged in Racewalking Competitions in the Philippines (Scholastic Meets)

Racewalking is a technical athletics event included in many scholastic competitions in the Philippines, from elementary school meets to high school and collegiate levels. While it may look simple, racewalking follows strict rules, and athletes are closely judged to ensure fair play and proper technique.

This guide explains how athletes are judged in racewalking competitions in Philippine scholastic meets, including judging rules, penalties, and how student-athletes can avoid disqualification.

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Racewalking in Philippine Scholastic Athletics

In the Philippines, racewalking is commonly featured in:

• DepEd athletic meets

• Palarong Pambansa

• Regional Athletic Association (RAA) meets

• University and collegiate competitions

Judging standards generally follow World Athletics rules, with adjustments appropriate for youth and school-level competition.

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Basic Rules Used in Scholastic Racewalking

Judges focus on two main technical rules, even at the scholastic level.

1. Continuous Ground Contact

Athletes must always have at least one foot in contact with the ground.

• If both feet appear off the ground at the same time, it is called loss of contact

• Judging is based on what the human eye can see

• Video replay is not used

This rule distinguishes racewalking from running.

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2. Straight Supporting Leg Rule

The leading leg must be straight (not bent) from the moment it touches the ground until it passes under the body.

• A bent knee is a common violation among beginners

• Judges look for visible knee bend during support

• Younger athletes are often given guidance through cautions

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Who Judges Racewalking in Philippine Scholastic Meets?

Racewalking competitions are judged by trained athletics officials, often accredited by:

• DepEd

• Local sports councils

• Athletics associations or meet organizers

Officials Involved

• Racewalking Judges – Observe technique and issue warnings

• Chief Judge – Confirms disqualifications

• Recorder/Marshal – Tracks warnings and red cards

Judges are positioned around the track or course to observe athletes from different angles.

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Warning System Used in School Competitions

Scholastic racewalking uses a progressive warning system to educate and protect young athletes.

Yellow Paddle (Caution)

• Given for suspected rule violations

• Not an official penalty

• Serves as a warning to correct form

• Usually indicates:

  • Bent knee

  • Possible loss of contact

Athletes may receive multiple cautions without being disqualified.

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Red Card (Official Warning)

• Issued when a judge is certain a rule has been broken

• Each red card must come from a different judge

• Red cards are officially recorded

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Disqualification Rules in Scholastic Meets

An athlete is disqualified when:

• They receive three red cards from three different judges

In most Philippine scholastic meets:

• Disqualification is announced after the race

• Penalty zones are rarely used at school level

• Emphasis is on learning proper technique

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Differences Between Scholastic and Elite Racewalking

Aspect	Scholastic Meets	Elite Competitions
Judge strictness	Moderate	Very strict
Use of penalty zone	Rare	Common
Athlete experience	Beginners to youth	Elite professionals
Focus	Technique development	Maximum performance

Judges in school meets often balance rule enforcement and athlete education.

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Common Mistakes by Student Racewalkers

• Turning the event into a run

• Bending the knee to gain speed

• Overstriding

• Poor posture and hip control

These mistakes are common in beginners and are usually corrected through training and cautions.

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How Filipino Student-Athletes Train for Racewalking

To avoid penalties, student-athletes are taught to focus on:

• Proper foot placement

• Straight-leg drills

• Hip mobility exercises

• Short-distance technique training

• Coach-supervised practice sessions

Many schools include racewalking as part of their athletics development programs.

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Why Proper Judging Matters in Scholastic Meets

Strict but fair judging:

• Protects the integrity of the sport

• Teaches discipline and technique

• Prepares athletes for higher-level competitions

• Ensures equal opportunities for all participants

Racewalking judging is essential in shaping disciplined Filipino athletes.

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Final Thoughts

Racewalking in Philippine scholastic meets follows internationally recognized rules, adapted for student-athletes. Judges evaluate ground contact and leg straightness, issuing cautions and red cards before disqualification. While the focus is on fairness, the primary goal at the school level is learning and development.

Understanding how racewalking is judged helps athletes, coaches, and spectators better appreciate this technical and demanding event.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is racewalking part of Palarong Pambansa?
Yes, racewalking is included in many levels of school athletic competitions.

Can a student-athlete be disqualified immediately?
No. Disqualification only happens after three red cards from different judges.

Do judges use video replay?
No. Judging is done by the human eye.

Why is racewalking hard for beginners?
Because speed must be balanced with strict technique rules.

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