USA Track & Field has issued a set of rules to maintain consistency and order from race to race across the country. The rules include sections on membership, and rules of conduct. The USATF Competition Rules book is available for viewing, in PDF format below.
Complete 2014 USATF Competition Rules Book
Every participant, official, volunteer and spectator should consider all safety issues and make related decisions prudently without reliance upon the Competitive Rules.

SAFETY

A Shared Responsibility:- No matter what inspired you to become an athlete, you’re responsible for showing up at the starting line fully prepared for the challenge ahead of you. Safety in the sport is not just the responsibility of the National Governing Body, sanctioned events and race directors, who are subject to the scrutiny of USATF sanctioning process and expected to uphold the best safety protocols. It's also the responsibility of the athlete.