People often ask why the referee / starting lines on their mat are not located in the center of their mat. This article explains why.
Many times people ask why the referee / starting lines on their mat are not located in the center.
According to the NFHS ( National Federation of High School ) and the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association ) the Referee / Starting lines are to be positioned on the diameter of the center 10-ft circle (the axis) and drop toward the scoring table. (see NFHS Rule Book Statement and diagram below )
NFHS Rule Book Statement:
ART. 4 . . . Starting lines, 1 inch wide, shall be placed at the center of the mat and the front line should lie on the diameter of the 10-foot circle. These 1-inch starting lines shall be parallel, 3 feet long, and 12 inches from outside to outside. The two 3-foot lines shall be connected on one end by a 1-inch red line and on the other by a 1-inch green line.