2025 Q&A Questions
Question 1: Do you need a waiver for a runner to wear their insulin pump?
Answer: No, student-athletes can wear their insulin pump when running and do not need a waiver to do so. The pump should be covered in some way when competing. For more information on non-required equipment that can be worn without waiver for cross country see the Medical Policies and Procedures document page 12.
Question 2: Do you need a waiver to carry or use an inhaler on the course?
Answer: If the competitor can supply a copy of the prescription for the inhaler when requested, the inhaler can be carried and used on the cross country course. This prescription can be in hard copy form, shown electronically on a phone, or legibly displayed on the inhaler itself.
Question 3: Recently at a Cross Country Meet, I observed various types, of markings, glitter, and face paint on competitors. Is there a WIAA Policy on these types of items?
Answer: The WIAA is providing the following guidance:
1. Temporary tattoos (school name, nickname, mascot or school approved symbol) can be worn. These cannot be used in a way that is offensive and should not distract from the integrity of the competition.
2. Make-up, including eye glitter, and "eye black" can be used and when worn as the manufacturer intends. This cannot be used in a way that is offensive and should not distract from the integrity of the competition.
3. Small face paint markings/symbols, similar to the temporary tattoos, can be displayed. However, solid block color, full or partial face paint should not be used. Face paint cannot be offensive and should not distract from the integrity of the competition.
Comment: Coaches and officials should ask the following two questions:
1. Does the tattoo make-up, or face paint negatively affect any competitor's ability to run, an unfair advantage for any participant, or create a safety hazard?
2. Could (or is) the tattoo, make up, or face paint be offensive and/or distracting to anyone on the course?
If the answer is yes to either question, the tattoo, make up or face paint should be removed. If the answer to both questions is no, allow the competitor to compete.
Question 4: Can competitors wear glow stick necklaces and bracelets at night time events?
Answer: Yes, these are permissible/legal as they are considered jewelry. If battery powered they could be electronic devices, however since they have no communicative ability, would be legal.
NIKE TEAM NATIONALS AND OTHER POST-SEASON TEAM COMPETITIONS
NXN is a post-season competition that involves a regional qualifying round. The WIAA does not allow high school teams to participate in these meets but, does allow “club teams” to participate.
CLARIFICATION:
*No contact with the high school cross country coach is allowed after the date of the State Cross Country Meet. *The team must be a club team. No high school uniforms, warm-ups, transportation, or funding is allowed. The team should not be identified as the high school team. For example; “Central High School” is not acceptable but “Cheetahs Running Team” would be.
*Teams may not be chosen or invited based upon their performance at the WIAA State Cross Country Meet. They must run a qualifying meet which is open to all.
*Amateur status rules must be followed. From the Rules At A Glance: C. AMATEUR STATUS A student may not accept, receive and/or direct to another, any cash or merchandise awards for achievement in athletics. This means athletes may not accept items such as shoes, jackets, gift certificates, etc., for athletic accomplishments, such as being on a winning team, being selected for the school varsity team, or being a place winner in an individual tournament, etc. They may receive an award which is symbolic in nature, such as trophies, medals, ribbons, event T-shirts, event hats, game balls or other items of no intrinsic value. Rules further prevent athletes from receiving compensation or benefit, directly or indirectly, for the use of name, picture and/or personal appearance as an athlete. This includes receiving free and/or reduced rates on equipment, apparel, camps/clinics/instruction and competitive opportunities that are not identical for all other participants. A student may not be identified as an athlete, provide endorsement as an athlete, or appear as an athlete in the promotion of a commercial/advertisement and/or profit-making event, item, plan or service. Also, an athlete violates this rule if he/she plays in any contest (school or nonschool) under a name other than his/her own. (RE – Art. IV).
Individual competitions such as the Foot Locker, Border Battle, USATF qualifier, etc. would be allowed with the same stipulations as those indicated above. Individual athletes may not be identified with their high school team but may use their hometown.