No XC spikes rule in CA is a myth

I looked into this myself when I saw a team win the southern section champs (when it was in Riverside) all wearing spikes. I too couldn’t find any such rule. I think the rule only applies to the state meet.

That being said I think most people, including meet directors think it’s a state rule and may try to enforce it anyways.

Another point, at Woodbridge many of us mistakenly thought several teams were wearing spikes as they crossed pavement. However, especially the out of state schools didn't have racing non-spikes, so used metal blanks that still sound like spikes.

All participants must wear shoes (without spikes) throughout the race, as stated in the National Federation Rule Book Rule 9 Section 5 Article 3

You can pretty much find something simliar written on every sections website in CIF.

I'm not sure where you or your unfounded argument is coming from.

1st: spikes are not allowed at the state meet--this is true.

2nd: Why if #1 is true does it not make sense to wear them anywhere else? Of course it makes sense to wear them wherever you can. I did.

3rd: I have heard of NOBODY claiming spikes were illegal in CA. NOBODY! If you so happen to come across somebody so woefully uninformed--are you going to listen to them? Seriously?

Spikes are illegal in all HS races in CA.

I’m confused. I thought so too. But per this rule I found for the California CCS Section Final it says you can.

Look at rule 4-3. ART 1 #3x

But, but, but, but, but, but, but, but, but.....

That's a copy of the NFHS rules, which I think they included in that packet because CCS (and all of CIF I think) follows the NFHS uniform rules. But the CCS cross country bylaws say "spikes are prohibited."

You can wear spikes in California. Foot Locker I wore Kennedy spikes. Woodbridge. You name it. Not CIF.

#1908. PROPER EQUIPMENT
All athletes competing in cross country must be in proper team uniform and wear running shoes. Spikes will not be permitted.

CIF State Championship Handbook

Course and Running Surface
(a) All races will be 5,000 meters.
(b) The course is in Woodward Park on hard-packed dirt trails with some grass and asphalt.
It has mild ups and downs over rolling hills with one steep short hill.
(c) No spikes are allowed on this course.
(d) Meet will be run - rain or shine.

CIF Central Section Sports Governing Rules
Cross Country

c. All participants must wear shoes (without spikes) throughout the race, as stated in the National Federation Rule Book Rule 9 Section 5 Article 3.

Spikes are not allowed in Southern Section competition. I am not sure about other sections but for sure, they are not allowed in CIF-SS competitions. This is not limited to the section championships is is a rule for all CIF-SS contests.

This quotes the NATIONAL Federation Rule Book when clearly they are worn all throughout the United States on a regular basis at the HS level. So every state except CA ignores this rule?

There is no disagreement or contention with races at the Woodward Park CIF Finals regarding spikes. Reread the initial post.

Do you seriously think that spikes are allowed at CIF meets but just no one knows it?

That’s what you’ve been told and what you believe. There is nothing in our section - SJS - that says it’s illegal. If ppl are quoting an NFHS rule, it’s obviously wrong or never enforced because 49 states commonly wear spikes.

That’s the point of the question. Waiting for proof otherwise. Like a link. From CIF state.

I can tell you with 100% certainty that spikes were allowed at the Riverside course in 2017 at CIF SS Finals.

Now that the course is back at Mt SAC there is no reason to run in spikes so it’s a non issue going forward.