Laser Measurement in Track and Field: Leica DISTO Guide for Officials

Laser distance meters have replaced the steel tape for official measurement at high-level track and field competitions — and increasingly at the high school and college level as well. This guide covers how to set up and use a Leica DISTO (the most common model in athletics) at a field event competition.

Why Laser Measurement?

Speed: A laser measurement takes 2–3 seconds once you're set up. A steel tape from a 60-foot shot put takes 20–30 seconds to deploy, read, and retrieve.

Accuracy: Lasers are accurate to ±1mm at distances under 50 meters. Steel tapes introduce human error in pulling tension, reading the scale, and angling the tape.

One-person operation: A laser measurement can be taken by a single official. Tape measurement traditionally requires two people (one at the landing mark, one at the circle).

No tape damage: Steel tapes kink and stretch with heavy use. A laser device requires no field maintenance beyond battery replacement.

Compatible Devices

The Leica DISTO series is the standard for track and field. The most common models in athletics use:

• Leica DISTO D2, D3a, E7300, E7500i — popular at high school and college level
• Leica DISTO S910 — used at professional and international competitions (Bluetooth data output)

Any model with a point target and ±1mm accuracy is suitable for field events. Newer models with integrated Bluetooth can send measurements directly to meet management software.

Setup at the Throwing Circle or Pit

Shot put, discus, and hammer

Position the laser at the inside edge of the throwing circle rim, at the point closest to the landing mark:

1. Mount the DISTO on a tripod or hold it against the inside rim edge
2. The zero point of the measurement is the inside rim — confirm this in your device's offset settings
3. Aim the laser at a reflector target placed at the landing mark (the nearest impression in the ground)
4. Press the measurement button — the distance reads directly in meters and centimeters

Reflector target: At competition level, use the small orange plastic target that comes with competition-grade DISTO kits. At smaller meets, a piece of white tape at the landing mark works for most models.

Important: The measurement is from the inside rim of the circle to the nearest mark — the same reference point as tape measurement. If you're using a laser with an offset built in for the rim thickness, confirm that offset is correctly set before the meet.

Javelin

For javelin, position the laser at the inside edge of the scratch line arc at the nearest point to the tip landing:

1. The scratch line is curved — find the point on the arc closest to the landing mark
2. Position the laser at that point
3. Aim at the reflector placed at the tip's first contact point
4. Read and record the distance

Because the scratch line is curved, the measurement angle varies across the sector. For very wide throws (near the sector edges), have a second official confirm your laser position on the arc.

Long jump and triple jump

For horizontal jumps, position the laser at the inside edge of the takeoff board at the nearest point to the landing mark:

1. Set up the laser device at the front edge of the takeoff board
2. Place the reflector at the nearest mark in the sand (nearest to the board, not the deepest impression)
3. Read the distance

Foot placement: If you're holding the device by hand, place the device flat against the board edge — do not hold it at an angle. Any angle error at close range creates a small but measurable error.

Wind and Environmental Considerations

Laser accuracy is affected by:

• Rain and mist: Heavy rain can interfere with laser reception, especially at longer distances. For throwing events in rain, have a tape as backup.
• Bright sunlight: Direct sun on the target can wash out the laser dot. Use the integrated crosshair viewfinder or a reflector target to confirm aim.
• Dust: Thrown events raise dust — wait for dust to settle before reading.
• Distance: At distances under 50 meters (typical for high school throws), accuracy is consistent. Beyond 80 meters (collegiate discus, hammer), confirm your device is rated for the range.

Integrating with Meet Software

Advanced DISTO models (S910, X4) support Bluetooth data output. When paired with meet management software:

• Measurements are pushed directly to the competition record
• No manual entry, no transcription error
• Results appear on the live scoreboard immediately

RecordBoard supports manual entry from any device. Bluetooth integration for compatible DISTO models is available for meets using the RecordBoard field event judge view. Learn more →

Calibration and Pre-Meet Check

Before every meet:

1. Check battery level — replace or charge if below 50%
2. Test at a known distance — measure a known distance (e.g., a pre-marked 20-meter runway line) and confirm the reading matches
3. Confirm offset settings — if your device has a rim or board offset, confirm it's set correctly
4. Clean the lens — dust on the emitter or receiver reduces accuracy

If the laser reads more than 2 cm off on a known-distance test, do not use it for competition. Revert to tape measurement and have the device serviced.

Rules Status

NFHS and NCAA both allow laser distance measurement as an official measurement method. USATF and World Athletics use laser as the primary measurement method at championship levels.

Confirm with your state association whether specific models or procedures are required. In most states, any calibrated laser distance meter meeting the accuracy standard is acceptable.

Common Mistakes

Not zeroing the offset: If your laser is set to measure from the back of the device instead of the front tip, every measurement will be off by the device length (typically 5–8 cm). Set offset before the first attempt.

Aiming at the deepest hole, not the nearest mark: The measurement is always from the nearest mark to the board/circle, not the deepest crater or the spot where the implement came to rest.

Holding the device at an angle: Small angle errors at the board produce small distance errors — but they add up across many attempts. Mount on a tripod or brace against the board edge.

Not retaking an unstable reading: If the device shows a fluctuating or uncertain reading (flashing), take it again. A confirmed reading displays a stable number.

RecordBoard and Laser Measurement

RecordBoard's field event judge view is designed for tablet or phone entry at the pit. Officials enter the reading directly from the laser display into RecordBoard, and results update to the live scoreboard immediately. No paper transcription, no runner carrying sheets across the infield.

See RecordBoard field event management →

Related Resources

• Field Event Judging Checklist
• How to Run a Shot Put Competition