Let’s Make It Official: Become a Track Official!

One name you’ll hear frequently amongst USATF officials will be Stanley Underwood.

He was a legend in the world of track officials. Originally when you were interested in joining USATF here in Tennessee, the number you dialed would go straight to Stanley. Although Stanley has passed on, his legacy continues with his nephew Conley.

Conley Underwood became a track official when he was invited by his uncle Stanley. Since then, Conley’s been officiating for 25 years. His mentors include his Uncle Stanley, Bill Pratt, Taylor Weatherbee, and Bob Neff. In fact, Conley and Bill Pratt were the inaugural winners of KTCs Robert Neff Service Award, which is a high achievement for local officials.

His favorite discipline is the long jump. Long jump, you have an athlete running from around 100 feet behind a blackboard. Once they reach about an inch or two from their toes hitting the board, they must jump off from one foot and land in the sand. Whatever body part is closest to the jump board is the distance measured for scoring. If an athlete’s foot touches the board, they foul. It’s my favorite event to judge and watch during competition because the leg power to do this event is so impressive.

Some favorite memories of Stanley’s include working SEC Championships, having calls video reviewed several times, and being right every time in his judgment. He’s loved working at NCAA Regional in Louisville since the track is right next to the University of Louisville Football Stadium. At one point in time, they had a Kenny Chesney concert going on at the same time as a track meet! (Imagine the traffic and crowds!) At that meet, he got to work a high-level collegiate meet AND listen to a concert at the same time. Obviously, that made the University of Louisville his favorite location to officiate. He’s also worked track meets in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

When I asked what he’d do differently, he shared that he wishes he had traveled to more meets in different areas. As his daughters got older, he needed to spend more time with their extra-curricular activities which included golf, softball, and marching band.

His advice to folks too scared to join the USATF Official Community: There is no reason to be scared at all.

As one of his mentors, Bill Pratt, always said in his instructions to the athletes:

“World Peace does not depend on the outcome of this event. Compete hard, but have fun!”

Upcoming Track Events—

Friday, April 19^th-Saturday, April 20^th the 60^th Volunteer Track Classic held at Tom Black Track on the University of Tennessee campus. We need LOTS of volunteers!!! Register here: Knoxville Track Club: Volunteer Track Classic VOLUNTEERS (signupgenius.com)

For more information, contact our Track Official Coordinator Steve Luper steveluper74@gmail.com.