World para Athletics Rules and Regulations - March 2024 - 0

World Para Athletics
Rules and Regulations

March 2024
www.WorldParaAthletics.org
@ParaAthletics @ParaAthletics /ParaAthletics
World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations 2024
March 2024
Changes to these Rules and Regulations
Please note that these rules may be changed at any time as a result, for example, of changes in
the World Athletics rules, or classification related matter or where World Para Athletics
otherwise considers it necessary to do so.
WORLD PARA ATHLETICS CLASSIFICATION RULES AND REGULATIONS
The World Para Athletics Classification Rules and Regulations are an integral part of these Rules
and Regulations, available at
https://www.paralympic.org/athletics/rules
World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations 2024 1

PART A – GENERAL ............................................................................................................ 8
1 Definitions ........................................................................................................................ 8
2 General Provisions .......................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Scope and application .............................................................................................. 10
2.2 Interpretation ........................................................................................................... 11
2.3 Governance .............................................................................................................. 11
2.4 Printing of the Rules ................................................................................................. 11
2.5 Amendments to the Rules......................................................................................... 12
PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS ......................................................... 13
3 World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions ............................................................... 13
3.1 Competition levels .................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Competition cycle..................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Competition management ........................................................................................ 14
3.4 Competition entries .................................................................................................. 15
3.5 Recognition of results ............................................................................................... 15
3.6 Advertising and displays during Competitions ........................................................... 16
3.7 Anti-gambling requirements ..................................................................................... 16
4 Eligibility & Classification ................................................................................................ 16
4.1 Eligibility requirements – Paralympic Games ............................................................ 16
4.2 Eligibility requirements – WPA Championships and World Para Athletics Sanctioned
Competitions ..................................................................................................................... 16
4.3 Eligibility requirements – World Para Athletics Approved Competitions ..................... 17
4.4 Qualification requirements ....................................................................................... 17
4.5 Gender ..................................................................................................................... 18
4.6 Classification ............................................................................................................ 18
2 World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations 2024

5 Anti-Doping .................................................................................................................... 19
5.1 Anti-Doping Code ..................................................................................................... 19
5.2 World Record Recognition ........................................................................................ 19
6 Medical .......................................................................................................................... 19
6.1 Medical requirements............................................................................................... 19
6.2 Medical responsibilities ............................................................................................ 19
6.3 Medical withdrawal request ...................................................................................... 20
6.4 Medical insurance .................................................................................................... 21
6.5 Medical and safety services at the Paralympic Games, WPA Championships and World
Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions ............................................................................. 22
6.6 Harassment.............................................................................................................. 22
6.7 Autonomic dysreflexia .............................................................................................. 23
6.8 Hypoxic or hyperoxic chambers or tents ................................................................... 23
6.9 Heat ......................................................................................................................... 23
6.10 Smoking Ban......................................................................................................... 23
7 Technology and Equipment ............................................................................................ 23
7.1 Fundamental principles ............................................................................................ 23
7.2 Monitoring of the use of technology and equipment .................................................. 23
7.3 Prohibited technology............................................................................................... 24
8 Disciplinary rules ............................................................................................................ 25
8.1 The IPC Code of Ethics and the World Para Athletics Code of Conduct ...................... 25
9 Protests & Appeals ......................................................................................................... 25
9.1 Field of play .............................................................................................................. 25
9.2 Anti-doping .............................................................................................................. 25
9.3 Classification ............................................................................................................ 26
PART C – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS COMPETITION RULES .............................................. 27

SECTION I – INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS ......................................................................... 27
Rule 1: Appointment of Officials............................................................................................. 27
Rule 2: Description of Officials and Their Duties ..................................................................... 28
2.1 Technical Delegate ................................................................................................... 28
2.2 Medical Delegate ..................................................................................................... 29
2.3 Doping Control Delegate ........................................................................................... 31
2.4 International Technical Officials (ITOs) ..................................................................... 31
2.5 International Road Course Measurer ......................................................................... 32
2.6 International Starter and International Photo Finish Judge ........................................ 32
2.7 Jury of Appeal .......................................................................................................... 33
2.8 Officials of the Competition....................................................................................... 33
2.9 Competition Director ................................................................................................ 36
2.10 Meeting Manager .................................................................................................. 37
2.11 Technical Manager................................................................................................ 38
2.12 Event Presentation Manager.................................................................................. 39
2.13 Referees ............................................................................................................... 40
2.14 Judges .................................................................................................................. 42
2.15 Umpires (Running and Wheelchair Racing Events)................................................. 44
2.16 Timekeepers and Photo Finish and Transponder Timing Judges ............................ 45
2.17 Start Co-ordinator, Starter and Recallers ............................................................... 45
2.18 Starter’s Assistants ............................................................................................... 47
2.19 Lap Scorers ........................................................................................................... 48
2.20 Competition Secretary, Technical Information Centre (TIC).................................... 48
2.21 Marshal................................................................................................................. 51
2.22 Wind Gauge Operator ............................................................................................ 52
2.23 Measurement Judge (Scientific) ............................................................................ 52

2.24 Call Room Judges .................................................................................................. 53
2.25 Advertising Commissioner ..................................................................................... 55
2.26 Chief Classifier ...................................................................................................... 55
2.27 International Classifiers ......................................................................................... 55
SECTION II – GENERAL COMPETITION RULES .................................................................. 56
Rule 3: The Athletics Facility.................................................................................................. 56
Rule 4: Age, Gender Categories and Mixed Competition ......................................................... 56
Rule 5: Entries ....................................................................................................................... 59
Rule 6: Clothing, Shoes, Athlete Bibs, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Eye mask, Tether, Non-
compliance on Equipment and Helmets ................................................................................. 63
Rule 7: Assistance to Athletes ................................................................................................ 78
Rule 8: Warnings and Disqualification .................................................................................... 88
Rule 9: Competing Outside Sport Class – Eligibility ................................................................ 91
Rule 10: Surveying and Measurements .................................................................................. 91
Rule 11: Validity of Performances .......................................................................................... 92
Rule 12: Video Recording ...................................................................................................... 93
Rule 13: Scoring .................................................................................................................... 94
Rule 14: Wheelchair and Frame Running Requirements ......................................................... 95
SECTION III – TRACK EVENTS ......................................................................................... 101
Rule 15: Track Measurements ............................................................................................. 101
Rule 16: Starting Blocks ...................................................................................................... 103
Rule 17: The Start ............................................................................................................... 105
Rule 18: The Race ............................................................................................................... 112
Rule 19: The Finish .............................................................................................................. 121
Rule 20: Timing and Photo Finish ........................................................................................ 122
Rule 21: Seedings, Draws and Qualification in Track Events ................................................. 127

Rule 22: Ties ....................................................................................................................... 140
Rule 23: Relay Races ........................................................................................................... 141
SECTION IV - FIELD EVENTS ............................................................................................ 149
Rule 24: General Conditions ................................................................................................ 149
A. VERTICAL JUMP .......................................................................................................... 161
Rule 26: High Jump ............................................................................................................. 166
B. HORIZONTAL JUMPS .................................................................................................. 171
Rule 28: Long Jump ............................................................................................................. 176
Rule 29: Triple Jump ........................................................................................................... 179
C. THROWING EVENTS FOR AMBULANT ATHLETES ....................................................... 181
Rule 31: Shot Put ................................................................................................................ 192
Rule 32: Discus Throw ......................................................................................................... 195
Rule 33: Javelin Throw ......................................................................................................... 204
D. THROWING EVENTS FOR SEATED ATHLETES ............................................................. 211
Rule 35: Seated Throwing Requirements ............................................................................. 214
Rule 36: Seated Throwing Technique, Lifting and Failure ..................................................... 218
Rule 37: Club Throw ............................................................................................................ 221
SECTION V – INDOOR COMPETITIONS............................................................................ 225
Rule 38: Applicability of Outdoor Rules to Indoor Competitions ............................................ 225
Rule 39: The Indoor Stadium ............................................................................................... 225
Rule 40: The Straight Track ................................................................................................. 226
Rule 41: The Oval Track and Lanes ...................................................................................... 227

Rule 42: Start and Finish on the Oval Track .......................................................................... 229
Rule 43: Seeding, Draws and Qualification in Track Event .................................................... 231
Rule 44: Spike Length.......................................................................................................... 235
Rule 45: Relay Races ........................................................................................................... 235
Rule 46: High Jump ............................................................................................................. 236
Rule 47: Horizontal Jumps ................................................................................................... 236
Rule 48: Shot Put ................................................................................................................ 237
SECTION VI - ROAD RACES.............................................................................................. 239
Rule 49: Road Races ........................................................................................................... 239
SECTION VII - PROTESTS AND APPEALS ......................................................................... 248
Rule 50: Protests and Appeals ............................................................................................. 248
SECTION VIII - WORLD AND REGIONAL RECORDS .......................................................... 254
Rule 51: World and Regional Records .................................................................................. 254
SECTION IX - AWARDING MEDALS AND DIPLOMAS ........................................................ 261
Rule 52: Awarding Medals and Diplomas ............................................................................. 261
APPENDIX 1 ........................................................................................................................ 263
WORLD PARA ATHLETICS IMPLEMENT WEIGHTS FOR SPORT CLASSES ........................ 263
APPENDIX 2 ........................................................................................................................ 268

Classification Hierarchy Table 1 – Paralympic Games and World Championships ............. 268
Classification Hierarchy Table 2 – Regional Championships and Regional Games ............. 269
APPENDIX 3 ........................................................................................................................ 270
World Para Athletics Maximum Allowable Standing Height (“MASH”) Rules. ...... ............. 270

PART A – GENERAL
1 Definitions
Classification: grouping athletes into Sport Classes (as defined in the IPC Athlete Classification
Code) according to how much their impairment affects fundamental activities in each specific
sport or discipline. This is also referred to as “Athlete Classification”.
Competition: a series of individual events conducted together under one ruling body.
Competition Medical Director: the person appointed by the LOC for a WPA Championship
and/or a World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competition who is responsible to implement the
World Para Athletics ‘Scope of Event Medical Services’.
Competition Rules: the World Para Athletics Competition Rules set out in Part C of these Rules.
International Federation: a sport federation recognised by the IPC as the sole world-wide
representative of a sport for athletes with an impairment that has been granted the status as a
Para sport by the IPC. The IPC and IOSD act as an International Federation for certain Para
sports.
IOC: the International Olympic Committee.
IPC: the International Paralympic Committee.
WPA Championships: World Para Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Regional
Championships.
IOSD: International Organisation of Sport for the Disabled, an independent organisation

recognised by the IPC as the sole worldwide representative for a specific impairment group to
the IPC.
LOC: Local Organising Committee – an organisation appointed by World Para Athletics to

organise a WPA Championship or World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competition.
LOC Chief Medical Doctor: the medical doctor appointed by the LOC for a WPA Championship
and/or World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competition.
National Federation: the national member of an International Federation.

NPC: National Paralympic Committee, the national member of the IPC who is the sole
representative of athletes with an impairment in that country or territory. These are the national
8 PART A – GENERAL
members of the IPC.
Orthosis: an orthopaedic appliance or apparatus used to assist functioning in a limb that is

anatomically intact but which has impaired range of movement, muscle power or leg length
difference.
Para sport: a sport governed by the IPC Athlete Classification Code and recognised as a Para
sport by the IPC.
Prosthesis: An artificial device that replaces a missing body part, which may be lost through
trauma, disease, or congenital conditions.
Raza Points System: the scoring system in Para athletics events used to compare
performances in the same event by athletes in different Sports Classes, as published on the
WPA website from time to time.
Referee: the person appointed to adjudicate World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions.
Regulations: the World Para Athletics Regulations set out in Part B of these Rules.
Rules: the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations comprised of the General Provisions, the
World Para Athletics Regulations and the World Para Athletics Competition Rules.
Sport Class: a category for Competition defined by World Para Athletics by reference to the
extent to which an athlete can perform the specific tasks and activities required by a Para sport.
Sport Class Status: a designation applied to a Sport Class to indicate the extent to which an
athlete may be required to undertake athlete evaluation and/or be subject to a classification
protest. Further detail in relation to Sport Class Statuses can be found in the World Para
Athletics Classification Rules and Regulations.
WADC: the World Anti-Doping Code.
World Athletics: formerly known as the International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF).
World Athletics Rules: formerly known as the International Athletics Association Federation
Competition Rules.
WPA: World Para Athletics.
World Para Athletics Approved Competitions: international, national, endorsed and World
Athletics endorsed competitions for the sport of Para Athletics that have been approved by
PART A – GENERAL 9
World Para Athletics.
World Para Athletics Athlete License: a license issued by the IPC in accordance with the IPC
Athlete Licensing Programme to enable athletes and guide-runners to compete in the
Paralympic Games, WPA Championships and World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions.
World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions: Paralympic Games, WPA Championships,

World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions and World Para Athletics Approved
Competitions.
World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions: World Para Athletics Grand Prix events, World
Para Athletics World Cups and other World Para Athletics international competitions
determined by World Para Athletics.
World Para Athletics Technical Delegate: a person appointed by World Para Athletics to
monitor and oversee a World Para Athletics Recognised Competition and to ensure all technical
operations are conducted in accordance with these Rules.
2 General Provisions
2.1 Scope and application
2.1.1 These World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations comprise the World Para
Athletics Regulations (Regulations) and the World Para Athletics Competition
Rules (Competition Rules) (together referred to as ‘these Rules’).
2.1.2 These Rules are mandatory for all World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions.
2.1.3 All participants (including, but not limited to, athletes and support personnel,
coaches, trainers, managers, interpreters, team staff, officials, medical or
paramedical personnel) of any World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions
agree to be bound by these Rules as a condition of such participation.
2.1.4 The World Para Athletics Classification Rules and Regulations are an integral part
of these Rules and are located on the World Para Athletics website.
2.1.5 The IPC Handbook is an integral part of the governance of the sport of Para
Athletics.
2.1.6 Any matter not addressed in these Rules shall be determined by WPA, in its sole
discretion.
2.1.7 These Rules will be effective from 11 March 2024.
2.2 Interpretation
2.2.1 References to a ‘Regulation’ mean a Regulation referred to in Part B of these

Rules, references to a ‘Rule’ mean a Rule referred to in Part C of these Rules,
references to an ‘Appendix’ means an Appendix to these Rules, and capitalised
terms used in these Rules have the meaning given to them in the Definitions
section of these Rules.
2.2.2 Any comments annotating various provisions of these Rules shall be used to
interpret these Rules.
2.2.3 Headings used in these Rules are used for convenience only and have no meaning
that is separate from the Regulation(s) or Rule(s) to which they refer.
2.2.4 Unless otherwise expressly provided for in the Regulations, all references in the
Regulations to “athletes” shall also include “guide-runner”. This does not apply to
Part C of the Rules.
2.3 Governance
2.3.1 The IPC acts as the International Federation for and governs the sport of Para
Athletics. It carries out these responsibilities under the name “World Para
Athletics” and the term “World Para Athletics” must be read in these Rules as the
IPC and vice versa.
2.4 Printing of the Rules
2.4.1 These Rules are the copyright property of WPA and have been published for the
benefit of NPCs, athletes, officials and others who are engaged in an official
capacity with World Para Athletics. These Rules may be reprinted or translated by
any organisation with a legitimate need to do so, subject to WPA’s continuing
ability to assert its copyright in the Rules, including the right to insist on an
PART A – GENERAL 11
assignment to WPA of the copyright in any translated version of these Rules. Any
other organisation must obtain the permission of WPA prior to reprinting,
translating or publishing these Rules.
2.4.2 The English version of these Rules shall be accepted as the authoritative version
for the purpose of interpretation.
2.5 Amendments to the Rules
2.5.1 After the conclusion of each Paralympic Games, WPA shall undertake a review of
these Rules, in consultation with NPCs and any relevant IOSDs, in accordance
with the IPC Handbook (located on the IPC website). All amendments shall be
implemented prior to the start of the second season following the relevant
Paralympic Games.
2.5.2 These Rules also may be amended at any time by WPA as a result, for example, of
changes in Classification related matters, the World Athletics Rules, or where
World Para Athletics otherwise considers it necessary to do so.
PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS
3 World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions

3.1 Competition levels
3.1.1 World Para Athletics categorises Competitions based on their scale, size, and
nature to determine the applicable requirements at each Competition.
3.1.2 World Para Athletics Recognised Competition levels are as follows:

a) Paralympic Games
b) WPA Championships
• World Para Athletics Championships
• World Para Athletics Regional Championships
c) World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions
• World Para Athletics Grand Prix events
• World Para Athletics World Cups
• Any other World Para Athletics international competitions determined by World
Para Athletics
d) World Para Athletics Approved Competitions
• International competitions for the sport of Para Athletics
• National competitions for the sport of Para Athletics
• World Athletics /NF endorsed competitions (as defined in the World Athletics
Rules)
• Any other competitions for the sport of Para Athletics determined by World
Para Athletics
PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS 13

3.2 Competition cycle
3.2.1 Unless otherwise determined by the IPC, the cycle for Paralympic Games, WPA
Championships and World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions is as follows:
Cycle Competition
World Para Athletics Championships
Year 1 World Para Athletics Grand Prix events
World Para Athletics World Cups
World Para Athletics Regional Championships
World Para Athletics Championships
Paralympic Games
World Para Athletics Regional Championships
Year 4
World Para Athletics Grand Prix events
3.3 Competition management
3.3.1 The IPC shall manage the Paralympic Games.
3.3.2 World Para Athletics shall have the right to manage all WPA Championships and
World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions. It also shall have the right to
oversee all World Para Athletics Approved Competitions. The words World,
Regional and World Para Athletics may not be used in connection with any Para
Athletics event without the prior written consent of World Para Athletics. In
addition, the IPC is the owner of all rights of whatever kind or nature in respect of
the terms “Paralympics" and "Paralympic", the term “Para Athletics” when
associated with sport or any IPC activities, the IPC motto, flag and anthem, the
Paralympic Symbol (three Agitos design) and any other trademarks, logos and
other indicia used or intended to be used in the context of the Paralympic
Movement.
14 PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS

3.3.3 World Para Athletics shall enforce these Rules for all World Para Athletics
Recognised Competitions. World Para Athletics shall have jurisdiction over all
matters not assigned by the Rules to another person or entity (such as an official
or LOC).
3.3.4 The events and competition format for all World Para Athletics Recognised
Competitions are outlined in the Competition Rules.
3.4 Competition entries

3.4.1 All entries to participate in WPA Championships and World Para Athletics
Sanctioned Competitions must be in accordance with these Rules and the entry
criteria outlined on the World Para Athletics website.
3.4.2 The entry criteria and minimum qualifying standards for the Paralympic Games
shall be defined in the qualification criteria outlined on the IPC website.
3.4.3 The entry criteria and minimum qualifying standards for each WPA Championship
and World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competition shall be defined in the
qualification criteria outlined on the World Para Athletics website.
3.5 Recognition of results
3.5.1 World Para Athletics accepts results achieved at World Para Athletics Recognised
Competitions by eligible athletes (in accordance with Regulation 4) solely for the
following purposes:
3.5.1.1 World Para Athletics rankings;
3.5.1.2 World Para Athletics records;
3.5.1.3 allocation of NPC qualification slots for the Paralympic Games, WPA
Championships and World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions; and/or
3.5.1.4 achieving qualification standards for entry into the Paralympic Games, WPA
Championships and World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions.

3.6 Advertising and displays during Competitions
3.6.1 The IPC determines the advertising requirements at the Paralympic Games.
3.6.2 The World Para Athletics Uniform and Equipment Advertising Regulations
(located on the World Para Athletics website) outline the advertising permitted by
World Para Athletics at WPA Championships. During all other World Para Athletics
Recognised Competitions (except the Paralympic Games), the relevant LOC, shall
adopt the applicable advertising requirements.
3.7 Anti-gambling requirements
3.7.1 The IPC may adopt anti-gambling regulations, policies, codes and/or requirements
from time to time, which will be binding on all participants of World Para Athletics
Recognised Competitions.
4 Eligibility & Classification

4.1 Eligibility requirements – Paralympic Games
4.1.1 The IPC determines the eligibility requirements for the Paralympic Games.
4.2 Eligibility requirements – WPA Championships and World Para Athletics Sanctioned
Competitions
4.2.1 To meet the eligibility requirements to participate in WPA Championships and

World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions an athlete must:
4.2.1.1 hold a valid IPC Athlete Licence issued in accordance with the IPC Athlete
Registration and Licensing Programme (located on the World Para Athletics
website.
4.2.1.2 be internationally classified and have been assigned a Sport Class (other than
Not Eligible (NE)) in accordance with the World Para Athletics Classification
Rules and Regulations;
4.2.1.3 be entered by their NPC (or National Federation if such responsibility has been
delegated by the NPC), in either case the NPC being a member in good

standing of the IPC;
4.2.1.4 satisfy the nationality requirements of the IPC Athlete Nationality Policy
(located on the IPC website);
4.2.1.5 be 14 years of age (or older) on 31 December of the year during which the WPA
Championship or World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competition takes place;
and
4.2.1.6 not be disqualified, suspended or otherwise sanctioned.
4.2.2 In order to meet the eligibility requirements for WPA Championships and World
Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions a guide-runner must meet all of the above
criteria except for criterion 4.2.1.2.
4.3 Eligibility requirements – World Para Athletics Approved Competitions
4.3.1 In order to compete in World Para Athletics Approved Competitions an

athlete/guide-runner must meet the eligibility requirements determined by the
relevant organising committee or governing body.
4.4 Qualification requirements
4.4.1 In addition to the eligibility requirements outlined above, in order to compete in

World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions an athlete must also meet the
qualification standards, qualification criteria and any sport entry rules applicable
to the relevant World Para Athletics Recognised Competition.

4.5 Gender
4.5.1 Subject to Regulation 4.5.3, below, an athlete shall be eligible to compete in

men’s competition if they are:
4.5.1.1 recognised as male in law; and
4.5.1.2 eligible to compete under these Rules.
4.5.2 Subject to Regulation 4.5.3, below, an athlete shall be eligible to compete in

women’s competition if they are:
4.5.2.1 recognised as female in law; and
4.5.2.2 eligible to compete under these Rules.
4.5.3 World Para Athletics will deal with any cases involving transgender athletes in
accordance with the IOC's transgender guidelines (as amended by the IOC from
time to time) and any applicable World Para Athletics regulations.
4.5.4 The eligibility of persons recognised as third gender in law will be determined by
the IPC on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with any applicable World Para
Athletics regulations.
4.6 Classification
4.6.1 World Para Athletics shall determine the World Para Athletics Recognised
Competitions where international Classification will be offered. At such
Competitions, Classification will be conducted prior to the start of each
Competition in accordance with the World Para Athletics Classification Rules and
Regulations.
4.6.2 An athlete who has not been assessed and allocated a Sport Class by a World Para
Athletics Classification Panel will not meet the eligibility criteria (set out in this
Regulation 4) to compete in the Paralympic Games, WPA Championships and,
unless WPA determines otherwise, World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions.

5 Anti-Doping
5.1 Anti-Doping Code
5.1.1 The IPC Anti-Doping Code (located on the IPC website) applies to the Paralympic
Games, WPA Championships and World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions.
5.1.2 World Para Athletics Approved Competitions must be conducted in accordance

with the anti-doping rules of the relevant governing body and the WADC
International Standards.
5.2 World Record Recognition
5.2.1 In order for a World Record to be recognised by World Para Athletics, doping
control conducted in accordance with the WADA International Standard for
Testing and Investigations must occur at the competition that the record is set.
The testing must have been arranged in advance of the start of the first day of
competition. It is not a requirement that an athlete that has broken a world record
is selected for testing.
5.2.2 In the case where a record is broken at a competition that has not arranged for
doping control in accordance with Regulation 5.2.1, the record shall not be
recognised.
6 Medical
6.1 Medical requirements
6.1.1 The IPC Medical Code (located on the IPC website) applies to the Paralympic
Games, WPA Championships and World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions.
6.1.2 The medical and safety rules of the relevant governing body apply to World Para
Athletics Approved Competitions.
6.2 Medical responsibilities
6.2.1 In accordance with the IPC Medical Code, all athletes who compete in the

Paralympic Games, WPA Championships and World Para Athletics Sanctioned
Competitions are responsible for their own physical and mental health and for
their own medical supervision.
6.2.2 By entering in the Paralympic Games, WPA Championship or a World Para

Athletics Sanctioned Competition, an athlete releases the IPC and World Para
Athletics from any liability to the extent permitted by law for any loss, injury or
damage that they may suffer in relation to, or as a result of their participation in
Classification, the relevant Competition.
6.2.3 Notwithstanding the above Regulations 6.2.1 and 6.2.2, NPCs shall use best
efforts to ensure the physical and mental health of all athletes under their
jurisdiction prior to their participation in the Paralympic Games, WPA
Championships and World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions.
6.2.4 Every NPC is responsible to ensure that appropriate and continuous medical
monitoring of its' athletes is undertaken. It is further recommended that NPCs
organise for a periodic health evaluation of each athlete that it enters in the
Paralympic Games, WPA Championship or World Para Athletics Sanctioned
Competition and that NPCs appoint a team physician to attend all such
Competitions.
6.2.5 In accordance with the Rules, the Medical Delegate will be entitled to prevent any
athlete from competing where in their opinion it would be dangerous for the
athlete to compete, including where the safety of other athletes, officials,
spectators and/or the Competition itself is put at risk.
6.2.6 At all times, the overriding priority must be to safeguard the health and safety of
athletes, officials and spectators. The outcome of the relevant Competition must
never influence such decisions.
6.3 Medical withdrawal request
6.3.1 At all Paralympic Games, WPA Championships and World Para Athletics
Sanctioned Competitions the official World Para Athletics Medical Withdrawal
Request Form (located on the World Para Athletics website) must be submitted to

the World Para Athletics office in order to officially request the withdrawal of an
athlete from the relevant Competition after submission of the final entry numbers
or as otherwise determined in the Competition entry requirements.
6.3.2 The Medical Withdrawal Request Form must be signed by the athlete and the
team physician of the athlete. In the event there is no team physician, if the team
has an agreement to use the physician of another team that physician may sign
the form. Alternatively, the LOC Chief Medical Doctor may do so.
6.3.3 All sections of the Medical Withdrawal Request Form must be completed.
6.3.4 All Medical Withdrawal Request Forms must be submitted at least twenty-four
(24) hours prior to the relevant event of the Competition. If this is not possible (for
example due to the onset of an acute injury or illness within the twenty-four (24)
hours prior to the relevant event) an explanation must be provided in the Medical
Withdrawal Request Form.
6.3.5 The Medical Delegate, or such other person determined by the IPC/World Para
Athletics makes a decision to the Technical Delegate who shall communicate
whether a Medical Withdrawal Request is accepted. This decision is final with no
opportunity to protest or appeal.
6.3.6 If circumstances permit, the Technical Delegate may direct that the athlete be
removed from the start list and the start list may be re-drawn.
6.4 Medical insurance
6.4.1 NPCs are responsible to ensure suitable medical provision and medical insurance
coverage for their respective delegations for World Para Athletics Recognised
Competitions and (subject to Regulation 6.4.2 below) for the full duration of the
relevant Competition, including travel to and from such Competitions. NPCs must
provide a copy of this insurance to World Para Athletics if requested.
6.4.2 It shall be the responsibility of the LOC in each case to ensure on-site medical,
emergency ambulance, first aid services and medical insurance coverage is
provided at all Paralympic Games, WPA Championships and World Para Athletics
Sanctioned Competitions. The WPA Medical Committee shall issue and keep

updated practical guidelines to assist LOCs in providing adequate medical
services and taking appropriate safety measures at such Competitions.
6.5 Medical and safety services at the Paralympic Games, WPA Championships and
World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions
6.5.1 The LOC shall be responsible for implementing the medical and safety services for
the Paralympic Games in accordance with the relevant host agreement, as well as
the WPA scope of event medical services.
6.5.2 LOCs shall be responsible for implementing the medical and safety services at
WPA Championships and World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competitions in
accordance with the Scope of Event Medical Services for IPC Athletes (that forms
part of the host agreement between the WPA and the LOC).
6.5.3 A Competition Medical Director shall be appointed by the LOC for each WPA
Championship and World Para Athletics Sanctioned Competition to prepare and
co-ordinate the medical services and safety requirements during the relevant
Competition. The IPC Medical and Scientific Director shall be the liaison person
between World Para Athletics and the Competition Medical Director for all
medical and safety-related matters. The IPC Medical and Scientific Director may
delegate specific responsibilities to such person or persons at their discretion.
6.5.4 At all WPA Championships and any other Competitions determined by World Para
Athletics, World Para Athletics shall be responsible to ensure a medical
representative to monitor implementation of these and any other competition
specific medical and safety rules.
6.6 Harassment
The dignity of every individual must be respected. All forms of abuse and/or
harassment are prohibited. The IPC Code of Ethics and the Policy on Non-
accidental Violence and Abuse (located on the IPC website) apply to all World
Para Athletics Recognised Competitions.

6.7 Autonomic dysreflexia
The IPC Policy on Autonomic Dysreflexia (located on the IPC website) applies to
all World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions.
6.8 Hypoxic or hyperoxic chambers or tents
The use of hypoxic or hyperoxic chambers or tents is prohibited at all World Para
Athletics Recognised Competitions.
6.9 Heat
The WPA Heat Countermeasure Policy (located on the WPA website) applies to
the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships. For all other WPA Sanctioned
and Approved Competitions, WPA expects the LOC to implement reasonable
measures that are aligned with this policy.
6.10 Smoking Ban
Smoking is prohibited during competition at all venues of World Para Athletics

7 Technology and Equipment

7.1 Fundamental principles
7.1.1 The IPC Policy on Sport Equipment (located on the IPC website) applies to all
World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions. The principles outlined in this
policy apply in particular (but not exclusively) in relation to the development of
sports specific prosthetic devices.
7.2 Monitoring of the use of technology and equipment

7.2.1 World Para Athletics will monitor the use of technology and equipment used, or,
intended to be used, at World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions to ensure
that it conforms to the principles outlined in the IPC Policy on Sport Equipment.

The following examples shall be considered contrary to that policy; technology
and/or equipment that, in the opinion of the World Para Athletics:
7.2.1.1 provides an unrealistic enhancement of height of release in throwing events;
7.2.1.2 provides an unrealistic enhancement of stride length;
7.2.1.3 is not commercially available to all athletes, unless the athlete can establish
that the:
7.2.1.3.1 technology and/or equipment is in final product form;
7.2.1.3.2 manufacturer has announced the market launch date of the
technology and/or equipment and this date is within 9 months of the
date of the athlete’s request to use it; and
7.2.1.3.3 manufacturer has published information on the technology and/or
equipment; and/or
7.2.1.4 contains materials or devices that store, generate or deliver energy designed to
provide an athlete with an overall competitive advantage over an athlete not
using such technology and/or equipment (unless, in relation to technology and
equipment not yet commercially available or commercially available from
February 2020, the athlete can establish on the balance of probabilities that
the use of such technology and/or equipment would not provide them with an
overall competitive advantage over an athlete not using such technology and/or
equipment).
7.2.2 World Para Athletics has adopted provisions to enable the use of certain
technology and equipment designed to provide assistance to Para athletes. Such
provisions are outlined in the Competition Rules.
7.3 Prohibited technology
7.3.1 Use of the following technology is prohibited at World Para Athletics Recognised
Competitions:
7.3.1.1 equipment that breaches the fundamental principles outlined in the IPC Policy
on Sport Equipment;
7.3.1.2 equipment that results in athletic performance being generated by machines,
engines, electronics, motors, robotic mechanisms or the like; and

7.3.1.3 osteo-integrated prosthesis.
7.3.2 At any Paralympic Games, WPA Championship or World Para Athletics

Sanctioned Competition the World Para Athletics Technical Delegate shall be
entitled to prohibit the use of any equipment prohibited by these Regulations. In
every case of a suspected breach the World Para Athletics Technical Delegate
must report the matter to World Para Athletics. Upon receiving such a report
World Para Athletics must refer the matter to the IPC Medical and Scientific
Director. Any further investigation and/or action will be determined by the IPC on
a case by case basis.
7.3.3 World Para Athletics shall be entitled to prohibit the use of equipment either
permanently or on a temporary basis (to allow for further investigation) where it
considers, acting reasonably, that any of the fundamental principles of equipment
design and availability are breached.
8 Disciplinary rules
8.1 The IPC Code of Ethics and the World Para Athletics Code of Conduct
8.1.1 The IPC Code of Ethics and the World Para Athletics Code of Conduct (both
located on the IPC website) shall apply to all participants of World Para Athletics
8.1.2 Any breach of these Regulations shall be determined in accordance with the
procedures outlined in the World Para Athletics Code of Conduct.
9 Protests & Appeals

9.1 Field of play
9.1.1 Protests and appeals relating to the field of play shall be determined in
accordance with the Competition Rules.

9.2 Anti-doping
9.2.1 All anti-doping rule violations, including any appeals regarding such violations,
shall be determined in accordance with the IPC Anti-Doping Code.
9.3 Classification
9.3.1 Protests and appeals relating to Classification shall be determined in accordance

with the World Para Athletics Classification Rules and Regulations.

PART C – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS COMPETITION RULES
Interpretation – where a number appears in brackets next to the heading of any of the following
Rules it shall generally refer to the corresponding World Athletics Rules. This is for guidance
only and the World Athletics rules must not be used to determine any issue at an WPA
Recognised Competition (see Part – B 3.1.2), except in the limited number of places where
these Rules clearly specify that the World Athletics Rules shall apply.
SECTION I – INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS
Rule 1: Appointment of Officials

1. At the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships the following international officials
should be appointed by WPA:
a) WPA Technical Delegate(s);
b) WPA International Technical Officials;
c) Medical Delegate;
d) Doping Control Delegate;
e) Chief Classifier;
f) International Classifiers;
g) International Starter
h) International Photo Finish Judge;
i) Jury of Appeal.
Note: International Officials should wear distinctive attire or insignia.
At the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)), the number
of officials appointed in each category, how when and by whom they shall be appointed, shall be
indicated in the respective WPA Technical Requirements.
The travelling and accommodation expenses of each individual appointed by WPA under this
Rule shall be paid to the individual by the LOC of the competition according to the relevant
Regulations.
Rule 1: Appointment of Officials 27

2. Appointment of Officials for WPA Sanctioned and Approved Competitions (see Part B -
3.1.2 (c) and (d)):
a) A WPA Technical Delegate(s) for International and National Competitions must be
appointed by WPA.
b) If WPA Classification is being conducted in conjunction with the respective competition,
then the Chief Classifier and International Classifiers must be appointed by WPA.
c) Such other officials as the STC and the TD shall (in consultation with the LOC) decide is
necessary.
Rule 2: Description of Officials and Their Duties

2.1 Technical Delegate
The Technical Delegate(s), in conjunction with the LOC, which shall afford them all necessary
help, are responsible for ensuring that all technical arrangements are in conformity with these
Rules and the World Athletics Track and Field Facilities Manual.
Technical Delegate(s) appointed for competitions other than one day meetings shall ensure:
a) That the submission of the final timetable of events is concluded and published together
with any entry standards for the competition;
b) For Field events, to approve the list of implements to be used and whether athletes may
use their own implements or those provided by a supplier;
c) For Field Events, to determine the qualifying standards, and for Track Events the basis on
which the rounds shall be arranged;
d) That the applicable Technical Regulations are issued to all competing delegations in
good time before the competition;
e) All other technical preparations necessary for the holding of the athletics events;
f) To reject entries for technical reasons;
g) The seeding and draws for all events are made in accordance with the Rules and any
applicable Technical Regulations and approve all start lists;
h) Decide upon any matters which arise prior to the competition and for which provision has
28 Rule 2: Description of Officials and Their Duties

not been made in these Rules (or any applicable regulations) or the arrangements for the
competitions, where appropriate in consultation with the LOC and/or conjunction with
WPA at the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)).
i) Decide (including where appropriate in conjunction when available with the relevant
Referee(s) and the Competition Director) upon any matters which arise during the
competition and for which provision has not been made in these Rules (or any applicable
regulations) or the arrangements for the competitions or which might require a deviation
from them in order for the competition to continue in whole or in part or in order to
ensure fairness to those taking part.
j) That if requested, to chair the Technical Meeting and brief the Technical Officials
k) The submission of written reports in advance of the competition on its preparation and
after its conclusion on the execution, including recommendations for future editions.
Technical Delegates appointed for one day meetings shall provide all necessary support
and advice to the LOC and ensure the submission of written reports on the execution of
the competition.
2.2 Medical Delegate
The Medical Delegate shall:
a) Have ultimate authority on all medical matters. They shall be given full access to the
available medical information and communicate with the LOC chief medical officer.
b) Ensure that adequate facilities for medical examination, treatment and emergency care
will be available at the venue(s) of the competition, training and Warm-up Areas and that
medical attention can be provided where athletes are accommodated and for provision
of and compliance with the requirements of Rule 7.1.
c) Review medical certificates in accordance with Rule 5.4 and Regulation 6.3.
d) Have the power to order an athlete to withdraw before, or to immediately retire from an
event during, competition.
Note (i): The powers under (c) and (d) above may be passed by the Medical Delegate to (or where
no Medical Delegate is appointed or available be exercised by) one or more medical doctors
Rule 2: Description of Officials and Their Duties 29

appointed and so designated by the LOC who should normally be identified by an armband, vest
or similar distinctive apparel. Where the Medical Delegate or doctor is not immediately available
to the athlete, they may provide instruction or direction to an official or other authorised person
to act on their behalf.
Note (ii): Prior to withdrawing an athlete before the commencement of an event under Rule
2.2(d), that athlete must be examined by one of the medical doctors appointed by the LOC. Any
athlete withdrawn during an event under Rule 2.2(d) must, as soon as practically possible after
the withdrawal, be examined by one of the medical doctors appointed by the LOC.
Note (iii): Any athlete withdrawn or retired from a running event under Rule 2.2(d) shall be
shown in the result as DNS and DNF respectively. Any athlete not complying with such an order
shall be disqualified from that event.
Note (iv): Any athlete withdrawn or retired from a Field Event under Rule 2.2(d) shall be shown in
the result as DNS if they have not taken any trial. However, if they have taken any trials, the
results of those trials shall stand and the athlete classified in the result accordingly. Any athlete
not complying with such an order shall be disqualified from further participation in that event.
COMMENT: The health and safety of all participants in the competition is a high priority
consideration for WPA, other governing bodies and by the LOC of the competition. The
availability of the expertise of a well-respected and qualified person in the role of Medical
Delegate is essential to carry out these key tasks, especially as they (or those authorised by
them or the LOC) amongst other duties has the responsibility to withdraw an athlete from
competition if deemed necessary for medical reasons. It is important to note that the power of
the Medical Delegate (or a medical doctor acting at their request or in their place) applies to all
events. It is essential that there is a reliable communication system and procedures in place
between the Medical Delegate (and those authorised to act in their place), the Technical
Delegates and the Competition Director particularly in relation to the duties under (c) and (d)
above as these have a direct impact on start lists, results and the management of the
competition.

2.3 Doping Control Delegate
The Doping Control Delegate shall liaise with the LOC to ensure that suitable facilities are
provided for the conduct of doping control. They shall be responsible for all matters relating to
doping control.
2.4 International Technical Officials (ITOs)
Where ITOs are appointed, the Technical Delegate shall appoint the Chief ITO among the
appointed ITOs, if one was not appointed previously. Whenever possible, the Chief ITO, in
conjunction with the Technical Delegates, shall assign at least one ITO for every event on the
programme. The ITO shall be the Referee of each event to which they are assigned.
COMMENT: From January 2016, the role of the International Technical Official (ITO) has
changed significantly but this is a logical part of the evolution of the position. From this time the
ITOs act as the Referee of the events to which they are appointed. Amongst the locally
appointed Officials, the Chief Judge will now be the “senior” and lead role and if in the past
there was some organisational or training aspect of the team that was undertaken by a locally
appointed referee, these tasks will become the duty of the respective Chief Judges.
It has been noticed that the ITOs are very helpful to the Technical Delegate(s) and the LOC.
They must have a great knowledge of rules, officiate within their National Governing Bodies as
Referee at major competitions in their country, and be responsible for developing or delivering
officiating courses in their countries. They must also know the duties of the Meeting Manager
and, in principle, they should be familiar with such duties and finally, it is necessary that they
speak English.
WPA has developed an education pathway for Technical Officials similar to the WARECS of the
World Athletics. The pathway includes an online introductory training program, national
technical officiating training and international technical officiating training. Those who pass the
International Technical Officials course (which includes a requirement for spoken and written
English) are eligible for the International Technical Officials panel which is established every
four years. The first official panel selection was conducted in November 2017. It is also
extremely important that ITOs understand well the duties of the Referees; as with the changes
in 2016 ITOs act as the relevant Referee for events that they are assigned.

2.5 International Road Course Measurer
An International Road Course Measurer may be appointed to verify the courses where road
events are held entirely or partially outside the stadium.
The appointed course measurer shall be a member of the World Athletics /AIMS Panel of
International Road Course Measurers (Grade “A” or “B”).
The course should be measured in good time before the competition.
The measurer will check and certify the course if they find it conforms to the Rules for Road
Race (See Rule 49.2 and Rule 49.3 and respective notes).
They shall cooperate with the LOC in the course arrangements and witness the conduct of the
race to ensure that the course run by athletes follows the same course that was measured and
approved.
They shall furnish an appropriate certificate to the Technical Delegate(s).
COMMENT: It is important to note that WPA does not certify course measurers but uses those
certified by World Athletics /AIMS for any of their events which run independently of World
Athletics road races.
2.6 International Starter and International Photo Finish Judge
At all Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)) an
International Starter and an International Photo Finish Judge shall be appointed by WPA. The
International Starter shall start the races and undertake any other duties assigned to them by
the Technical Delegate(s). The International Photo Finish Judge shall supervise all Photo Finish
functions and shall be the Chief Photo Finish Judge.
COMMENT: It is noted that whilst the International Photo Finish Judge acts as the Chief Photo
Finish Judge at those competitions to which they are appointed and the ITOs act as Referees,
there remains a clear division in responsibilities between the International Starter (IS) and the
other members of the start team. Whilst the IS takes on all the powers and duties of the Starter
when starting any race to which they are allocated, they do not either then or at any other time
replace or have the power to override the Start Referee.

2.7 Jury of Appeal
At all Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)) a Jury of
Appeal shall be appointed. The Jury should normally consist of three, five or seven persons. One
of its members shall be the Chairman and another Secretary. If and when considered as
appropriate, the Secretary may be a person not included in the Jury.
Members of the Jury of Appeal shall not be present during any deliberations of the Jury
concerning any Appeal that affects, directly or indirectly, an athlete affiliated to their own
national governing body.
The chair of the Jury shall ask any member implicated by this rule to withdraw, in the event the
Jury member has not already done so.
WPA or other organisation responsible for the competition shall appoint one or more alternative
Jury members to substitute for any Jury member(s) who are not able to participate in an Appeal.
Furthermore, a Jury of Appeal should likewise be appointed at other competitions where the
LOC deem it desirable or necessary in the interest of the proper conduct of the competitions.
The primary functions of the Jury of Appeal shall be to deal with all protest appeals, and any
matters arising during the course of the competition that are referred to it for decision.
COMMENT: It is particularly important to note that in certain circumstances now, where new
conclusive evidence is available, that both the Referee (in the case of a protest) and the Jury (in
the case of an appeal) can reconsider the decision if it was made in error – it is still applicable
and practical to do so. Normally all of this is done prior to the Victory Ceremony for the event in
question.
2.8 Officials of the Competition
The LOC of a competition and/or the relevant governing body shall appoint all other officials,
subject to these Rules.
The following list comprises the officials considered necessary and or desirable for major
International Competitions. The LOC may, however, vary this according to local circumstances.
MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS
 One Competition Director

 One Meeting Manager and an adequate number of assistants
 One Technical Manager
 One Event Presentation Manager
COMPETITION OFFICIALS
 One (or more) Referee(s) for the Call Room
 One (or more) Referee(s) for Track Events
 One (or more) Referee(s) for Field Events
 One (or more) Referee(s) for events outside the Stadium
 One (or more) Video Referee (s)
 One Chief Judge and an adequate number of Judges for Track Events
 One Chief Judge and an adequate number of Judges for each Field Event
 One Chief Umpire and an adequate number of Umpires
 One Chief Timekeeper and an adequate number of Timekeepers
 One Chief Photo Finish Judge and an adequate number of assistants
 One Chief Transponder Timing Judge and an adequate number of assistants
 One Start co-ordinator and an adequate number of Starters and Recallers
 One (or more) Starter’s Assistant(s)
 One Chief and an adequate number of Lap Scorers
 One Competition Secretary and an adequate number of assistants
 One Technical Information Centre (TIC) Manager and an adequate number of assistants
 One Chief and an adequate number of Marshals
 One (or more) Wind Gauge Operator(s)
 One Chief Measurement Judge (Scientific) and an adequate number of assistants
 One Chief and an adequate number of Call Room Judges

ADDITIONAL OFFICIALS
 One (or more) Announcer(s)
 One (or more) Statistician(s)
 One Advertising Commissioner
 One Official Surveyor
 One (or more) Doctor(s)
 Stewards for Athletes, Officials and Press
Referees and Chief Judges should wear a distinctive attire or insignia.
Care should however be taken to limit the number of officials present within the field of play to
that number necessary for the smooth running of the competition.
Where women’s events are held, a female doctor shall be appointed when possible.
COMMENT: The number of officials appointed to a competition should be adequate to ensure

the required duties are carried out both correctly and efficiently and also to ensure sufficient
rest if the competition is over a long period of time on a single day or on several consecutive
days. But care must also be taken not to appoint too many so that the competition area
becomes cluttered or obstructed by unnecessary personnel. In more and more competitions,
some tasks undertaken by on-field officials are being “replaced” by technology and unless a
back-up is logically required, this needs to be taken into account when officials are appointed.
A Note on Safety
Competition officials at athletics events have many important functions, but none is more
important than their roles in ensuring the safety of all concerned. The athletics arena can be a
dangerous place. Heavy and sharp implements are thrown and pose a hazard to anyone in their
path. Athletes running on the track or on runways at high speeds can hurt themselves and
anyone with whom they collide. Those competing in jumping events, often land in an
unexpected or unintended manner. Weather and other conditions can make athletic
competition unsafe either temporarily or for longer periods. There have been instances of
athletes, officials, photographers and others who have been injured (sometimes fatally) in
accidents in or near competition and training areas. Many of those injuries could have been

prevented.
Officials must always be mindful of the dangers that are inherent in the sport. They must be
alert at all times and must not allow themselves to be distracted. Regardless of their official
position, all officials have the responsibility to do what they can to make the athletics arena a
safer place. All officials should think about safety whenever and wherever they are in the
competition area, and should intervene when necessary to prevent an accident, when they see
conditions or a situation that could lead to one. Ensuring safety is of the utmost importance –
even more so than strict compliance with the rules of competition. In the rare event when there
is a conflict, the concern for safety must prevail.
2.9 Competition Director
The Competition Director shall, where applicable with the Technical, and other relevant,
Delegate(s):
1. plan the technical organisation of a competition, including the integration of Event

Presentation and Victory Ceremonies;
2. ensure that this plan is executed before and during the competition;
3. ensure that any technical problems are resolved or an alternate solution put in place;
4. direct the interaction between the participants in the competition; and
5. through the communication system, be in contact with all key officials and other relevant
stakeholders involved in the delivery and broadcast of the competition;
6. engage fully with the Event Presentation Manager to ensure compliance with Rule 2.12;
7. ensure the accurate preparation and publication of the Call Room schedule in accordance
with Rule 2.24;
8. communicate with the Start Coordinator to ensure the efficient operation of Rule 2.17.1(a);
9. be fully aware of the applicable regulations for the competition and the functioning of the
planned technological and IT systems; and
10. manage any matters arising under Rule 8.5.
COMMENT: During the competition, to ensure an efficient operation, the Competition Director

should be located with an optimal view of the competition area, close to the Event Presentation
team and with satisfactory and reliable availability of technological connections and supporting
monitors.
2.10 Meeting Manager
The Meeting Manager shall be responsible for the correct conduct of the Competition. They
shall check that all officials have reported for duty, appoint substitutes when necessary and
have authority to remove from duty any official who is not abiding by the Rules. In cooperation
with the appointed Marshal, they shall arrange that only authorised persons are allowed in field
of play areas.
Note: For competitions of longer than four hours or over more than one day, it is recommended
that the Meeting Manager has an adequate number of Assistant Meeting Managers.
COMMENT: While WPA Rules are sometimes rather simple in wording they, in reality, hide very
heavy responsibilities such as when we consider the duties of the competition director or
Meeting Manager at any competition, but particularly those the size of the Paralympic Games,
the World or Regional Championships.
The Meeting Manager(s) must be responsible, under the authority of the Competition director,
and in accordance with the Technical Delegates’ guidance and decisions, for everything
happening in the field of play. In the stadium, they must place themselves so as to be able to
see everything that is happening and to give necessary orders. They must have in their
possession the complete list of all appointed officials and be able to communicate efficiently
with the other Managers, Referees and Chief Judges.
In competitions that take place over multiple days in particular it is possible that some judges
may not be able to officiate during the whole competition. The Meeting Manager shall have at
their disposal a reserve of officials from which they can draw any replacement, if necessary.
Even if all the officials for an event are present, the Meeting Manager should ensure that the
officials fulfil their duties correctly and if they do not be ready to replace them. They shall
ensure that the Judges (and those assisting them) leave the arena as soon as their event is
finished or when their subsequent work is done.
The Competition Director, Meeting Manager and Technical Delegate(s) all work together to

ensure the best possible conditions for athletes to perform and for spectators to observe and
celebrate the performances.
2.11 Technical Manager
The Technical Manager shall be responsible for:
a) Ensuring that the track, runways, circles, arcs, sectors, landing areas for Field Events and
all equipment and implements are in accordance with the Rules.
b) The placement and removal of equipment and implements according to the technical
organisational plan for the competition as approved by the Technical Delegates.
c) Ensuring the technical presentation of the competition areas is in accordance with such
plan.
d) Checking and marking any personal implements permitted for the competition according
to Rule 30.3.
e) Ensuring that they have received or are aware of the existence of, the necessary
certification under Rule 10.1 before the competition.
COMMENT: The Technical Manager acts under the authority of the Competition Director or the
Meeting Manager but of course an experienced Technical Manager will undertake much of their
role without any direction or supervision. They must be contactable at any time. If a Referee or a
Field Event Chief Judge notices that the site where an event is taking place (or will take place)
needs to be modified or improved, they must refer it to the Meeting Manager who will ask the
Technical Manager to take the necessary action. Also, when a Referee feels that there is a need
for a change of place of a competition (Rule 24.20) they will act the same way towards the
Meeting Manager who will instruct the Technical Manager to carry out, or have carried out, the
wishes of the Referee. It must be remembered that neither the wind strength nor its change of
direction is sufficient condition to change the place of the competition. Once the Competition
director, or for international competitions the Technical Delegates, has approved the
implements list to be used during the events, the Technical Manager shall prepare, order and
receive the various implements. For the latter, their team must then carefully check their weight
and dimensions, and any personal implements that are permitted and submitted, in order to
comply with the Rules. They must also ensure that 51.20 (d) is followed in both a correct and
efficient manner if a Record is set.

In relation to throwing implements, the Technical Manager(s) should apply the range of
implements for competition specified in these tables when accepting new equipment from
suppliers but should not reject implements submitted for or used in competition because they
do not comply with this range. It is the minimum weight that is critical in this regard.
2.12 Event Presentation Manager
The Event Presentation Manager shall plan and implement, in conjunction with the Competition
Director, the event presentation arrangements for the competition. They shall also direct the
interaction between the members of the event presentation team, using the communication
system to be in contact with each of them.
They shall ensure that, through announcements and the available technology, the public is
informed of information concerning the athletes taking part in each event, including the start
lists, Classification, intermediate and final results. The official result (placings, times, heights,
distances and points) of each event should be conveyed at the earliest practicable moment
after receipt of the information.
COMMENT: The Event Presentation Manager not only has the responsibility of planning, leading
and coordinating a production in presentation terms of all the activities that take place on the
infield but also integrating them into the show to be presented to the spectators within the
venue. The final aim of their work is to create an informative, entertaining, lively and attractive
production of the show that is to be offered to the spectators. To succeed in this, it is important
to have a team and the necessary equipment to carry out the work. The Event Presentation
Manager is the person in charge of coordinating the activities of the event presentation staff
working on and off the field who are related to this role including but not limited to the
Announcers, Scoreboard and videoboard Operators, Audio and video Technicians and victory
Ceremony officials. For almost every competition, an announcer is essential. They must be
placed so as to be able to follow the meeting properly and preferably near to or otherwise in
immediate communication with the Competition Director or if appointed, the Event
Presentation Manager.
It is also critical that the Event Presentation Manager is aware of the events which require more
quiet (such as T11/T12 Long Jump or Triple Jump events) so as to ensure the announcers and
music/sound system respects the requirement for a quieter presentation of these events.

2.13 Referees
1. One (or more) Referee(s) shall be appointed respectively for the Call Room, for Track
Events, for Field Events, and for Road Race Events outside the stadium. When appropriate,
one (or more) Video Referee(s) shall be appointed.
The Video Referee(s) shall operate from a Video Review Room, should consult and shall be
in communication with the other Referees.
COMMENT: At meetings where sufficient officials are available so that more than one Referee is
appointed for the races, it is strongly recommended that one of them is appointed as the Start
Referee. This Start Referee should be a specialist and experienced starter, thus basing their
observations on a technically sound background. To be clear the Start Referee in such
circumstances should exercise all the powers of the Referee in relation to the start and is not
required to report to or act through any other track Referee when doing so.
However, if only one Referee is appointed to oversee the races of a certain competition, and
considering the powers they have, it is strongly recommended that the Referee be positioned in
the start area, during each start (at least for those events using a crouch start) to witness any
eventual problem that may occur and to take any decision needed to solve it. This will be easier
when a World Athletics certified Start Information System is in use.
If not, and if the Referee will not have time to place themselves in line with the finish line after
the start procedure (as in 100m and 200m) and foreseeing the possible need for the Referee to
decide placings, a good solution may be to have the Start Coordinator (who should have an
extensive experience as a starter) being appointed to also act as Start Referee.
2. Referees shall ensure that these Rules (and applicable Technical Regulations) are observed
and shall decide upon any matters which arise during the competition (including in the
Warm-up Area, Call Room and, after the competition, up to and including the Victory
Ceremony) and for which provision has not been made in these Rules (or any applicable
Technical Regulations), where appropriate or necessary in conjunction with the Technical
Delegate(s).
The respective Referees for Track Events and for events outside the stadium shall have
jurisdiction to decide placings in a race where the Judges of a disputed place(s) are unable
to arrive at a decision.
The Start Referee (or if one is not appointed, the relevant Track Referee) has the power to

decide on any facts related to the starts if they do not agree with the decisions made by the
start team, except in cases when it regards an apparent false start indicated by a World
Athletics approved Start Information System, unless for any reason the Referee determines
that the information provided by the system is obviously inaccurate.
A Track Referee appointed to oversee the starts is designated the Start Referee.
The Referee shall not act as a Judge or Umpire but may take any action or decision
according to the Rules based on their own observations and may overrule a decision of a
Judge.
Note: For the purpose of this Rule and applicable Regulations, including the Advertising
Regulations, the Victory Ceremony is concluded when all directly related activities (including
photographs, victory laps, crowd interaction etc.) are completed.
COMMENT: It should be carefully noted that it is not necessary for a Referee to have received a
report from a Judge or Umpire in order to make a disqualification. They may act at all times by
their own direct observation. The above Note should be interpreted to include all matters which
are incidental to or relate to the Victory Ceremony and that the Referee for that event is
responsible for them. When Victory Ceremonies are held at a different location or in a different
session, common sense should be applied and if necessary, another Referee may have to be
substituted if it is not practical for the original Referee to manage the situation.
3. The appropriate Referee shall check all final results, shall deal with any disputed points
and, in conjunction with the Measurement Judge (Scientific) where appointed, shall
supervise the measurements of Record performances. At the conclusion of each round of
an event, the result card shall be completed immediately, signed (or otherwise approved) by
the appropriate Referee or the Chief Photo Finish Judge and handed to the Competition
Secretary.
COMMENT: For Track Events once the Track Referee and Video Referee “clear” the event, the
results are released by the Chief Photo Finish Judge and there is no need to physically sign the
results sheet.
4. The appropriate Referee shall rule on any protest or objection regarding the conduct of the
competition (including in the Warm-up Area, Call Room and, after the competition, up to
and including the Victory Ceremony).
COMMENT: In major competitions such as Paralympic Games, World and Regional

Championships an ITO is assigned to observe the Victory Ceremony and report on any
infractions as well as to issue yellow or red cards to athletes who act in an unsporting manner.
5. A Referee shall have authority to warn or exclude from competition, any athlete or relay
team in accordance with Rule 8.1.
6. The Referee may reconsider a decision (whether made in the first instance or in considering
a protest) on the basis of any available evidence, provided the new decision is still
applicable. Normally, such re-consideration may be undertaken only prior to the Victory
Ceremony for the relevant event or any applicable decision by the Jury of Appeal.
COMMENT: This Rule clarifies that as with the Jury of Appeal (see Rule 50.9) a Referee can
reconsider a decision and may do so equally whether this was a decision by themselves in the
first instance or one made when considering a protest made to them. This option can be
considered especially when new evidence of information comes to hand quickly as it could
avoid the need for a more complicated or involved appeal to the Jury of Appeal. But note the
practical time limitations on such a reconsideration.
7. If, in the opinion of the appropriate Referee, circumstances arise at any competition such
that justice demands that any event or any part of an event should be contested again, they
shall have authority to declare the event or any part of an event void and that it shall be held
again, either on the same day or on some future occasion, as they shall decide.
COMMENT: It should be carefully noted by Referees and Juries of Appeal that, except in very
special circumstances, an athlete who does not finish a race, should not be advanced to a later
round or included in a re-run of an event.
8. The Road Race Referee shall, wherever practicable give a warning prior to disqualification.
2.14 Judges
General
1. The Chief Judge for Track Events and the Chief Judge for each Field Event shall co-ordinate
the work of the judges in their respective events. If the duties of the Judges have not been
allocated in advance, they shall allocate the duties.
2. The judges may reconsider any original decision made by them if it was made in error,
provided the new decision is still applicable. Alternatively, or if a decision has subsequently

been made by a Referee or the Jury of Appeal, they shall refer all available information to
the Referee or to the Jury of Appeal.
Track Events and Road Events

3. The track and road Judges should all operate from the same side of the track or course, and
they shall decide the order in which the athletes have finished and, in any case where they
cannot arrive at a decision, shall refer the matter to the Referee, who shall decide.
Note: The Judges should be placed at least 5m from, and in line with, the finish and should
be provided with an elevated platform.
Field Events
4. The field event Judges shall judge and record each trial and measure each valid trial of
athletes in all Field Events. In the High Jump precise measurements should be made when
the bar is raised particularly if Records are being attempted. At least two Judges should
keep a record of all trials, checking their recordings at the end of each round of trials.
The appropriate Judge shall normally indicate the validity or non-validity of a trial by raising
a white or red flag, as appropriate. Alternative visual indication may also be approved by
WPA.
COMMENT: Unless a Judge is sure that an infringement of the Rules has occurred they will
normally give the benefit of any doubt to the athlete, determine that the trial is valid and raise a
white flag. However, when a video Referee is appointed and with access to footage for the Field
Events, there is an option in the case of some doubt for the Judge in conjunction with the on-
field Referee to delay the raising of either flag until they have sought the advice of the video
Referee - always ensuring either that the landing mark is preserved or the trial is measured in
case it is valid. Alternatively, the Judge if in real doubt could raise the red flag, ensure the mark
is preserved or that the trial is measured and then seek advice from the video Referee.
It is recommended that for each Field Event only one set of white and red flags are used in order
to reduce the possibility of any confusion about the validity of trials. It is considered that it is
never necessary to use more than one set of flags in a Jumping Event. Where a specific
scoreboard is not available to indicate the wind reading in Horizontal Jumps, some form of
indication other than a red flag should be used to indicate an excessive reading.

In the case of Throwing Events, with respect to:
Indications by other circle judges to the judge with the flags that a failure has been made, it is
recommended that an alternate form of indication to flags is used such as a small red card held
in that judge’s hand, or some form of hand signals;
The landing of an implement on or outside the sector line, it is recommended that an alternate
form of indication to a flag is used - such as a judge’s outstretched arm parallel to the ground;
A judgment in the javelin throw that the metal head has not touched the ground before any
other part of the javelin; it is recommended that an alternate form of indication to a flag is used -
such as the pushing of the open hand of the judge towards the ground.
2.15 Umpires (Running and Wheelchair Racing Events)
1. Umpires are assistants to the Referee, without authority to make final decisions.
2. The Umpires shall be placed by the Referee in such a position that they may observe the
competition closely and, in the case of a failure or violation of the Rules by an athlete or
other person, make an immediate written report of the incident to the Referee.
3. Any such breach of the Rules should be communicated to the relevant Referee by the
raising of a yellow flag or any other reliable means approved by the Technical Delegate(s).
4. A sufficient number of Umpires shall also be appointed to supervise the take-over zones in
relay races.
Note (i): When an Umpire observes that an athlete has run in a different lane from their own,
or that a relay take-over has taken place outside the take-over zone, they should
immediately mark on the track with suitable material the place where the infringement took
place or make a similar notation on paper or by electronic means.
Note (ii): The Umpire(s) shall report to the Referee any breach of the Rules, even if the
athlete (or team, for relay races) does not finish the race.
COMMENT: The Chief Umpire (see Rule 2.8) is the assistant of the Track Referee and indicates
the placement of and co-ordinates the work and reports of each Umpire. It is up to the Meeting
Manager in consultation with the Track Referee to select the appropriate number of Umpires
according to the level of the meeting, the number of entries and the number of available
officials.

Indication of an infringement
When the events take place on a synthetic track, it has been the practice to provide the
Umpires with adhesive tape so that they can mark the track where an infringement has taken
place – although the Rules (see note (i) above) now acknowledge that this may be and is often
done in other ways.
Note that the failure to report an infringement in a particular way (or at all) does not prevent a
valid disqualification being made. It is important that Umpires “report” all instances where they
believe the Rules have been infringed, even when the athlete or team does not finish the race.
2.16 Timekeepers and Photo Finish and Transponder Timing Judges
1. In the case of hand timing, a sufficient number of timekeepers for the number of athletes
entered shall be appointed. One of them shall be designated the Chief Timekeeper. They
shall allocate duties to the Timekeepers. These Timekeepers shall act as back-up
Timekeepers when Fully Automatic Photo Finish System or Transponder Timing System are
in use.
2. Timekeeper, Photo Finish and Transponder Timing Judges shall act in accordance with
Rule 20.
3. When Fully Automatic Timing and Photo Finish System is used, a Chief Photo Finish Judge
and an adequate number of assistants shall be appointed.
4. When a Transponder Timing System is used, a Chief transponder Timing Judge and an
adequate number of assistants shall be appointed.
2.17 Start Co-ordinator, Starter and Recallers
1. The Start Co-ordinator shall:

a) Allocate the duties of the start team However, in the case of the Paralympic Games and
WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)), the determination of which events
will be assigned to the International Starter will be the responsibility of the Technical
Delegates;
b) Supervise the duties to be fulfilled by each member of the team;
c) Inform the Starter, after receiving the relevant order from the Competition Director, that

everything is in order to initiate the start procedure (e.g., that the Timekeepers, the
Judges and, when applicable, the Chief Photo Finish Judge, Chief Transponder Timing
Judge and the Wind Gauge Operator are ready);
d) Act as an interlocutor between the technical staff of the timing equipment company and
the Judges;
e) Keep all papers produced during the start procedure including all documents showing
the reaction times and/or false start waveform images if available;
COMMENT: All members of the start team must be well informed about the Rules and how they
should be interpreted. The team must also be clear on what procedures it will follow when
implementing the Rules, so that the events can continue without delay. They must understand
well the respective duties and roles of each member of the team, especially the Starter and the
Start Referee.
2. The Starter, whose primary responsibility is to ensure a fair and equitable start for all
competitors, shall have entire control of the athletes on their marks. When a Start
Information System is used, the Starter and/or an assigned Recaller shall wear headphones
in order to hear clearly any acoustic signal emitted when the System indicates a possible
false start.
3. The Starter shall position themselves so that they have full visual control over all athletes
during the start procedure.
It is recommended, especially for staggered starts, that loudspeakers in the individual lanes
be used for relaying the commands of the start and any recall signals to all athletes at the
same time.
Note: The Starter shall place themselves so that the whole field of athletes falls into a narrow
visual angle. For races using crouch starts it is necessary that they are placed so that they
can ascertain that all athletes are currently steady in their set positions before the gun is
fired or approved starting apparatus is activated. (All such starting apparatus is termed
“gun” for the purpose of these Rules.) Where loudspeakers are not used in races with a
staggered start, the Starter shall place themselves so that the distance between them and
each of the athletes is approximately the same. Where, however, the Starter cannot place
themselves in such a position, the gun shall be placed there and discharged by electric
contact.
COMMENT: The Starter’s commands have to be clear and heard by all athletes but, unless they

are a long way from the athletes and without a speaker system, they should avoid shouting
whilst giving the commands.
4. One or more Recallers shall be assigned to assist the Starter.

Note: For events of 200m, 400m, 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m Relays, there shall be at least
two Recallers.
5. Each Recaller shall place themselves so that they can see each athlete assigned to them.
6. Each Recaller is obliged to recall the race if any infringement of the Rules is observed. After
a recalled or aborted start the Recaller shall report their observations to the Starter who
decides whether and to whom a warning or disqualification shall be issued (See also Rule
17.7 and Rule 17.10).
7. Disqualification under Rule 17.8 may be decided only by the Starter.
COMMENT: It is important that the contents of this rule be read in conjunction with Rule 2.13
(Referee) as in effect both the starter and Referee (Start Referee when appointed) are
responsible for starts and who can determine whether a start is fair. On the other hand, a
Recaller has no such power and whilst they may recall a start, they cannot act unilaterally
thereafter and must simply report their observations to the starter about why they recalled the
race.
8. To assist in races using crouch starts, a World Athletics approved Start Information System
shall be used (See also Rule 16.3).
2.18 Starter’s Assistants
1. The Starter’s Assistants shall check that the athletes are competing in the correct heat or
race and that their number bibs are worn correctly and, where applicable, other equipment
is worn and used correctly.
2. They must place each athlete in their correct lane or station, assembling the athletes
approximately 3m behind the start line (in the case of races started in echelon, similarly
behind each start line). When this has been completed, they shall signal to the Starter that
all is ready. When a new start is ordered, the Starter’s Assistants shall assemble the athletes
again.
3. The Starter’s Assistants shall be responsible for the readiness of batons for the first athletes

in a relay race.
4. When the Starter has ordered the athletes to their marks, the Starter’s Assistants must
ensure that Rule 17.4 and Rule 17.5 are observed.
5. In case of a false start, the Starter’s Assistants shall proceed in accordance with Rule 17.9.
6. The Starter’s Assistants shall assist athletes to set their starting block in accordance with
Rule 7.13.
COMMENT: The importance of the Starter’s assistants cannot be underestimated. They set the
mood for the competitors by ensuring that they are in the correct heat and lanes as assigned.
They help to control the start of races by ensuring the athletes are ready for introductions and
the instructions of the Starter. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that batons are
available for those relay races where batons are used and to collect them at the conclusion of
the race.
2.19 Lap Scorers
1. Lap Scorers shall keep a record of the laps completed by all athletes in races longer than
1500m. For races of 5000m and longer, a number of Lap Scorers under the direction of the
Referee shall be appointed and provided with lap scoring cards on which they shall record
the times over each lap (as given to them by an official Timekeeper) of the athletes for
whom they are responsible. When such a system is used, no Lap Scorer should record more
than four athletes. Instead of manual lap scoring, a computerised system, which may
involve a transponder carried or worn by each athlete, may be used.
2. One Lap Scorer shall be responsible for maintaining, at the finish line, a display of the laps
remaining. The display shall be changed each lap when the leader enters the finish straight.
In addition, manual indication shall be given, when appropriate, to athletes who have been,
or are about to be, lapped. The final lap shall be signalled to each athlete, usually by ringing
a bell.
2.20 Competition Secretary, Technical Information Centre (TIC)
1. The Competition Secretary shall collect the full results of each event, details of which shall
be provided by the Referee, the Chief Timekeeper, Chief Photo Finish Judge, or Chief
Transponder Judge and the Wind-Gauge Operator. They shall immediately relay these

details to the Announcer, record the results and convey the result card to the Competition
Director.
Where a computerised results system is used the computer recorder at each Field Event
site shall ensure that the full results of each event are entered into the computer system.
The track results shall be input under the direction of the Chief Photo Finish Judge. The
Announcer and the Competition Director shall have access to the results via a computer.
2. In events in which athletes are competing with different specifications (such as implement
weight), the relevant differences should be clearly indicated in the results or a separate
result shown for each category.
3. The following standard abbreviations should be used in the preparation of start lists and
results where applicable:
Did not start – DNS

Did not finish – DNF
No valid trial recorded – NM
Disqualified – DQ
Valid trial in High Jump – “O”
Failed trial in Field Events – “X”
Passed trial in Field Events – “–”
Retired from competition in Field Event – r
Qualified by place in Track Events – Q
Qualified by time in Track Events – q
Qualified by standard in Field Events– Q
Qualified without standard in Field Events – q
Advanced to next round by Referee – qR
Advanced to next round by Jury of Appeal – qJ
Advanced to next round by draw qD
Yellow Card – YC
Second Yellow Card – YRC
Red Card – RC
Lane infringement (Rules 18.5(c) and 18.5(d)) – L
Competing under protest – P
COMMENT: An athlete shall be regarded as DNS if:

(a) after their name having been included on the start list for any event they do not report to the
Call Room for that event;
(b) having passed through the Call Room they do not make any attempt in a Field Event or do
not attempt to make a start in a running event.
If an athlete is disqualified in an event for an infringement of any Rule, reference shall be
made in the official results to the Rule which has been infringed.
If an athlete is disqualified from an event for acting in an unsporting or improper manner,
reference shall be made in the official results giving reasons for such disqualification.
COMMENT: Rules 2.20.2 and Rule 2.20.3 acknowledge the not uncommon situation in many
competitions below the top level (and even in some high level competitions) where athletes of
different age and categories who are competing in the same competitions. This Rule confirms
that this is acceptable - including as a means of meeting minimum competitor number
requirements, even for the purposes of Rule 51.1 and Rule 51.2 as well as setting out how the
results should be presented. Given that disqualifications can be me made for both technical and
disciplinary reasons, it is very important that the reason for a disqualification is always indicated
in the results. This is achieved by always stating the Rule under which the athlete was
disqualified next to the symbol DQ.
4. A Technical Information Centre (TIC) will be established for WPA Recognised Competitions
(see Part B - 3.1.2) and is recommended for other competitions held over more than one
day. It may be a virtual or physical operation, or a combination of both. The main function of
the TIC is to ensure smooth communication between each team delegation, the LOC, the
Technical Delegates and the competition administration regarding technical and other
matters relating to the competition.
COMMENT: An effectively managed Technical Information Centre will significantly assist in the
delivery of a high quality competition organisation. The TIC Manager should have excellent
knowledge of the Rules and equally importantly of the specific Regulations for the particular
competition. The hours of operation of the TIC should reflect the hours of the competition plus
some periods of time before and after when there will need to be interaction between the
various parties, particularly between the team delegations and the LOC. It is common, although
not essential, for larger events to have “branches” of the TIC (sometimes called Sport
Information desks) in the main athlete accommodation locations. If this is the case, there must
be excellent communication between the SID(s) and the TIC. Because the hours of operation of

the TIC and SID(s) may be long, it will be necessary for the TIC Manager to have several
assistants and for them to work in shifts. Where a virtual TIC is fully or partially in operation, the
hours of operation may more easily be extended, but it is important to make clear the hours
during which the virtual operation will be monitored. Whilst some duties of the TIC are covered
in the Rules (see for example Rules 2.20, 50.3 and Rule 50.7), others will be set out in the
Regulations for each competition and in competition documents such as team handbooks etc.
2.21 Marshal
The Marshal shall have control of the field of play and shall not allow any persons other than the
officials and athletes assembled to compete or other authorised persons with valid accreditation
to enter and remain therein.
COMMENT: The Marshal’s role is to regulate entry to the field of play during preparations
immediately beforehand and while the event is in progress. They operates generally in
accordance with the plan established by the Competition Director and in relation to more
immediate matters receives their orders directly from the Meeting Manager. Accordingly, they
will:
manage the control for the entrances into the arena of the athletes, the officials and on-field
volunteers, service staff, accredited press photographers and the TV crews. At each
competition, the number of such in-field accreditations is agreed beforehand and all these
persons must wear a special bib;
manage the control at the point where the athletes leave the arena (usually for larger events into
the Mixed Zone and/or the Post Event Control Area) when they have finished their event;
ensure that, at all times, the sight lines to the competition sites are as clear as possible for the
spectators’ benefit as well as for television. They are directly answerable to the Meeting
Manager who must be able to contact them at any time if the need arises.
To assist the Marshal and their team in their work it is usual that those persons permitted to
enter the arena, other than the athletes, are clearly distinguishable by means of the special bib
or accreditation card or distinctive uniform.

2.22 Wind Gauge Operator
The Wind Gauge Operator shall ascertain the velocity of the wind in the running direction in
events to which they are appointed and shall then record and sign the results obtained and
communicate them to the Competition Secretary.
COMMENT: Whilst in practice it may be that the Wind Gauge Operator, the Technical Manager
or a Photo Finish Judge actually puts the gauge in the correct place ultimately it is the
responsibility of the relevant Referee to check that this is done and in accordance with the
Rules (see Rules 18.13 and Rule 27.12)
It is noted that particularly for the Track Events the wind gauge can be operated remotely. In
such cases it is almost always connected to the photo finish and results “system”, so that a
Wind Gauge Operator will not be required and their duties are filled, for example, by someone in
the Photo Finish team.
2.23 Measurement Judge (Scientific)
One Chief Measurement Judge and one or more assistants shall be appointed when Electronic
or Video Distance Measurement or other scientific measurement device is to be used.
Before the start of the competition, they will meet the technical staff involved and familiarise
themselves with the equipment. Before each event they will supervise the positioning of the
measuring instruments, taking account of the technical requirements given by the
manufacturer and the instrument calibrating laboratory.
To ensure that the equipment is operating correctly, they shall, before the event, supervise a set
of measurements in conjunction with the Judges and under the supervision of the Referee, to
confirm agreement with results achieved using a calibrated certified steel tape. A form of
conformity shall be issued and signed by all those involved in the test and attached to the
results card. During the competition they shall remain in overall charge of the operation.
They will report to the Referee to certify that the equipment is accurate.
Note: Whilst it is not mandatory, it is recommended that the Measurement Judge should carry
out a set of measurements during the event to verify the measurements taken before the event.
COMMENT: When electronic or video distance measuring equipment is used a Chief Judge is

placed as the official in charge in a similar way as is the case with photo finish or transponder
timing. In the case of video measurement, the Chief Measurement Judge will be expected to
take a more active and hands-on role during the events, than would be the case with fully on-
field electronic distance measurement.
In particular this should involve ensuring that an appropriate communication system is in place
between the on-Field Judges and the Judges undertaking the video reading to ensure that each
measurement is correctly made and that in the case of the Horizontal Jumps, the landing mark
is not raked out until an image has been confirmed. Whether it is the Chief Measurement or
another Judge who is responsible for ensuring the video reading is correct, they must be
especially careful to ensure that the current, and not a previous, trial is the one that is
measured.
2.24 Call Room Judges
The Call Room Chief Judge shall supervise the transit between the Warm-up Area and the
competition area to ensure that the athletes after being checked in the Call Room, be present
and ready at the competition site for the scheduled start of their event.
The Call Room Judges shall ensure that athletes are wearing the national or Club uniform
clothing officially approved by their national governing body, that the bibs are worn correctly
and correspond with start lists; that shoes, number and dimension of spikes, eye masks,
tethers, racing chairs, Running frames, throwing frames, Maximum Allowable Standing Height
(see Rule 6.12.2) and advertising on clothing and athletes’ bags comply with the Rules and
Regulations; and that unauthorised material is not taken into the field of play.
The Judges shall refer any unresolved issues or matters arising to the Call Room Referee.
COMMENT: A well planned, and efficiently managed Call Room is fundamental to the success
of a competition. Planning to ensure sufficient space at the point when the Call Room will be at
its fullest capacity, how many Call Rooms (and sections within each) are required and a reliable
communication system with the other Officials and to notify the athletes when to report from the
Warm-up Area are constants. It is important that in the planning process it is determined which
checks will be made and preferably these should be communicated to the athletes and teams in
advance to avoid stress or confusion immediately before competition. Most important of all is
that the Call Room Judges ensure the athletes are in the correct heat, race or group and that

they leave for the competition area in a timely manner in accordance with the Call Room
schedule. Ideally the Call Room schedule, indicating such key times as entry to and departure
from the Call Room and arrival at the event site, as well as the start time of the event will be
published in advance of the competition and an accurate clock showing the correct time will be
situated outside the Call Room.
Call Room Judges play another extremely important role which relates to the inspection of the
equipment being used by some athletes such as tethers, eye patches, eye masks, wheelchairs
and throwing frames. They are also responsible for ensuring athletes in Sport Classes T/F61-62
do not exceed their Maximum Allowable Standing Height (see Rule 6.12.2).
For events which require guide-runners or assistants, the Call Room Judges are responsible for
ensuring that both the athlete and their guide-runner or assistant are both checked; just like
they would for an individual athlete.
It is important to note that in Throwing Events for Sport Classes F11-12, F31-33 and F51-54
one (1) assistant, per athlete, per event, is permitted in accordance with Rule 7.14 and Rule
7.16. The same applies for T12 athletes in Jumping Events, see Rule 7.20. However, for T11
athletes in Jumping Events, up to two (2) assistants are permitted, per athlete, per event in
accordance with Rule 7.18.
It should be noted that T11 athletes must have one (1) guide-runner and may have two guide-
runners for 5000m or longer races, whereas a T12 athlete may have one (1) guide-runner or two
(2) guide-runners for races of 5000m or longer. If a T11 or T12 athlete intends to run with two
guide-runners, in races of 5000m or longer, the intention to interchange guide-runners, as well
as the specifics of which lap in track events and at which distance in road events the guide-
runner exchange will occur, must be notified in advance to the Referee and Technical Delegate
in accordance with the regulations of the respective competition.
It is also important that the Call Room Judges do not allow someone onto the field of play who is
not a competing athlete or who has not been correctly accredited and is entitled to be there for
the specific event. This is more important for relay races than many other events which are
easier to determine with the start lists.

2.25 Advertising Commissioner
The Advertising Commissioner (when appointed) will supervise and apply the current
Advertising Rules and Regulations and shall determine any unresolved advertising issues or
matters arising in the Call Room in conjunction with the Call Room Referee.
2.26 Chief Classifier
Where international classification is staged, a Chief Classifier shall be appointed by WPA. The
Chief Classifier shall liaise with the LOC and the appointed Technical Delegate to ensure that
suitable facilities and logistics are provided for the conduct of classification. They shall
supervise and ensure the appointed International Classifiers deliver classification in full
compliance with the WPA Classification Rules and Regulations. The Chief Classifier shall be
responsible for all matters relating to classification.
COMMENT: The Chief Classifier, the Technical Delegate(s) and the Competition Director must
liaise together should an athlete’s Sport Class change during the Classification Evaluation
Period and/or the Classification Competition Period. Re-entry may be considered and is subject
to the Technical Delegate’s approval (see Rule 5.3).
2.27 International Classifiers
International Classifiers shall be appointed by WPA to work in their duties as members of

classification panels. They shall evaluate and observe athletes’ in terms of their respective
impairment pre and/or during competition and allocate sport class and class status in
accordance with WPA Classification Rules and Regulations.

SECTION II – GENERAL COMPETITION RULES
Rule 3: The Athletics Facility

Any firm, uniform surface that conforms to the specifications in the World Athletics Track and
Field Facilities Manual, may be used for WPA Recognised Competitions. Paralympic Games and
World Championships must be held only on synthetic surfaced facilities that hold a current valid
World Athletics Class 1 or Class 2 Athletics Facility Certificate.
In any case, a current national track certificate from an accredited surveyor shall be required for
all facilities intended for use for Regional Championships, Regional Games, Sanctioned and
Approved Competitions.
Note (i): The World Athletics Track and Field Facilities Manual, which may be downloaded from
the World Athletics website, contains more detailed and defined specifications for the planning
and construction of track and field facilities including further diagrams for track measurement
and marking.
Note (ii): The current standard forms required to be used for the certification application and
measurement report as well as the Certification System Procedures may be downloaded from
the World Athletics website.
Rule 4: Age, Gender Categories and Mixed Competition

Age Categories
1. The following age groups are recognised by WPA:

a) Master Men and Women: Any athlete who has reached their 35th birthday
b) Under-20 (U20) Men and Women: Any athlete of 17, 18 or 19 years on 31 December in
the year of the competition;
c) Under-17 (U17) Men and Women: Any athlete of 14, 15 or 16 years on 31 December in
the year of the competition.
Note (i): An athlete must be 14 by 31 December in the year of competition to compete in
an open event.
Note (ii): Eligibility, including minimum age for participation in the Paralympic Games and
56 Rule 3: The Athletics FacilityRule

4: Age, Gender Categories and Mixed Competition
WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)) shall be subject to specific
competition regulations.
2. An athlete shall be eligible to compete in an age group competition under these Rules if
they are within the age range specified in the relevant age group classification. An athlete
must be able to provide proof of their age through presentation of a valid passport or other
form of evidence as permitted by the Regulations for the competition. An athlete who fails
or refuses to provide such proof shall not be eligible to compete.
COMMENT: While this rule defines the age groups in a particular way, it is often the Technical
Regulations for a specific competition which determines whether younger athletes can
participate as envisaged by note (ii). If they are accepted into the competition they are required
to compete with the same conditions and implements as their competitors in the age grouping.
Gender Categories
3. Competition under these rules is divided into men’s, women’s and universal categories.
When a Mixed Competition is conducted outside the stadium or in one of the limited cases
set out in Rule 4.7 and Rule 4.8, separate men’s and women’s categories results should still
be declared or otherwise indicated. When a universal event or competition is conducted a
single category result only shall be declared.
4. An athlete shall be eligible to compete in men’s (or universal) competition if they are
recognised as a male in accordance with Part B – 4.5 of these Rules.
5. An athlete shall be eligible to compete in women’s (or universal) competition if they are
recognised as a female in accordance with Part B – 4.5.
6. An athlete who fails or refuses to comply with the applicable Regulations shall not be
eligible to compete.
COMMENT: Universal competition covers events in which men and women participate together
without separate category of results as well as relay or team events in which both men and
women are included in the same teams.
Mixed Competition
7. Universal competitions such as relays or other team events in which men and women
compete together or events in which men and women compete for a single category are
permitted in accordance with the applicable regulations of the relevant body.
Rule 4: Age, Gender Categories and Mixed Competition 57

8. Other than under Rule 4.7, for all other competitions held completely in the stadium, mixed
events between male and female participants shall not normally be permitted. However, the
following may be permitted in all competitions except held under Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b):
a. Mixed stadium competition in races of 5000m or longer but it is permitted only when
there are insufficient athletes of one or both genders competing to justify the
conduct of separate races. The gender of each athlete shall be shown in the result.
Such races shall not, in any case, be conducted so as to allow athletes of one gender
to be paced / drafted or assisted by athletes of another gender.
b. Field Events for men and women may be conducted simultaneously at one or more
event sites. Separate result cards shall be used and results declared for each
gender. Each round of trials of such events may be conducted either by calling all
athletes of one gender followed by the other or by alternating them. For the purposes
of Rule 24.17, all athletes shall be regarded as if they were of the same gender.
Where Vertical Jumps are conducted on a single event site, Rule 25 and Rule 26
must be strictly applied including that the bar must continue to be raised in
accordance with a single set of previously announced increments for the entire
competition.
COMMENT: The intent of Rule 4.8 is to facilitate the conduct of Field Events and in races of
5000m or longer, when small numbers of athletes of one or both genders are entered in the
case of longer events, where timetabling constraints make it difficult to program separate races.
The intent of the Rule is not to provide opportunity for women to compete in races against men
to achieve potentially better performance conditions.
To be clear, mixed competition in Field Events and in races of 5000m or longer is:
a) permitted in WPA Approved Competitions, subject only to the rules of the applicable
governing body. [No additional permission from WPA is required];
b) permitted in WPA Sanctioned Competitions under Part B - 3.1.2 (c) if specifically permitted
by WPA;
c) not permitted at the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships under Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and
(b). In the case of mixed competitions in Vertical Jumps, Rule 25 must be strictly applied -
including that the bar must continue to be raised in accordance with a single set of agreed
increments for the entire competition.
58 Rule 4: Age, Gender Categories and Mixed Competition

There are also restrictions on the recognition of World Records in mixed competitions – see
Rules 51.2 (with reference to track races of 5000m and longer) and Rule 51.22 (with reference
to women’s road races).
Rule 51.22 Note (i) provides guidance on how a women’s only race can be achieved (enabling a
women’s only record to be set) in a situation where both men and women are or might be
competing. (See also Rule 2.20.2 and Rule 2.20.3).
Rule 5: Entries
1. Competitions under the Rules are restricted to eligible athletes.
Simultaneous Entries
2. If an athlete is entered in both a Track Event and a Field Event, or in more than one Field
Event taking place simultaneously, the appropriate Referee may, for one round of trials at a
time, or for each trial in the High Jump, allow an athlete to take their trial in an order
different from the start list (or as determined in accordance with Rule 24.6(a)). However, if
an athlete subsequently is not present for that particular trial, it shall be deemed that they
are passing once the period allowed for the trial has elapsed. As this possibility exists only
for that particular round / trial allowed by the Referee, if the athlete is then not present for a
subsequent round / trial, when their competing order will be again according to the start list
(or as determined in accordance with Rule 24.6(a)), it will be counted as a failure once the
period allowed for the trial has elapsed.
Note: In Field Events, the Referee shall not allow an athlete to take a trial in a different order
in the final round of trials, but the Referee may allow an athlete to do so during any earlier
round of trials.
COMMENT: The Note clarifies that allowing an athlete to take a trial in a different order in the
final round of trials (irrespective of the number of rounds of trials) because of a clash with
another event is not permitted. If an athlete is not present in the final round and has not
previously indicated that they will pass, then the time allowed for their trial will run and if they do
not return before it expires, then they will be recorded as a failure. (See also Rule 24.18 where a
change of order will normally not be made when a substitute trial is awarded - in any round of
trials).
Rule 5: Entries 59
Re-entry after Changes in Sport Class
3. At all Paralympic Games and WPA Championships(see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)) should an
athlete’s Sport Class change during the Classification Evaluation Period and/or the
Classification Competition Period re-entry may be considered and are subject to the
approval of Technical Delegate(s).
If an athlete’s Sport Class changes during the Classification Evaluation Period the athlete,
someone acting on their behalf or an official representative of a team is required to notify of
their intention for the athlete’s re-entry immediately after publication of the classification
outcomes.
Athletes who are subject to re-entry may only be permitted to re-enter in the same event(s)
that they had been previously entered of the revised class. In the event that an athlete
cannot be entered into an event due to lack of availability in their revised class, they may
request to enter an alternative available event of their revised class.
During the competition period, the Sport Class of an athlete may change after Observation
in Competition or classification protests and may affect an athlete’s Sports Class, result(s),
placing and record(s) at that competition in accordance with Rule 52.4 of these Rules. If
the athlete is entered in other events of their previous Sport Class at the same competition,
they may be re-entered in those events of their revised Sport Class subject to the approval
of the Technical Delegate(s).
If at any stage of the athlete’s evaluation WPA or a Classification Panel is unable to allocate
a Sport Class to the athlete, the athlete may be designated with Classification Not
Completed (CNC) in accordance with Article 10 of the WPA Classification Rules and
Regulations. Any athlete who has been designated as CNC following Observation in
Competition shall be shown in the official results as DNF and any performances achieved by
the athlete in that Competition shall be void.
COMMENT: The following criteria should be considered when determining re-entry after
changes in Sport Class:
The Minimum Entry Standard for the newly allocated sport class;
The event(s) is/are offered in the newly allocated sport class;
The maximum entries per team have not been reached;
The competition of the concerned event(s) has not started;
The competition schedule is not affected.
60 Rule 5: Entries
Failure to Participate
4. At the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)), an
athlete shall be excluded from participation in all further events (including other events in
which they are simultaneously participating) in the competition, including relays, in cases
where:
a) A final confirmation was given that the athlete would start in an event but then failed to
participate;
Note: A fixed time for the final confirmation of participation shall be published in advance.
b) An athlete qualified in a Qualification Round of an event for further participation in that
event but then failed to participate further;
c) An athlete and/or the accompanying guide-runner failed to compete honestly with bona
fide effort. The relevant Referee will decide on this and the corresponding reference
must be made in the official results.
However a medical certificate, provided by and based on an examination of the athlete
by the Medical Delegate appointed under Rule 2.2 or if no Medical Delegate has been so
appointed, by the Medical Officer of the LOC, may be accepted as sufficient evidence
that the athlete and/or the accompanying guide-runner became unable to compete due
to illness or injury, even if they are able to compete in further events on a subsequent day
of the competition. Other justifiable reasons (e.g., factors independent of the athlete’s
own actions, such as problems with the official transport system) may also be accepted
by the Technical Delegate(s).
d) An athlete fails to report to the Call Room(s) for an event in contravention of Rule 5.5.
COMMENT: If the relevant Referee, is satisfied that an athlete who abandoned a race was not
competing with a bona fide effort, they must make a reference to this in the relevant results as
“DNF Rule 5.4(c)”. Either in the process of the Technical Delegate(s) making such a decision or
the Jury of the Appeal considering any protest arising from it, reasons for the withdrawal or non-
participation proposed by or on behalf of the athlete can be considered. The Rule sets out the
process that should explicitly be followed in the case of a medical reason.
If the appropriate Referee is in any doubt that an athlete and/or guide-runner has made a bona
fide effort in a specific event, available video evidence shall be considered. If the available video
evidence is conclusive, then the athlete shall be disqualified in accordance with Rule 8.1 and
Rule 5: Entries 61
will not be permitted to take part in any further events in that Competition.
Failure to Report to the Call Room(s)

5.5.1 It is each athlete's responsibility to ensure that they are present in the Call Room(s) on
time. Except as provided in this Rule, an athlete shall be excluded from participation in
any event in which they are not present in the Call Room(s) at the relevant time as
published in the Call Room schedule.
5.5.2 The relevant Referee shall determine if the athlete was present in the Call Room(s) on
time, and if not, whether there was a justifiable reason for the athlete not being present
on time. For this purpose, the following justifiable reasons may be considered by the
Referee if the athlete can provide evidence that this led to them not being present on
time:
1. Problems with the official transport system;
2. Error(s) in the published Call Room Schedule;
3. Illness or injury, for which a medical certificate must be provided as evidence and
signed by the Medical Delegate.
5.5.3 The relevant Referee may, at their discretion, allow the athlete to compete in the event
under protest if a decision cannot be made immediately in respect of 5.5.2.
5.5.4 If the Referee determines that the athlete was present in the Call Room(s) on time or had
a justifiable reason for not being present on time, they shall be permitted to compete in
the event.
5.5.5 If the Referee determines that the athlete was not present in the Call Room(s) on time
and had no justifiable reason for not being present on time, the athlete shall be listed as
“DNS”, and a corresponding reference shall be made in the official results.
5.5.6 At Paralympic Games, WPA Championships and WPA Sanctioned Competitions, if the
athlete is listed as "DNS" as a result of this Rule, they shall also be excluded from all
further events in which they are entered at that Competition.
COMMENT: As the rule states, the athlete must be present in the Call Room(s) at the
appropriate time, as determined by the relevant Referee. Being present in the Call Room does
62 Rule 5: Entries
not mean standing outside the Call Room. The technical regulations for the Competition may
outline any Call Room procedures which must be followed.
For the avoidance of doubt, a “DNS” designation as a result of this Rule shall not affect any
results obtained by the athlete at the same Competition in events prior to the event in which
they received the “DNS” designation.
Rule 6: Clothing, Shoes, Athlete Bibs, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Eye

mask, Tether, Non-compliance on Equipment and Helmets
6.1 Clothing
6.1.1 In all events, athletes and guides must wear clothing that is clean, and designed and
worn so as not to be objectionable. The clothing must be made of a material which is
non-transparent even if wet. Athletes must not wear clothing that could impede the
view of the Judges.
6.1.2 Any athlete who removes an article of clothing inappropriately, such as taking off their
top after the finish of an event to expose their torso, shall, for a first offence in that
Competition, be warned by the Referee in accordance with Rule 8.1. For a second
offence in that Competition, the Referee shall disqualify the athlete in accordance with
Rule 8.1.
6.1.3 Where appropriate, athletes shall participate in the uniform clothing approved by their
national governing body. The Victory Ceremony and any lap of honour are considered
part of the competition for this purpose.
Note (i): In Seated Throwing Events clothing must be close fitting, and not loose, so that
the view of the judges is not impeded.
COMMENT: Prior to entering the field of play Officials in the Call Room may require an athlete to
change their clothing if it is deemed to be in-appropriate or objectionable. If an athlete refuses
to follow the requirements of the Call Room Judges, the relevant Referee shall warn the athlete
and issue a yellow or red card as deemed appropriate.
Athletes may be asked by Officials to adjust their clothing to make it easier for the Officials to
observe their form, such as in a Seated Throwing Event.
Rule 6: Clothing, Shoes, Athlete Bibs, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Eye mask, Tether, Non-compliance on Equipment
and Helmets 63
6.2 Shoes - General
6.2.1 Athletes may compete barefoot or with footwear on one or both feet. The primary
purpose of shoes for competition is to give protection and stability to the feet and a firm
grip on the ground. They must not give athletes any unfair assistance or advantage.
6.2.2 Any shoe which appears on the World Athletics list of approved competition shoes,
updated and published from time to time by World Athletics, may also be used in
corresponding events in WPA Competitions. Any shoe not on such list must comply with
all other terms of Rules 6.2 - 6.7 of these rules in order to be used in WPA Competition.
COMMENT: For example, if a shoe is listed on the World Athletics list of approved competition
shoes in the category “track from 800m”, athletes may also use this shoe for World Para
Athletics track events of 800m or longer.
6.2.3 Any type of shoe used must be reasonably available to all in the spirit of the universality
of athletics. A shoe that meets the criteria set out in this Rule 6.2 may be customised to
suit the characteristics of a particular athlete’s foot. However, one-off shoes made to
order (i.e., that are only ones of their kind) are not permitted.
6.2.4 Where WPA has reason to believe that a type of shoe or specific shoe technology may
not comply with the letter or the spirit of Rules 6.2 – 6.6, it may refer the shoe or shoe
technology for detailed examination and it may prohibit the use of such shoes or
technology in competition pending examination.
6.3 Shoes - Number of Spikes

The sole of the shoes and/or prosthetic(s) (including the part beneath the shoe) may be so
constructed as to provide for the use of up to 11 spikes. Any number of spikes up to 11 may be
used but the number of spike positions shall not exceed 11.
6.4 Shoes - Dimensions of Spikes

That part of each spike which projects from the sole or the heel shall not exceed 9mm except in
the High Jump and Javelin Throw, where it shall not exceed 12mm. The spike must be so
constructed that it will, at least for the half of its length closest to the tip, fit through a square
64 Rule 6: Clothing, Shoes, Athlete Bibs, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Eye mask, Tether, Non-compliance on
Equipment and Helmets
sided 4mm gauge. If the track manufacturer or the stadium operator mandates a lesser
maximum, or prohibits the use of certain shaped spikes, this shall be applied and the athletes
notified accordingly.
Note: The surface must be suitable for accepting the spikes permitted under this rule.
COMMENT: The revised spike length requirement would normally be outlined in the Team
Manual or technical requirements for the competition and athletes should be aware that due to
modern track construction, the maximum spike length is likely to be shorter than the maximum
permitted by these rules.
6.5 Technical Requirements for Shoes - The Sole

6.5.1 The sole of the shoe (including the part beneath the heel of the shoe) may have
grooves, ridges, indentations or protuberances, provided these features are
constructed of the same or similar material to the basic sole itself. The maximum
thickness of the sole of the shoe is set out at Rule 6.6.
6.5.2 The thickness of the sole shall be measured at the centre of the forefoot and the centre
heel of the shoe as the distance between the inside top side and the plane of the outside
under side at the centre of the forefoot and heel respectively. This measurement
includes the above-mentioned features. See Figure (1) below:
Figure 1 – Measuring the thickness of the sole
6.5.3 The centre of the forefoot of the shoe is the centre point of the shoe at 75% of its
internal length. The centre of the heel of the shoe is the centre point of the shoe at 12%
of its internal length. See Figure (2), below. For a standard sample unisex size 42 (EUR),
the centre of the forefoot of the shoe will be the centre point of the shoe approximately
203mm from the inside back of the shoe, and the centre of the heel of the shoe will be
and Helmets 65
the centre point of the shoe approximately 32mm from the inside back of the shoe. The
thickness of the sole outside of these points is not relevant for the purposes of meeting
the requirements of these Rules.
Figure 2 – Location for measurement of the centre of the forefoot and heel
6.5.4 WPA acknowledges that a shoe above that standard sample size might contain a
marginally thicker sole than that of a standard sample size shoe of the same make and
model, which marginal increase in sole thickness is only attributable to the larger size of
the shoe. Such marginal increases will be disregarded for the purposes of confirming
compliance with these Rules.
6.6 Until further notice, unless in exceptional circumstances and specifically agreed by
WPA in writing, any shoe used in competition:
a) (except where Rule 6.6(c) applies) must not contain more than one rigid structure
(e.g. plate, blade etc.) whether that structure runs the full length of the shoe or only
part of the length of the shoe;
b) the one rigid structure referred to in Rule 6.6(a) may be in more than one part, but
those parts must be located in one plane (i.e. must not be tacked above each other,
must not overlap);
c) may contain one additional rigid structure or other mechanism (e.g. plate, blade
etc.) only where used solely to attach spikes to the outer underside of the shoe. For
the avoidance of doubt, the additional rigid structure to attach spikes cannot be a
continuation of the rigid structure referred to in Rule 6.6(a);
d) must not contain any embedded ‘sensing or intelligent’ technology whatsoever.

This does not prevent heart rate or speed distance monitors or stride sensors
carried or worn personally by an athlete pursuant to Rule 7.4(d);
e) must have a sole with a maximum thickness as set out in the table below.
Shoe Sole Thickness Table – in force until 31 October 2024

Event Maximum thickness of the sole (as per Further Rule Requirement/Note
Rule 6.6)
20mm Applies to all Throwing Events for

Field Events
ambulant athletes and Jumping Events
(except Triple Jump)
except the Triple Jump. For all Field
Events, the sole at the centre of the
athlete’s forefoot must not be higher
than the sole at centre of the athlete’s
heel referred to at Rules 6.5.2 and 6.5.3
(i.e., at centre point of the shoe at 12%
and 75% of the shoes internal length).
Triple Jump 25mm The sole at the centre of the athlete’s

forefoot must not be higher than the sole
at centre of the athlete’s heel referred to
at Rules 6.5.2 and 6.5.3 (i.e., at centre
point of the shoe at 12% and 75% of the
shoes internal length).
Track Events up to but not including 20mm For relays the rule applies to the
800m distance of the leg being run by each
athlete.
Track Events from 800m and above 25mm For relays the rule applies to the
distance of the leg being run by each
athlete.
Road Events 40mm
and Helmets 67
New Sole Thickness Table – in force from 1 November 2024
Event Maximum thickness of the sole (as per Further Requirement/Note
Rule 6.6)
Track Events 20mm spike shoe or non-spike shoe For relays, the rule applies to the
distance of the leg being run by each
athlete.
Field Events 20mm spike shoe or non-spike shoe For all Jumping Events, the sole at the
centre of the athlete’s forefoot must not
be higher than the sole at centre of the
athlete’s heel referred to at Rules 6.5.2
and 6.5.3 (i.e., at centre point of the
shoe at 12% and 75% of the shoes
internal length).
Road Events 40mm
Important notice: from 1 November 2024 an existing shoe whose sole is greater than the
maximum thicknesses set out in the above table is no longer approved and cannot be worn in
competitions.
6.7 Shoes - Inserts and Additions to the Shoe

Athletes may not use any appliance, either inside or outside the shoe, which will have the effect
of increasing the thickness of the sole above the permitted maximum, or which can give the
wearer any advantage which they would not obtain from the type of shoe described in the
previous paragraphs.
COMMENT: Please refer to the further rules on shoes set out at Rules 6.9 (Non-Compliance)
and Rule 6.6 above.
6.8 Athlete Bibs

6.8.1 Every athlete shall be provided with two bibs, which during the competition, shall be
worn visibly on the breast, back and/or on their competition equipment (i.e., racing
chairs, Running frames and throwing frames), as set out in the table below. Either the
athletes' names or other suitable identification will be allowed instead of numbers on
any or all of the bibs. If numerals are used, they shall correspond with the number
allocated to the athlete on the start list or in the programme. If track suits are worn
during the competition, bibs shall be worn on the track suit in a similar manner.
Bib Allocation Table
Track Events Throwing Events Jumping Events
Ambulant 1 bib on back and 1 bib on back and 1 bib on breast or back
Athletes 1 bib on breast 1 bib on breast
1 bib on back of throwing frame
Seated
and
Throws
1 bib on breast
1 bib on back of the racing chair
Wheelchair Optional:
Racing 1 helmet number and/or
1 bib on side of the frame
1 bib on back of the athlete
Frame Optional:
Running 1 helmet number and/or
1 bib on side of the frame
6.8.2 The bibs shall be visibly displayed in accordance with the bib allocation table above.
6.8.3 Athletes must not wear any bibs on their leg instead of on their breast or back.
6.8.4 These bibs must be worn as issued and may not be cut, folded or obscured in any way.
In long distance events, the bibs may be perforated to assist the circulation of air, but
the perforation must not be made on any of the lettering or numerals that appear on
them.
6.8.5 Where a Photo Finish System is in operation, the LOC may require athletes to wear
additional number identification of an adhesive type on the side of their shorts or lower
body as determined by Call Room or other Technical Officials.
For athletes competing in all individual and team track and road wheelchair and Frame
Running races, these additional number identifications shall be worn on the helmet.
6.8.6. No athlete shall be allowed to take part in any competition without displaying the
appropriate bib(s) and/or identification.
and Helmets 69
6.9 Non-Compliance in relation to clothing, shoes and bibs
If an athlete does not follow any part of any of the Rules 6.1 – 6.8 to and:
a) refuses the direction of the relevant Referee or other official to comply; or

b) participates in the competition,
they shall be disqualified.
COMMENT: This Rule 6.9 prescribes the sanction if any aspect of any of the Rules 6.1 – 6.8 is
not followed. It is expected however that where possible the relevant officials should request
and encourage the athlete to comply and to advise them of the consequence if he they do not.
But where an athlete does not follow an aspect of the Rule during competition, and it is not
practical for an official to request compliance athletes should note that disqualification may
follow. It is a responsibility of the Starters Assistants and Umpires (for Track and Out of Stadium
Events) and the Judges (for Field Events) to be vigilant on these matters and report any
apparent breaches to the relevant Referee.
6.10 Referee directions as to shoes

6.10.1 If the Referee has a reasonable suspicion that a shoe worn by an athlete in a
competition might not comply with the letter or spirit of the Rules, the Referee (or other
official as directed by the Referee) may request and the athlete must immediately hand
over the shoe to the Referee or such other official at the conclusion of the event for
further investigation by WPA.
However, where it has already been declared that a shoe does not comply with the spirit
of the Rules, the relevant Referee shall immediately act in accordance with Rule 6.9.
6.10.2 When shoes have been handed over by the athlete under this Rule and the athlete
intends to subsequently compete in later rounds of the same event or in other events
during the same competition, the Referee or other official shall ensure the shoes are
available to the athlete to use in each such subsequent event. How, when and on what
conditions the shoe is made available to the athlete during the competition is at the
Referee’s discretion.
6.11 Exceptions to Rules 6.2, 6.5, 6.7 or 6.6
6.11.1 If an athlete presents with an anatomical limitation (for example leg length difference or
foot deformity) that prevents adherence to the requirements of Rule 6.2, 6.5, 6.7 or
6.6, then an assessment shall be made by WPA in advance of the event and an
exception may be granted.
6.11.2 The shoe worn by the athlete on the other non-impaired foot and/or leg must comply
with the requirements of Rules 6.2, 6.5, 6.7 and 6.6.
6.11.3 WPA may establish a process for applications under this Rule to be considered.
6.12 Prostheses
6.12.1 Athletes in Sport Classes T/F61-64, with lower limb deficiency and leg length difference
(meeting the Minimum Impairment Criteria Sec. 2.1.4.1 and Sec. 2.1.7 of appendix one
of the WPA Classification Rules and Regulations) may wear lower limb prosthetic
device(s) in order to ensure both legs are balanced and to allow for symmetric
movement during Competition. Such prosthetic device(s) shall not provide any other
assistance to the athlete or breach any of the fundamental principles outlined in Part B
– 7.1.
a) In Track and Road Events, athletes in Sports Classes T61-64 shall compete with
lower limb prosthetic device(s) and shall complete the race with such device(s).
Prostheses are considered an extension of the athlete’s body. If the athlete finishes
the race without the prosthetic device(s), the athlete shall be disqualified.
b) In Field Events, athletes in Sports Classes T/F61-64, shall compete with lower limb
prosthetic device(s). They shall complete all trials from start to finish with such
device(s). If the athlete does not, such trial(s) shall be considered a failure.
6.12.2 For Sport Classes T/F61-62 the actual height of an athlete in their Competition leg
prostheses shall not exceed their Maximum Allowable Standing Height (MASH) in
accordance with WPA Classification Rules and Regulations. The height of athletes shall
be measured at the Call Room by Call Room Judges. If an athlete exceeds their MASH
then the athlete will not be permitted to start the event and shall be shown in the results
as “DNS” in accordance with Rule 6.16.
and Helmets 71
COMMENT: World and Regional Records - For the purpose of record ratification, all World and
Regional Records achieved by athletes in Sport Classes T/F61-62 must comply with Rule
51.10 Note (i).
6.12.3 For athletes in Sport Classes T45-47 and F45-46 with upper limb deficiency (meeting
the Minimum Impairment Criteria Sec. 2.1.4.2., 2.2.1.1, and 2.2.2.1. of appendix one
of the WPA Classification Rules and Regulations), the use of upper limb prosthetic
device(s) is optional.
a) In Track and Road Events, athletes in Sport Classes T45-47, that choose to
compete with the upper limb prosthetic device(s), shall complete the race with
such device(s). Since the use is optional, the athlete may decide whether or not to
use the upper limb prosthetic device(s) in the next race (e.g., in the semi-final or
final in 100m). Prostheses are considered an extension of the athlete’s body. Once
the race starts, athletes running with upper limb prosthetic device(s) must reach
the nearer edge of the finish line with such device(s). If the athlete finishes the race
without the prosthetic device(s), the athlete shall be disqualified.
b) In Field Events, athletes in Sport ClassesT45-47 and F45-46, the use of upper limb
prosthetic device(s) is optional. Prior to the start of each round of the Event, the
athlete shall notify the relevant Official of their intention. If an athlete decides to
compete with the prosthetic device(s), they shall complete all trials from start to
finish with such device(s). If the athlete does not, such trial(s) shall be considered a
failure.
COMMENT: In the case that the athlete decides to use the prosthetic device(s) (e.g., in
High Jump or Long Jump), the relevant Official shall ensure that Rule 25.7 and Rule 27.14
are observed.
The phrase “round of trials” instead of “rounds” is designed to ensure a clear difference
between a “round of trials” within a Field Event competition and a “round of the
competition” (i.e., a Qualification Round or a final).
6.13 Orthoses
6.13.1 For athletes in Sports Classes T32-34/F31-34, T/F35-38, T/F42-44 and T51-54/F51-57
with Lower Limb Impairment with two anatomical limbs, the use of orthotic device(s) is
optional.
6.13.2 In Sport Classes T32-34/F31-34, T/F35-38, T45-47/ F45-46 and T51-54/F51-57,

athletes with Upper Limb Impairment, the use of orthotic device(s) is optional.
6.13.3 For athletes with lower and/or upper limb impairment the use of assistive devices other
than those permitted in Rule 6.12 or this Rule 6.13 to facilitate running is not allowed.
COMMENT: Up until 01 January 2018, Sport Classes T/F42-44 included both athletes who
competed with a prosthetic device(s) and athletes who did not. Recent findings indicate that
the use of prosthetic device(s) may provide a performance advantage in Track Events.
6.14 Eye mask

6.14.1 Athletes in Sport Classes T/F11 must have their eyes/eye cavities completely covered
by gauze patches or an equivalent material and must wear approved opaque glasses or
an appropriate substitute during all track and/or field events. These opaque glasses or
their substitute must completely cover the eyes of the competitor and must be checked
and approved by the responsible technical official and must in their opinion be effective
in blocking out all light. These opaque glasses or their substitute may be inspected
again at any time, including immediately before the start and/or after finish.
6.14.2 It is the responsibility of the athlete to provide the eye patches, eye masks / opaque
glasses and to ensure that these eye patches, eye masks and opaque glasses or
appropriate substitute meet the requirements set out in 6.14.1. If an athlete arrives at
the call room and a) does not have eye patches, and/or an eye mask/opaque
glasses/appropriate substitute, or b) the eye patches, an eye mask/opaque
glasses/appropriate substitute fails to comply with this Rule 6.14, Rule 6.16 shall apply.
6.14.3 Eye patches and eye masks / opaque glasses or appropriate substitute must be worn
from the time the athlete leaves the Call Room until the end of the event (after the
athlete has crossed the leading-edge of the finish line in track events or after the end of
the athlete’s final trial in field events) or after an athlete has retired from an event. Save
and Helmets 73
for where Rule 6.14.4 applies, any athlete who removes their eye patches and/or eye
mask/opaque glasses before the end of the event or before retiring from an event shall,
for a first offence, be warned by the Referee in accordance with Rule 8.1. For a second
offence in that Competition, the Referee shall disqualify the athlete in accordance with
Rule 8.1.
6.14.4 In field events an athlete may temporarily remove the eye mask / opaque glasses (but
not eye patches) between trials in the event.
6.14.5 It is not required for athletes to wear eye patches and masks during road races.
COMMENT: It is important for ITOs to remember that as Referees they must ensure that
inspection of eye patches and eye masks must be conducted in the Call Room (see Rule 2.24)
and that athletes wear proper eye patches and masks during the events for which they are
intended to be worn. Where an athlete wishes to remove the eye patches or eye mask, they
must ask for permission to do so. This shall not be unreasonably withheld by the Referee or
Chief Judge of the event.
While in a Track Event the eye patches and eye masks are normally in place at the starting line
and remain for the duration of the event; however, in some Field Events an athlete may remove
their eye mask/opaque glasses between attempts. If they do so, the Judges and Referee need
to observe that they are replaced by the athlete or their assistant prior to their next attempt.
Failure to wear the eye patches and eye masks correctly will result in disqualification of the
athlete. This may include where the eye patch or eye mask falls off during a Track Event.
6.15 Tether
6.15.1 When competing with a guide-runner, athletes in Sport Class T11 and T12 shall be
guided through a tether which shall be supplied by the athlete and shall comply with
Rule 6.15.4. If such an athlete arrives at the call room and a) does not have a tether, or
b) the tether is not in compliance with Rule 6.15.4, Rule 6.16 shall apply.
6.15.2 Only one tether shall be used between an athlete and their guide-runner(s) during a
race.
6.15.3 If during a race their tether breaks then the athlete shall be disqualified.
COMMENT: It is the responsibility of the athlete to ensure that their tether is durable and
serviceable and that, in the event that the tether breaks during a race, they will be disqualified
under Rule 7.9.
6.15.4 The tether shall be made from non-elastic material and shall not store energy and/or
offer a performance gain to an athlete. It shall consist of two closed holding loops and a
middle section with a fixed stopper of 1cm length at each end.
a) For track events, the maximum length between the two furthest points of the
holding loop at the full extension of the tether shall not exceed 30cm. For road
events, the maximum length between the two furthest points of the holding loop at
the full extension of the tether shall not exceed 50cm. Each tether shall be
measured in the Call Room at its full extension when the tether is not being worn.
b) The holding loops shall not incorporate any mechanism that allows the loops to
open. The holding loops may incorporate a locking mechanism, which can be
easily operated by the athlete and that allows the size of the loops to be adjusted
and locked. This adjustable locking mechanism shall not in any way be extended
beyond the two fixed spherical stoppers and shall not shorten the middle section.
The middle section shall be a minimum of 10cm in length and shall be measured at
its full extension from the closest points of the two spherical stoppers. The middle
section shall be of a distinctive colour and be distinguishable from a distance to the
rest of the tether. The stoppers shall be sphere-shaped (or spherical) and a
minimum of 1cm in diameter.
Figure 3 – Tether features

and Helmets 75
COMMENT: The above Figure 3 shows the minimum and maximum length that must be
observed and respected at all times during the races for Track and Road Events. The Call Room
Judges will conduct the appropriate inspection and will ensure that the length of the tether
complies with the above Rule 6.15.1 and Rule 6.15.4.
6.16 Non-compliance on equipment
6.16.1 An athlete (and in the case of a relay, their team) may be excluded from participation in
any event in which their competition equipment (i.e., racing chairs, Running frames,
throwing frames, prosthetic device(s), helmets, tethers and eye masks) is not compliant
with the rules. In such circumstances, the Call Room Referee (or other appropriate
referee) must issue the athlete with a yellow card.
6.16.2 If the athlete is able to make the necessary adjustments to ensure compliance with the
rules or is able to obtain the missing equipment (e.g. borrowing a tether from the LOC),
prior to the scheduled exit from the Call Room, they shall be permitted to compete, but
the yellow card awarded will stand. No event shall be delayed while an athlete makes
adjustments to their equipment.
6.16.3 If an athlete fails to comply with this Rule, then the athlete (and in the case of a relay,
their team) will not be permitted to start the event and they (and in the case of a relay,
their team) shall be shown in the results as “DNS”. A reference shall be made in the
official results to the Rule that has been infringed (for example, DNS + YC 6.12.2). In
such circumstances, the athlete shall not be excluded from participation in further
events of the competition under Rule 5.5.
6.16.4 If the athlete’s equipment is non-compliant for any subsequent event, then they shall
also be excluded from that event. In such circumstances, the Call Room Referee (or
other appropriate referee) shall show the athlete a second yellow card followed
immediately by a red card and in such circumstances the athlete shall be excluded
from participation in further events of the competition.
6.16.5 The provisions of this Rule 6.16 relating to the issuing of a yellow card and/or red card
by the appropriate Referee will also apply in circumstances where an athlete, having
started or completed an event, is subsequently disqualified from that event for having
competed using non-compliant equipment.
COMMENT: Under such circumstances where the athlete’s equipment is non-compliant with
the rules and in order to be consistent with the application of the rules, it is recommended that
the Call Room Referee keep a written record of the yellow and red cards that have been issued.
6.17 Helmets
Helmets for Sport Classes T31-34, T51-54 and T71-72.
6.17.1 The wearing of helmets is compulsory in all track and road Wheelchair races and Frame
Running races. The helmet shall be a hard-protective shell that has a recognised
international safety standard e.g.: Snell b-84/90/95, BSI 6863, EN 1078.
6.17.2 If an athlete arrives at the Call Room and a) does not have a helmet, or b) the helmet is
not in compliance with Rule 6.17.1, Rule 6.16 shall apply.
6.17.3 The helmet must be worn from the time the athlete leaves the Call Room until the end
of the race. Any athlete who removes their helmet during this time, shall, for a first
offence in that Competition, be warned by the Referee in accordance with Rule 8.1. For
a second offence in that Competition, the Referee shall disqualify the athlete in
6.17.4 The purpose of this Rule 6.17 is to ensure the safety of all athletes while on the track
and is not intended to punish the temporary removal of a helmet for genuine reasons.
For example, should an athlete need to briefly adjust their helmet while stationary, this
shall not require disciplinary action.
COMMENT: For safety reasons, athletes covered by this Rule are advised to wear a helmet on
the track at all times (i.e. including after the race.)
6.18 Urine Storage Devices

Athletes must ensure that urine is not allowed to drain from storage devices such as leg
bags onto the competition or warm-up areas. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
and Helmets 77
Rule 7: Assistance to Athletes
Medical Examinations and Assistance
1.
a) Medical examination / treatment and/or physiotherapy may be provided either on the

competition area itself by the official medical staff appointed by the LOC and identified
by armbands, vests or similar distinctive apparel or in designated medical treatment
areas outside the competition area by accredited team medical personnel specifically
approved by the Medical or Technical Delegate for the purpose. In neither case shall the
intervention delay the conduct of the competition or an athlete's trial in the designated
order. Such attendance or assistance by any other person, whether immediately before
competition, once athletes have left the Call Room, or during competition, is assistance.
b) An athlete shall retire at once from an event if ordered to do so by the Medical Delegate,
or a medical doctor who is a member of the official medical staff, identified by armbands,
vests or similar distinctive apparel.
Note: The competition area, which normally also has a physical barrier, is defined for this
purpose as the area where the competition is being staged and which has an access
restricted to the competing athletes and to personnel authorised in accordance with the
relevant Rules and Regulations.
2. Any athlete giving or receiving assistance (including under Rules 18.17, 18.18(b), and
49.8(h)) shall be warned by the Referee and advised that, if there is any repetition, they will
be disqualified from that event. If an athlete is subsequently disqualified from the event, any
performance accomplished up to that time in the same round of that event shall not be
considered valid. However, performances accomplished in a previous round of that event
shall be considered valid.
Note: in cases under Rules 7.3 (a) or 7.3(f) disqualification may be made without warning.
3. For the purpose of this Rule the following examples shall be considered assistance, and are
therefore not allowed:
a) Save as otherwise permitted below, pacing in races by persons not participating in the
same race, by athletes lapped or about to be lapped or by any kind of technical device
(other than those permitted under Rule 7.4 (d);
78 Rule 7: Assistance to Athletes

b) Possession or use of video recorders, radios, CD, radio transmitters, mobile phones, or
similar devices in the competition area which have the capacity to communicate;
Note: Possession or use of items specified within Rule 7.3 b) also applies to athlete’s
assistants and guide-runners.
c) Except for devices complying with Rule 6.12, the use of any technology or appliance that
provides the user with an advantage which they would not have obtained using the
equipment specified in these Rules.
d) Provision of advice or other support by any official of the competition not related to or
required by their specific role in the competition at the time (e.g. coaching advice, the
take off point in a Jumping Event except to indicate a failure in horizontal jumps, time or
distance gaps in a race etc.).
COMMENT: Rule 7.3(d) however makes it clear that the officials should not assist any athlete
beyond what is required of their role – and specifically states as an example that officials should
not provide details of the take-off position in jumping events, other than for the purpose of
indicating the point of “impact” in a foul jump in Horizontal Jumps.
e) Ambulant athletes who are competing from a standing position using a wheelchair to
access the field of play.
f) Receiving physical support from another athlete (other than helping to recover to a
standing position) that assists in making forward progression in a race.
COMMENT: Any physical or technological action or activity that provides an athlete with an
unfair advantage is not permitted on the field of play. Any device that has the capacity to be
used for communicating is prohibited from the field of play. Speedometers attached to
wheelchairs that have a GPS component, may be allowed as long as communication function is
not included (see Rule 7.3(b)).
Call Room Judges will inspect the racing wheelchair frame as well as the helmet and athlete’s
ears to ensure the athlete is not in possession of any device that has the capacity to
communicate. Note that further inspections may be conducted at any time. This rule applies to
all athletes and their guide-runners (or assistants) on the field of play. Call Room Judges are
advised to always check athletes and their guide-runners (or assistants) to ensure compliance
with this rule.
It is also not considered appropriate for ITOs and other Technical Officials to use cell phones,
cameras or other similar devices while on the field of play except for an officiating purpose.
Rule 7: Assistance to Athletes 79

4. The following should not be considered assistance:
a) Communication between the athletes and their coaches not placed in the competition
area. In order to facilitate this communication and not to disturb the staging of the
competition, a place in the stands, close to the immediate site of each Field Event,
should be reserved to the athletes’ coaches;
Note: coaches and other persons otherwise complying with Rule 49.8 may communicate
with their athlete(s).
b) Medical examination / treatment and/or physiotherapy necessary to enable an athlete to
participate or continue participation once on the competition area under Rule 7.1.
c) Any kind of personal safeguard (e.g., bandage, tape, belt, support, wrist cooler,
breathing aid etc.) or device (e.g. hearing amplifier/aid) for protection and/or medical
purposes. The Referee, in conjunction with the Medical Delegate and, in some cases also
an International Classifier, shall have the authority to verify any case should they judge
that to be desirable. (See also Rule 30.5 and Rule 34.5)
d) Heart rate or speed distance monitors or stride sensors or similar devices carried or worn
personally by athletes during an event, provided that such device cannot be used to
communicate with any other persons.
e) Viewing by athletes competing in Field Events, of images of previous trial(s), recorded on
their behalf by persons not placed in the competition area (see Rule 7.1 Note). The
viewing device or images taken from it must not be taken into the competition area
beyond the immediate area in which those providing the recording are placed. To ensure
a better view of the images, the athlete may hold the device whilst communicating with
the persons who have taken the images.
f) Hats, gloves, shoes, items of clothing provided to athletes at official stations or when
otherwise approved by the relevant referee.
g) Receiving physical support from an official or other person designated by the LOC to
recover to a standing position or to access medical assistance.
h) Electronic lights or similar appliance indicating progressive times during a race, including
of a relevant record.
i) The use of a flag, a strobe light, other visual device or the touching of the athlete by an
official to signal the start of a race (see Rule 17.2 Note).
5. WPA recognises the special needs of athletes with a hearing impairment and is keen to
encourage and facilitate their participation in competition. In cases where deaf-blind

athletes are competing in an event the Technical Delegate shall have the authority to make
appropriate modification to these rules as may be necessary to facilitate the effective
participation of those deaf-blind athletes. In principal, no rule modification that
disadvantages any other athlete will be allowed.
Note: No hearing aid/amplification of external cochlear implant parts containing radio

transmission or reception components shall be permitted in the competition area under Rule
7.3.b.
Assistance – Track and Road Events

6. Athletes shall provide their own guide-runner(s).
COMMENT: The intention of this rule is to ensure compliance with the IPC Athlete Nationality
Policy and to protect athletes from being adversely impacted by a guide-runner that they do not
know.
7. Guide-runners for athletes in Sport Classes T11-12 shall be permitted and shall not
therefore be considered assistance or pacing. Athletes in Sport Class T11 shall compete
accompanied by a guide-runner for all events. Athletes in Sport Class T12 have an option of
being accompanied by a guide-runner or competing by themselves. The LOC shall provide
distinctive vests to identify guide-runners.
8. When a T11-12 athlete starts the event with a guide-runner, the athlete and guide-runner(s)
must both finish the event with bona fide effort in accord with these rules for the
performance to be recognised.
7.9.1 During a race, the method of guidance between an athlete and their accompanying
guide-runner shall be through a tether. In addition, the athlete may receive verbal
instruction from the guide-runner. The guide-runner must complete their task while
running (or walking) and is not allowed to use any mechanical means of transport.
7.9.2 The tether attachment shall only be established between hand(s) and/or arm(s) of the
athlete and their accompanying guide-runner. The athlete and their accompanying
guide runner may not hold hands, wrists or any other part of the other’s body so as to
make the tether superfluous.
7.9.3 The athlete and their accompanying guide-runner shall retain the tether attachment

from the start of the race until the end of the race. No release shall be allowed until
after the athlete and their accompanying guide-runner have both reached the vertical
plane of the nearer edge of the finish line and finished the race, except during the
process of interchange of guide-runners.
7.9.4 At no point during a race shall an athlete or their guide-runner(s) be permitted to hold
on to a stopper and/or any part of the middle section in a way that shortens the length
of the tether.
7.9.5 If an athlete and/or guide-runner fails to comply with any part of this Rule 7.9, the
competing pair (the athlete and guide-runner) shall be disqualified.
COMMENT: For safety reasons, in all races, the guide-runner must not release the athlete
before the finish line. It is sometimes difficult to determine if a release of the tether has taken
place prior to the finish line. Therefore, at the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships, if
the official is in doubt, they can refer to the Video Referee or the Chief Judge Photo Finish to
make a determination.
7.10.1 The guide-runner is not allowed to push, pull or otherwise propel athletes in order to
gain an advantage at any stage during a race.
7.10.2 Slingshotting is regarded as a technique whereby the guide-runner deliberately hurls

their arm (attached to the athlete) forward in order to exert propulsion towards the
athlete’s running direction. Such a technique is not permitted at any stage during a
race.
7.10.3 A guide-runner may assist an athlete who has tripped or fallen to regain their footing
and/or orientation as long as such assistance does not provide any advantage to the
athlete towards their running direction.
7.10.4 If an athlete and/or guide-runner fail to comply with any part of this Rule 7.10, the
competing pair (the athlete and guide-runner) shall be disqualified.
COMMENT: It is important for ITOs and other Technical Officials assigned at Track or Road
Events to watch for pushing, pulling, propelling or slingshotting. The athlete must be the one
dictating the running style and cadence of the event, not the guide-runner. If the guide-runner is
dictating the running style this can often be observed where an athlete has an exaggerated
upper arm or shoulder movement which seems unnatural. In many cases it may be difficult to

observe pushing, pulling or propelling without the use of video analysis. Slingshotting is usually
easy to observe at the finish line where the guide-runner will propel the athlete forward to
ensure that the athlete finishes before the guide-runner.
7.11.1 For races of 5000m or longer athletes are allowed to use two guide-runners. However,
only one interchange of guide-runners is permitted for each athlete per race. The
interchange must take place without any hindrance to other athletes and must take
place only on the back straight in track events, or at the designated location in Road
events (See Rule 49.13).
7.11.2 Should there be an interchange of guide-runners, the athlete and the substituting
guide-runner must both finish the event in order for the performance to be recognised.
7.12.1 The intention to interchange guide-runners must be notified in advance to the Referee
and Technical Delegate. The Technical Officials will determine the conditions of the
interchange and will communicate these in advance to the athletes.
7.12.2 If the interchange does not take place after the technical arrangement being made, the
athlete shall be disqualified from the race.
COMMENT: Technical Officials who are assigned to Track or Road Events must watch guide-
runner exchanges carefully to ensure they occur in accordance with these rules. The guide-
runner exchange should be established on the back straight, or at the pre-determined
designated location in road events, and a Technical Official(s) should be assigned with ensuring
that the guide-runners are properly positioned on the outside of the track/course in preparation
for the guide-runner exchange. The assigned Technical Official must ensure that guide-runners
preparing for exchange do not interfere with other events and activities that may be occurring
nearby. For example, in track events, if there is a “rail camera” on the back straight guide-
runners should not be positioned between the “rail camera” and competing athletes except
during actual guide exchange.
The assigned Technical Official must have a copy of the exchange specifics (that is the names
of the athlete(s) who intend to interchange guide-runners and the lap(s)/location that these
exchanges will occur). The assigned Technical Official shall ensure all guide-runner exchanges
only occur as planned. After the exchange has occurred, the outgoing guide- runner shall be
escorted out of the competition area by a Technical Official or accredited volunteer.
If an exchange does not occur in accordance with the above process the assigned Technical

Official shall report this to the Track Referee/Road Race Referee for final determination. That
is, whether or not to disqualify the athlete.
13. Some athletes in Sports Classes T12, T20, T71-72 (Frame Running), T35-38, T40-47 and
T61-64 may require their starting blocks to be set for them by the Starter’s Assistant. The
Technical Delegate will provide the appropriate athletes and/or their team coach with a
document on which to show their requirements.
Note (i): Upon request, the Technical Delegate may permit an assistant to accompany the
athlete to the start to set the blocks under special circumstances. The assistant shall
withdraw from the field of play prior to the start of the race.
Note (ii): Upon request, the Technical Delegate may permit an assistant to accompany the
athletes in sports classes T71-72 (Frame Running), to ensure the correct positioning of the
athlete on the start line. The assistant shall withdraw from the field of play prior to the start
of the race.
Note (iii): To ensure a safe transfer for those athletes in Sport Class T12 who do not run with
a guide runner, an assistant may accompany the athletes through the Call Room up to the
field of play. The assistant shall withdraw from the field of play prior to the start of the race.
COMMENT: Any request in this rule requires the athlete or their assistant or team leader to
complete the relevant request form (such as a ‘request for assistance form’). Completed forms
must be presented to the TIC for approval by the Technical Delegate. If approved by the
Technical Delegate the approved request form must be provided by the athlete, assistant or
team leader to the Call Room Judges at the Call Room and subsequently taken with the athlete
to the start line. Where Call Room Judges are in doubt as to whether or not a request has been
approved, they must immediately seek clarification from the Technical Delegate.
If the rule enables an assistant to accompany an athlete a request to accompany the athlete is
not necessary.
Assistance – Field Events

14. Assistants for athletes in Sport Classes F31-33 and F51-54 will be permitted (one assistant
per athlete per event) who can assist the athlete under the control and supervision of the
Officials to ensure the athlete transfers safely to the throwing frame and assist athletes to
strap into their throwing frame.

Note (i): Strapping must be only to the frame with non-elastic material.
Note (ii): Should an assistant be required, the assistant shall be physically capable of
transferring their athlete to the throwing frame and, in the event that the assistant is not
capable, no assistance will be provided by the Technical Officials, accredited volunteers or
any other person(s) without the prior approval of the Technical Delegate.
COMMENT: In Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B – 3.1.2 (a) and (b)), the
Referee may require the assistant(s) to withdraw from the field of play and be seated outside of
the field of play while the athlete is not competing. Prior to the time that the assistant’s athlete
is about to compete and as the Referee reasonably considers necessary, the assistant may be
enabled to prepare the athlete for competition. In WPA Recognised Competitions, other than
those referred to in Part B 3.1.2 (a) and (b), the assistant may be permitted to administer
water/refreshment to their athlete during the break between their third and fourth trials. Once
that assistant’s athlete has finished competing, the assistant shall again withdraw from the
competition area.
It is important to note assistants are only permitted for athletes in Sport Classes F31-33 and
F51-54. If an athlete in different Sport Class requires assistance that athlete must complete a
request for assistance form and submit this to the Technical Delegate for approval at least 24
hours prior to the event. Assistance is only permitted if the Technical Delegate approves the
request.
Officials are not responsible for transferring athletes to the throwing frame. Athletes or their
assistants (if permitted or approved) are responsible for this.
Technical Officials or accredited volunteers shall not provide assistance to athletes when
transferring from their day-chair to the throwing frame and vice versa. Such assistance must
only be performed by assistants approved by the Technical Delegate(s) in cases where such
approval is required.
15. The assistant must withdraw from the competition area once they have completed these
tasks and must follow any directives from officials of the event while they are in the
competition area.
16. For athletes in Sport Classes F11 and F12 one assistant may bring athletes to the throwing
circle or Javelin runway. The assistant may assist the athlete by orientating them with the
throwing circle or on the Javelin runway before each attempt. The assistant must leave the

throwing circle or Javelin runway before each attempt begins. Once the athlete is oriented,
the assistant may also provide acoustic orientation before, during and after each attempt.
Athletes may only be escorted from the throwing circle or Javelin runway after the officials
have determined whether or not the attempt was a valid one.
Note: If the official in charge of the event decides that an assistant who is providing acoustic
orientation is in an unsafe location then the official has the right to require the assistant to
move.
17. For athletes in Sports Class T11 acoustic assistance is permitted during Long Jump, Triple
Jump and High Jump. However, no visual modification to the existing facility is permitted. In
events where acoustic assistance is being used complete silence shall be requested from
spectators.
Note: Whenever possible, to ensure silence, events in which acoustic assistance is being
utilised should not be timetabled together with other running events.
COMMENT: Often these events are scheduled at the beginning of a session where the fewest
number of spectators are in the stadium. It is important that the sports presentation team,
including the announcer are carefully observing the event to ensure the sports presentation
does not disrupt the concentration of athletes and their assistants during the event.
18. During Jump Events athletes in Sports Classes T11 can be accompanied onto the field of
play by two assistants to:
a) act as a caller to provide acoustic orientation during the approach run in High Jump,
Long Jump and Triple Jump, and/or;
b) act as an escort to assist the athlete by positioning and orientating them on the runway
before each attempt.
Note (i): Acoustic orientation is permitted before, during and after each attempt. Once an
attempt has begun, only acoustic orientation is allowed by the assistant(s) until after the
officials have determined whether or not the attempt was a valid one.
Note (ii): The assistant(s) may be positioned on or beside the Long or Triple Jump runway
or behind the landing area. The assistant(s) may be in front of or behind the take-off area
but shall not stand in the take-off area (powdered area) or landing area.
Note: (iii) The assistant(s) must not stand in a position that hinders the view of Officials
nor run along-side or behind the athlete during an attempt.

COMMENT: Athletes and their assistants may not physically touch each other until the Chief
Judge has indicated that they may do so. This is normally after the attempt has been completed
and the athlete has left the throwing circle, runway or landing area and the Chief Judge has
raised the appropriate flag.
19. For athletes in Sports Class T/F12 visual modification of the existing facility is permitted
during Field Events (i.e., Paint, chalk, powder, cones, flags, etc) at the discretion of the
Technical Delegate. Acoustic signals may also be used.
20. For athletes in Sports Class T12, only one assistant is allowed to accompany the athlete
onto the field of play to act as caller and/or escort in Jumping Events. The assistant shall
observe Rule 7.18.
21. In Field Events, the assistant shall not conduct other than permitted under Rule 7.14 to
7.20. If the official in charge of the event decides that an assistant is in breach of these
rules (e.g., coaching in competition area), the athlete and their assistant(s) shall be warned
by the Referee and advised that, if there is any repetition, the athlete will be disqualified
from that event subject to Rule 7.2.
Note: The LOC shall arrange separate waiting areas for athletes and their assistants.
22. Some athletes in Sports Classes T/F20, T/F35-38, T/F42-47 and T/F61-64 may require their
runway markers to be at a pre-set distance from the take-off board. In this case, prior to the
competition, the markers shall be set with assistance from a Field Judge. This would also
apply in the javelin. The Technical Delegate will provide the appropriate athletes and/or
their team coach with a document on which to show their requirements.
COMMENT: A request for information form is required to be completed by a responsible NPC

official to outline their requirements prior to assistance being granted by the Technical
Delegate. The Technical Delegate may approve assistance by the specified assistant of an
athlete or, by a Field Judge. The determination will be made by the Technical Delegate to
ensure there are no more people on the field of play than is absolutely necessary.
Animals
23. No animals shall be brought into the competition area, including guide, medical assistance,
emotional support or any other animals subject to special certification.

Rule 8: Warnings and Disqualification
Bona Fide Participation, Unsporting and Improper Conduct
1. Athletes and relay teams shall participate in competitions in a bona fide manner and shall
not engage in unsporting or improper conduct. Any athlete or relay team failing to comply
with this Rule may be warned or disqualified.
The applicable Referee shall have authority to warn or exclude from competition, any athlete
or relay team guilty of breaches of this Rule or Rules 5.4, 6, 7, 17.5, 18.17, 18.18, 24.2,
24.5, 24.19 or 49.8(h)). Warnings may be indicated to the athlete by showing a yellow card,
exclusion by showing a red card. Warnings and exclusions shall be entered on the result card
and communicated to the Competition Secretary and to the other Referees.
In respect of the application of this Rule 8, the Call Room Referee has authority starting from
the Warm-up Area up to the competition area. In all other instances, the Referee applicable
to the event in which the athlete is or was competing, shall have authority.
The applicable Referee (where practicable after consulting the Competition Director) may
warn or remove any other person from the competition area (or other area related to the
competition including the Warm-up Area, Call Room and coaches seating) who is acting in
an unsporting or improper manner or who is providing assistance to athletes that is not
permitted by the Rules.
Note (i): The Referee may, where the circumstances justify it; exclude an athlete or relay
team without a warning having been given (See also Note to Rule 7.2).
Note (ii): When excluding an athlete or relay team from competition under this Rule, if the
Referee is aware that a yellow card has already been given, should show a second yellow card
followed immediately by a red card.
Note (iii): If a yellow card is given and the Referee is not aware that a previous yellow card
was issued to that athlete or relay team at the competition, it shall, once this is known, have
the same consequence as if it was a red card. The relevant Referee shall take immediate
action to advise the athlete or relay team or their team of their exclusion.
COMMENT: The below Six key points are made to provide guidance and clarity in relation to
the way in which cards are shown and recorded:
88 Rule 8: Warnings and Disqualification

(1) Yellow and red cards can be given either for disciplinary reasons (refer mostly to this
Rule) or for certain technical infringements that are disciplinary in nature.
(2) Whilst it is normal and usually expected that a yellow card would have been given before
a red card, it is envisaged that in the cases of particularly bad unsporting or improper
behaviour or failing to participate in a bona fide manner, a red card can be given
immediately. It should be noted that the athlete has in any case the opportunity to appeal
such a decision to the Jury of Appeal.
(3) There will be also some cases in which it is not practical or logical for a yellow card to
have been issued. For example, the Note to Rule 7.2 specifically allows for an immediate red
card if justified in cases covered by Rule 7.3(a) such as pacing in races.
(4) A similar situation might also follow when a Referee issues a yellow card and the athlete
or relay team responds in such an inappropriate manner that it is justified to then
immediately give a red card. It is not essential for there to be two completely different and
distinct in time instances of inappropriate behaviour.
(5) As per Note (iii), in cases where a Referee is aware that the athlete or relay team in
question has already received a yellow card during the competition and he proposes to issue
a red card, the Referee should first show a second yellow card and then the red card.
However, if a Referee does not show the second yellow card, it will not invalidate the issuing
of the red card.
(6) In cases where a Referee is not aware of a pre-existing yellow card, and they show only a
yellow card, once this becomes known, the appropriate steps should be taken to disqualify
the athlete as soon as possible. Normally, this would be done by the Referee advising the
athlete directly or through their team.
(7) In cases of relay events, cards received by one or more members of the team during any
round of the event shall count against the team. Therefore, if one athlete receives two cards
or two different athletes receive a yellow card in any round of the particular event, the team
shall be regarded as having received a red card and shall be disqualified.
Disqualification resulting from an infringement of a Technical Rule (other than Rule 8.1)
2. If an athlete is disqualified in an event for an infringement of a Technical Rule (except under
Rule 8.1) any performance accomplished in the same round of that event up to the time of
Rule 8: Warnings and Disqualification 89

the disqualification shall not be valid. However, performances accomplished in a previous
round of that event or other previous events shall remain valid. Such disqualification from an
event shall not prevent an athlete from taking part in any further event in that competition.
Disqualification resulting from exclusion under Rule 8.1

3. If an athlete is excluded from competition under Rule 8.1, they shall be disqualified from
that event. If the athlete’s second warning occurs in a different event, they shall be
disqualified only from the second event. Any performance accomplished in the same round
of that event up to the time of the disqualification shall not be valid. However, performances
accomplished in a previous round of that event or other previous events shall remain valid.
Such disqualification shall prevent an athlete from taking part in all further events or rounds
of events (including other events in which they are simultaneously participating and relays)
in that competition.
4. When a relay team is excluded from competition under Rule 8.1, it shall be disqualified
from that event. Performances accomplished in a previous round of that event shall remain
valid. If the disqualification of the relay team was the consequence of (an) athlete(s) acting
in a manner that would lead to a disqualification under Rule 8.1 if competing in an
individual event, Rule 8.3 will be applicable to such athlete(s). Otherwise, such
disqualification shall not prevent any athlete or relay of that team taking part in any other
event(s) in that competition.
Nothing shall prohibit the Referee taking action against an individual in accordance with
Rule 8.1 and also taking action against that athlete’s relay team in accordance with the
same Rule, in relation to the same or a linked incident.
5. If the offence is considered serious, the Competition Director shall report it to WPA for
consideration of further disciplinary action.
COMMENT: Rule 8.3 shall be applied to an athlete whose second warning in the competition
incurred in the relay race, or who had a direct exclusion in the relay race that led to the
disqualification of the team.
90 Rule 8: Warnings and Disqualification

Rule 9: Competing Outside Sport Class – Eligibility
In accordance with the IPC Classification Code, and general principles of classification, athletes
will generally compete against athletes with the same Sport Class.
The competition entry, qualification and/or eligibility documentation for Recognised

Competitions may identify events where more than one Sports Classes are eligible to compete
together.
At the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships(see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)), the grouping
of the Sport Classes shall in principle be in accordance with the Classification Hierarchy
Table(s) in Appendix 2.
This rule will not apply to Recognised Competitions taking place after the adoption of this
version of WPA Rules and Regulations where entry criteria have been committed to prior to the
date of adoption.
Where more than one Sports Class competes together in Field Events the Raza Points System
may be used to determine placings (as shall be determined by the LOC and the TD, depending
on whether the event is organised as a ‘single class event’ or a ‘combined class event’). When
using the Raza Points System, the numbers after the decimal place should be rounded down.
E.g. 1000.501 and 1000.499 would both be 1000pts. Only in the case of a tie would the
numbers after the decimal place be considered.
In exceptional and limited circumstances WPA shall be entitled to permit the grouping of Sport
Classes that do not satisfy the Classification Hierarchy Table(s) in Appendix 2.
COMMENT: The changes made to the Classification Rules and Regulations in relation to the
new Sport Classes T61-64, have been reflected in the Classification Hierarchy Table(s) in
Appendix 2.
Rule 10: Surveying and Measurements

1. The accuracy of the markings and installations for athletics facilities under Rules 3, 11.2,
11.3 and 39 shall be checked by an appropriately qualified surveyor who shall furnish
appropriate certificates together with details of any check measurements made to the
relevant body and/or the facility owner or operator. They shall be given full access to
Rule 9: Competing Outside Sport Class – Eligibility 91

Rule 10: Surveying and Measurements
stadium plans and drawings and the latest measurement report for the purpose of this
verification.
2. For Track and Field Events in the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B -
3.1.2 (a) and (b)) all measurements shall be made with a calibrated certified steel tape or
bar or with a scientific measuring device. The steel tape, bar or scientific measuring device
shall be manufactured and calibrated according to international standards. The accuracy of
the measuring equipment used in the competition shall have been verified by an
appropriate organisation accredited by the national measurement authority.
Other than at the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and
(b)) fiberglass tapes may also be used.
Note: Concerning acceptance of World and/or Regional Records, see Rule 51.19.a.
COMMENT: It should be noted that when the electronic measurement equipment is obviously
not working properly all measurements need to be made using a calibrated steel tape or bar.
Rule 11: Validity of Performances

1. No performance accomplished by an athlete will be valid unless it is accomplished at a WPA
Recognised Competition (see Part B - 3.1.2).
2. Performances in events normally conducted in the stadium, made outside traditional

athletics facilities (such as those held on a temporary facility in town squares, other sporting
facilities, beaches, etc.) or on a temporary facility built within a stadium shall be valid and
recognised for all purposes, if they are made subject to all of the following conditions:
a) the relevant governing body as provided in Part B – 3. has issued a permit for the event;
b) a qualified panel of National Technical Officials are appointed to and officiate at the
event;
c) where applicable, equipment and implements in conformity with the Rules are used; and
d) the event is conducted in a competition area or facility in conformity with the Rules and
in respect of which a survey has been made in accordance with Rule 10 on the day of the
event.
COMMENT: When a competition described in under Rule 11.2 is held over more than one
day, the survey should be made on the day of the first event. In either case if the surveyor
92 Rule 11: Validity of Performances

can be satisfied that there will be no movement of or alteration to the facilities being
surveyed, the survey may be completed up to two days prior to the day of the first event.
3. Performances in events conducted indoors or in an otherwise fully or partly covered venue

where the length or other specifications of the facility do not comply with the rules for indoor
competition shall be valid and recognised as if they were achieved outdoors, if they are
made subject to all of the following conditions:
a) the relevant governing body as provided in Part B – 3. has issued a permit for the event;
b) a qualified panel of National Technical Officials are appointed to and officiate at the
event;
c) where applicable, equipment and implements in conformity with the Rules are used;
d) in the case of an oval track, its length is greater than 201.2m (220 yards) but no greater
than 400m; and
e) the event is conducted in a competition area or facility in conformity with the Rules and
in respect of which, if held on a temporary facility, a survey has been made in
accordance with Rule 10.
COMMENT: When a result is achieved on a complying facility with no advantage gained

and all related rules observed, the fact that it happened at a covered competition site
does not prevent a result being listed among the outdoor equivalent distances and used
for any statistical purpose (performances e.g. on covered 400m tracks and straights).
Rule 12: Video Recording

In the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)) and,
whenever possible, in other competitions, an official video recording of all events to the
satisfaction of the Technical Delegate(s) shall be made. It should be sufficient to demonstrate
the accuracy of performances and any violation of the Rules, including the WPA Classification
Rules and Regulations.
COMMENT: The appointment at any competition of a video Referee will significantly affect the
practical oversight of many aspects of those competitions at which sufficient video collection
and replay systems are available. The video Referee will generally be able to act proactively in
Rule 12: Video Recording 93

respect of the track events (e.g., the start, running inside the lane line around the curve, jostling
and obstruction, breaking from lanes too early, relay changeovers). If the amount of cameras
and equipment is sufficient to play a similar role for some or all of the field events, they can
undertake a similar role, but usually in a more reactive fashion when the on-field Referee
requests further examination or review of a specific incident. In the case of the Track Events,
the Video Referee will observe the races on one or more screens in the video room and then
based on either their own observations or upon referral from a Referee or Chief Umpire in the
competition area, examine one or more particular issues by looking at any replayed footage that
might be available. If it is clear as a result that there has been an infringement of the Rules, then
they should take the appropriate decision and convey it to the Track Referee and the Chief
Photo Finish Judge. Similarly, if an umpire or trackside Referee has reported a potential
infringement, it should be checked by the video Referee and the appropriate advice provided
and decision taken. In addition, official video footage will as in the past continue to be used to
assist in dealing with protests and appeals. It is becoming common for experienced companies
to provide an existing service for competitions rather than the LOC setting up their own.
However, either option can be used.
Rule 13: Scoring

In a match where the result is to be determined by the scoring of points, the method of scoring
shall be set out in the entry and eligibility documentation.
94 Rule 13: Scoring

Rule 14: Wheelchair and Frame Running Requirements
(Sport Classes T32-34, T51-54 and T71-72)
1. General Wheelchair Requirements:
a) At all WPA Recognised Competitions (see Part B - 3.1.2) the wheelchair shall have two
(2) large rear wheels and one (1) small front wheel.
b) All wheelchairs must have a functional braking system for safety purposes.
c) No mechanical gears or levers are allowed for the purpose of propelling the wheelchair.
d) The use of mirrors is not permitted in wheelchair track or road races.
e) In all races the athlete must be able to turn the front wheel(s) manually left and right
from straight-ahead tracking for steering purposes. Only hand operated mechanical
steering devices are allowed.
f) The use of fairings or similar devices for the purpose of improving aerodynamic
performance is not permitted.
g) No element of the wheelchair or its attachments or accessories may incorporate energy

storing capacity (e.g., elasticity) for the purpose of enhancing performance.
h) Devices attached to the wheelchair or athlete shall comply with Rule 7.4d (assistance)
and shall not have the capability to communicate except to the athlete.
Note: Unless approved by WPA and the Technical Delegate, no devices with transmission
function for the purpose of event presentation or broadcasting shall be permitted at WPA
2. Wheelchair Frame Requirements:
a) No part of the frame of the wheelchair, or any attachments to it, (nor any part of the
athlete’s lower body including legs, ankles, and feet) shall extend forward beyond the
hub of the front wheel nor backwards beyond the rearmost vertical plane of the rear
wheels (including tyres). Additionally, the width of the frame, and any of its attachments,
shall not be wider than the inclined plane of the pushing rims (as outlined in Figure 4).
Rule 14: Wheelchair and Frame Running Requirements 95

Figure 4 – Inclined plane of the pushing rims
COMMENT: Call Room Judges will inspect all wheelchairs to ensure no attachments are outside
of the inclined plane of the pushing rims.
b) The maximum height from the ground to the bottom of the wheelchair frame shall be 50
cm.
c) The frame structure must be made of a material which provides sufficient stability and
stiffness for safety purposes.
d) For the purpose of seat positioning, the athlete must ensure that their lower limb(s) are
supported by a seat, a sling or foot tray.
e) The use of Sideguards may be added to protect the athlete from the wheels and shall be
in compliance with Rule 14.2 (a).
3. Wheel and Push-rim Requirements:
a) The maximum diameter of the large wheel including the inflated tyre shall not exceed 70
cm.
b) The maximum diameter of the small wheel including the inflated tyre shall not exceed 50
cm.
c) Only one plain, round, push-rim is allowed for each large wheel.
96 Rule 14: Wheelchair and Frame Running Requirements

Note (i): This rule also applies for persons requiring a single arm drive wheelchair.
Note (ii): For T32/33/51/52 athletes who may experience a limitation in their ability to
stabilise the wrist during pushing, a modification shall be allowed so that a push-rim and
wheel disk may be fused together and incorporated into the racing wheel. No other
modification that would defeat the general intent of Rule 14.3 is allowed.
Note (iii): No part of the athlete's body shall be strapped to the push-rim or to the wheel.
Note (iv): All athletes competing in racing wheelchairs must only propel their racing chair
through the pushing action exerted by the athletes’ arm(s). The lower extremities (legs and
feet), or any relevant prosthesis, are not permitted to touch the ground so as to propel the
racing chair or stabilise it at the start.
4. Wheelchairs will be measured and inspected in the Call Room and once inspected shall not
be taken from the competition area before the start of the event. Wheelchairs may be re-
examined by the relevant Referee or other officials before or after the event on or off the
field of play.
5. It is the responsibility of athletes to ensure that their wheelchair conforms to the

requirements stipulated above. No event shall be delayed while an athlete makes
adjustments to their wheelchair. If an athlete fails to comply with this Rule, then the athlete
will not be permitted to start the event and shall be shown in the results as “DNS” in
6. If the Relevant Referee believes that a wheelchair and/or the athlete using it represent a
safety risk they shall be authorised to exclude the athlete and/or wheelchair from an event.
Note (i): For safety, athletes should secure their lower limb(s) so they do not fall to the ground
and cause injury.
Note (ii): For safety, no part of the athlete’s lower body (including legs, ankles, and feet) shall
extend beyond the rearmost vertical plane of the rear wheels (including tyres).
COMMENT: It is important to note that there can be no devices attached to the wheelchair that
can communicate or anything that gives the athlete any unfair advantage over other athletes in
the event.
Wheelchairs are measured and inspected in the Call Room, however for major competitions
such as World Championships, Paralympic Games and Regional Games a courtesy pre-check of

the racing wheelchairs for conformity should be conducted, including a check against the
relevant advertising regulations of the competition. What to look for when checking a wheelchair
for conformance to current requirements.
It is advisable to use a stick or metre stick with marks at 50cm and 70cm as these are the two
key dimensions of importance.
Measure the wheel diameter by placing the “0” end of the measuring stick on the ground beside
the wheel and measure parallel to the wheel. The diameter of the smaller wheel must not
exceed 50cm while the diameter of the larger wheel(s) must not exceed 70cm. If the tyres are
not inflated, they can still be checked, but advice given to the athlete or coach could include
that it has not yet passed pre-check but will be checked again in the Call Room in any event.
The same measuring stick can be used to ensure that the maximum height from the ground to
the bottom of the wheelchair does not exceed a height of 50cm.
While there is no issue with the overall length of the wheelchair, no part may extend beyond the
wheel(s) in the front or rear of the wheels. The best way to measure for this is to move the chair
to a wall. Wheel the chair backwards toward the wall; if the tyres touch the wall rather than the
seating frame, then the chair is acceptable. The chair may also have other requirements, such
as having a braking system and steering capacity which also need to be checked at the pre-
check.
Call Room Judges shall ensure that the racing wheelchair does not have any device on it which
can “communicate” to anyone, other than the athlete, in accordance with Rule 14.1 (h).
Regardless of whether a wheelchair is checked as part of a pre-check, it must be checked in the

Call Room and with the athlete in the chair. It should be noted that ITOs as well as other
Technical Officials involved in a pre-check of wheelchairs need to be completely familiar with
this rule as well as the requirement to check the wheelchairs in the Call Room.
COMMENT: At competitions without a warm-up track or where the warm-up track is either not
available or not of the same radius of the competition track, the Technical Delegate may
consider permitting a single warm-up lap (It may not be a complete lap) for athletes in classes
T32-34 and T51-T54 competing in 200m races and above to set their wheelchair
compensators, provided that this does not create conflicts or significantly impact the
competition schedule.

Frame Running Requirements
(Sport Classes T71-72)
7. General Frame Running Requirements:
a) At all WPA Recognised Competitions (see Part B - 3.1.2) the Running frame shall have a
support saddle, a body support plate, handlebars, two (2) rear wheels and one (1) front
wheel.
b) All Running frames must have a functional braking system for safety purposes.
c) No mechanical gears or levers are allowed for the purpose of propelling the Running
frame.
d) The use of mirrors is not permitted in Frame Running events.
e) In all races the athlete must be able to turn the front wheel left and right for steering
purposes. Only hand operated mechanical steering handlebars are allowed.
f) The use of fairings or similar devices for the purpose of improving aerodynamic
performance of the athlete is not permitted.
g) No element of the Running frame or its attachments accessories may incorporate energy
storing capacity (e.g., elasticity) for the purpose of enhancing performance.
h) Devices attached to the Running frame or athlete shall comply with Rule 7.4 (d)
(assistance) and shall not have the capability to communicate except to the athlete.
Note: Unless approved by WPA and the Technical Delegate, no devices with transmission
function for the purpose of event presentation or broadcasting shall be permitted at WPA
Recognised Competition.
8. Running Frame Requirements:
a) No part of the Running frame, or any attachments to it, shall extend forward beyond the
hub of the front wheel nor backwards beyond the rearmost vertical plane of the rear
wheels (including tyres). Additionally, the width of the frame, and any of its attachments,
shall not be wider than the length between the rear wheel hubs, excluding the rear
wheels.
b) The maximum length of the Running frame shall be 200cm, and the maximum width

shall be 95cm including the tyres.
c) The Frame structure must be made of a material which provides sufficient stability and
stiffness for safety purposes.
d) For the purpose of seat positioning, the Frame structure shall incorporate a saddle.
e) Note: The saddle may have other shapes than the traditional type of race cycling saddle.
f) For the purpose of athlete’s stability, the frame structure shall incorporate a Body
support plate.
Note: For safety, the athlete may be strapped to the body support plate with a belt or an
orthopaedic brace, to prevent the athlete from falling to the ground and causing injury.
Hands may also be strapped to the handlebar.
9. Wheel Requirements:
a) The maximum diameter of all wheels including the inflated tyre shall not exceed 72 cm.
b) The rear wheels may incorporate a wheel guard on the inside only.
10. The Running frame shall comply with Rule 14.4 and Rule 14.6 for measurement and
inspection purposes.
11. It is the responsibility of the athlete to ensure that their Running frame conforms to the
requirements stipulated above. No event shall be delayed while adjustments to a Running
frame are being done. If an athlete fails to comply with this Rule, then the athlete will not be
permitted to start the event and shall be shown in the results as “DNS” in accordance with
Rule 6.16.
12. For all athletes competing in Frame Running Events T71-72, they shall propel their Running
frame with their feet and can do so forwards or backwards;

SECTION III – TRACK EVENTS
Rule 15: Track Measurements

1. The length of a standard running track shall be 400m. It shall consist of two parallel straights
and two bends whose radii shall be equal.
The inside of the track shall be bordered by a kerb of suitable material that should be
coloured white, with a height of 50mm to 65mm and a width of 50mm to 250mm. The kerb
on the two straights may be omitted and a white line 50mm wide substituted.
If a section of the kerb on a bend has to be temporarily removed for field events, its place
shall be marked with a white line 50mm in width and by cones or flags, minimum height
0.15m, placed on the white line so that the edge of the base of the cone or flag pole
coincides with the edge of the white line closest to the track, and placed at intervals not
exceeding 4m. (Flags shall be placed at an angle of 60° with the ground away from the
track). This shall also apply to the outer half of the track in the case of starts for distance
races where the field is started in two groups under Rule 17.11 and optionally to the
straights, in this latter case, at intervals not exceeding 10m.
Note: All points at which the track changes from a curve to a straight or a straight to a curve
shall be marked, in a distinctive colour 50mm x 50mm on the white line by the surveyor and a
cone placed at such points during a race.
2. The measurement must be taken 0.3m outward from the kerb or, where no kerb exists on a
bend, 0.2m from the line marking the inside of the track.
Figure 5 – Track Measurements (infield view)
Rule 15: Track Measurements 101

3. The distance of the race shall be measured from the edge of the start line farther from the
finish to the edge of the finish line nearer to the start.
4. In all races up to and including 400m, each athlete shall have a separate lane, with a width
of 1.22m ± 0.01m, including the lane line on the right, marked by white lines 50mm in
width. All lanes shall be of the same nominal width. The inner lane shall be measured as
stated in Rule 15.2, but the remaining lanes shall be measured 0.2m from the outer edges
of the lines.
Note: For all tracks constructed before 1 January 2004 for all such races, the lane may have
a width of maximum 1.25m. However, when such a track is fully resurfaced, the lane width
shall comply with this Rule.
5. In the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)) the track
should allow for eight lanes minimum.
6. The lateral inclination of tracks towards the inside edge should not exceed 1:100 (1%)
unless special circumstances exist which justify World Athletics providing an exemption,
and the overall downward inclination in the running direction should not exceed 1:1000
(0.1%) between any start and finish line.
Note: It is recommended that, for new tracks, the lateral inclination should be towards the
inside lane.
7. Full technical information on track construction, layout and marking is contained in the
World Athletics Track and Field Facilities Manual. This Rule gives basic principles only,
which must be followed.
COMMENT: It should be noted that only tracks in accordance with the World Athletics Track
and Field Facilities Manual should be used for World Championships and Paralympic Games.
102 Rule 15: Track Measurements

Rule 16: Starting Blocks
1. Starting blocks may be used for sport classes T71-72 (Frame Running), T35-38, T40-47 and
T61-64 in all races up to and including 400m (including the first leg of ambulant relay races
of 4x100m, 4x200m and 4x400m) but shall not be used for any other race. Starting Blocks
must be used for sport classes T11-13 and T20 in all races up to and including 400m
(including the first leg of universal relay races). When in position on the track, no part of the
starting block shall overlap the start line or extend into another lane, with the exception that,
provided there is no obstruction to any other athlete, the rear part of the frame may extend
beyond the outer lane line.
2. Starting blocks shall comply with the following general specifications:
a) The starting blocks shall consist of two foot plates, against which the athlete’s feet are
pressed in the starting position and which shall be mounted on a rigid frame. They shall
be entirely rigid in construction and shall give no unfair advantage to the athlete. The
frame shall in no way obstruct the athlete’s feet as they leave the blocks.
b) The foot plates shall be sloped to suit the starting position of the athlete and may be flat
or slightly concave. The surface of the foot plates shall accommodate the spikes in the
athlete’s shoes, either by using slots or recesses in the face of the foot plate or by
covering the surface of the foot plate with suitable material permitting the use of spiked
shoes.
c) The mounting of the foot plates on the frame may be adjustable, but it shall allow no
movement during the actual start. In all cases, the foot plates shall be adjustable forward
or backward in relation to each other. The adjustments shall be secured by firm clamps
or a locking mechanism, which can be easily and quickly operated by the athlete.
d) They shall be fixed to the track by a number of pins or spikes, arranged to cause the
minimum possible damage to the track. The arrangement shall permit the starting blocks
to be quickly and easily removed. The number, thickness and length of pins or spikes
depend on the track construction. The anchorage shall permit no movement during the
actual start.
e) When an athlete uses their own starting blocks, they shall comply with the above general
description but otherwise may be of any design or construction, provided that they do
Rule 16: Starting Blocks 103

not interfere with other athletes.
Note: It is not a requirement for athletes in Sport Classes T35-38, T40-44 and T61-64 to use
both foot plates when using a starting block.
COMMENT: This Rule should also be interpreted so that:
a) No part of the frame or footplates can overlap a starting line;
b) The frame only (but not any part of the footplate) can extend into the outer lane provided
there is no obstruction. This reflects the long-standing practice of athletes at the start of
races on a bend placing their blocks at an angle to run the most direct line after the start.
The use of lights, by deaf or hearing impaired athletes only, at the start of races is
allowed and is not considered assistance. It should however be the obligation of the
athlete or their team for the financing and supply of such equipment and its compatibility
with the start system in use, unless at a particular meeting where there is an appointed
technical partner who can provide it.
3. In the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)),
performances submitted for ratification as a World/Regional Record for Sport Classes T11-
13 and T20 shall require that the starting blocks be linked to a World Athletics approved
Start Information System. The Start Information system shall not be activated for any other
classes, even if the athlete uses blocks.
4. The LOC may insist that only starting blocks provided by them may be used.
Note (i): Some athletes in Sports Classes T12, T20, T71-72 (Frame Running), T35-38, T40-
47and T61-64 may require their starting blocks to be set for them by the Starter’s Assistant.
Upon request, the Technical Delegate will provide the appropriate athletes and/or their team
coach with a document on which they will be able to indicate their requirements (as per Rule
7.13).
Note (ii): Use of personal starting blocks shall require approval from the Technical Delegate.
COMMENT: It should be noted that the only classes of athletes who must use starting blocks are
T11-13 and T20. For other classes they have the options of using starting blocks or other
approved starting devices.
There are some classes of athlete most notably amputees who require assistance in the form of
a single block, two separate single blocks or two regular starting block rigid frames with one
104 Rule 16: Starting Blocks

block on each frame. This would normally be approved by the Technical Delegate prior to the
competition through the completion of a specific Request for Assistance form. In all cases,
modifications of starting blocks shall not provide any additional advantage and must conform to
the principles espoused in Part B – 7 of these rules.
Rule 17: The Start

Note: Unless otherwise stated, in relation to athletes in Sport Classes T11 and T12, any
reference under this rule to “athlete” shall be interpreted as referring to both the athlete(s)
and/or their guide-runner(s). In the event of a breach of a rule being committed by a guide-
runner resulting in a warning or disqualification then the accompanying athlete shall
consequently be warned or disqualified.
1. The position of the start of a race shall be denoted by a white line 50mm wide. In all races
not run in lanes the start line shall be curved, so that all the athletes start the same distance
from the finish. Starting positions in events at all distances shall be numbered from left to
right, facing the direction of running.
Note (i): The 1500m start line, or any other curved start line, may be extended out from the
outside bend lane to the extent that the same synthetic surface is available.
In all races of Sport Classes T11-13 and T20 up to and including 400m (including the first
leg of ambulant relay races of 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m and the 4x100m universal relay),
a crouch start and the use of starting blocks are compulsory.
Note (ii): A crouch start stance is not required by athletes in Sport Classes T35-38, T40-47
and T61-64.
COMMENT: It is anticipated that, in order to efficiently complete the start procedures and for
larger meetings to appropriately introduce the competitors in the race the athletes, when
assembled, should be positioned facing in the direction of the race.
2. All races shall normally be started by the report of the Starter’s gun fired upwards after they
have ascertained that athletes are steady and in the correct starting position.
If, for any reason, the Starter is not satisfied that all is ready for the start to proceed after
the athletes are on their marks, they shall order all athletes to withdraw from their marks
Rule 17: The Start 105

and the Starter’s Assistants shall place them on the assembly line again.
Note: If an athlete has a hearing impairment the starter or their assistant may use a flag, a
strobe light or other visual device as well as a pistol to signal the start. In some
circumstances, for athletes with both a vision and a hearing impairment, an official may
touch an athlete to signal the start.
COMMENT: The Starter must not initiate the start procedures before they are sure that the
relevant timing team is ready as well as the Judges at the finish and in races up to and including
200m, the Wind Gauge Operator. The communication process between the start and the finish
area and the timing team varies according to the level of the competition. At the Paralympic
Games and WPA Championships(see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)) and many other high-level
meetings there is invariably a service company responsible for the electronic timing and the
Start Information System. In this case, there will be technicians who are responsible for
communication. In other competitions a variety of communication systems are used – radios,
phones, or by using flags or flashing lights.
3. The commands of the Starter must be in English only. For all races up to and including
400m (including ambulant relay races of 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m and the 4x100m
universal relay) the command will be “On your marks” and then “Set”. When all athletes are
“Set”, the gun shall be fired. An athlete shall not touch either the start line or the ground in
front of it with their hands or their feet when on their marks. In races longer than 400m, the
command will be “On your marks” and when all athletes are steady, the gun will be fired. In
races longer than 400m athletes shall not touch the ground with their hand or hands during
the start.
4. In races up to and including 400m after the “On your marks” command, an athlete shall
approach the start line, assume a position completely within their allocated lane and behind
the start line. For Sport Classes T11-13 and T20, both hands and at least one knee shall be
in contact with the ground and both feet in contact with the foot plates of the starting
blocks. At the “Set” command, an athlete shall immediately rise to their final starting
position retaining the contact of the hands with the ground and of the feet with the foot
plates of the blocks.
In case of Wheelchair Races (classes T33-34 and T51-54), and Frame Running Events
(classes T71-72) the following commands and positions are required. After the ‘On Your
106 Rule 17: The Start

marks’ command, an athlete shall approach the start line, assume a position entirely within
their allocated lane and behind the start line. At the ‘Set’ command, an athlete should
immediately take up their final starting position retaining the contact of the front wheel with
the ground behind the line”.
COMMENT: In all races using crouch start, including Wheelchair Races and Frame Running
Events, as soon as athletes are steady in their blocks or behind the line respectively, the Starter
shall raise their arm in which they hold the gun, then they shall say “Set”. They shall wait then
for all the athletes to be steady and shall then fire the gun.
The Starter must not raise their arm too early, especially when manual Timekeepers are being
used. They are advised to raise their arm only when they feel they are about to give the
command “Set”. There is no rule that enables to determine the time that elapses between the
commands “On your marks” and “Set” on one hand, and on the other hand, between the
command “Set” and the gun shot. The Starter shall let the athletes go once they are all
motionless in the correct starting position. Which means that they may have, for certain starts,
to fire the gun quite quickly, but on the other hand, they may also have to wait longer in order to
make sure that they are all steady in their starting position.
5. On the command “Set” for races up to 400m and “On your marks” for longer races all
athletes shall at once and without delay assume their full and final set position.
Where an athlete in the judgment of the Starter,
a) After the command “Set” for races up to 400m and “On your marks” for longer races,
and before the report of the gun, causes the start to be aborted, for instance by raising a
hand and/or standing or sitting up in the case of a crouch start, without a valid reason,
(such reason to be evaluated by the relevant Referee), or;
b) Fails to comply with the commands “On your marks” or “Set” as appropriate, or does not
place themselves in their final starting position after a reasonable time, or;
c) After the command “On your marks” or “Set” disturbs (an)other athlete(s) in the race
through sound, movement or otherwise, resulting in such athlete(s) committing what
would otherwise be a false start, the Starter shall abort the start.
The Referee may warn the athlete for improper conduct (disqualify in case of a second
infringement of the Rule during the same competition), according to Rules 8.1 and 8.3.

However, when an extraneous reason was considered to be the cause for aborting the start,
or the Referee does not agree with the Starter’s decision, a green card shall be shown to all
the athletes to indicate that a false start was not committed by any athlete.
COMMENT: The division of the start Rules into disciplinary matters (under Rule 17.2 and Rule
17.5) and false starts (Rules 17.7) ensures that the whole field was not penalised for the actions
of a single athlete. It is important in order to maintain the integrity of the intention of this
division and that Starters and Referees are as diligent in the application of Rule 17.2 and Rule
17.5 as in detecting false starts. Such conduct, whether wilful or unintentional perhaps through
nervousness should cause Rule 17.2 and Rule 17.5 to be applied although where the Starter is
of the view that it was unintentional, the application of Rule 17.2 only may be appropriate.
Conversely, there will be instances in which an athlete is entitled to request a delay of the start
for legitimate reasons. It is therefore vital that the Start Referee (in particular) pays attention to
the environment and conditions surrounding the start, especially in relation to factors of which
the Starter may not be aware because they are focussing on preparing themselves for the start
and/or wearing headphones. In all such cases the Starter and Referee must act reasonably and
efficiently and clearly indicate their decisions. If appropriate the reasons for the decisions can
be announced to the athletes in the race and if possible or desirable also to the announcers,
television team etc. through the communication network.
A green card shall not be shown in any case when a yellow or red card has been issued.
Note: It is acceptable for arm amputee athletes or those with short arms to use pads on which to
rest stumps at the start or to improve balance. Pads must be completely behind the start line
and not interfere with any other athlete.
6. In Wheelchair and Frame Running races of 800m or longer the Starter has the authority to
recall a race for a restart (but is not obliged to do so) if a collision involving any athletes in
the race occurs in the first 50m. This does not reduce or remove the authority of the
Referee to take appropriate action on reports received from Umpires during this portion of
the race.
False Start
7. An athlete, after assuming a full and final starting position, shall not commence their start
until after receiving the report of the gun. If, in the judgment of the Starter or Recallers, they

do so any earlier, it shall be deemed a false start.
When a World Athletics approved Start Information System is in use, the Starter and/or an
assigned Recaller shall wear headphones in order to clearly hear the acoustic signal emitted
when the System indicates a possible false start (i.e. when reaction time is less than 0.100
second). As soon as the Starter and/or an assigned Recaller hears the acoustic signal, and if
the gun was fired, there shall be a recall and the Starter shall immediately examine the
reaction times and any other available information from the Start Information System in
order to confirm which, if any, athlete(s) is/are responsible for the recall.
For the purposes of this Rule, the ‘commencement of the start’ is defined as follows:
a) For those relevant Sport Classes where a crouch start is compulsory or optional (and
the athlete elects to employ a crouch start) (see Rule 17.1 Note (ii) and Note (iii)),
the commencement of the start is defined as any motion by an athlete that includes
or results in one or both feet or lower limb prosthetic device(s) losing contact with
the foot plate(s) of the starting blocks (or where starting blocks are not used, the
ground), or one or both hands, stump(s), short arm(s) or upper limb prosthetic
device(s) losing contact with the ground (or, if applicable, pads); and
b) In the case of a standing start, the commencement of the start is defined as any
motion that results in one or both feet or lower limb prosthetic device(s) losing
contact with the ground.
If the Starter determines that prior to receiving the report of the gun, an athlete
initiated a movement that was not stopped and continued into the commencement
of their start (as defined above), it shall also be a false start.
Note (i): When a World Athletics certified Start Information System is in operation, the
evidence of this equipment shall be used as a resource by the relevant officials to assist in
making a correct decision.
Note (ii): Any other motion by an athlete shall not be considered to be the commencement of
the start. Such instances may, if applicable, be subject to a disciplinary warning or
disqualification.
Note (iii): As athletes starting races in a standing position are more prone to over-balance, if
such a movement is considered to be accidental, the start should be regarded as

“unsteady”. If an athlete is pushed or jostled over the line before the start, they should not
be penalised. Any athlete causing such interference may be subject to a disciplinary warning
or disqualification.
COMMENT: Generally, no false start should be charged if the athlete has not lost contact with
the ground or foot plates. For example, if an athlete moves their hips up, but then moves them
down without their hands or feet losing contact with the ground or foot plates at any time, it
should not result in a false start. It may be a reason to warn (or disqualify if there has been a
previous warning) the athlete for improper conduct under Rule 17.5 However in cases of a
“rolling start” where the Starter (or Recaller) is of the opinion that an athlete has effectively
anticipated the start through some continuous movement even if they did not move their hands
or feet before the gun sounded, the race should be recalled. This can be done by a Starter or
Recaller but it will be the Starter who is in the best situation to judge such a case as only they
will know the position of their finger on the gun trigger when the athlete began their movement.
In these cases where the Starter is sure that the athlete’s movement began before the report of
the gun, a false start should be awarded. In accordance with Note (iii) Starters and Referees
should avoid being over-zealous in the application of Rule 17.7 to those events started from a
standing position. Such instances are rare and usually occur unintentionally as it is easier to
overbalance from a two-point start or a three-point start. It is not intended that same should be
unduly penalised. If such a movement was considered to be accidental, Starters and Referees
are encouraged to first consider calling the start “unsteady” and proceed according to Rule
17.2. However repeat practices during the same event may entitle the Starter and/or Referee to
consider applying either the false start or disciplinary procedures, as might best be applicable in
the situation.
Note (iv): In practice, when one or more athletes make a false start, others are inclined to
follow and, strictly speaking, any athlete who does so has also made a false start. The Starter
should warn or disqualify only such athlete or athletes who, in their opinion, were
responsible for the false start. This may result in more than one athlete being warned or
disqualified. If the false start is not due to any athlete, no warnings shall be given, and a
green card shall be shown to all the athletes.
8. Any athlete responsible for a false start shall be disqualified by the Starter.
9. In case of a false start, the Starter’s Assistants shall proceed as follows:

The athlete(s) responsible for the false start shall be disqualified and a red and black card
(diagonally halved) shall be raised in front of them.
If lane markers that provide for it are being used, then whenever a card is shown to the
athlete(s) responsible for the false start, the corresponding indication should be shown on
the lane marker(s).
COMMENT: While it is the Starter who is responsible for disqualifying the athlete, the Starter’s
Assistant is the one to show the disqualification card to the athlete. If the athlete gives an
immediate oral protest the Starter’s Assistant would normally call the Start Referee over to
discuss the situation with the athlete and make a decision as to allow or disallow the athlete to
continue “under protest”.
Note: The reason for the diagonally halved cards was to provide a distinction between cards
given for this purpose and those (the traditional all yellow or all red) cards given for disciplinary
reasons – as each of these can be used in the start area. With this difference the reason for the
card should be clearer both to the athletes as well as those observing the start, particularly
those in need of immediate information, such as the announcer or television or radio
commentators. It is recommended that the size of the diagonally halved cards be A5 and that
they be double sided. Note that the corresponding indication on the lane markers may remain
yellow and red as previously, in order to avoid unnecessary expense in modifying existing
equipment.
10. The Starter or any Recall Starter, who is of the opinion that the start was not a fair one, for
whatever reason, shall recall the athletes by firing a gun or activating a suitable audible
signal.
COMMENT: The reference to a fair start does not relate solely to cases of a false start. This rule
should also be interpreted as applying to other situations such as blocks slipping, a foreign
object interfering with one or more athletes during a start etc.
5000m and 10,000m

11. When there are more than 12 people including athletes and their guide-runner(s) in a
distance race, they may be divided into two groups for the purpose of the start. One group
comprising approximately two thirds of the field shall be placed on the regular arced start
line and the second group on a separate arced start line marked across the outer half of the
track. The outer group shall run as far as the end of the first bend on the outer half of the

track, which shall be marked by cones or flags. The separate arced start line shall be
positioned in such a way that all the athletes shall run the same distance. Any athlete in the
second group who fails to keep within the marked outer lanes during such a start will be
disqualified on the same grounds as any athlete who runs out of their lane.
The breakline for an 800m race indicates where the athletes in the second/outer group may
join the athletes using the regular start in races which start at the normal (home straight)
start finish line. For races that start in the back straight (200m start position) the track shall
be marked at the beginning of the finish straight for group starts to indicate where athletes
starting in the second/outer group may join the athletes using the regular start. This mark
may be a 50mmx50mm mark on the line between lanes 4 and 5 (lanes 3 and 4 in a six-lane
track) immediately before which a cone or flag is placed until the two groups converge.
Rule 18: The Race

Obstruction
1. If an athlete or the athlete’s guide-runner is jostled or obstructed during an event so as to
impede their progress, then:
a) If the jostling or obstruction is considered unintentional or is caused otherwise than by an

athlete or their guide-runner, the Referee may, if they are of the opinion that an athlete
(or their team) was seriously affected in accordance with Rule 2.13.7, order that the race
(for one, some or all of the athletes) be re-held or allow the affected athlete (or team) to
compete in a subsequent round of the event;
b) If another athlete or their guide-runner is found responsible for the intentional jostling or
obstruction by the Referee, such athlete or their team shall be liable to disqualification
from that event. The Referee may, if they are of the opinion that an athlete was seriously
affected in accordance with Rule 2.13.7, order that the race (for one, some or all of the
athletes) be re-held excluding any disqualified athlete or team or allow any affected
athlete (or team) (other than any disqualified athlete or team) to compete in a
subsequent round of the event.
In order for (a) and (b) to apply, the Referee must deem that the athlete (or team) affected
(or whose guide-runner was affected) by the jostling or obstruction would likely have
112 Rule 18: The Race

completed the race were it not for the jostling or obstruction.
Note: In cases considered serious enough Rules 8.1 and 8.3 may also be applied. In both
cases of Rules 18.1(a) and 18.1(b), such athlete (or team) should normally have completed
the event with bona fide effort.
COMMENT: Jostling should be understood as physical contact on one or more occasions
with another athlete or athletes and/or guide runner(s) that results in an unfair advantage or
causes injury or harm to them or, consequently, to another athlete or athletes.
2. In all races:
a) including at least one bend, the direction of the race shall be left-hand inside. The lanes
shall be numbered with the left-hand inside lane numbered 1;
b) run entirely on the straight, the direction of the race may be either left-hand or right-hand
inside, according to the available conditions;
c) run in lanes (or any part of a race run in lanes), each athlete or the athlete’s guide runner
shall keep within their allocated lane from start to finish and, when running on a bend,
shall not step or run on or inside the left-hand lane line or in the case of the inside lane,
the kerb or line marking the border of the inside of the track;
d) not run in lanes (or any part of races), an athlete or the athlete’s guide-runner running on
a bend, on the outer half of the track as per Rule 17.11, shall not step, run or wheel on
or inside the kerb or line marking the applicable border (the inside of the track or the
outer half of the track).
COMMENT: The requirement for an athlete or an athlete’s guide-runner to keep within their
allocated lane from start to finish pursuant to Rule 18.2(c) does not require the athlete to
finish the race in the same lane in which they started (subject to no other rules being
broken).
3. During Wheelchair Races propulsion by any other method except the athlete pushing on the
wheels or push-rims will result in disqualification.
4. During Wheelchair and Frame Running races an athlete coming from behind in an attempt
to overtake carries the responsibility of ensuring full clearance of the chair being overtaken
before cutting across. The athlete being overtaken has the responsibility not to obstruct or
impede the incoming athlete once the front wheel(s) of the athlete are in sight.
Rule 18: The Race 113

Figure 6 – Wheelchair overtaking
Lane Infringement
5. in all races, if the Referee is satisfied, on the report of a Judge or Umpire or otherwise, that
an athlete or the athlete’s guide-runner has infringed Rule, 18.2(c) or 18.2(d) they or in the
case of a relay race, their team shall be disqualified unless the athlete:
a) is pushed or forced by another person or object to step, run or wheel outside their lane or
on or inside the kerb or line marking the applicable border, or;
b) steps, runs or wheels outside their lane in the straight or outside the outer line of their
lane on the bend, or;
c) in all races run in lanes (or any part of races run in lanes), touches once the line on their
left, or the kerb or line marking the border of the inside of the track on a bend; provided
that:
In the case of Wheelchair Races, the wheel of the racing chair does not remain in contact
with the line for longer than the time that it takes the athlete to make two further pushes
on the push-rim of the racing chair from the point at which the wheel of the racing chair

first made contact with the line; and
In the case of Frame Running races, the wheel of the Frame Runner does not remain in
contact with the line for longer than the time that it takes the athlete to make two further
steps from the point at which the wheel of the Frame Runner first made contact with the
line.
d) in all races not run in lanes (or any part of races not run in lanes), steps/wheels once on
or completely over the kerb or line marking the applicable border (as defined in Rule
18.2(d)) on a bend;
and no other athlete being jostled or obstructed so as to impede the other athlete’s
progress (see Rule 18.1) and no material advantage is gained (see Rule 18.6).
In races with multiple rounds, any action defined in Rules 18.5(c) and 18.5(d) may be
made only once during all rounds of an event by a particular athlete without the
disqualification of that athlete. A second action will result in the disqualification of that
athlete whether it was made in the same round or in another round of the same event.
In the case of Relay Races, any second action (as described in this Rule 18.5(c) and
18.5(d) by an athlete who is a member of a team, regardless of whether made by the
same or different athletes, will result in the disqualification of the team whether it
happens in the same round or in another round of the same event.
For the ratification of records, see Rule 51.17(d).
6. If material advantage is gained by an athlete by improving their position by any means

including under the exceptions in Rule 18.5 or by removing themselves from a “boxed”
position in the race by having stepped/wheeled or run inside the inside edge of the track at
any point, the athlete (or team) shall be disqualified.
COMMENT: Rule 18.6 specifically outlaws the practice of an athlete seeking to improve their
position in races by moving onto the inside of the track (whether intentionally or after being
pushed or jostled there by another athlete) to get out of a boxed position by running on the
inside until clear. Whilst normally running on the inside of lane 1 in the straight (as distinct from
doing so on the bend) would not lead to mandatory disqualification, the Referee has the power
to disqualify in their discretion if this occurs and the athlete is advantaged even if the initial
reason for being there was the result of being pushed or jostled. In such cases the athlete

should take immediate steps to return to the track without seeking or gaining any advantage.
Where a race is started in lanes and then continues not using separate lanes, Rules 18.1 and
18.5 apply accordingly to each such part of the race. Therefore, only one infringement
according to Rules 18.5(c) and 18.5(d) is allowed. A second infringement in the same race will
result in disqualification. When determining whether the exception in Rule 18.5(c) applies in
cases where some part of the shoe/foot/prosthesis or wheel is also to the left of the line, there is
a requirement for at least some part of the outline of athlete’s shoe/foot/prosthesis or wheel to
be touching the line, i.e. some contact with the line (depicted by the outline of the relevant part
of the shoe/foot/ prosthesis or wheel) is required for this exception to apply. If this is not the
case, then the exception does not apply. All lane infringements should be tracked in the
competition data systems and shown in the start lists and results.
In relation to the exception in Rule 18.5(c) for Wheelchair Racers, it is understood that, whilst
there may only be a single contact, the duration of the contact of the wheel of the racing chair
with the line may be for a prolonged period that might afford the athlete a material advantage.
That being the case the athlete shall be permitted two pushes on the push rim of the racing
chair from the point at which the racing chair first touched the line to bring themselves back
within the lane (so as not to be touching the line) to the effect that, if the athlete makes a third
push on the push rim of the racing chair whilst the racing chair is in contact with the line, the
athlete shall be disqualified.
In relation to the exception in Rule 18.5(c) for Frame Running races, it is understood that, whilst
there may only be a single contact, the duration of the contact of the wheel of the Frame Runner
with the line may be for a prolonged period that might afford the athlete a material advantage.
That being the case the athlete shall be permitted two further steps from the point at which the
wheel of the Frame Runner first touched the line to bring themselves back within the lane (so as
not to be touching the line) to the effect that, if the athlete makes a third step whilst the wheel
of the Frame Runner is in contact with the line, the athlete shall be disqualified.
7. In the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)) the start
of the 800m event shall be run in lanes for as far as the nearer edge of the breakline where
athletes may leave their respective lanes.
The breakline shall be an arced line marked after the first bend, 50mm wide, across all
lanes other than lane 1. To assist ambulant athletes in identifying the breakline, small cones

or prisms, 50mmx50mm no more than 0.15m high, and preferably of different colour from
the breakline and the lane lines, shall be placed on the lane lines immediately before the
intersection of the lane lines and the breakline. If an athlete or their accompanying guide-
runner does not follow this Rule he, or in case of a relay team their team, shall be
disqualified.
Note (i): For Wheelchair and Frame Running races, cones should not be placed on the track.
Coloured flat markers 50mmx50mm may be placed immediately before the intersection of
the lane lines at the breakline.
COMMENT: In addition to the flags, some sort of flat marker may be placed on the track surface
at the intersection of the lane lines immediately before the breakline; which may be more visible
to athletes and not interfere with their performance. It is important that the colour of these flat
markers, usually tape, must be a different colour to both the surface of the track and the white
lines. It could be a coloured marker with a soft “flap” sticking up, as long as that will not disrupt
athletes.
Note (ii): For Wheelchair Races, a flag, 1.5m high must be positioned on both ends of the
breakline. One on the infield and the other on the outside of the track.
Note (iii): For Wheelchair Races, athletes may leave their respective lanes when the bottom
of both rear wheels which are touching the ground have gone past the nearer edge of the
breakline close to the start line.
Note (iv): In WPA Approved Competitions (see Part B - 3.1.2 (d)), countries may agree not to
use lanes.
8. For athletes in Sport Class T11and T12, in track events run entirely or partly in lanes, each
shall be allocated 2 lanes. The start lines in a staggered start will be lanes 1, 3, 5 or 7.
COMMENT: For the purpose of officiating, these two lanes should be viewed and marked as one
lane (lanes 1 & 2 = lane 1, lanes 3 & 4 = lane 3, and so on). It is at the discretion of the athlete
on which side of them their guide-runner shall run. Both the athlete and guide-runner must
keep within their allocated lane (being the two allocated lanes together) from start to finish.
Athletes in Sport Class T12 who do not compete with a guide-runner shall also be allocated two
lanes. They may set their starting blocks anywhere along the start line within the allocated lane
and must keep within their allocated lane from start to finish.

Leaving the Track
9. An athlete and/or the accompanying guide-runner who during the course of a race
voluntarily leaves the track prior to the finish, except in compliance with Rule 23.5(c) will
not be allowed to continue in the race and shall be recorded as not finishing the event.
Should the athlete and/or their guide-runner attempt to re-enter or continue in the race the
athlete shall be disqualified by the Referee.
Check-Marks
10. Except as stated in Rule 23.3, athletes may not make check-marks or place objects on or
alongside the running track for their assistance. The Judges shall direct the relevant athlete
to adapt or remove any marks or objects not complying with this Rule. If they do not, the
Judges shall remove them.
Note: Serious cases may further be dealt with under Rule 8.1 and Rule 8.3.
Wind Measurement
11. All wind gauge equipment shall have been manufactured and calibrated according to
international standards. The accuracy of the Measurement equipment used in the
competition shall have been verified by an appropriate organisation accredited by the
national measurement authority.
12. Non-mechanical wind gauges shall be used at all the Paralympic Games and WPA
Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)) and for any performance submitted for
ratification as a World/Regional Record.
A mechanical wind gauge should have appropriate protection to reduce the impact of any
crosswind. Where tubes are used, their length on either side of the measuring device should
be at least twice the diameter of the tube.
13. The Track Referee shall ensure that the wind gauge for Track Events is placed beside the
straight, adjacent to lane 1, and 50m from the finish line. It shall be positioned 1.22m high
and not more than 2m away from the track.
14. The wind gauge may be started and stopped automatically and/or remotely, and the

information conveyed directly to the competition computer.
15. The periods for which the wind velocity shall be measured are as follows:
In the 100m event – for 10 seconds immediately following the start.
In the 200m event – the wind velocity shall be measured for a period of 10 seconds
commencing when the leading athlete enters the straight.
16. The wind gauge shall be read in metres per second, rounded to the next higher tenth of a
meter per second, unless the second decimal is zero, in the positive direction (that is, a
reading of +2.03 meters per second shall be recorded as +2.1; a reading of -2.03 meters
per second shall be recorded as -2.0). Gauges that produce digital readings expressed in
tenths of meters per second shall be constructed so as to comply with this Rule.
Indication of Intermediate Times

17. Intermediate times and preliminary finishing times may be officially announced and/or
displayed. Otherwise, such times must not be communicated to the athletes by persons in
the competition area without the prior approval of the appropriate Referee who may
authorise or appoint no more than one person to call times at each of no more than two
agreed timing points.
Athletes who receive intermediate times that have been communicated in violation of this
Rule shall be considered to have received assistance and will be subject to the provisions of
Rule 7.2.
For Sport Class T12 in events of 800m and above, athletes who compete without a guide-
runner may have assistance from personnel other than from competition officials, who will
be permitted to call intermediate times from a designated area inside the competition area
adjacent to the start line of the respective event where appropriate. The placement of this
area shall be determined by the Technical Delegate.
Note (i): Individuals who are placed in this location inside the competition area are not
permitted to give any guidance to the athletes other than the reading of intermediate times.
In violation of this Rule, the athlete concerned shall be warned or disqualified subject to Rule
7.2.

Note (ii): The competition area, which normally also has a physical barrier, is defined for this
purpose as the area where the competition is being staged and which has an access
restricted to the competing athletes and to personnel authorised in accordance with the
relevant Rules and Regulations.
Drinking / Sponging and Refreshments

18. In Track Events of 5000m and 10000m, the LOC may provide water and sponges to athletes
if weather conditions warrant such provision.
a) An athlete and/or the athlete’s guide-runner may, at any time, carry water or
refreshment by hand or attached to their body provided it was carried from the start
or collected or received at an official station.
b) An athlete and/or guide-runner who receives or collects refreshment or water from a

place other than the official stations, except where provided for medical reasons
from or under the direction of race officials, or takes the refreshment of another
athlete and/or guide-runner, should, for a first such offence, be warned by the
Referee normally by showing a yellow card. For a second offence, the Referee shall
disqualify the athlete, normally by showing a red card. The athlete shall then
immediately leave the track.
Note: An athlete and/or guide-runner may receive from or pass to another athlete and/or
guide-runner refreshment, water or sponges provided it was carried from the start or
collected or received at an official station. However, any continuous support from an athlete
and/or guide-runner to one or more others in such a way may be regarded as unfair
assistance and warnings and/or disqualifications as outlined above may be applied.

Rule 19: The Finish
1. The position of the finish of a race shall be denoted by a white line 50mm wide.
2. The ambulant athletes shall be placed in the order in which any part of their torso (not the
head, neck, arms, legs, hands or feet) reaches the vertical plane of the nearer edge of the
finish line.
3. In Wheelchair and Frame Running races the athletes shall be placed in the order in which
the
centre of the axle of the leading wheel reaches the vertical plane of the nearer edge of the finish
line as defined above.
4. In races for athletes in Sports Class T11 and T12 competing with a guide-runner the athlete
must reach the nearer edge of the finish line in front of the guide-runner or the athlete will be
disqualified. When photo finish is in use, the Chief Photo Finish Judge shall make this
determination and apply any disqualification. In any other case, or where a Photo Finish
image is not available, the Track Referee shall decide.
5. Event Time Limits (Sport Classes T32-34 and T51-54)
In Wheelchair Races of 1500m or longer, officials may conclude the event and clear the
track after an agreed time limit has expired. Any athlete who has not completed the set
distance when an event is concluded shall be shown in the official results as “DNF” (i.e.,
Did Not Finish). The referee has the authority to remove any athlete who has been
overlapped.
Rule 19: The Finish 121

Rule 20: Timing and Photo Finish
1. Three alternative methods of timekeeping shall be recognised as official:

a) Hand Timing;
b) Fully Automatic Timing obtained from a Photo Finish System;
c) For road races only - timing provided by a Transponder System.
2. Save for Wheelchair and Frame Running races, under Rule 20.1 (a) and Rule 20.1 (b) the
time shall be taken to the moment at which any part of the body of an athlete (i.e., torso as
distinguished from the head, neck, arms, legs, hands or feet) reaches the vertical plane of
the nearer edge of the finish line.
3. In Wheelchair and Frame Running races the time shall be taken to the moment in which the
centre of the axle of the leading wheel reaches the vertical plane of the nearer edge of the
finish line as defined above.
4. Times for all finishers shall be recorded. In addition, whenever possible, lap times in races of
800m and over shall be recorded.
Hand Timing
5. The Timekeepers shall be in line with the finish and where possible, they should be placed at
least 5m from the outside lane of the track. In order that they may all have a good view of the
finish line, an elevated stand should be provided.
6. Timekeepers shall use manually operated electronic timers with digital readouts. All such
timing devices are termed “watches” for the purpose of the Rules.
7. The lap and intermediate times shall be recorded either, by designated members of the
timekeeping team using watches capable of taking more than one time, or by additional
Timekeepers, or by transponders.
8. The time shall be taken from the flash / smoke of the gun.
9. Three official Timekeepers (one of whom shall be the Chief Timekeeper) and one or two
additional Timekeepers shall time the winner of every event and any performances for
record purposes.
122 Rule 20: Timing and Photo Finish

The times recorded by the additional Timekeepers’ watches shall not be considered unless
one or more of the official Timekeepers’ watches fail to record the time correctly, in which
case the additional Timekeepers shall be called upon, in such order as has been decided
previously, so that in all the races, three watches should have recorded the official winning
time.
10. Each Timekeeper shall act independently and without showing their watch to, or discussing
their time with, any other person, shall enter their time on the official form and, after signing
it, hand it to the Chief Timekeeper who may examine the watches to verify the reported
times.
11. For all hand-timed races, times shall be read and recorded as follows:
a) For races on the track, unless the time is an exact 1/10th of a second, the time shall be
read and recorded to the next longer 1/10th of a second, e.g. 10.11 shall be recorded as
10.2;
b) For races partly or entirely outside the stadium, unless the time is an exact whole second,
the time shall be converted and recorded to the next longer whole second, e.g., for the
Marathon 2:39:44.3 shall be recorded as 2:39:45.
12. If, after converting as indicated above, two of the three watches agree and the third
disagrees, the time recorded by the two shall be the official time. If all three watches
disagree, the middle time shall be official. If only times from two watches are available and
they disagree, the longer time shall be official.
13. The Chief Timekeeper, acting in accordance with the Rules mentioned above, shall decide
the official time for each athlete and provide the results to the Competition Secretary for
distribution.
Fully Automatic Timing and Photo Finish System

The System
14. A Fully Automatic Timing and Photo Finish System must have been tested and have a
certificate of accuracy within 4 years of the competition, including the following:
a) The System must record the finish through a camera positioned in the extension of the
finish line producing a composite image.
Rule 20: Timing and Photo Finish 123

i) For competitions as defined in Part B - 3.1.2, this composite image must be
composed of at least 1000 images per second.
ii) For other competitions, this composite image must be composed of at least 100
images per second.
In each case, the image must be synchronised with a uniformly marked time scale
graduated in 0.01 seconds.
b) The System shall be started automatically by the Starter's signal, so that the overall delay
between the report from the muzzle, or its equivalent visual indication and the start of
the timing system is constant and equal to, or less than 0.001 seconds.
15. In order to confirm that the camera is correctly aligned and to facilitate the reading of the
Photo Finish image, the intersection of the lane lines and the finish line shall be coloured
black in a suitable design. Any such design must be solely confined to the intersection, for
no more than 20mm beyond, and not extended before, the nearer edge of the finish line.
Similar black marks may also be placed on each side of the intersection of an appropriate
lane and the finish line to further facilitate reading.
COMMENT: If we want to define a minimum in order to achieve the accuracy required in Rule
20.24, a composite of at least 100 component images per second is required. To achieve the
accuracy demanded in Rule 22.2 for determining fastest losers by reference to times read to
0.001 second where times achieved by athletes are identical to 0.01 second then a composite
of at least 1000 component images per second would be required. Most photo finish systems
can operate at 1000 images per second or greater.
16. The placing of the athletes shall be identified from the image by means of a cursor with its
reading line guaranteed to be perpendicular to the time scale.
17. The System must automatically determine and record the finish times of the athletes and
must be able to produce a printed image which shows the time of any athlete. Additionally,
the system shall provide a tabular overview which shows the time of every athlete.
Subsequent changes of automatically determined values and manual input of values (such
as start time, finish time), shall be indicated by the system automatically in the time scale of
the printed image and the tabular overview.
18. A System which operates automatically at the finish, but not at the start, shall be
considered to produce Times provided that the system was started in accordance with Rule

20.8 or with equivalent accuracy. The image may be used as a valid support in order to
determine placings and adjust time intervals between athletes.
Note: If the timing mechanism is not started by the Starter's signal, the time-scale on the
image shall indicate this fact automatically.
19. A system which operates automatically at the start but not at the finish, shall be considered
to produce neither Hand nor Fully Automatic Times and shall not therefore be used to obtain
official times.
Operation of the System

20. The Chief Photo Finish Judge shall be responsible for the functioning of the System. Before
the start of the competition, they will meet the technical staff involved and familiarise
themselves with the equipment, checking all applicable settings. In cooperation with the
Start Referee (or if one is not appointed, the relevant Track Referee) and the Starter, they
shall initiate a zero control test, before the beginning of each session, to ensure that the
equipment is started automatically by the Starter’s signal within the limit of 0.001 second.
They shall supervise the testing of the equipment and ensure that the camera(s) is correctly
aligned.
21. There should be at least two photo finish cameras in action, one from each side. Preferably,
these timing systems should be technically independent, i.e., with different power supplies
and recording and relaying the report of the Starter’s signal, by separate equipment and
cables.
Note: Where two or more Photo Finish cameras are used, one should be designated as official
by the Technical Delegate (or International Photo Finish Judge where appointed) before the
start of the competition. The times and places from the images of the other camera(s) should
not be considered unless there is reason to doubt the accuracy of the official camera or if
there is need to use the supplementary images to resolve uncertainties in the finishing order
(i.e., athletes wholly or partially obscured on the image from the official camera).
22. In conjunction with their Assistants, the Chief Photo Finish Judge shall determine the
placing of the athletes and, as a consequence, their official times. They shall ensure that
these results are correctly entered in or transferred to the competition results system and
conveyed to the Competition Secretary. They shall also make any necessary determination
Rule 20: Timing and Photo Finish 125

and disqualification under Rule 19.4.
COMMENT: At major events where the technology is available, the photo finish image is often
immediately provided on the video board or published on the internet. It has become the
practice to provide athletes, or persons on their behalf, who are considering making a protest or
appeal the opportunity to see the photo, in order to avoid time being spent on any unnecessary
protests or appeals.
23. Times from Photo Finish System shall be regarded as official unless for any reason the
appropriate official decides that they obviously must be inaccurate. If such is the case, the
times of the back-up Timekeepers, if possible adjusted based on information on time
intervals obtained from the Photo Finish image, shall be official. At the discretion of the TD,
such back-up Timekeepers may be appointed where any possibility exists of failure of the
timing system.
24. Times shall be read and recorded from the Photo Finish image as follow:
a) For all track races up to and including 10,000m, unless the time is an exact 0.01 second
the time shall be converted and recorded to the next longer 0.01 second, e.g. 26:17.533
shall be recorded as 26:17.54.
b) For all races held partly or entirely outside the stadium, all times not ending in three
zeroes shall be converted and recorded to the next longer whole second, e.g., for the
Marathon, 2:09:44.322 shall be recorded as 2:09:45.
Note: Events held according to Rule 11.2 shall be considered to be conducted inside the
stadium for timing and recording of performance.
Transponder System
25. The use of Transponder Timing Systems complying with the World Athletics Rules for Road
Race Events is permitted provided that:
a) None of the equipment used at the start, along the course or at the finish line constitutes
a material obstacle or barrier to the progress of an athlete;
b) The weight of the transponder and its housing carried or worn by the athletes is not
significant;

c) The System is started by the Starter’s gun or synchronized with the start signal;
d) The System requires no action by an athlete during the competition, at the finish or at
any stage in the result processing;
e) For all races, the time shall be converted to 0.1 second and recorded to the whole
second. All read times not ending in zero shall be converted and recorded to the next
longer whole second, e.g., for the Marathon, 2:39:44.3 shall be recorded as 2:39:45;
Note: The official time shall be the time elapsed between the firing of the starting gun (or
the synchronised start signal) and the athlete reaching the finish line. However, the time
elapsed between an athlete crossing the start line and the finish line can be made known
to them, but will not be considered an official time.
f) It is recommended that judges and/or video recording(s) also be provided to assist in

determining the finishing order and the identification of athletes.
26. The Chief Transponder Timing Judge shall be responsible for the functioning of the System.
Before the start of the competition, they will meet the technical staff involved and familiarise
themselves with the equipment, checking all applicable settings. They shall supervise the
testing of the equipment and ensure that the passing of the transponder over the finish line
will record the athlete’s finish time. In conjunction with the referee, they shall ensure that
provision is made for the application, when necessary, of Rule 20.25 (f).
COMMENT: Transponder timing is acceptable for World Record performances in races outside
of the stadium.
Rule 21: Seedings, Draws and Qualification in Track Events

Rounds and Heats
1. Qualification Rounds shall be held in Track Events in which the number of athletes is too
large to allow the competition to be conducted satisfactorily in a single round (final). Where
Qualification Rounds are held, all athletes must compete in, and qualify through, all such
rounds except that the relevant governing body, may, for one or more events, authorise the
conduct of additional Qualification Round(s) either at the same competition or at one or
more earlier competition(s) to determine some or all of the athletes who shall be entitled to
Rule 21: Seedings, Draws and Qualification in Track Events 127

participate and in which round of the competition. Such procedure and any other means
(such as e.g. achieving entry standards during a specified period, by specified placing in a
designated competition or by specified rankings) by which an athlete is entitled to
participate, and in which round of the competition, shall be set out in the regulations for
each competition.
COMMENT: This Rule was adopted by WPA in March 2016 following World Athletics
amendments so that the Championship competitions can, through the specific regulations for
each competition, begin at a point earlier than the competition and that this can be achieved in
different ways.
2. The Qualification Rounds shall be arranged by the appointed Technical Delegates. If no

Technical Delegates have been appointed, they shall be arranged by the LOC.
The following tables shall, in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, be used to

determine the number of rounds, and the number of heats in each round, to be held and the
qualification procedure, i.e., those to advance by place (P) and time (T), for each round of
Track Events:
Note: The applicable regulations may specify, following consultation with the Technical
Delegate(s) where appointed, how vacant positions due to withdrawals in semi-finals and
finals may be filled by the next ranked athlete(s) following the previous round after those
qualified.
a) Whenever possible, athletes of each nation or team and the best-performed athletes
shall be placed in different heats in all Qualification Rounds of the competition. In
applying this Rule after the first round, the required exchanges of athletes between heats
should, to the extent possible, be made between athletes seeded in the same “group of
lanes” according to Rule 21.4 (b).
b) When heats are being arranged, it is recommended that as much information as possible
about the performances of all athletes should be considered and the heats drawn so
that, normally, the best performers reach the final.
COMMENT: The Qualification Rounds should determine in the best possible way the athletes
who will take part in the next round and eventually the final. This includes avoiding where
possible the clashing of the best performed athletes (determined generally on performance in
the qualification period but also taking into account such matters as outstanding recent career
128 Rule 21: Seedings, Draws and Qualification in Track Events

records) in the same heats as also applies to athletes from the same nation or team. For major
competitions, at least, the basis of the seeding should be the best times achieved by each
athlete in valid conditions (including with wind readings for the relevant events) during the pre-
determined period. This period will usually be specified in the Technical Regulations or in the
document setting out the entry conditions and standards for the competition. Where there is no
such specification, then the Technical Delegate(s) or the LOC should decide the basis on which
the seeding will be determined. Such factors as performances achieved during training or tests,
even if they appeared to look like competition or notions about what an athlete might “be
worth” but has never achieved, should not be taken into account in seeding. The requirements
of the Rule in relation to the “best performed athletes” does require some deviation from the
strict protocol outlined above. For example, an athlete who might normally be seeded in a high
position might not have any, or only a poor, valid performance in the predetermined period
(through injury, illness, ineligibility or in the case of indoor meetings only have outdoor results).
Whilst they would normally be placed lower or at the bottom of the seeding list, adjustment
should be considered by the Technical Delegate(s). Similar principles should be applied to avoid
a clash in a Qualification Round between athletes considered to be the favourites to place highly
in the event if the results of the previous round would strictly dictate that they should be in the
same heat. At this same time any adjustments to ensure as much as possible that athletes from
the same nation or team are in different heats should also be made. In all such cases
adjustments of the seeding should be made after the initial allocation to the heats but before
any draw is made for the lanes. In applying these principles exchanges of athletes should be
made:
a) In the first round, between athletes with a similar ranking on the list of best valid
performances during the pre-determined period; and
b) In subsequent rounds, between athletes seeded in the same “group of lanes” according
to Rule 21.4 (b).
Following these principles is more important in competitions in which the number of rounds has
been reduced in some events - making accurate and well considered seeding vital to achieving
both a fair and an athletically appealing outcome.
For lower level competitions, the Technical Delegate(s) or the LOC may consider the use of
different principles to achieve a similar final outcome.

100m, 200m, 400m,
Declared First Round Second Round Semi-Finals
Entries Heats Place Time Heats Place Time Heats Place Time
9-16 2 3 2
17-24 3 2 2
25-32 4 3 4 2 3 2
33-40 5 4 4 3 2 2
41-48 6 3 6 3 2 2
49-56 7 3 3 3 2 2
57-64 8 3 8 4 3 4 2 4
65-72 9 3 5 4 3 4 2 4
73-80 10 3 2 4 3 4 2 4
81-88 11 3 7 5 3 1 2 4
89-96 12 3 4 5 3 1 2 4
97-104 13 3 9 6 3 6 3 2 2
105-112 14 3 6 6 3 6 3 2 2

800m, 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m
9-16 2 3 2
17-24 3 2 2
25-32 4 3 4 2 3 2
33-40 5 4 4 3 2 2
41-48 6 3 6 3 2 2
49-56 7 3 3 3 2 2
57-64 8 2 8 3 2 2
65-72 9 3 5 4 3 4 2 4
73-80 10 3 2 4 3 4 2 4
81-88 11 3 7 5 3 1 2 4
89-96 12 3 4 5 3 1 2 4
97-104 13 3 9 6 3 6 3 2 2
105-112 14 3 6 6 3 6 3 2 2
1500m
16-30 2 4 4
31-45 3 6 6 2 5 2
46-60 4 5 4 2 5 2
61-75 5 4 4 2 5 2

5000m
20-40 2 5 5
41-60 3 8 6 2 6 3
61-80 4 6 6 2 6 3
81-100 5 5 5 2 6 3
10,000m
Declared First Round
Entries Heats Place Time
28-54 2 8 4
55-81 3 5 5
82-108 4 4 4

The following alternative tables shall be used for the specific class or class combination as
denoted in the respective table. For class combination not entirely covered by the below tables,
the above regular tables shall normally be applied, otherwise an appropriate table shall be
determined by the Technical Delegate.
100m, 200m, 400m, 800m (T11-12)

5-8 2 1 2
9-12 3 1 1
13-16 4 1 4 2 1 2
17-20 5 1 7 3 1 1
21-24 6 1 6 3 1 1
25-28 7 1 5 3 1 1
29-32 8 1 8 4 1 4 2 1 2
1500m (T11-12)
7-12 2 2 2
13-18 3 1 3
5000m, 10000m (T11-12)

11-20 2 3 4
21-30 3 2 4

1500m, 5000m (T32-34 and T51-54)
11-20 2 3 4
21-30 3 3 1
31-40 4 4 4 2 3 4
10000m (T32-34 and T51-54)

13-24 2 4 4
25-36 3 3 3
37-48 4 3 0
4x100m, 4x100m Universal Relay, 4x400m (T11-13, T33-34, T51-52 and T53-54)
5-8 2 0 4
9-12 3 0 4
13-16 4 0 8 2 0 4
Note: For World Championships and Paralympic Games, alternate tables may be included in the
relevant Technical Regulations.
COMMENT: The most complex event for seeding progressions is the 800m as it crosses both
the laned events and non-lane events where seed performances are needed. This is critical for
lane assignments as the progressions are based generally on finish place and time in the
previous race and athletes are ranked according to seed times or performance in previous race,
which are better than seed times are used (as noted in Rule 21.3 (b) below).

Ranking and Composition of Heats
3. For the first round, the athletes shall be placed in heats using the zigzag distribution with the
seeding determined from the relevant list of valid performances achieved during the
predetermined period.
a) After the first round, the athletes shall be placed in the heats of subsequent rounds in
accordance with the following procedures:
For events of 100m to 400m inclusive, and relays up to and including 4x400m, seeding
shall be based upon placings and times of each previous round. For this purpose,
athletes shall be ranked as follows:
i) Fastest heat winner
ii) 2nd fastest heat winner
iii) 3rd fastest heat winner, etc.
iv) Fastest 2nd place
v) 2nd fastest 2nd place
vi) 3rd fastest 2nd place, etc
(Concluding with)
vii) Fastest time qualifier
viii) 2nd fastest time qualifier
ix) 3rd fastest time qualifier, etc.
b) For other events, the original performance lists shall continue to be used for seeding,
modified only by improvements in performances achieved during the earlier round(s).
c) The athletes shall then be placed in heats in the order of seeding in a zigzag distribution,
e.g., three heats will consist of the following seedings:
A 1 6 7 12 13 18 19 24
B 2 5 8 11 14 17 20 23
C 3 4 9 10 15 16 21 22
d) In all cases, the order in which heats are to be run shall be determined by draw after the
composition of the heats has been decided.
COMMENT: For the first round in order to reduce the number of heats required, it is acceptable
and normal for additional available lanes (for example a ninth lane on a straight or oval track) to
be used in races up to and including 400m and to have more than one athlete in a lane at the
start of an 800m race.

The random draw to determine the order in which the heats are conducted is based on fairness.
In middle and long-distance races, the athletes running in the last heat will know as far as
qualifying by times the performance they have to realise in order to qualify. Even with the
shorter races there is a fairness aspect as weather conditions can change (rain suddenly falling
or an alteration in wind strength or direction). Fairness dictates that order be determined by
chance.
Draw for Lanes

4. For events 100m to 800m inclusive, and relays up to and including 4x400m, where there are
several successive rounds of a race, lanes will be drawn as follows:
a) In the first round and any additional Qualification Round as per Rule 21.1, the lane order
shall be drawn by lot;
b) For the following rounds, athletes shall be ranked after each round in accordance with
the procedure shown above.
For an eight-lane track ,three draws will then be made. When there are fewer or more
than eight lanes, the principles in the following system with the necessary modifications
should be used:
Lane Allocations Table

LANE DRAW
1st DRAW 2nd DRAW 3rd DRAW
(based on ranking procedure)
100m 3, 4, 5 & 6 2&7 1&8
200m 5, 6 & 7 3, 4 & 8 1&2
400m & Relays (up to / including

4, 5, 6 & 7 3&8 1&2
4 x 400m) and 800m
VI LANE DRAW
1st DRAW 2nd DRAW 3rd DRAW
(based on ranking procedure)
ALL RACES 3/4 & 5/6 7/8 1/2

Note (i): In Sanctioned and Approved Competitions the 800m event may be run with
one or two athletes in each lane, or with group start behind an arced line. This should
normally be applied only in the first round, unless because of ties or advancement by
the Referee, there are more athletes in a race of a subsequent round than were
anticipated.
Note (ii): In any 800m race, including a final, where for any reason there are more
athletes competing than lanes available, the Technical Delegate shall determine in
which lanes more than one athlete will be drawn.
Note (iii): when there are more lanes than athletes, the inside lane(s) should always
remain free.
COMMENT: With regard to Note (ii), there is no exact specification as to how the Technical
Delegates should act as the situations which may give rise to it may vary greatly. However, this
issue only affects the running of the first bend of the race and is not as important as the
allocation of lanes in a shorter race. Technical Delegate(s) are advised to place the additional
athlete(s) in the lane(s) where the “double-up” will cause least inconvenience - usually the outer
lanes so that the athletes are not running around a tighter bend together.
As to Note (iii), where a stadium has more than eight lanes available, the Technical Delegate(s)
(or if none the LOC) should decide in advance which lanes are to be used for this purpose. For
example, in the case of a nine-lane oval track, lane one would not be used in cases where less
than nine athletes are taking part in a race. Consequently, for the purposes of Rule 21.4, lane 2
is regarded as lane 1 and so on. The allocation of lanes for T11-12 track races when a 9- lane
track is being used is as follow: lanes 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 are allocated to athletes and guide-
runners with the outside lane (9) remaining free.
Single Rounds
5. For any track events where only a single round (final) is required, lanes/starting positions
shall be drawn by lot, except at the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships under Part
B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b), for Track Events running entirely in lanes i.e., 100m, 200m, 400m,
4x100m lanes shall be drawn according to the ranking determined from the relevant list of
valid performance achieved during that predetermined period and Rule 21.4 b) (i) (ii) (iii).
COMMENT: The intent of this rule is to ensure that where there may not be sufficient athletes at

a competition to justify heats and finals, that the better athletes are not disadvantaged by
random lane draws. Therefore, at the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships seed
times/performances achieved during a predetermined time period as specified in the technical
regulations for the competition will be used to determine lane draws.
6. Where it is decided to conduct a series of races in an event rather than rounds and finals,
the Regulations for the competition shall set out all relevant considerations including
seedings and draws and the method by which the final results will be determined.
7. An athlete shall not be allowed to compete in a heat or lane other than the one in which their
name appears, except in circumstances which, in the opinion of the Referee, justify an
alteration.
Progression
8. In all Qualification Rounds, unless otherwise provided by alternate tables permitted under
Rule 21.2, at least the first and second places in each heat shall qualify for the next round
and it is recommended that, where possible, at least three in each heat should qualify.
Except where Rule 22 applies, any other athletes may qualify by place or by time according
to Rule 21.2 the particular Technical Regulations, or as determined by the Technical
Delegate(s). When athletes are qualified according to their times, only one system of timing
may be applied.
Note: If the Technical Delegate decides different tables are to apply, it is recommended in
races longer than 800 metres where rounds are conducted, that only a small number of
athletes qualify by time.
COMMENT: Where tables are prescribed in the regulations for a competition it is usual that the
principle set out in Rule 21.8 will have been incorporated. Where not, the Technical Delegates
or LOC should follow same principle when establishing the progression table to be used. There
will however be occasions when Rule 22 may cause a variation to be applied, particularly where
there is a tie for the last qualifying position based on place. In such cases, it may be necessary
for one less athlete to progress on time. In circumstances where there are sufficient additional
lanes available, or in the case of the 800m (where a lane at the start may be used for more than
one athlete) or a non-laned race, the Technical Delegate(s) may decide to progress an
additional athlete(s).Because of the provision within Rule 21.8 that for time qualification only

one system of timing may be applied it is important for back-up timing systems to be available
for qualification rounds in case the primary system (usually photo finish) fails. In the event that
only times from different timing systems are available for two or more heats, the Technical
Delegates in conjunction with the Track Referee should determine, within the circumstances of
the particular competition, the fairest method for determining those athletes who should
proceed to the next round. Where additional lanes are available, it is recommended that this
option be considered first.
One Day Meetings

9. In WPA Approved Competitions under Part B - 3.1.2 (d), athletes may be seeded, ranked
and/or allocated to lanes in accordance with the applicable regulations for the competition
or any other method determined by the LOC but preferably notified to the athletes and their
representatives in advance.
COMMENT: In one day meetings, if there is only a “final” round but with more than one race,
the races should be arranged according to any applicable regulations for the meeting or the
series of meetings of which it is a part. If there are none then it is usual for allocation of athletes
to the various “races” to be undertaken by the LOC or if requested by the appointed Technical
Delegate(s).
Similar considerations apply to how the final ranking of the athletes in such events will be made.
In some meetings the “race(s)” other than the main race are regarded as separate races and
are not considered for the overall ranking but in others the results of more than one race are
“combined” to give the overall ranking. It is highly advisable to ensure that whichever is to apply
for the competition is also notified to the participants in advance as it may affect prizes and
other considerations.
Minimum Times between Rounds

10. The following minimum times must be allowed, when practicable, between the last heat of
any round and the first heat of a subsequent round or final:
Up to and including 200m 45 minutes

Over 200m up to and including 1000m 90 minutes
Over 1000m Not on the same day

Rule 22: Ties
1. If the Judges or the Photo Finish Judges are unable to separate the athletes for any place
according to Rules 19.2, Rule 19.3, and 20.18, 20.22 or 20.25 (as may be applicable), it
shall be determined to be a tie and the tie shall remain.
Tie for ranking position (according to Rule 21.3 (a)

2. If there is a tie for any ranking position under Rule 21.3 (a), the Chief Photo Finish Judge
shall consider the actual times recorded by the athletes to .001 second and if it is equal, it
shall be determined to be a tie and lots shall be drawn to determine the higher ranking
position.
Tie for last qualifying position based on place

3. If after the application of Rule 22.1, there is a tie for a last qualifying position based on
place, if there are lanes or positions available (including lane sharing in 800m races) the
tying athletes shall be placed in the next round. If that is not practicable lots shall be drawn
to determine which athlete(s) shall be placed in the next round.
4. Where qualifying for the next round is based on place and time (e.g., the first three in each of
two heats plus the next two fastest), and there is a tie for the last qualifying position based
on place, placing the tied athletes in the next round shall reduce the number of athletes
qualifying based on time.
Tie for last qualifying position based on time

5. If there is a tie for a last qualifying position based on time, the Chief Photo Finish Judge shall
consider the actual times recorded by the athletes to .001 second and if it is equal, it shall
be determined to be a tie. If there are lanes or positions available (including lane sharing in
800m races) the tying athletes shall be placed in the next round. If that is not practicable
lots shall be drawn to determine which athlete(s) shall be placed in the next round.
140 Rule 22: Ties

Rule 23: Relay Races
1. Lines 50mm wide shall be drawn across the track to mark the distances of the legs and to
denote the scratch line.
2. In ambulant relay races of 4x100m, 4x200m relays and for the first and second take-overs in
the 4x100m universal relays, each take-over zone shall be 30m long, of which the scratch
line is 20m from the beginning t of the zone. For wheelchair relay races of 4x100m and
4x400m and for the third take-over in the 4x100m universal relay, the take-over zone shall
be 40m long of which the scratch line is 30m from the beginning of the zone. The zones shall
start and finish at the edges of the zone lines nearest the start line in the running direction.
For each takeover conducted in lanes, a designated official shall ensure that the athletes are
correctly placed in their takeover zone. The designated officials shall also ensure that Rule
23.3 is observed.
COMMENT: The Umpires must ensure that each athlete from each team takes their position in
the correct lanes or position. The Starter’s Assistants will be responsible for the positioning of
the first runners and for ensuring that each is supplied with a baton when required. They may
also be assigned to assist at any takeover zones which subsequently occur at the start line.
Chief Umpires for each takeover zone and the umpires placed at their disposal will be
responsible for the positioning of the subsequent runners. When all athletes are correctly
positioned, the zone Chief Umpire should advise the relevant other officials by the agreed
means of communication – which for major competitions would usually be by radio.
They must also ensure that for all takeovers the outgoing runners’ feet, prosthetic device(s) and
both rear wheels are completely inside the zone before they commence their movement which
eventuates in either the taking of the baton or the touch. This movement may not commence at
any point outside the zone.
3. When all or the first portion of a relay race is being run in lanes, an athlete or guide-runner
may place one check-mark on the track within their own lane, by using adhesive tape,
maximum 5cmx40cm, of a distinctive colour which cannot be confused with other
permanent markings. No other check-mark may be used. The Judges shall direct the
relevant athlete(s) to adapt or remove any marks not complying with this Rule. If they do not,
the Judges shall remove them.
Rule 23: Relay Races 141

Note (i): Serious cases may further be dealt with under Rule 8.1 and Rule 8.3.
Note (ii): For the 4x100m universal relay, the Technical Delegate(s) may, upon request,
permit an assistant at each take-over zone, to help the athlete with the placement of a
distinctive check-mark on the track within their own lane.
4. The relay baton shall be a smooth hollow tube, circular in section, made of wood, metal or
any other rigid material in one piece, the length of which shall be 28cm to 30cm. The
outside diameter shall be 40mm (±2mm) and it shall not weigh less than 50g. It should be
coloured so as to be easily visible during the race.
Note: For wheelchair relays in the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships(see Part B –
3.1.2 (a) and (b)), the LOC shall provide helmet socks to each team of a distinctive colour so
as to be easily identified during the race.
COMMENT: For the Wheelchair relay races helmet socks shall be required to be worn by
athletes in addition to or in place of helmet numbers. Where this is required, the LOC shall
ensure that helmet socks are available. The Call Room Judges are responsible for ensuring that
the helmet socks are checked in the Call Room.
5.
a) A baton shall be used for all Relay Races held in the Stadium and shall be carried by
hand throughout the race except as stated in Rule 23.6 for wheelchair relays, amputee
relays and 4x100m universal relays. At least in the Paralympic Games and WPA
Championships(see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)), each baton shall be numbered and of a
different colour and may include a timing transponder.
Note: If possible, the allocation of the colour to each lane or starting order position should
be shown on the start list.
b) Athletes and guide-runners are not permitted to wear gloves or to place material (other
than those permitted by Rule 7.4(c) or substances on their hands in order to obtain a
better grip of the baton.
c) If dropped, the baton shall be recovered by the athlete or guide-runner who dropped it.
They may leave their lane to retrieve it provided that, by doing so, they do not lessen the
distance to be covered. In addition, where the baton is dropped in such a way that it
moves sideways or forward in the direction of running (including beyond the finish line),
142 Rule 23: Relay Races

the athlete or guide-runner who dropped it, after retrieving it, must return at least to the
point where it was last in their hand before continuing in the race. Provided this
procedure is adopted and no other athlete or guide-runner is impeded, dropping the
baton shall not result in disqualification.
If an athlete or guide-runner does not follow this Rule, their team shall be disqualified.
6. The baton shall be passed within the take-over zone. The passing of the baton commences
when it is first touched by the receiving athlete or guide-runner and is completed the
moment it is in the hand of only the receiving athlete or guide-runner. In relation to the take-
over zone, it is only the position of the baton that is decisive, and not the position of the
bodies of the athletes. Passing of the baton outside the take-over zone shall result in
disqualification. Rule 18.5(b) shall apply when relevant.
COMMENT: The application of Rule 18.5(b) may be necessary when an athlete, during the
takeover, steps outside the allocated lane inside the takeover zone without material advantage
gained and other athletes obstructed. In determining the position of the baton, it is the whole
baton which must be considered. Umpires must be diligent to ensure that they observe any
contact by the outgoing runner with the baton prior to the baton entering the takeover zone,
particularly in 4x400m ambulant relays. If the outgoing runner even touches the baton prior to
the baton being inside the zone, the team will be subject to disqualification. They must also
ensure that the baton is only in the hand of the receiving athlete before it “leaves” the takeover
zone.
For wheelchair relays (T33-34, T51-52 and T53-54), ambulant relays (T42-47, T61-64) and
the 4x100m universal relay the Take-over shall be by a touch on any part of the body of
either the incoming or outgoing athlete. The first touch must be within the Take-over Zone.
Pushing the outgoing athlete to gain advantage during Take-over shall result in
disqualification.
Note: For the 4x100m universal relay, the helmet worn by the wheelchair athlete is
considered as a part of the body.
7. Athletes and guide-runners before and/or after the completion of the Take-over, should keep
in their lanes or zones or maintain position until the course is clear to avoid obstruction to
other athletes and guide-runners. Rule 18.2 and Rule 18.5 shall not apply to those athletes
and guide-runners. If an athlete or guide-runner impedes a member of another team by
running out of position or lane at the finish of their leg, Rule 18.1 shall be applied.

8. Baton Exchange for T11-13 Relays:
a) Either the athlete or the guide-runner can carry the baton;
b) The baton exchange may take place between either guide-runners or athletes without
restriction, except that the conditions of the method of guidance must be met;
c) A fair exchange is established when the baton carrier passes the baton to the baton
receiver within the take-over zone;
d) Once the outgoing athletes and/or guide-runner leaves the take-over zone they can re-
enter the take-over zone to receive the baton (i.e., if they go too early);
e) One (1) assistant per take-over zone will be allowed on the track to help with the
positioning of any T12 athlete competing without a guide-runner. The assistant must
leave the competition area prior to the start of the event and must remain in a position
designated by the technical officials which does not interfere with the conduct of the
race. In violation of this rule, the athlete shall be warned or disqualified subject to Rule
7.2.
9. If during the race an athlete takes or picks up the baton of another team, their team shall be
disqualified. The other team should not be penalised unless an advantage is obtained.
10. Each member of a relay team may run one leg only. Any four athletes and with their
accompanying guide-runner(s) from among those entered for the competition, may be used
in the composition of the relay team for any round. However, once a relay team has started
in a competition, up to a total of four additional athletes who have been entered in the same
race and their corresponding guide-runners may be used as substitutes in the composition
of the team. If a team does not follow this Rule, it shall be disqualified.
Note: The substitution of guide-runners shall not count towards the overall substitution of
athletes.
11. The composition of a team and the order of running for a relay shall be officially declared no
later than one hour before the published first call time (the time by which the athletes must
be present in the Call Room) for the first heat of each round of the competition. Further
alterations must be verified by a medical officer appointed by the LOC and may be made
only until the final call time (the time at which the athletes are listed to depart the Call
Room) for the particular heat in which the team is competing. The team shall compete as

named and in the declared order. If a team does not follow this Rule, it shall be disqualified.
At WPA Recognised Competitions (see Part B - 3.1.2) relays can be contested in accord with
clusters of Sports Classes and associated team composition requirements stipulated in the
Table below.
Sports Class/es Relay Team Composition Requirements
T11-13 Must include a minimum of one (1) Sports Class T11 athlete and
can only include a maximum of one (1) Sports Class T13 athlete.
T33-34 Must include at least one (1) Sports Class T33 athlete
T35-38 Can only include a maximum of two (2) Sports Class T38
athletes
T42-47, T61-64 Can only include a maximum of two (2) Sports Class T46/47
athletes
Team composition, running order and eligible Sport Classes for the 4x100m universal relay
are stipulated as follows:
 The team must include two (2) male and two (2) female eligible athletes.
 A maximum of two (2) athletes must be selected from the following Sports Classes: T13,
T46/47, T38, T54.
 The remaining two (2) athletes must be selected from any of the other Sport Classes
outlined in the table below.
 The running order must be in accordance with the below table:
Running Order Eligible Classes

First Leg T11-13
Second Leg T42 – 47, T61 - 64
Third Leg T35 -38
Fourth Leg T33 - 34, T51- 54

COMMENT: In all relay races, strategy plays an important role. For example, some teams may
select the fastest runner first, second fastest second etc., with the slowest runner finishing the
race. Other teams could use a completely different strategy. For the 4x100m universal relay it is
not that simple. Unlike the ambulant and wheelchair relay races, for the 4x100m universal relay
there are additional requirements. Firstly, the team must be composed of two (2) male and two
(2) female athletes. Secondly, a predetermined running order must be respected at all times
during the race, which means that each leg shall be run by athletes from different Sport Classes
as described in the above table. Finally, only a maximum of two (2) athletes may be selected
from the following Sports Classes: T13, T46/47, T38, and T54. Therefore, depending on the
team’s strategy, they may choose none (0), one (1) or two (2) athletes from these classes. It is
very important to note that regardless of the team’s strategy, only a maximum of two (2)
athletes from the previous Sport Classes can be selected. As an example, where a team has
selected a T13 and T54 athlete for the First and Fourth Leg respectively, then for the Second
and Third Legs they cannot select participants from Sport Classes T38 or T46/47.
12. The 4x100m including the 4x100m universal relay race shall be run entirely in lanes.
13. The 4x200m race may be run in any of the following ways:
a) where possible, entirely in lanes (four bends in lanes)
b) in lanes for the first two legs, as well as that part of the third leg up to the nearer edge of
the breakline described in the Rule 18.7, where athletes may leave their respective lanes
(three bends in lanes),
c) in lanes for the first leg up to the nearer edge of the breakline described in Rule 18.7,
where athletes may leave their respective lanes (one bend in lanes).
Note: Where not more than four teams are competing and option (a) is not possible, it is
recommended that option (c) should be used.
14. The 4x400m race may be run in either of the following ways:
a) in lanes for the first leg, as well as that part of the second leg up to the nearer edge of the
breakline described in Rule 18.7 where athletes may leave their respective lanes (three
bends in lanes),
b) in lanes for the first leg up to the nearer edge of the breakline described in Rule 18.7,
where athletes may leave their respective lines (one bend in lanes).
Note: In relay races other than visually impaired and wheelchair, where not more than

four teams are competing, it is recommended that option (b) should be used.
15. For all takeovers, athletes are not permitted to begin running or wheeling outside their take
over zones and shall start within the zone. If an athlete does not follow this Rule, their team
shall be disqualified.
16. The athletes/guide-runners in the third and fourth legs of the 4x400m relay race shall, under
the direction of a designated official, place themselves in their waiting position in the same
order (inside to out) as the order of their respective team members as they enter the last
bend. Once the incoming athletes/guide-runners have passed this point, the waiting
athletes/guide-runners shall maintain their order and shall not exchange positions at the
beginning of the take-over zone. If an athlete/guide-runner does not follow this Rule, their
team shall be disqualified.
Note: In the 4x200m relay race (if this event is not run entirely in lanes) where the previous
leg is not run in lanes, the athletes/guide-runners shall line up in the order of the start list
(inside to out).
17. For wheelchair relays, relays for Sports Classes T11-13 (i.e., involving guide-runners) and
4x100m universal relay, where it is required for the relay to be run in lanes, each team shall
be allocated two adjacent lanes. The athletes/guide-runners may use either of their two
allocated lanes. The lines on the inner of the two allocated lanes shall be extended across
the outer of the two allocated lanes to mark the distances of the stages and to denote the
scratch lines. Changes will take place as for lanes 1, 3, 5 and 7. The extension-of-start and
exchange box lanes should be done with tape of the same colour and width as the existing
lane markings.
18. In any ambulant relay race, when lanes are not being used, including when applicable, in
4x200m and 4x400m, waiting athletes/guide-runners can take an inner position on the track
as incoming team members approach, provided they do not jostle or obstruct another
athlete/guide-runner so as to impede their progress. In 4x200m and 4x400m, waiting
athletes/guide-runners shall maintain their order in accordance with Rule 23.16. If an
athlete/guide-runner does not follow this Rule, their team shall be disqualified.
COMMENT: Chief Umpires must remain at the zone to which they and their Umpires have been
assigned. Once the athletes are correctly placed in their lanes and the race has started, zone

Chief Umpires and those Umpires assigned to them are responsible for reporting any
infringements of both these Rules as well as any other infringements particularly those under
Rule 18.
19. In any wheelchair relay race, when lanes are not being used, including when applicable, in
4x200m and 4x400m, waiting athletes will be allocated two adjacent lanes, in their order in
accordance with Rule 23.16. The waiting athletes may use either of these two lanes but
must remain in these two lanes until after the takeover has been completed. In wheelchair
relay races waiting athletes cannot take up an inner position or any other position than in the
two allocated lanes. If an athlete does not follow this Rule, their team shall be disqualified.
20. In the case of relay events not covered by this Rule, the relevant competition regulations
should specify any particular rules that should be applied and the method by which the relay
should be conducted.

SECTION IV - FIELD EVENTS
Rule 24: General Conditions
Practice Trials at the Competition Area

1. At the competition area and before the beginning of the event, each athlete may have
practice trials. In the case of throwing events, the practice trials will be in draw order and
always under the supervision of the Judges.
COMMENT: Whilst in the past the Rules specified that there should be two practice trials for
each athlete in throwing events, there is currently no such specification. Rule 24.1 should be
interpreted as allowing whatever number of practice trials that may be included in the warm-up
time available. Whilst for major events, two remains a standard practice, this is regarded as a
minimum and should time be available and some or all or the athletes request additional
practice trials, this can be permitted.
2. Once a competition has begun, athletes are not permitted to use, for practice purposes,
a) The runway or take-off area;
b) Implements;
c) The circle or runway or the ground within the sector with or without implements.
The use of implements outside the circle or runway is prohibited at any time.
COMMENT: In the Long Jump or Triple Jump, athletes are not allowed to use the track for warm
up when the track is being used for competition at the same time. They must stay within the
immediate confines of the competition area and observe carefully the instructions of the
Officials. As a Referee, an ITO must control the event site, and warn athletes who wander away
from the competition area without permission. The issuance of a Yellow Card or Red Card is
appropriate depending upon the circumstances.
The application of this Rule should not prevent an athlete from touching or preparing their
selected implement in readiness for their trial provided that it does not endanger, delay or
obstruct another athlete or other person. It is particularly important that the Judges interpret
this Rule reasonably so as to ensure the competition proceeds in an efficient manner and the
athlete is able if they so choose to take their trial immediately when their time begins.
Rule 24: General Conditions 149

Markers
3.
a) In Field Events where a runway is used, markers shall be placed alongside it, except for
High Jump where the markers can be placed on the runway. An athlete may use one or
two markers (supplied or approved by the LOC) to assist them in their run-up and take-
off. If such markers are not supplied, they may use adhesive tape but not chalk or similar
substance nor anything that leaves indelible marks;
b) For throws made from a circle, an athlete may use one marker only. This marker may be
placed only on the ground in the area immediately behind or adjacent to the circle. It
must be temporary, in position only for the duration of each athlete’s own trial, and shall
not impair the view of the judges. No personal markers may be placed in or beside the
landing area.
c) The Judges shall direct the relevant athlete to adapt or remove any marks not complying
with this Rule. If they do not, the Judges shall remove them.
Note (i): Serious cases may further be dealt with under Rule 8.1 and Rule 8.3.
Note (ii): Each marker shall be comprised of a single piece only.
COMMENT: If the ground is wet the adhesive tape used for High Jump can be fixed to the
ground by drawing pins of several colours.
The requirement for each marker to be a single piece should be interpreted sensibly by the
Referee. If for example the manufacturer has used two pieces of material to make a single
marker which is intended to be used that way, this marker should be allowed. Similarly, if the
athlete chooses to place both their markers in the same place, that is also acceptable. In the
case of the High Jump, an athlete who tears the tape they are given into one or more pieces to
make a single marker of a different shape to stand out more clearly, that should also be
acceptable.
Performance Markers and Wind Socks

4.
a) A distinctive flag or marker may also be provided to mark the existing World Record and,
150 Rule 24: General Conditions

when appropriate, the existing Regional, National or Meeting Record.
b) One or more wind sock(s) should be placed in an appropriate position in all jumping
events, Discus Throw and Javelin Throw, to show the athletes the approximate direction
and strength of the wind.
Competing Order and Trials

5. Except where Rule 24.6 applies, or the applicable regulations provide otherwise, the
athletes shall compete in an order drawn by lot. If an athlete by their own decision makes a
trial in an order different from that previously determined, Rule 8.1 and Rule 8.3 shall be
applied. In the case of a warning the result of the trial (valid or failure) will stand.
If there is a Qualification Round, there shall be a fresh drawing of lot for the final.
COMMENT: If an athlete, by their own decision, makes a trial in an order different from that
previously determined, they shall be warned (or disqualified in case of a second infringement)
according to Rule 8.1 and Rule 8.3, but the result of the trial (valid or failure) will be considered
in the case of a warning.
6. Except for the High Jump and the Seated Throwing Events, no athlete shall have more than
one trial recorded in any one round of trials of the competition.
In all ambulant Field Events, except for the High Jump, where there are more than eight
athletes, each athlete shall be allowed three trials and the eight athletes with the best valid
performances shall be allowed three additional trials unless the applicable regulations
provide otherwise.
COMMENT: In situations in the horizontal Field Events where there are more than eight
athletes, only the eight athletes with the best valid performances are allowed any additional
trial(s). This requires an athlete to have a measured mark recorded from a fair jump or throw in
at least one of their first three trials. Where fewer than eight athletes achieve such a valid
performance it is only those athletes who are allowed any additional trial(s) even though it will
mean fewer than eight athletes proceeding.
In the case of the last qualifying place, if two or more athletes have the same best
performances, Rule 24.22 shall be applied. If it is thus determined that there has been a tie,
the tying athletes shall be placed in the final allowed any additional trials. In the case of a tie

in High Jump for the last qualifying place, it shall be resolved as described in Rule 24.22
below.
In Seated Throwing Events, six consecutive trials shall be staged for each athlete, which for
the avoidance of doubt may be held in two or more pools. In the Paralympic Games and WPA
Championships (Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)), it is recommended that the competing order for
six consecutive trials shall be in reverse ranking order recorded from the relevant list of valid
performances achieved during the predetermined period.
Where there are eight athletes or fewer, each athlete shall be allowed six trials unless the
applicable regulations provide otherwise. If more than one fails to achieve a valid trial during
the first three rounds of trials, such athletes shall compete in subsequent rounds of trials
before those with valid trials, in the same relative order according to the original draw.
In both cases:
a) The competing order for any subsequent rounds of trials shall be in the reverse ranking
order recorded after the first three rounds of trials unless the applicable regulations
provide otherwise;
b) When the competing order is to be changed and there is a tie for any position, those tying
shall compete in the same relative order according to the original draw.
Note (i): For Vertical Jumps, see Rule 25.
Note (ii): If one or more athlete(s) is permitted by the Referee to continue in a competition
under protest in accordance with Rule 50.5, such athletes shall compete in all
subsequent rounds of trials before all other athletes continuing in the competition and if
more than one, in the same relative order according to the original draw.
Note (iii): The regulations of the relevant governing body may specify the number of trials
(provided it is no more than six) and the number of athletes which may progress to each
additional round of trials after the third.
Note (iv): In ambulant Field Event, the regulations of the relevant governing body may
specify that the competing order be changed again after any further round of trials after
the third.
COMMENT: This provision for a change in order after the fifth round in field events was removed
in 2011. This in effect returns the Rule to the original situation that applied when change of

order was first introduced. It was considered that this provision did not add to the presentation
of a competition, in fact in many cases detracting from it when the leading athlete decided there
was no need to take their final trial.
Recording of Trials
7. Except in High Jump, a valid trial shall be indicated by the measurement taken.
For the standard abbreviation and symbols to be used in all other case see Rule 2.20.3
Completion of Trials
8. The Judge shall not raise a white flag to indicate a valid trial until a trial is completed. The
judge may reconsider a decision if they believe they raised the incorrect flag.
The completion of a valid trial shall be determined as follows:
a) In the case of Vertical Jumps, once the Judge has determined that there is no failure
according to these Rules;
b) In the case of Horizontal Jumps, once the athlete leaves the landing area in accordance
with these Rules;
c) In the case of throwing events for ambulant athletes, once the athlete leaves the circle or
runway in accordance with these Rules;
d) In the case of seated throwing events, once the implement has landed within the
permitted zone.
COMMENT: This is why it is important for the judge in the field (for a Throwing Event) or landing
area (for a horizontal jumping event) to ensure that there is a prism or mark in the case where a
Chief Judge raises the incorrect flag in error.
Qualification Rounds
9. A Qualification Round shall be held in Field Events in which the number of athletes is too
large to allow the competition to be conducted satisfactorily in a single round (final). Where
a Qualification Round is held, all athletes shall compete in, and qualify through, that round

except that the body having the control over a competition may for one or more events
authorise the conduct of additional Qualification Round(s) either at the same or at one or
more earlier competition(s) to determine some or all of the athletes who shall be entitled to
participate and in which round of the competition. Such procedure and any other means
(such as e.g. achieving entry standards during a specified period, by specified placing in a
designated competition or by rankings) by which an athlete is entitled to participate, and in
which round of the competition, shall be set out in the regulations for each competition.
Performances accomplished in a Qualification Round shall not be considered as part of the
final.
COMMENT: While the performance will not count as part of the final, if a World Record is
achieved and all other criteria as required for submission as a World Record, it can still be
considered by WPA as a World Record performance.
10. The athletes shall normally be divided into two or more groups at random, but wherever
possible athletes of each nation or team shall be placed in different groups. Unless there are
facilities for the groups to compete at the same time and under the same conditions, each
group should start its practice trials immediately after the previous group has finished.
11. It is recommended that, in competitions of more than three days, a rest day be provided
between qualifying competitions and the finals in the High Jump.
12. The conditions for qualifying, the qualifying standard and the number of athletes in the final,
shall be decided by the Technical Delegate(s). If no Technical Delegate(s) have been
appointed the conditions shall be decided by the LOC. It is desirable that there should be at
least 12 athletes in the final unless otherwise provided in the Regulations for the
competition.
Note: The applicable regulations may specify how vacant positions due to withdrawals in
finals may be filled in by athletes ranked next following the qualification round after those
qualified.
COMMENT: This essentially means that if there is a tie for the 12th position for a final, more than
12 may be selected for the final. While there is no “maximum” number for qualification, it
would not be unusual for more than 12 athletes to be part of the final group.
13. In a Qualification Round, apart from the High Jump, each athlete shall be allowed up to
three trials. Once an athlete has achieved the qualifying standard, they shall not continue in

the Qualification Round.
14. In the Qualification Round for the High Jump, the athletes, not eliminated after three
consecutive failures, shall continue to compete according to Rule 25.2 (including passing a
trial) until the end of the last trial at the height set as the qualifying standard, unless the
number of athletes for the final has been reached. Once it is determined that an athlete will
be in the final, they shall not continue in the Qualification Round.
15. If no athletes, or fewer than the required number of athletes, achieve the pre-set qualifying
standard, the group of finalists shall be expanded to that number by adding athletes
according to their performances in the qualifying competition. In the case of the last
qualifying place, if two or more athletes have the same best distances or heights in the
overall results of the competition Rule 24.22 shall be applied. If it is determined that there is
still a tie, the tying athletes shall be placed in the final.
16. When a Qualification Round for the High Jump is held in two simultaneous groups, it is
recommended that the bar be raised to each height at the same time in each group. It is also
recommended that the two groups be of approximately equal strength.
COMMENT: It is important when seeding High Jump qualifying groups that the requirements of
Rule 24.10 and Rule 24.16 are both observed. The Technical Delegates and the ITO/Referee
must follow closely the progress of the Qualification Rounds of the High Jump to ensure that on
the one hand, the athletes must jump (or indicate that they are passing) as long as they are not
eliminated under Rule 25.2 until the qualifying standard has been reached (unless the number
of athletes for the final has been reached as defined in Rule 24.12) and on the other hand, any
tie between athletes in the overall standings in the two groups is resolved according to Rule
25.9. Close attention must also be kept to the application of Rule 24.14 to ensure that athletes
do not unnecessarily continue in the competition once it is certain that they will be in the final
regardless of what may happen to the other athletes continuing to compete in the Qualification
Round.
Time Allowed for Trials

17. The official responsible shall indicate to an athlete that all is ready for the trial to begin, and
the period allowed for this trial shall commence from that moment.

If after the time for a trial has begun, an athlete decides not to attempt that trial, it shall be
considered a failure once the period allowed for the trial has elapsed.
The following times shall not be exceeded. If the time is exceeded, unless a determination is
made under Rule 24.18, the trial shall be recorded as a failure:
Individual Events
Number of athletes remaining in the competition
High Jump Other Ambulant Events Seated Throw Events
More than 3
(or for the very first
trial of each athlete) 1min 1min 1min
2 or 3 1.5min 1min 1min
1 3min - -
Consecutive trials 2min 2min 1min
Note (i): For Seated Throws Events, an extra minute shall be added between the third and
fourth throws.
COMMENT: In a practical sense, the Chief Judge or the Referee is in a position to allow
additional time between throws if they determine that the athlete is not ready, or if the officials
are not ready. For Seated Throwing the time clock should be initiated after the responsible
judge has passed the implement to the athlete and when the sector is ready, and officials are
out of the way. This may require some sort of audible instruction from the Chief Judge to the
athlete. When the athlete finishes the third throw, and the measurement is completed the time
clock must be initiated for the one-minute break. During the one-minute break period the
implement should not be provided to the athlete unless the athlete requests it. If the athlete
asks for the implement before the one minute break has elapsed, then the time for the fourth
throw shall commence immediately (i.e., at the moment the implement is handed to the athlete
and when the sector is ready, and officials are out of the way).
Note (ii): A clock that shows the remaining time allowed for a trial should be visible to an
athlete. In addition, an official shall raise and keep raised, a yellow flag, or otherwise indicate,
during the final 15 seconds of the time allowed.

Note (iii): In the High Jump, any change in the time period allowed for a trial, except the time
specified for consecutive trials, shall not be applied until the bar is raised to a new height.
The number of athletes remaining in the competition is determined at the time the bar is
raised to the new height.
Note (iv): When only one athlete (who has won the competition) remains in High Jump and is
attempting a World Record or other record relevant to the competition, the time limit shall be
increased by one minute beyond those set out above.
COMMENT: This can be a troubling situation for Officials where more than one class of athlete
has been combined for a specific competition. Where this is the case if an athlete in one class
has “won the event” for their class they can ask for the bar to be moved to a height of their
choosing if the Technical Specifications for the competition allow this or if the Technical
Delegate determines that it is appropriate to allow this practice. This may disrupt the
competition for the other class(es) within the competition.
Note (v): For the first trial of any athlete upon entering the competition, the time allowed for
such trial will be 1 minute.
Note (vi): When calculating the number of athletes remaining in the competition this should
include those athletes who could be involved in a jump off for first place.
Note (vii): In Field Events for Sport Classes 11 and 12 where athletes receive assistance from
Callers or Escorts, the time allowed shall begin from the moment when the official
responsible is satisfied that the athlete has completed the process of orientation. Should any
athlete request verbal confirmation of the starting of the timing clock; an official shall give
such confirmation.
COMMENT: Whilst the Judges should always use a system which notifies or calls the next
athlete who is to take their trial plus the one who is to follow, this is essential when the time
allowed for an athlete to take their trial is 1 minute. They must also ensure that the competition
area is completely ready for the next trial before calling the athlete and then starting the clock.
The Judges and the Referee in particular must be fully aware of the current competition
environment when deciding when to start the clock or to “time out” and call a failure. Particular
circumstances which should be taken into account are the availability of the runway for an
athlete’s trial in High Jump and Javelin Throw (when Track Events are being held
simultaneously in the same competition area) and the distance for athletes to walk to and

through the cage to reach the circle to take their trial in discus Throw.
To be clear, the time limit will not change in the final round of any horizontal Field Event, once
only 2 or 3 athletes remain to take their trials.
Note (viii): If the athlete loses orientation and requires to be re-oriented, the clock shall be
stopped and only restarted (to include any elapsed time already recorded) once orientation
has again been completed.
COMMENT: Additional time is not permitted in this situation. Time is simply suspended for the
duration of the reorientation of the athlete.
Note (ix): In Seated Throwing Events, the time allowed shall begin from the moment when the
throwing implement has been presented to the athlete after the throwing frame has been
fixed to the throwing circle and the athlete has been positioned and strapped on that frame.
COMMENT: The time may be started earlier if the athlete has not been positioned within the
allocated time period. And, where the athlete is ready, as indicated in the commentary under
Note (i) on Rule 24.17, the time should start when the sector is free of officials.
It is also important to note that the count-down clock must be placed in such a position so that
the athlete can see it.
Note (x): The time for consecutive trials will be applied for any consecutive trial regardless of
it being in the same round for a replacement trial, at the same height or consecutive heights
in High Jump or when the order is changed at the end of a round of trials. The time for
consecutive trials will be applied if it is longer than the time allowed for the trial based on the
calculation of the number of athletes remaining in the competition. However, when an
athlete, based on the calculation of the number of athletes remaining in the competition, is
entitled to a longer time, then that will be applied.
Substitute Trials
18. If, for any reason beyond their control, an athlete is hampered in a trial and is unable to take
it, or the trial cannot be correctly recorded, the Referee shall have the authority to award
them a substitute trial or to re-set the time either partially or in full. No change in the order
shall be permitted. A reasonable time shall be allowed for any substitute trial according to
the particular circumstances of the case. In cases when the competition has progressed

before the substitute trial is awarded, it should be taken before any other subsequent trials
are then made.
COMMENT: There are several situations in which it may be appropriate for an athlete to be
given a substitute trial including where because of procedural or technical failure a trial is not
measured and it is not possible for a re-measurement to be accurately made. Whilst this should
be avoided by good systems and backups, with technology being used more and more provision
needs to be made for when things do go wrong. As no change in the competition order should
be permitted (unless the problem is not immediately discovered and the competition has
continued), the Referee must decide how long should be allowed for the substitute trial taking
into account the specific circumstances of each particular case.
Absence during Competition
19. An athlete may not leave the immediate area of the event during the progress of the
competition, unless they have the permission of, and is accompanied by, an official. If
possible, a warning should be given first, but for subsequent instances or in serious cases
the athlete shall be disqualified. If an athlete subsequently is not present for a particular
trial, it will be counted as a failure once the period allowed for the trial has elapsed.
COMMENT: This should not be interpreted as preventing an athlete from crossing the track to
speak to their coach.
Change of Competition Area

20. The Technical Delegate or the appropriate Referee shall have the authority to change the
place of the competition if, in their opinion, the conditions justify it. Such a change should be
made only after a round of trials has been completed.
Note: Neither the wind strength nor its change of direction is sufficient condition to change
the place nor time of the competition.
COMMENT: The phrase “round of trials” instead of “rounds” is designed to ensure a clear
difference between a “round of trials” within a Field Event competition and a “round of the
competition” (i.e., a Qualification Round or a final).
If the conditions make it impossible to complete a round of trials before a change of place or
time is made, the Technical Delegate (through the Referee) or Referee should normally void

those trials already completed in that round of trials (always depending on and evaluating the
conditions and the results of the trials up to the time of the interruption) and recommence the
competition at the beginning of that round of trials.
Result
21. Each athlete shall be credited with the best of all their trials, including in the case of High
Jump, those achieved in resolving a tie for the first place.
Ties
22. Except for the High Jump, the second best performance of the athletes having the same
best performances shall determine whether there has been a tie. Then, if necessary, the
third best, and so on. If the athletes are still equal following the application of this Rule
24.22, it shall be determined to be a tie.
Except for the High Jump, in the case of a tie for any place, including first place, the tie shall
remain (See Rules 25.9, Rule 25.10).
Hopping Technique
23. For athletes in Classes T42-44 the hopping technique is permitted during the approach in
Jumping Events.

A. VERTICAL JUMP
1. Before the competition begins, the Chief Judge shall announce to the athletes the starting
height and the subsequent heights to which the bar will be raised at the end of each round of
trials, until there is only one athlete remaining having won the competition, or there is a tie
for first place.
COMMENT: Normally this is done at the Technical Meeting if it was not already included in the
team manual or technical information concerning the event. It should be remembered that
minor adjustments can still be made at the competition site by the Chief Judge to preserve the
interests of all of the athletes.
Trials
2. An athlete may commence jumping at any height previously announced by the Chief Judge
and may jump at their own discretion at any subsequent height. Three consecutive failures,
regardless of the height at which any of such failures occur, disqualify from further jumping
except in the case of a tie for first place.
The effect of this Rule is that an athlete may pass their second or third trial at a particular
height (after failing first or second time) and still jump at a subsequent height.
If an athlete passes a trial at a certain height, they may not make any subsequent trial at that
height, except in the case of a jump-off for first place.
3. Even after all the other athletes have failed, an athlete is entitled to continue jumping until
they have forfeited their right to compete further.
4. Unless there is only one athlete remaining and they have won the competition:
a) The bar should never be raised by less than 2cm in the High Jump after each round of
trials, and;
b) The increment of the raising of the bar should never increase.

These Rules shall not apply once the athletes still competing agree to raise it to a World
Record height directly.
After an athlete has won the competition, the height or heights to which the bar is raised
shall be decided by the athlete, in consultation with the relevant Judge or Referee.
Measurements
5. All measurements shall be made, in whole centimetres, perpendicularly from the ground to
the lowest part of the upper side of the bar.
6. Any measurement of a new height shall be made before athletes attempt such height. A re-
measurement should be made if the bar has been substituted. In all cases of Records, the
Judges shall also re-check the measurement before each subsequent Record attempt if the
bar has been touched since last measured.
Prosthetic Device(s)
7. For athletes competing in High Jump Events in sport classes T61-64, the use of prosthetic
device(s) is mandatory. The relevant Official shall ensure that Rule 6.12.1(b) is observed.
a) If the prosthetic device(s) is lost during the run-up then the athlete cannot continue
without the prosthesis. The athlete shall fix/adjust the prosthetic device(s) and
recommence the trial provided they are within the time allowed for the trial;
b) If the prosthetic device(s) is lost during the process of jumping and the prosthetic
device(s) does not clear the bar it shall be counted as a failure and recorded as such.
Crossbar
8. The crossbar shall be made of fiberglass, or other suitable material but not metal, circular in
cross-section except for the end pieces. It shall be coloured so as to be visible to all sighted
athletes. The overall length of the crossbar shall be 4.00m ±0.02m in the High Jump. The
maximum weight of the crossbar shall be 2kg in the High Jump. The diameter of the circular
part of the crossbar shall be 30mm±1mm.

The crossbar shall consist of three parts - the circular bar and two end pieces, each 30mm-
35mm wide and 0.15-0.20m long for the purpose of resting on the supports of the uprights.
These end pieces shall have one clearly defined flat surface on which the bar rests on the
crossbar supports.
This flat surface may not be higher than the centre of the vertical cross section of the
crossbar. The end pieces shall be hard and smooth. They shall not be of, or covered with
rubber or any other material which has the effect of increasing the friction between them
and the supports.
The crossbar shall have no bias and, when in place, shall sag a maximum of 20mm.
Control of elasticity: Hang a 3kg weight in the middle of the crossbar when in position. It may
sag a maximum of 70mm in High Jump.
Figure 7 – Alternative ends for crossbar
Placings
9. If two or more athletes clear the same final height the procedure to decide the places will be
the following:
a) The athlete with the lowest number of jumps at the height last cleared shall be awarded
the higher place;
b) If the athletes are equal following the application of the above Rule the athlete with the
lowest total of failures throughout the competition up to and including the height last
cleared, shall be awarded the higher place;

c) If the athletes are still equal following the application of this Rule the athletes concerned
shall be awarded the same place unless it concerns the first place;
d) If it concerns the first place a jump-off between these athletes, it shall be conducted in
accordance with Rule 25.10, unless otherwise decided, either in advance according to
the Technical Regulations applying to the competition, or during the competition by the
Technical Delegate or the Referee if no Technical Delegate has been appointed. If no
jump-off is carried out, including where the relevant athletes at any stage decide not to
jump further, the tie for first place shall remain.
COMMENT: There are a number of ways in which a jump-off may be terminated:
a) by provision in advance of the competition set out in the regulations;
b) by decision during the competition by the Technical Delegate (or Referee if there is no
Technical Delegate);
c) by decision of the athletes not to jump further prior to or at any stage of the jump-off.
Whilst any decision by the Technical Delegate or Referee not to conduct a jump-off should be
made before the start of the event, there may be circumstances where this might not be
possible such as where conditions at the place of competition make it impossible or undesirable
to begin or continue with a jump-off. The Referee could use their powers under Rules 2.13 or
Rule 24 to deal with this situation.
Jump-off
10. If there is a jump-off:
a) The athletes concerned must jump at every height until a decision is reached or until all
of the athletes concerned decide not to jump further;
b) Each athlete shall have one jump at each height;
c) The jump-off shall start at the next height determined in accordance with Rule 25.1 after
the height last cleared by the athletes concerned;
d) If no decision is reached the bar shall be raised if more than one athlete concerned were
successful, or lowered if all of them failed, by 2cm;

e) If an athlete does not attempt a height in a jump-off they automatically forfeit any claim
to the first place. If only one other athlete then remains they are declared the winner
regardless of whether they clear that height.
High Jump – Example
What follows is a ‘worked example’ only
Heights announced by the Chief Judge at the beginning of competition:
1.75m; 1.80m; 1.84m; 1.88m; 1.91m; 1.94m; 1.97m; 1.99m…
Athlete Heights (m) Failures Jump Off Pos.
1.75 1.80 1.84 1.88 1.91 1.94 1.97 1.91 1.89 1.91
A O XO O XO X- XX 2 X O X 2
B - XO - XO - - XXX 2 X O O 1
C - O XO XO - XXX 2 X X 3
D - XO XO XO XXX 3 4
A, B, C and D all cleared 1.88m.
The Rule regarding ties now comes into operation; the Judges add up the total number of
failures, up to and including the height last cleared, i.e., 1.88m.
“D” has more failures than “A”, “B” or “C”, and is therefore awarded fourth place. “A”, “B” and
“C” still tie and as this concerns the first place, they shall have one more jump at 1.91m which
is the next height after the height last cleared by the athletes tying.
As all the athletes tying failed, the bar is lowered to 1.89m for another jump-off. As only “C”
failed to clear 1.89m, the two other tying athletes, “A” and “B” shall have a third jump-off at
1.91m which only “B” cleared and is therefore declared the winner.
COMMENT: When an athlete unilaterally decides to withdraw from a jump-off, the other athlete

(if only one remains) will be declared the winner in accordance with Rule 25.10 (e). It is not
necessary for that athlete to attempt the applicable height. Where more than one athlete
remains in the jump-off, the jump-off continues with those athletes, with the athlete who
withdrew being placed according to their then finishing place, they having forfeited any right to
any higher placing, including first, then remaining.
Extraneous Forces
11. When it is clear that the bar has been displaced by a force not associated with an athlete
(e.g., a gust of wind):
a) If such displacement occurs after an athlete has cleared the bar without touching it, then
the trial shall be considered successful, or;
b) If such displacement occurs under any other circumstance, a new trial shall be awarded.
Rule 26: High Jump
Competition
1. An athlete shall take off from one foot.
2. An athlete fails if:
a) After the jump, the bar does not remain on the supports because of the action of the
athlete whilst jumping, or;
b) They touch the ground including the landing area beyond the vertical plane through the
nearer edge of the crossbar, either between or outside the uprights with any part of their
body, without first clearing the bar. However, if when they jump, an athlete touches the
landing area with their foot and in the opinion of the Judge, no advantage is gained; the
jump for that reason should not be considered a failure.
c) They touch the crossbar or the vertical section of the uprights when running up without
jumping.
Note (i): To assist in the implementation of this Rule a white line 50mm wide shall be
166 Rule 26: High Jump

drawn (usually by adhesive tape or similar material) between points 3m outside of each
upright, the nearer edge of the line being drawn along the vertical plane through the
nearer edge of the crossbar.
Note (ii): Athletes in Sport Class T11 may touch the bar as an aid to orientation before
commencing the run up. If, on so doing, the athlete dislodges the bar this will not count
as an attempt.
Note (iii): Athletes in Sport Class T12 and T13 may place an appropriate visual aid on the
bar.
COMMENT: For clarity, in the application of this Rule, the powers of the Referee under Rules
2.13 and Rule 24 should also be considered to reach a fair result for all athletes in the event. If it
is not possible for any reason to finally determine any immediate oral protest before the
competition continues, the athlete may, for example, be allowed to continue to compete “under
protest” in order to preserve their rights.
Runway and Take-off Area

3. The minimum width of the runway shall be 16m and the minimum length of the runway shall
be 15m except in the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a)
and (b)), where the minimum shall be 25m.
4. The maximum overall downward inclination in the last 15m of the runway and take-off area
shall not exceed 1:167 (0.6%) along any radius of the semi-circular area centred midway
between the uprights. The landing area should be placed so the athlete’s approach is up the
inclination.
Note: Runways and take-off areas to the 2018/19 specifications remain acceptable.
5. The take-off area shall be generally level and free from any material inclination and shall be
in accordance with Rule 26.4 and the World Athletics Track and Field Facilities Manual.
Apparatus
6. Any style of uprights or posts may be used, provided they are rigid. They shall have supports
for the crossbar firmly fixed to them. They shall be sufficiently tall as to exceed the actual
Rule 26: High Jump 167

height to which the crossbar is raised by at least 0.10m.
The distance between the uprights shall be not less than 4.00m no more than 4.04m.
7. The uprights or posts shall not be moved during the competition unless the Referee
considers that either the take-off or landing area has become unsuitable. In such a case, the
change shall be made only after a round of trials has been completed.
8. The supports shall be flat and rectangular, 40mm wide and 60mm long. They shall be firmly
fixed to the uprights and immovable during the jump and shall each face the opposite
upright. The ends of the crossbar shall rest on them in such a manner that, if the crossbar is
touched by an athlete, it will easily fall to the ground, either forwards or backwards. The
surface of the supports shall be smooth.
The supports shall not be of, or covered with, rubber or with any other material which has
the effect of increasing the friction between them and the surface of the crossbar, nor may
they have any kind of springs.
The supports shall be the same height above the take-off area immediately below each end
of the crossbar.
Figure 8 – High Jump uprights and crossbar
9. There shall be a space of at least 10mm between the ends of the crossbar and the uprights.

Landing Area
10. For the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships under Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b), the
landing area shall be not smaller than 6m long x 4m wide x 0.7m high behind the vertical
plane of the crossbar.
Note: The uprights and landing area should also be designed so that there is a clearance of at
least 0.1m between them when in use, to avoid displacement of the crossbar through a
movement of the landing area causing contact with the uprights.
COMMENT: For other competitions, the landing area should measure not less than 5m long x
3m wide x 0.7m high.
Team of Officials
For a High Jump Event, it is recommended to allocate the available officials as follows:
1) The Chief Judge will watch over the whole of the event and verify the measurements. They
must be provided with two flags - white to indicate if the trial is valid and red if it is a failure.
They must place themselves so as to manage two matters in particular:
a) Frequently it happens that the cross-bar having been touched by an athlete trembles on
the supports. The Chief Judge, depending on the position of the cross-bar, must decide
when the vibrating of the bar must be stopped and the appropriate flag raised –
particularly the special situations as covered in Rule 25.11 and
b) Since the athlete may not touch the crossbar, the vertical section of the uprights or
ground beyond the vertical plane of the nearer edge of the crossbar it is important to
keep a watch on the position of the athletes feet in situations where when deciding not to
complete a trial they run to the side or goes “under” the bar.
2) Judges (1) and (2) on either side of the landing area and slightly standing back in charge of
replacing the cross-bar when it falls and assisting the Chief Judge in applying the above
Rules.
3) Judge - a recorder scoring the results sheet and calling each athlete (and the one who is to
follow).
4) Judge in charge of the scoreboard (trial-number-result).
5) Judge in charge of the clock indicating to the athletes that they have a certain time to take
Rule 26: High Jump 169

their trial.
6) Judge in charge of athletes.
Note (i): This is the traditional setting-up of the officials. In major competitions, where a data
system and electronic scoreboards are available, specialised personnel are certainly required.
To be clear in these cases, the progress and scoring of a Field Event is followed by both the
recorder and by the data system.
Note (ii): Officials and equipment must be placed in such a way as not to obstruct the athlete’s
way nor impede the view of the spectators.
Note (iii): A space must be reserved for a wind-sock to indicate the wind direction and strength.

B. HORIZONTAL JUMPS
COMMENT: These rules apply equally to both the Long Jump and Triple Jump, except for
variations for T11 and T12 class athletes, set-up and jumping; in addition, the location
(placement) of the wind gauge as well as timing (duration and starting of the equipment) of wind
measurement are different for the Long and Triple Jump.
Runway
1. The minimum length of the runway shall be 40m, measured from the relevant take-off line to
the end of the runway. It shall have a width of 1.22m ± 0.01m and shall be marked by white
lines 50mm in width.
Note: For all tracks constructed before 1 January 2004 the runway may have a width of
maximum 1.25m. However, when such a runway is fully resurfaced, the lane width shall
comply with this Rule.
2. The maximum lateral inclination of the runway should be 1:100 (1%) unless special
circumstances exist which justify World Athletics providing an exemption and in the last
40m of the runway the overall downward inclination in the direction of running shall not
exceed 1:1000 (0.1%).
The Take-off Board and Take-off Area

3. The take-off shall be marked by a board sunk level with the runway and the surface of the
landing area. The edge of the board which is nearer to the landing area shall be the take-off
line.
Note: The take-off board can be constructed as a single piece of board 0.30m wide with a
0.20m white section and a 0.10m in a contrasting colour, i.e. the take-off board and blanking
board can be one piece.
4. Construction. The take-off board shall be rectangular, made of wood or other suitable rigid
material in which the spikes of an athlete’s shoe will grip and not skid and shall measure

1.22m ± 0.01m long, 20cm (±2mm) wide and not more than 10cm deep. It shall be white. In
order to ensure that the take-off line is clearly distinguishable and in contrast to the take-off
board, the ground immediately beyond the take-off line shall be in a colour other than white.
5. The use of video or other technology, to assist the Judges in deciding the application of Rule
28.1, is strongly recommended at all levels of competition. However, if no technology is
available, a plasticine indicator board placed immediately beyond the take-off line may still
be used.
The plasticine indicator board shall consist of a rigid board, 10cm (±2mm) wide and 1.22m
± 0.01m long made of wood or any other suitable material and shall be painted in a
contrasting colour to the take-off board. Where possible, the plasticine should be of a third
contrasting colour. The board shall be mounted in a recess or shelf in the runway, on the
side of the take-off board nearer the landing area. The surface shall rise from the level of the
take-off board to a height of 7mm (±1mm). The edges shall be cut away such that the
recess, when filled with plasticine the surface of the plasticine nearer to the take-off line
shall be at an angle of 90° (see Figure 9).
Figure 9 – Take-off board and plasticine indicator board
When mounted in this recess, the whole assembly shall be sufficiently rigid to accept the full
force of the athlete’s foot.
The surface of the board beneath the plasticine shall be of a material in which the spikes of
an athlete’s shoe will grip and not skid.

The plasticine can be smoothed off by means of a roller or suitably shaped scraper for the
purposes of removing the footprint of an athlete.
Note: Where in construction of the runway and/or take-off board there was previously
provision for the placement of a plasticine indicator board and such board is not used, this
recess should be filled by a blanking board flush with the take-off board.
6. For athletes in Sport Classes T11 and T12, the take-off area shall consist of a rectangle of
1.00m x 1.22m ± 0.01m as depicted in Figure 10, which must be prepared in such a way (by
use of chalk, talcum powder, light sand, etc.) that the athlete leaves an impression on the
area with their take-off foot. The edge of the take-off area which is nearer to the landing area
shall be the scratch line.
Figure 10 – Take-off Area for athletes in Sport Classes T11 and T12
The Landing Area

7. The landing area shall have a minimum width of 2.75m and a maximum width of 3m. It shall,
if possible, be so placed that the middle of the runway, if extended, would coincide with the
middle of the landing area.
Note (i): When the middle of the runway is not in line with the middle of the landing area, a
tape, or if necessary, two tapes, should be placed along the landing area so that the above is
achieved (see Figure 11).

Note (ii): For Sport Classes T11-12 and the purposes of safety, it is strongly recommended
that the minimum distance between the axis of the runway and the sides of the landing area
be 1.75m (see Figure 10). If this recommendation cannot be met the Technical Delegate may
require additional safety measures.
Figure 11 – Centralized Long Jump / Triple Jump landing area
COMMENT: Where new facilities are developed at which it is envisaged that athletes with vision
impairment will compete in, at least one pit should be built with an increased width (3.50m
instead of maximum 3.00m as in the World Athletics Rules).
8. The landing area should be filled with soft damp sand, the top surface of which shall be level
with the take-off board.
Distance Measurements
9. The measurement of each Jump shall be made immediately after each valid trial (or after an
immediate oral protest made under Rule 50.5). All jumps shall be measured from the
nearest break in the landing area made by any part of the body or anything that was
attached to the body at the time it made a mark to the take-off line, or take-off line
extended. The measurement shall be taken perpendicular to the take-off line or its
extension.
10. For athletes in Sport Classes T11 and T12 all jumps shall be measured from the nearest
break in the landing area perpendicular to the nearest impression left by the take-off foot or
its extension. Where an athlete does not take off from the take-off area, but before it,
measurement will be made to the edge of the take-off area furthest from the landing area.

11. In all horizontal jumping events, distances shall be recorded to the nearest 0.01m, rounded
down to the nearest 0.01m if the distance measured is not a whole centimetre.
COMMENT: As long as no irregularity has been committed, each trial must be measured
whatever the distance reached, including for the reasons that other trial measurements may
become critical in determining countbacks or whether an athlete will proceed to subsequent
rounds. Except where Rule 50.5 is applied, under normal practice no trial during which an
irregularity has been committed should be measured. Judges should carefully use their
discretion in applying any alternate practice and usually only in special cases.
Unless video measuring is being used, for every valid trial a marker (usually metal) should be
placed in a vertical position at the place of the imprint left by the athlete in the landing area
nearest to the take-off line. The marker is passed through the loop at the end of the graduated
metal tape so that the “zero” is on the mark. The tape should be pulled out horizontally taking
care not to place it on any rise in the ground.
The measurement of the distance of a jump for Class T11 and T12
Chalk powder may be used for the powder in the 1.00m x 1.22m ± 0.01m take-off area.
Measuring the jump is made from the nearest impression left by the take-off foot (within the
chalk powder), if within the area. If the take-off is made before the take-off area, the
measurement is made from the edge of the take-off area furthest to the landing area (see below
figure 12).
Figure 12 – Measurement of the distance in horizontal jumps for Class T11 and T12

Wind Measurement
12. The wind gauge shall be the same as described in Rule 18.11 and Rule 18.12. It shall be
operated as described in Rules 18.14 and Rule 18.15 read as per Rule 18.16.
13. The relevant Field Events Referee shall ensure that the wind gauge is placed 20m from the
take-off line. It shall be positioned 1.22m high and not more than 2m away from the runway.
The wind velocity shall be measured for a period of 5 seconds from the time an athlete
passes a mark placed alongside the runway, for the Long Jump 40m from the take-off line
and for the Triple Jump 35m. If an athlete runs less than 40m or 35m, as appropriate, the
wind velocity shall be measured from the time they commence their run.
Prosthetic Device(s)
14. For athletes competing in horizontal Jumping Events in sport classes T61-64, the use of
prosthetic device(s) is mandatory. The relevant Official shall ensure that Rule 6.12.1(b) is
observed.
a) If the prosthetic device(s) is lost during the run-up then the athlete cannot continue
without the prosthetic device(s). The athlete shall fix/adjust the prosthetic device(s) and
recommence the trial provided they are within the time allowed for the trial;
b) If the prosthetic device(s) is lost during the process of jumping and the mark where the
prosthetic device(s) lands is the closest mark to the take-off board in the landing area,
then that is the mark that the trial will be measured from;
c) If the prosthetic device(s) lands outside the landing area (whether closer to or further
from the take-off line than the closest mark to the take-off board in the landing area), it
shall be counted as a failure and recorded as such.
Rule 28: Long Jump
The Competition
1. An athlete fails if:
a) he while taking off (at any time prior to the instant at which they cease contact with the
176 Rule 28: Long Jump

take-off board or ground), breaks the vertical plane of the take-off line with any front part
of their take-off foot/shoe or prosthetic device, whether running up without jumping or in
the act of jumping, or;
Note: It will not be considered a failure, if the break of the vertical plane is made by a
loose part of the shoe (e.g. shoelace).
b) he takes off from outside either end of the board, whether beyond or before the
extension of the take-off line or;
c) he employs any form of somersaulting whilst running up or in the act of jumping or;
d) after taking off, but before their first contact with the landing area, they touch the runway
or the ground outside the runway or outside the landing area; or
e) in the course of landing, they touch the border of, or the ground outside the landing area
closer to the take-off line than the nearest break made in the sand or;
f) he leaves the landing area in any manner other than that described in Rule 28.2.
2. When leaving the landing area, an athlete’s first contact by foot with its border or the ground
outside shall be further from the take-off line than the nearest break in the sand. (Which may
be any mark made on overbalancing completely inside the landing area or when walking
back closer to the take-off line than the initial break on landing.)
Note: This first contact is considered leaving.
3. An athlete shall not be regarded to have failed if:
a) he runs outside the white lines marking the runway at any point; or
b) except as described in Rule 28.1 (b), they take off before reaching the board.
c) under Rule 28.1 (b) a part of their shoe/foot is touching the ground outside either end of
the take-off board (or take-off area for Sport Classes T11 and T12), before the take-off
line; or
d) if in the course of landing, they touch, with any part of their body, or anything attached to
it at that moment, the border of, or the ground outside the landing area, unless such
contact contravenes Rule 28.1 (d) or Rule 28.1 (e); or
e) he walks back through the landing area after having left the landing area in the manner
described in Rule 28.2.
Rule 28: Long Jump 177

Take-off line and Scratch line
4. The distance between the take-off line and the far end of the landing area shall be at least
10m.
5. The take-off line shall be placed between 1m and 3m from the nearer end of the landing
area.
6. For athletes in Sport Classes T11 and T12, the distance between the scratch line and the far
end of the landing area shall be at least 10m. The scratch line shall be placed between 1m
and 3m from the nearer end of the landing area.
COMMENT: Team of Officials
For a Long Jump or Triple Jump Event, it is recommended to allocate the available officials as
follows:
1) The Chief Judge will watch over the whole of the event.
2) Judge checking whether the take-off has been made correctly and measuring the trial. They
When the jump has been measured, it is advised that the judge stands in front of the take-off
board, holding the red flag, while the landing area is levelled and, if relevant, the plasticine
board is replaced. A cone may be used instead or in addition. (In some competitions this
position is assumed by the Chief Judge of the event.)
3) Judge at the landing point determining the position of the nearest break in the landing area
to the take-off line, to insert the spike/prism and then, if a tape is being used, hold the tape
on the 0. When video measuring is being used, no judge will normally be required on site for
this purpose. When an optic system of measuring is being used on site, two judges are
needed at the landing point, one to plant the marker in the sand, the other one to read the
result on the optic apparatus.
follow).
6) Judge in charge of the wind-gauge positioned at a point 20 metres from the take-off board.
178 Rule 28: Long Jump

7) one or more Judges or assistants in charge of levelling the landing area after each trial.
8) Judge or an assistant in charge of replacing the plasticine.
their trial.
10)Judge in charge of athletes.
Rule 29: Triple Jump
The Rules for the Long Jump apply to the Triple Jump with the following additions:
The Competition
1. The Triple Jump shall consist of a hop, a step and a jump in that order.
2. The hop shall be made so that an athlete lands first on the same foot as that from which they
have taken off; in the step they shall land on the other foot, from which, subsequently, the
jump is performed.
It shall not be considered a failure if, during a trial an athlete, touches the ground with the
“sleeping” leg.
Note: Rule 28.1 (d) does not apply to the normal landings from the hop and step phases.
Take-off Line and Scratch Line

3. The distance between the take-off line for men and the far end of the landing area shall be at
least 21m.
Rule 29: Triple Jump 179

4. For WPA Recognised Competitions, there should be a separate take-off board for men and
women. For athletes in Sport Classes T45-47 it is recommended that the take-off line will
normally be set at 11m for men and 9m for women.
For athletes in Sport Classes T11-13 it is recommended that the scratch line shall be the
following distances:
a) Sport Class T11 a minimum 9m for men and 7m for women;
b) Sport Classes T12 and T13 a minimum 11m for men and 9m for women.
Note: the exact distance from the scratch line to pit shall be determined for each
competition in consultation with the Technical Delegate. For safety purposes, a different
scratch line can be used if approved by the Technical Delegate.
5. Between the take-off board and the landing area there shall, for the step and jump phases,
be a take-off area of 1.22m ± 0.01m wide providing firm and uniform footing.
Note: For all tracks constructed before 1 January 2004, this take-off area may have a width
of maximum 1.25m. However, when such a runway is fully resurfaced, the lane width shall
COMMENT: It should be noted that in the Triple Jump it is not a failure (for that reason alone) if
the athlete:
a) Touches the white lines or the ground outside between the take-off line and the landing
area;
Or
b) If the athlete lands in the pit in the step phase through no fault of their own (i.e. the
judges incorrectly indicated the take-off board) - in which such case the Referee would
normally offer the athlete a substitute trial.
It is, however, a failure if the landing of the jump is not within the landing area.
180 Rule 29: Triple Jump

C. THROWING EVENTS FOR AMBULANT ATHLETES
COMMENT: Practice trials at the competition area
Athletes in Field Events are entitled to warm-up at the competition area prior to the start of the
competition.
For ambulant throwers, previously athletes were given two practice throws, there is now no such
specification and athletes shall be allowed as much warm-up and practice throwing as the
warm-up time permits. At the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2
(a) and (b)) the standard practice is still two Official practice throws are given and in the official
throwing order as drawn by lot. See the differences for secured throwers in the rule respecting
Seated Throwing Requirements (Rule 35.5).
Implements
1. The implements used (not otherwise unique to Para Athletics) shall comply with current
World Athletics specifications. Only those implements which hold a current valid World
Athletics Product Certificate of approval may be used at WPA Recognised Competitions (see
Part B - 3.1.2).
The Para Athletics Implement Weights lists are set out in Appendix 1.
Note: In WPA Recognised Competitions under Part B - 3.1.2, athletes must only use the
implement weights relevant to their Sport Class (as outlined in Appendix 1).
2. The weights of Implements listed in Appendix 1 and not otherwise identified by World
Athletics specifications must be verified by the Technical Delegate to confirm the implement
is compliant.
Note: This refers to implements unique to Para Athletics that are not documented within
World Athletics Rule 187 or related appendices.
3. Except as provided below, all such implements shall be provided by the LOC. The Technical
Delegate(s) may, based on the relevant Technical Regulations of each competition, allow

athletes to use their own personal implements or those provided by a supplier, provided that
such implements are World Athletics certified, checked and marked as approved by the LOC
before the competition and made available to all athletes. Unless the Technical Delegate
decides otherwise, not more than two implements may be submitted by any athlete for any
throwing event in which they are competing.
Note: “World Athletics certified” implements may include older models that previously held a
certificate but are not in production any longer.
COMMENT: It is becoming increasingly common for the LOC to provide a lesser range of
implements than in the past (largely due to the cost of purchases). This increases the
responsibility of Technical Managers and their assistants to closely check all personal
implements presented for competitions - to ensure that they comply with the Rules as well as
being on the World Athletics list of certified products. Implements which do not currently have
but have previously had a World Athletics certificate may be accepted for competition if they
comply with the Rules
4. No modification shall be made to any implements during the competition. No spitting or

application by other means of human body fluids on any implement, is permitted.
Assistance
5. The following shall be considered assistance and are therefore not allowed:
a) The taping of two or more fingers together. If taping is used on the hands and fingers, it
may be continuous provided that as a result no two or more fingers are taped together in
such a way that the fingers cannot move individually. The taping should be shown to the
Chief Judge before the event starts;
b) The use of any device of any kind, including weights attached to the body, which in
anyway provides assistance when making a trial;
c) The use of gloves;
d) The spraying or spreading by an athlete of any substance in the circle or on their shoes
nor the roughening of the surface of the circle.
Note: If the Judges are aware, they shall direct any athlete not complying with this rule to

correct the situation. If the athlete does not, such trial(s) shall be a failure. It shall also be
judged as a failure, if a trial is completed before the noncompliance is noticed. The Referee
shall decide what action shall be taken. In all cases considered serious enough, Rule 8.1 may
also be applied.
6. The following shall not be considered assistance and are therefore allowed:
a) The use by an athlete, in order to obtain a better grip, of a suitable substance on their
hands only. A shot putter may use such substances on their neck.
b) The placement by an athlete, in the Shot Put and Discus Throw, on the implement, of
chalk or a similar substance. All substances used on the hands and on the implements
shall be easily removable from the implement using a wet cloth and shall not leave any
residue.
COMMENT: The importance here is that athletes may apply substances to their hands or on the
implements, but they shall be easily removable from the implement using a wet cloth. If they
cannot be removed easily using a wet cloth then the substances cannot be used under any
circumstances. In practice the Officials are responsible for ensuring that the substance is
removed from the implement prior to it being returned to the implement rack.
It is important to note that this applies to Shot Put and Discus only. A javelin thrower may not
apply any substance to the implement. However, there is no provision which would restricts a
javelin thrower from using any substance on their hands (but not the implement) that complies
with Rule 30.6 (a).
c) The use of taping on the hands and fingers that is not in contravention of Rule 30.5 (a).
Throwing Circle
7. The rim of the circle shall be made of band iron, steel or other suitable material, the top of
which shall be flush with the ground outside. It shall be at least 6mm thick. The inside and
top of the rim shall be white. The ground surrounding the circle may be concrete, synthetic,
asphalt, wood or any other suitable material.
The interior of the circle may be constructed of concrete, asphalt or some other firm but not
slippery material. The surface of this interior shall be level and 2cm±6mm lower than the
upper edge of the rim of the circle.

In the Shot Put, a portable circle meeting these specifications is permissible.
8. The inside diameter of the circle shall be 2.135m±0.005m in the Shot Put and
2.50m±0.005mm in the Discus Throw. The rim of the circle shall be at least 6mm thick and
shall be white.
Note: The circular ring should preferably be coloured other than white so that the white lines
required by Rule 30.8 are clearly visible.
Figure 13 – Layout of Shot Put circle
A white line 50mm wide shall be drawn from the top of the rim extending for at least 0.75m on
either side of the circle. The white line may be painted or made of wood or other suitable
material. The rear edge of the white line shall form a prolongation of a theoretical line through
the centre of the circle at right angles to the centre line of the landing sector.

Figure 14 – Layout of Discus circle
Javelin Throw Runway

9. The minimum length of the runway shall be 30m except at the Paralympic Games and WPA
Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)), where the minimum shall be 33.50m. Where
conditions permit, the minimum length should be 36.50m. It shall be marked by two parallel
white lines 50mm wide and 4m apart. The throw shall be made from behind an arc of a circle
drawn with a radius of 8m. The arc shall consist of at least a 70mm wide strip painted or
made of wood or a suitable non-corrodible material like plastic. It shall be white and be flush
with the ground. Lines shall be drawn from the extremities of the arc at right angles to the
parallel lines marking the runway. These lines shall be white, at least 0.75m long and at least
70mm wide. The maximum lateral inclination of the runway should be 1:100 (1%) unless
special circumstances exist which justify World Athletics providing an exemption and, in the
last 20m of the runway the overall downward inclination in the direction of running shall not
exceed 1:1000 (0.1%).

Figure 15 – Javelin Throw runway and landing sector (not to scale)

Landing Sector
10. The landing sector shall consist of cinders or grass or other suitable material on which the
implement makes an imprint.
11. The maximum overall downward inclination of the landing sector, in the throwing direction,
shall not exceed 1:1000 (0.1%).
12.
a) Except for the Javelin Throw, the landing sector shall be marked with white lines 50mm
wide at an angle of 34.92° such that the inner edge of lines, if extended, would pass
through the centre of the circle.
Note: The 34.92° sector may be laid out accurately by making the distance between the
two points on the sector lines 20m from the centre of the circle 12m±0.05m (20x0.60m)
apart. Thus, for every 1m from the centre of the circle, the distance across shall be
increased by 0.60m.
b) In the Javelin Throw, the landing sector shall be marked with white lines 50mm wide
such that the inner edge of the lines, if extended, would pass through the two
intersections of the inner edges of the arc, and the parallel lines marking the runway and
intersect at the centre of the circle of which the arc is part (see Figure 15). The sector is
thus about 28.96°.
COMMENT: The landing sector shall be of an even surface soft enough to ensure that the place
of the initial fall of the implement can be clearly established by the Judges. The landing surface
should not allow the implement bounce backwards thus creating a risk that the measuring point
is obliterated.
Trials
13. In the Shot Put and Discus Throw, implements shall be thrown from a circle, and in the
Javelin Throw, from a runway. In the case of trials made from a circle, an athlete shall
commence their trial from a stationary position inside the circle. An athlete is allowed to
touch the inside of the rim. In the Shot Put, they are also allowed to touch the inside of the
stop board described in Rule 31.2.

COMMENT: There is no restriction on how, or from which direction, an athlete may enter the
circle nor in the case of the shot put is there any restriction on making contact with the stop
board during this process. The relevant requirement is that once inside they must adopt a
stationary position before commencing their trial.
A stationary position means that an athlete having entered the circle to make their trial and
before doing so adopts a stance in which both feet are simultaneously in firm contact with the
ground inside the circle and with no contact with the top of the rim or the ground outside. Such
contact to be sufficiently long in time to be visible to the judges. There is no requirement for the
arms or hands of other parts of the athlete’s body to be stationary.
14. It shall be a failure if an athlete in the course of a trial:
a) Releases the shot or the javelin other than as permitted under Rule 31.1 and Rule 33.1;
b) After they have stepped into the circle and begun to make a throw, touches with any part
of their body the top (or the top inside edge) of the rim or the ground outside the circle;
Note: However, it will not be considered a failure if the touch occurs during any first
rotation at a point completely behind the white line which is drawn outside the circle
running, theoretically, through the centre of the circle. Nor will it be considered a failure
at any time, if the touch, including of the top of the stopboard, or, in the case of Javelin
Throw, the throwing arc or lines marking the runway, is made by a loose part of the shoe
(e.g. shoelace) or clothing, or if the touch is made by any other item (e.g. cap) which was
attached to the body at the time of the start of throw and became detached during or
after the throw.
c) In the Shot Put, touches with any part of their body any part of the stop board other than
its inner side (excluding its top edge which is considered to be part of the top);
COMMENT: Officials must be careful here to use appropriate judgement. For example, if an
athlete’s shoelace touches the top of the stop board it is not a failure, but if the bottom of their
shoe touches the top of the stop board it is.
d) In the Javelin Throw, touches with any part of their body the lines which mark the runway
or the ground outside.
Note (i): It shall be considered a failure if the discus strikes the far side of the cage (left side
for a right-handed thrower when facing the landing sector or the right side for a left-handed

thrower when facing the landing sector) after the release of the implement.
Note (ii): It will not be considered a failure if the discus strikes the near side of the cage (right
side for a right-handed thrower when facing the landing sector or the left side for a left-
handed thrower when facing the landing sector) after the release of the implement, then
lands within the landing sector outside the limits of the cage, provided that no other Rule is
infringed, including Rule 30.16.
COMMENT: The limits of the cage shall be defined as the boundary formed by the cage and the
gates, when in position, completed by an imaginary straight line drawn between the ends of the
cage/gates closest to the landing sector.
It is clarified that the top inside edges of the rim of the circle and of the stop board are
considered to be part of the top of the rim and stop board respectively. This means that should
an athlete make contact with the top inside edge of either the rim or the stop board then they
will be considered thereby to have made a failure.
The addition of the Note to Rule 30.14 (b) about the first rotation applies to rotational
techniques used by athletes in Shot Put and Discus Throw. It should be interpreted that any
“incidental” touch of the top of the rim or the ground outside in respect of the back half of the
circle during the first rotation should not of itself be regarded as a failure. The other addition
confirms that the intent of Rule 30.14 (b) is to respect the purpose of the circle’s or runway’s
limits so that the athlete complies by remaining in the circle or runway until they exit correctly. It
is, unless they overbalance, only the position of their feet / shoes which is critical. It is not
relevant, if the top of the iron band or, in the case of Javelin Throw, the throwing arc or lines
marking the runway, the ground outside or the top of the stopboard is touched by a loose
shoelace or the like or for example a cap or piece of jewellery falling from the athlete’s body
during the trial.
15. Provided that, in the course of a trial, the Rules relative to each throwing event have not
been infringed, an athlete may interrupt a trial once started, may lay the implement down
inside or outside the circle or runway and may leave the circle or runway.
Note: All the moves permitted by this Rule shall be included in the maximum time for a trial
given in Rule 24.17.
COMMENT: In these circumstances, there is no restriction on how, or from which direction, an

athlete may leave the circle or runway if they choose to do. The relevant requirement is that no

other Rule is or has already been infringed.
16. It shall be a failure if the shot, the discus, or the head of the javelin in contacting the ground
when it first lands touches the sector line, the ground or any object (other than the cage as
provided in Note (ii) to Rule 30.14) outside the sector line.
17. It shall be a failure if the athlete leaves the circle or runway before the implement has
touched the ground, or
a) for throws made from a circle, if, when leaving the circle, the athlete’s first contact with
the top of the rim or the ground outside the circle is not completely behind the white line
which is drawn outside the circle running, theoretically, through the centre of the circle.
Note: The first contact with the top of the rim or the ground outside the circle is
considered leaving.
b) in the case of the Javelin Throw, if when leaving the runway, the athlete’s first contact
with the parallel lines or the ground outside the runway is not completely behind the
white line of the arc or the lines drawn from the extremities of the arc at right angles to
the parallel lines. Once the implement has touched the ground, an athlete will also be
considered to have left the runway correctly, upon making contact with or behind a line
(painted, or theoretical and indicated by markers beside the runway) drawn across the
runway, four metres back from the end points of the throwing arc. Should an athlete be
behind that line and inside the runway at the moment the implement touches the
ground, they shall be considered to have left the runway correctly.
COMMENT: The second and third sentences in Rule 30.17 (b) are designed to speed up the
judging process and not to create an additional method of calling a failure on the athlete. The
purpose of the “4m marks” is solely to enable the Judges to raise the white flag and begin
measuring the trial once the athlete retreats behind this point (in the same way as they would do
if they had otherwise correctly left the runway). The only requirement is that there is no other
reason for calling a failure and that the implement has touched the ground before the white flag
is raised. Necessarily, if the athlete for whatever reason never progresses past the “4m marks”
when making their throw then the flag can be raised once the implement has landed.
18. After each throw, implements shall be carried back to the area next to the circle or runway
and never thrown back.

Measurements
19. In all throwing events, distances shall be recorded to the nearest 0.01m, rounded down to
the nearest 0.01m if the distance measured is not a whole centimetre.
20. The measurement of each throw shall be made immediately after each valid trial (or after an
immediate oral protest made under Rule 50.5):
a) from the nearest mark made by the fall of the shot or discus, to the inside of the
circumference of the circle along a line to the centre of the circle;
b) in Javelin Throw, from where the head of the javelin first struck the ground to the inside
edge of the arc, along a line to the centre of the circle of which the arc is part.
COMMENT: As long as no irregularity has been committed, each trial must be measured
whatever the distance reached, including for the reasons that other trial measurements may
become critical in determining countbacks or whether an athlete will proceed to subsequent
rounds. Except where Rule 50.5 is applied, under normal practice no trial during which an
irregularity has been committed should be measured. Judges should carefully use their
discretion in applying any alternate practice and usually only in special cases. Unless video
measuring is being used, for every valid trial a marker (usually metal) should be placed in a
vertical position at the place of the imprint left by the implement in the landing area nearest to
the circle/arc. The marker is passed through the loop at the end of the graduated metal tape so
that the “zero” is on the mark. The tape should be pulled out horizontally taking care not to
place it on any rise in the ground.

Rule 31: Shot Put
Competition
1. The shot shall be put from the shoulder with one hand only. At the time an athlete takes a
stance in the circle to commence a put, the shot shall touch or be in close proximity to the
neck or the chin and the hand shall not be dropped below this position during the action of
putting. The shot shall not be taken behind the line of the shoulders.
Note (i): Cartwheeling techniques are not permitted.
Note (ii): For Sport Classes F33-34, F52-57 from start to finish, the movement of the shot
shall be a straight, continuous putting action.
Note (iii): For Sport Class F32, lateral movement of the shot away from the chin or neck
during the putting action is allowed and the requirement for putting the shot in a straight,
continuous putting action is waived provided that no other element of this rule is
contravened.
COMMENT: Of importance is that the shot shall be “put” not “thrown”. Taking the shot behind
the line of the shoulders is how it looks when someone throws it rather than putting it. The hand
cannot drop below the chin, the shot cannot be taken behind the line of the shoulders and the
shot must not be thrown.
Stop Board
2. The stop board shall be white and made of wood or other suitable material in the shape of an
arc so that the inner surface aligns with the inner edge of the rim of the circle and is
perpendicular to the surface of the circle. It shall be placed so that its centre coincides with
the centre line of the landing sector (Figure 13) and shall be firmly fixed to the ground or to
the concrete surrounding the circle.
Note: Stop boards to the 1983/84 World Athletics specifications remain acceptable.
192 Rule 31: Shot Put

Figure 16 – Shot Put stop board (top and side view)
Measurements
3. The stop board shall measure 0.112m to 0.30m wide, with a chord of 1.21m ±0.01m for an
arc of the same radius as the circle and 0.10m±0.008m high in relation to the level of the
inside of the circle adjacent to the stop board.
Shot
4. The shot shall be of solid iron, brass or any metal not softer than brass, or a shell of such
metal filled with lead or other solid material. It shall be spherical in shape and its surface
finish shall be smooth. There shall be no loose parts.
Information for manufacturers: to be smooth, the surface average height must be less than
or equal to 1.6μm, i.e., a roughness number N7 or less.
Rule 31: Shot Put 193

5. The shot shall conform to the following specifications:
Shot
Minimum weight for admission to competition and acceptance of a
Record 2.000kg 3.000kg 4.000kg 5.000kg 6.000kg 7.260kg
Information for manufacturers
Range for supply of 2.005kg 3.005kg 4.005kg 5.005kg 6.005kg 7.265kg

implement for 2.025kg 3.025kg 4.025kg 5.025kg 6.025kg 7.285kg
competition
Minimum Diameter 80mm 85mm 95mm 100mm 105mm 110mm
Maximum Diameter 100mm 110mm 110mm 120mm 125mm 130mm
For a Shot Put event, it is recommended to allocate the available officials as follows:
2) Two Judges checking whether the put has been made correctly and measuring the trial. One
When the put has been measured, it is advised that the Judge stands in the circle holding
the red flag, while the implement is returned, and the landing area is cleared. A cone may be
placed in the circle instead. (In some competitions this position is assumed by the Chief
Judge of the event.) Where EDM is not in use the second Judge should pull through and hold
the measuring tape in such a way that it passes through the centre of the circle.
3) Judge immediately after the throw placing a marker indicating the point from which the trial
is to be measured.
4) Judge positioning the spike/prism at the point where the marker has been placed ensuring
the tape is on the zero mark.
5) Judge in charge of retrieving the implements and returning them to the implement stand or

placing them in the return chute.
follow).
their trial.
10)Judge in charge of the implement stand.
Rule 32: Discus Throw
Discus
1. The body of the discus may be solid or hollow and shall be made of wood, or other suitable
material, with a metal rim, the edge of which shall be circular. The cross section of the edge
shall be rounded in a true circle having a radius of approximately 6mm. There may be
circular plates set flush into the centre of the sides. The plates shall be tightly fixed and not
able to be rotated. Alternatively, the discus may be made without metal plates, provided that
the equivalent area is flat and the measurements and total weight of the implement
correspond to the specifications. There shall be no loose parts.
Each side of the discus shall be identical and shall be made without indentations,
projections or sharp edges. The sides shall taper in a straight line from any point on a circle
of a radius of 25mm to 28.5mm from the centre of the discus to the beginning of the curve
of the rim.
Rule 32: Discus Throw 195

The profile of the discus shall be designed as follows. From the beginning of the curve of the
rim the thickness of the discus increases regularly up to the maximum thickness D. This
maximum value is achieved at a distance of 25 mm to 28.5mm from the axis of the discus Y.
From this point up to the axis Y the thickness of the discus is constant. Upper and lower side
of the discus must be identical; also the discus has to be symmetrical concerning rotation
around the axis Y.
The discus, including the surface of the rim shall have no roughness and the finish shall be
smooth and uniform throughout.
Figure 17 – Discus
196 Rule 32: Discus Throw

2. The discus shall conform to the following specifications:
Discus
Record 0.750kg 1.000kg 1.500kg 1.750kg 2.000kg
Range for supply of implement 0.755kg 1.005kg 1.505kg 1.755kg 2.005kg

for competition 0.775kg 1.025kg 1.525kg 1.775kg 2.025kg
Outside diameter of metal rim
Min. 166mm 180mm 200mm 210mm 219mm
Max. 172mm 182mm 202mm 212mm 221mm
Diameter of metal plate or flat centre area
Min. 50mm 50mm 50mm 50mm 50mm
Max. 57mm 57mm 57mm 57mm 57mm
Thickness of metal plate or flat centre area
Thickness of metal rim (6mm from edge)
For a Discus Throw Event, it is recommended to allocate the available officials as follows:
2) Two Judges checking whether the throw has been made correctly and measuring the trial.
One must be provided with two flags – white to indicate if the trial is valid and red if it is a

failure. When the throw has been measured, it is advised that the Judge stands at the
entrance to the cage holding the red flag, while the implement is returned, and the landing
area is cleared. A cone may be placed at this point instead. (In some competitions this
position is assumed by the Chief Judge of the event.) Where EDM is not in use the second
Judge should pull through and hold the measuring tape in such a way that it passes through
the centre of the circle.
3) Judge immediately after the throw placing a marker indicating the point from which the trial
is to be measured. If the implement lands outside the sector either this Judge or the one with
the spike/prism (whichever is closer to the line) should indicate this by holding their arm
outstretched. No indication is required for a valid trial.
5) one or more Judges or assistants in charge of retrieving the implements and returning them
to the implement stand or placing them in the return device. Where a tape is used for
measurement, one of these Judges or assistants should ensure that the tape measure is taut
in order to ensure a correct measurement.
follow).
their trial.

Discus Cage
(Rule 190)
COMMENT: There are many variations on enclosures or cages for athletes with an impairment
but safety for Officials, spectators and athletes is paramount. The Discus Cage is also used for
club throw.
3. All discus throws shall be made from an enclosure or cage to ensure the safety of spectators,
officials and athletes. The cage specified in this Rule is intended for use when the event
takes place in the field of play with other events taking place at the same time or when the
event takes place outside the field of play with spectators present. Where this does not
apply, and especially in training areas, a much simpler construction may be satisfactory.
Advice is available, on request, through national organisations or from the WPA Office.
4. The cage should be designed, manufactured and maintained so as to be capable of stopping

a 2kg discus moving at a speed of up to 25 meters per second. The arrangement should be
such that there is no danger of ricocheting or rebounding back towards the athlete or over
the top of the cage. Provided that it satisfies all the requirements of this Rule, any form of
cage design and construction can be used.
5. The cage should be U-shaped in plan as shown in Figure 18. The width of the mouth should
be 6m, positioned 7m in front of the centre of the throwing circle. The end points of the 6m
wide mouth shall be the inner edge of the cage netting. The height of the netting panels or
draped netting at their lowest point should be at least 4m and it should be at least 6m for the
3m nearest the front of the cage on each side [from 1 January 2020].
Provision should be made in the design and construction of the cage to prevent a discus
forcing its way through any joints in the cage or the netting or underneath the netting panels
or draped netting.
Note (i): The arrangement of the rear panels/netting is not important provided the netting is a
minimum of 3.00m away from the centre of the circle.
Note (ii): Innovative designs that provide the same or better degree of protection and do not
increase the danger zone compared with conventional designs may be World Athletics

certified.
Note (iii): The cage side particularly alongside the track may be lengthened and/or provided
with (a) movable panel(s) and/or increased in height so as to provide greater protection to
athletes competing on the adjoining track during a discus competition.
COMMENT: The netting must be fixed in a way that the width of the mouth is the same at each
height of the netting.
6. The netting for the cage can be made from suitable natural or synthetic fibre cord or,
alternatively, from mild or high tensile steel wire. The measurement of the mesh cord
centres shall be a maximum of 45mm for cord netting and 50mm for steel wire netting.
Note: Further specifications for the netting and safety inspection procedures are set out in
the World Athletics Track and Field Facilities Manual.
7. The maximum danger sector for discus throws from this cage is approximately 69°, when
used by both right and left handed throwers in the same competition (calculated by
assuming that the discus is released from a circumscribed circle of 1.5m radius). The
position and alignment of the cage in the field of play is, therefore, critical for its safe use.
Note: the method used to determine the danger zone is illustrated in Figure 18.

Figure 18 – Cage for Discus Throw only

Figure 19 – Cage for Discus Throw with concentric circles

Figure 20 – Cage for Discus Throw with separate circles

Rule 33: Javelin Throw
Competition
1.
a) The javelin shall be held at the grip with one hand only. It shall be thrown over the
shoulder or upper part of the throwing arm and shall not be slung or hurled. Non-
orthodox styles are not permitted;
b) A throw shall be valid only if the metal head strikes the ground before any other part of
the javelin;
c) Until the javelin has been thrown, an athlete shall not at any time turn completely
around, so that their back is towards the throwing arc.
COMMENT: Previous references in the Rules to the “tip” of the javelin have been removed and
are replaced by a generic reference to the head. This acknowledges that the shape of the head
varies greatly, making it harder to separately define the tip. It means that Judges in determining
whether the javelin has landed correctly in terms of Rule 30.16 and Rule 33.1 (b) and the
reference point for measurement in terms of Rule 30.20 (b) now have a bigger area with which
to assess. But the principles remain as before and there must be some angle on landing,
however small, for the throw to be valid. Flat or “tail-first” landings are still to be red flagged.
2. If the javelin breaks during a throw or while in the air, it shall not count as a failure, provided
the trial was otherwise made in accordance with this Rule. Nor shall it count as a failure if an
athlete thereby loses their balance and as a result contravenes any part of this Rule. In both
cases the athlete shall be awarded a new trial.
Javelin
3. The javelin shall consist of three main parts: a shaft, a head, and a cord grip.
4. The shaft may be solid or hollow and shall be constructed of metal or other suitable material
so as to constitute a fixed and integrated whole. The surface of the shaft shall have no
dimples or pimples, grooves or ridges, holes or roughness, and the finish shall be smooth
and uniform throughout.
204 Rule 33: Javelin Throw

5. The shaft shall have fixed to it a metal head terminating in a sharp point. The head shall be
constructed completely of metal. It may contain a reinforced tip of other metal alloy welded
on to the front end of the head provided that the completed head is smooth and uniform
along the whole of its surface. The angle of tip shall not exceed 40 degrees.
Note: The metal head up to 3mm from the tip may be disregarded for the angle of the point,
when the construction of the tip is made with safety measures implemented.
6. The cord grip, which shall cover the centre of gravity, shall not exceed the average diameter
of the shaft by more than 8mm. It may have a regular nonslip pattern surface but without
thongs, notches or indentations of any kind. The grip shall be of uniform thickness.
7. The cross-section shall be regularly circular throughout (see Note (i)). The maximum
diameter of the shaft shall be immediately in front of the grip. The central portion of the
shaft, including the part under the grip, may be cylindrical or slightly tapered towards the
rear but in no case may the reduction in diameter, from immediately in front of the grip to
immediately behind, exceed 0.25mm. From the grip, the javelin shall taper regularly to the
tip at the front and the tail at the rear. The longitudinal profile from the grip to the front tip
and to the tail shall be straight or slightly convex (see Note (ii)), and there shall be no abrupt
alteration in the overall diameter, except immediately behind the head and at the front and
rear of the grip, throughout the length of the javelin. At the rear of the head, the reduction in
the diameter may not exceed 2.5mm.
Note (i): Whilst the cross section throughout should be circular, a maximum difference
between the largest and the smallest diameter at cross section of 2% is permitted. The mean
value of these two diameters, at any nominated cross section, shall meet the specifications of
a circular javelin in the tables hereunder.
Note (ii): The shape of the longitudinal profile may be quickly and easily checked using a
metal straight edge at least 500mm long and two feeler gauges 0.20mm and 1.25mm thick.
For slightly convex sections of the profile, the straight edge will rock while being in firm
contact with a short section of the javelin. For straight sections of the profile, with the
straight edge held firmly against it, it must be impossible to insert the 0.20mm gauge
between the javelin and the straight edge anywhere over the length of contact. This shall not
apply immediately behind the joint between the head and the shaft. At this point it must be
impossible to insert the 1.25mm gauge.
Rule 33: Javelin Throw 205

8. The javelin shall conform to the following specifications:
Javelin
Minimum weight for admission to competition and acceptance of a Record (inclusive of the
cord grip):
400g 500g 600g 700g 800g
Information for manufacturers: Range for supply of implement for competition

405g 505g 605g 705g 805g
425g 525g 625g 725g 825g
Overall length (L0)

Min. 1850mm 2000mm 2200mm 2400mm 2600mm
Max. 1950mm 2100mm 2300mm 2500mm 2700mm
Distance from tip of metal head to centre of gravity L1)

Min. 750mm 780mm 800mm 850mm 900mm
Max. 800mm 880mm 920mm 990mm 1060mm
Distance from tail to centre of gravity (L2)

Min. 1050mm 1120mm 1280mm 1410mm 1540mm
Max. 1200mm 1320mm 1500mm 1650mm 1800mm
Length of metal head (L3)

Min. 200mm 220mm 250mm 250mm 250mm
Max. 250mm 270mm 330mm 330mm 330mm
Width of cord grip (L4)

Min. 130mm 135mm 140mm 150mm 150mm
Max. 140mm 145mm 150mm 160mm 160mm
Diameter of shaft at thickest point (in front of grip – D0)


9. The javelin shall have no mobile parts or other apparatus, which during the throw could
change its centre of gravity or throwing characteristics.
10. The tapering of the javelin to the tip of the metal head shall be such that the angle of the
point shall be not more than 40°. The diameter, at a point 150mm from the tip, shall not
exceed 80% of the maximum diameter of the shaft. At the midpoint between the centre of
gravity and the tip of the metal head, the diameter shall not exceed 90% of the maximum
diameter of the shaft.
11. The tapering of the shaft to the tail at the rear shall be such that the diameter, at the
midpoint between the centre of gravity and the tail, shall not be less than 90% of the
maximum diameter of the shaft. At a point 0.15m from the tail, the diameter shall be not
less than 40% of the maximum diameter of the shaft. The diameter of the shaft at the end of
the tail shall not be less than 3.5mm.

Figure 21 – International Javelin

For a Javelin Throw Event, it is recommended to allocate the available officials as follows:
2) Two Judges checking whether the throw has been made correctly and measuring the trial.
One must be provided with two flags – white to indicate if the trial is valid and red if it is a
failure. When the throw has been measured, it is advised that the Judge stands on the
runway holding the red flag, while the implement is returned, and the landing area is
cleared. A cone may be placed on the runway instead. (In some competitions this position is
assumed by the Chief Judge of the event.)
3) Where EDM is not in use the second Judge should pull through and hold the measuring tape
in such a way that it passes through the 8m point marked on the runway.
4) one or two Judges immediately after the throw placing a marker indicating the point from
which the trial is to be measured. If the implement lands outside the sector either this Judge
or the one with the spike/prism (whichever is closer to the line) should indicate this by
holding their arm outstretched. An appropriate indication is also required if these Judges
determine that the implement has not landed “head first”. It is recommended that some
form of signal other than flags in used for this purpose. No indication is required for a valid
trial.
6) one or more Judges or assistants in charge of retrieving the implements and returning them
to the implement stand or placing them in the return device. Where a tape is used for
measurement, one of these Judges or assistants should ensure that the tape measure is taut
in order to ensure a correct measurement.
follow).
their trial.

10)Judge in charge of athletes.

D. THROWING EVENTS FOR SEATED ATHLETES
Official Implements
1. The implements used (not otherwise unique to Para Athletics) shall comply with current
World Athletics specifications. Only those implements which hold a current valid World
Athletics Product Certificate of approval may be used at WPA Recognised Competitions (see
Part B - 3.1.2).
The Para Athletics Implement Weights lists are set out in Appendix 1.
Note: In WPA Recognised Competitions under Part B - 3.1.2, athletes must only use the
implement weights relevant to their Sport Class (as outlined in Appendix 1).
2. The weights of Implements listed in Appendix 1 and not otherwise identified by World
Athletics specifications must be verified by the Technical Delegate to confirm the implement
is compliant.
Note: This refers to implements unique to Para Athletics that are not documented within
World Athletics Rule 187 or related appendices.
3. Except as provided below, all such implements shall be provided by the LOC. The Technical
Delegate(s) may, based on the relevant Technical Regulations of each competition, allow
athletes to use their own implements or those provided by a supplier, provided that such
implements are World Athletics certified or, those implements that are not on the World
Athletics list of certifiable implements which must be measured, verified and marked as
approved by the LOC and approved by the Technical Delegate(s) before being made
available to all athletes for use in competition. Such implements will not be accepted if the
same model is already on the list of those provided by the LOC.
4. No modification shall be made to any implements during the competition.
Assistance
5. The following shall be considered assistance and are therefore not allowed:

a) The taping of two or more fingers together. If taping is used on the hands and fingers, it
may be continuous provided that as a result no two or more fingers are taped together in
such a way that the fingers cannot move individually. The taping should be shown to the
Chief Judge before the event starts.
b) The use of any device of any kind, including weights attached to the body, which in
anyway provides assistance when making a trial;
c) Use of gloves except for athletes in Classes F31-33 and F51-53 that is not in
contravention Rule 34.6 (d);
6. The following shall not be considered assistance and are therefore allowed:
a) The use by an athlete, in order to obtain a better grip, of a suitable substance on their
hands only. Shot putters may use such substances on their neck;
b) The placement by an athlete, in the Shot Put, Discus Throw and Club Throw, on the
implement, of chalk or a similar substance. All substances used on the hands and on the
implements shall be easily removable from the implement using a wet cloth and shall not
leave any residue;
COMMENT: It is important to note that this applies to Shot Put, Discus Throw and Club
Throw only. A javelin thrower may not apply any substance to the implement. However,
there is no provision which would restrict a javelin thrower from using any substance on
their hands (but not the implement) that complies with Rule 34.6 (a).
c) The use of taping on the hands and fingers that is not in contravention of Rule 34.5 (a);
d) The use of gloves that is not in contravention of Rule 34.5 (c);
Athletes in Sport Classes F31-33 and F51-53 (i.e., quadriplegic athletes) use strapping or a
glove on their non-throwing hand and anchor/attach that hand to any part of the throwing
frame within the vertical plane of the throwing circle.
Throwing Circle
7. The rim of the circle shall be made of band iron, steel or other suitable material, the top of
which shall be flush with the ground outside. The ground surrounding the circle may be
concrete, synthetic, asphalt, wood or any other suitable material.

The interior of the circle may be constructed of concrete, asphalt or some other firm but not
slippery material. The surface of this interior shall be level and 2cm±6mm lower than the
upper edge of the rim of the circle.
In the Shot Put, a portable circle meeting these specifications is permissible.
Surface of Tie-down Devices (Sport Classes F31-34 and F51-57)
a) WPA Approved Tie-down Devices must be used to conduct seated throwing events at
WPA Recognised Competitions (see Part B - 3.1.2);
b) At the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships(see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)) the
interior of the Throwing Circle should be constructed of concrete, asphalt or a similar
non-slippery material;
c) Where portable WPA Approved Tie-down Devices are being used the surface must
provide similar grip to a concrete throwing surface (e.g., coated in gritty paint OR
covered in “gritty tape”);
d) Movable platforms can be used at the discretion of the Technical Delegate. The platform
does not have to be a full circle, but in these circumstances the front arc or semi-circle
must be designed to give the same effect of throwing from a circle, diameter 2.135m to
2.5m and not alter the angle of the sector.
COMMENT: The throwing platforms are becoming more available and more widely used. It is
most important to ensure that they are adequately secured to the ground so that even the
largest and heaviest of athletes cannot dislodge them during the throwing action.
8. All Seated Throwing Events (Shot Put, Discus Throw, Javelin Throw and Club Throw) should
be conducted from a circle with diameter of 2.135m±0.005m or 2.50m±0.005m, using a
34.92 degree sector. The rim of the circle shall be at least 6mm thick and shall be white. The
use of movable platforms meeting these specifications is permissible.
Note (i): The circular ring should preferably be coloured other than white so that the white
lines required by this Rule are clearly visible.
Note (ii): Discus Throw and Club Throw shall be conducted from a cage.

Trials and Measurement
9. In all Seated Throwing Events, it shall be a failure:
a) if the shot, the discus, the club, or the head of the javelin in contacting the ground when
it first lands touches the sector line, or the ground or any object (other than the cage)
outside the sector line.
Note: It will not be considered a failure if the discus strikes the near side of the cage (right
side for a right-handed thrower when facing the landing sector or the left side for a left-
handed thrower when facing the landing sector) after the release of the implement, then
lands within the landing sector outside the limits of the cage, provided that no other Rule is
infringed, including Rule 30.16.
b) if an athlete touches any holding straps outside the vertical plane of the rim of the
throwing circle.
10. In all Seated Throwing Events, distances shall be recorded to the nearest 0.01m, rounded
down to the nearest 0.01m if the distance measured is not a whole centimetre.
11. The measurement of each throw shall be made immediately after each valid trial (or after an
immediate oral protest made under Rule 50.5):
a) from the nearest mark made by the fall of the shot or discus to the inside of the
b) from where the head of the javelin first struck the ground to the inside of the
c) from the first point of contact by any part of the club to the inside of the circumference of
the circle along a line to the centre of the circle.
Rule 35: Seated Throwing Requirements

(Sport Classes F31-34, F51-57)
[Note to officials: for the purpose of interpreting this rule and other rules regarding the shape,
dimensions, construction and other characteristic of competition equipment, the ‘fundamental
principles’ set out in Part B – 7.1 regarding ‘Technology and Equipment’ should be observed.]
214 Rule 35: Seated Throwing Requirements

1. Throwing Frame Specifications:
a) The maximum height of the seat surface, including any cushioning, shall not exceed 75
cm;
b) Each throwing frame must have a seat which is square or rectangular in shape and each
side at least 30 cm in length. The seat surface must be level or with the front higher than
the back (i.e. inclined backwards).
Note: The front is the plane furthest from the athlete’s spine with the athlete in a seated
position regardless of the direction of the athlete in relation to the landing area.
c) The throwing frame may incorporate side, front and back rests for the purposes of safety
and stability. They can either be made of non-elastic fabric (e.g., non-elastic canvas) or
be a rigid construction that does not move (e.g., rigid steel or aluminium). The backrest
may incorporate cushioning that must not exceed 5 cm in thickness.
Note: The structure of the throwing frame shall not impede the view of judges.
d) The side, front and back rest should not incorporate springs or movable joints or any
other feature that could assist with propulsion of the throwing implement;
e) The throwing frame may have a rigid vertical bar. The vertical bar must be a single,
straight piece of material without curves or bends, and with a cross-sectional profile that
is circular or square, not oval or rectangular. It must not incorporate springs or movable
joints or any other feature that could assist with propulsion of the throwing implement;
Note (i): It is understood that most materials will flex and distort to some degree under
pressure and it will not be practical or economically viable to engineer a solution whereby
all flexing is totally eliminated. However, flexing must not be clear to the naked eye and in
the opinion of the technical officials the spirit of these rules and Part B - 7 is being
breached.
Note (ii): The vertical bar may have layers of tape and/or any other suitable material to
provide a better grip. The thickness of the tape or other alternative material must not
result in any unfair advantage exceeding the athlete's physical prowess. Any tape on the
vertical bar must be uniform except for incidental overlapping and must not result in any
sudden change in diameter, such as the creation of any ring on the vertical bar. Only
regular taping in accordance with the rule is allowed on the vertical bar – rings, loops and
Rule 35: Seated Throwing Requirements 215

the like are not permitted.
Note (iii): For the avoidance of doubt, an athlete shall be entitled to hold on to any
component of the throwing frame for stability.
COMMENT: There is no minimum or maximum length requirement for the vertical bar. The bar
must be vertical however some deviation from “exactly perpendicular to the ground” may be
permitted. Such deviation should not usually exceed 5 degrees from the vertical. An additional
piece which acts as support to the vertical bar (similar to the example illustrated below) is
permitted and strongly encouraged to mitigate against potential flexing of the vertical bar. The
vertical bar, or any of its supports, may not protrude outside the throwing circle or platform.
The use of a plumb bob will assist in determining if any part of the throwing frame or vertical bar
is not in conformity with this rule when placed in the throwing circle or platform.
It should also be noted that at the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships a courtesy pre-
check of throwing frames is conducted to enable athletes to make any necessary amendments
prior to final check at the entry to the Call Room.
Figure 22 – Additional piece to mitigate the potential flexing of the vertical bar
216 Rule 35: Seated Throwing Requirements

f) No part of the throwing frame, including any vertical bar, shall move (save for incidental
movement that cannot reasonably be eliminated) during the throwing action.
The corner(s) of, or notches in, the seat surface may be cut to accommodate side, front,
back rests and/or a vertical bar into the main throwing frame. The size of these cuts shall
not be appreciably more than the space needed to insert the rests or the vertical bar in
them. The overall shape of the seat shall remain square or rectangular.
g) Footplates, if used, are for support and stability only.
h) A daily wheelchair that satisfies these criteria is acceptable (including the requirement
that it must not move during the throwing action).
2. Throwing Frame Measurement and Inspection
Throwing Frames will be measured and inspected in the Call Room or at the competition
area prior to the commencement of the event. Once it has been measured and inspected an
athlete’s Throwing Frame must not be taken from the competition area before the start of
the event. Throwing Frames can be re-examined by the officials before, during or after the
event.
Note: Measurement will always take place without the athlete sitting in the frame.
3. Athlete‘s Responsibility for Throwing Frame Compliance
It is the responsibility of the athlete to ensure that their Throwing Frame conforms to the
requirements stipulated in Rule 35.1. No event shall be delayed while an athlete makes
adjustments to their throwing Frame. If an athlete fails to comply with this Rule, then the
athlete will not be permitted to start the event and shall be shown in the results as “DNS” in
4. Positioning of the Throwing Frame
When positioning and securing the throwing frame inside the competition area all parts of
the throwing frame, vertical bar and footplates must remain inside the vertical plane of the
rim of the circle throughout the trial. Personal strapping securing the athlete to the throwing
frame is not considered to be part of the throwing frame for the purposes of this rule.
5. Time Allocation for Securing Frames
A reasonable amount of time will be permitted for an athlete’s throwing frame to be secured
Rule 35: Seated Throwing Requirements 217

in the circle before the athlete attains a seated position on the throwing frame. The
maximum time allowed is for athletes to secure themselves to the chair and have as many
warm-up throws as time permits is:
a) 4 minutes for Sports Classes F32-34 and F54-57, or
b) 5 minutes for classes F31 and F51-53.
Note (i): Timing should begin at the time the chair is oriented, secured to the throwing
platform and made available to the athlete to secure themselves into position.
COMMENT: Timing for securing the athlete into the throwing chair and conducting practice
throws begins when the throwing frame is situated in the circle or throwing platform. If the time
in this rule elapses prior to securing the athletes into the Throwing chair, the time for the first
trial should commence as it would if the athlete was secured.
If the athlete is using a day chair that meets the requirements for a throwing frame the time
starts when the day chair is placed and strapped in the throwing circle or on the throwing
platform.
6. Tie-down Device Failure (Sport Classes F31-34, F51-57)
If a tie-down device should break or fail during the execution of a throw then the overseeing
official should:
a) If the athlete does not fail, offer the athlete the option of re-taking that trial (i.e., if the
athlete is happy with the distance and they haven’t failed then the athlete has the option
of counting the affected trial), or;
b) If the athlete fails, then the trial should not be counted and the athlete should be allowed
to retake the affected trial.
Rule 36: Seated Throwing Technique, Lifting and Failure

1. In Seated Throw Events, all athletes (Sport Classes F31-34, F51-57) shall throw implements
from a Throwing Frame in a seated position. The seated position is defined as follows:
a) The athlete must sit so that both legs are in contact with the seat surface from the back
of the knee to the back of the buttock (Ischial tuberosity). For athletes with lower limb
above and through knee amputation, the residual length of the leg(s) must be in contact
218 Rule 36: Seated Throwing Technique, Lifting and Failure

with the seat surface till the back of the buttock (Ischial tuberosity).
b) This sitting position must be maintained throughout the throwing action until the
implement has landed. Strapping across the upper thighs and or pelvis is encouraged.
Strapping must be only to the frame with non-elastic material.
Note (i): The intention of this rule is to minimise the contribution of the legs to the
athlete’s performance.
Note (ii): If an athlete presents with anatomical limitation that prevents adherence to the
above requirements, then an assessment shall be made by WPA in advance of the event.
WPA shall establish a process for such exception to be granted so that the athlete is
throwing within the spirit of the rules.
Note (iii): For the purposes of this rule, the back of the buttock refers to the most
posterior part of the buttock which remains in contact with the seat surface when the
athlete is seated and bends as far forward as possible at the hips, so that chest goes
towards the knees and the ischial tuberosities remain in contact with the seat surface.
Note (iv): It is not necessary for both knees to be in contact with the same plane of the
vertical edge of the seat surface provided that all other requirements of this rule are
satisfied to the effect that the athlete may “straddle” the corner of the vertical edge of the
seat surface with one leg on adjacent planes.
Ischial tuberosities
Figure 23 Ischial tuberosities
Rule 36: Seated Throwing Technique, Lifting and Failure 219

2. An athlete shall commence their trial from a stationary seated position.
3. It shall be a failure if an athlete moves from the seated position from the time the athlete
takes the implement into the starting position of the trial until the implement has landed.
Note: It is not a failure as long as any part of the back of the knee is in contact with the seat
during the throwing action until the implement has landed.
COMMENT: It is important to note that if one or both knees slide forward and lose contact with
the seat surface during the throwing action, it shall be considered a failure.
Team of Officials
For Seated Throw Events, it is recommended to allocate the available officials as follows:
2) Judges checking whether the trial has been made correctly including:
a) observing if the knee “slides forward” off the seat cushion;

b) observing whether the seated position has been maintained throughout the trial in
accordance with the Rules; and
c) observing whether the vertical holding bar flexes and measuring the trial. One must be
provided with two flags - white to indicate if the trial is valid and red if it is a failure.
Where EDM is not in use the second judge should pull through and hold the measuring
tape in such a way that it passes through the centre of the circle.
3) Judge immediately after the trial placing a marker indicating the point from which the trial is
to be measured.
5) Judge in charge of retrieving the implements and returning them to the implement stand or
placing them in the return chute.
follow).
220 Rule 36: Seated Throwing Technique, Lifting and Failure

their trial.
Note (iii): As a safety precaution it is recommended to delay handing the implement to the
athlete until the landing area is clear.
Note (iv): The clock should be positioned such that the athlete can easily see it. It may
therefore need to be moved for each athlete.
Rule 37: Club Throw

The Competition
1. The club shall be held at its neck and/or head with one hand only. It may be thrown either
from a position facing the landing sector or from a position facing backward and throwing
overhead.
The Club
2. Construction. The Club shall consist of four main parts: a head, a neck, a body and an end.
The head, neck and body shall be solid and made of wood so as to constitute a fixed and
integrated whole. The body shall have fixed it to a cylindrical end constructed of metal
without indentations, projections or sharp edges.
3. The surface of the head, neck and body shall be smooth and have no dimples or pimples,
grooves or ridges, holes or roughness.
Rule 37: Club Throw 221

4. The head shall be spherical or cylindrical in shape and immediately taper towards the neck.
The diameter of the widest part of the body shall not exceed 60mm and may be cylindrical.
The club shall taper regularly towards the neck and slightly towards the metal end.
5. It shall conform to the following specifications:
222 Rule 37: Club Throw

Club
Minimum weight for admission to competition
and acceptance of a Record 397g

Range for supply of implement 402g
for competition 422g
Overall length (including metal end)
Min. 350mm
Max. 390mm
Diameter of neck
Min. 18mm
Max. 20mm
Diameter of widest part of the body
Min. 50mm
Max. 60mm
Diameter of metal end
Min. 38mm
Max. 39mm
Thickness of metal end
Min. 12.5mm
Max. 13mm
Figure 24 – Club
Rule 37: Club Throw 223

COMMENT: The Club Throw is one of the more dangerous events for Officials and therefore
special care must be taken to ensure the safety of all Officials, other athletes and their
assistants as well as media and spectators. Announcing that the implement is being handed to
the athlete may improve safety for all concerned. In addition, advising the athlete that it is now
safe to throw will increase the safety for all concerned, as indicated in the commentary under
Note (i) on Rule 24.17.
224 Rule 37: Club Throw

SECTION V – INDOOR COMPETITIONS
Rule 38: Applicability of Outdoor Rules to Indoor Competitions
With the exceptions stated in the following Rules of this Section V and the requirement for wind
measurement set out in Rule 18 and Rule 27, the Rules of Sections I to IV for outdoor
competitions shall apply to Indoor Competitions.
Rule 39: The Indoor Stadium
1. The stadium shall be completely enclosed and covered. Lighting, heating and ventilation
shall be provided to give satisfactory conditions for competition.
2. The field of play should include an oval track; a straight track for sprints and runways and
landing areas for jumping events. In addition, a circle and landing sector for the Shot Put
should be provided, whether permanently or temporarily. All the facilities should conform to
the specifications in the World Athletics Track and Field Facilities Manual.
3. All the tracks, runways or take-off surface areas shall be covered with a synthetic material
that should preferably be able to accept 6mm spikes in running shoes. If the track
manufacturer or the stadium operator mandates an alternate maximum or prohibits the use
of certain shaped spikes, this shall be applied and the athletes notified of accordingly.
WPA Indoor Championships should be held only on facilities that hold a current valid World
Athletics Indoor Athletics Facility Certificate.
It is recommended that other WPA Recognised competitions (see Part B - 3.1.2) should also
be held on these facilities.
4. The foundation on which the synthetic surface of the tracks, runways and take-off areas is
laid shall be either solid e.g., concrete or, if of suspended construction (such as wooden
boards or plywood sheets mounted on joists), without any special sprung sections and, as far
as technically possible, each runway shall have a uniform resilience throughout. This shall
be checked, for the take-off area for the jumps, before each competition.
Rule 38: Applicability of Outdoor Rules to Indoor Competitions 225

Rule 39: The Indoor Stadium
Note (i): A “sprung section” is any deliberately engineered or constructed section designed to
give extra assistance to an athlete.
Note (ii): The World Athletics Track and Field Facilities Manual, which may be downloaded
from the World Athletics website, contains more detailed and defined specifications for
planning and construction of indoor stadia including diagrams for track measurement and
marking.
Note (iii): The current standard forms required to be used for the certification application and
measurement report as well as the Certification System Procedures may be downloaded from
the World Athletics website.
COMMENT: Lack of suitable lighting is a common problem for Indoor Competitions. A covered
stadium must have a lighting which allows a correct and fair delivery of the events and if there is
television coverage the illumination level may need to be higher. The finish line area(s) may
require additional lighting for the Fully Automatic Timing.
Rule 40: The Straight Track
1. The lateral inclination of the track should not exceed 1:100 (1%) unless special
circumstances exist which justify World Athletics providing an exemption and the inclination
in the running direction shall not exceed 1:250 (0.4%) at any point and 1:1000 (0.1%)
overall.
Lanes
2. The track should have a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 lanes separated and bounded
on both sides by white lines 50mm wide. The lanes shall all be 1.22m ± 0.01m wide
including the lane line on the right.
Note: For all tracks constructed before 1 January 2004, the lanes may have a width of
maximum 1.25m. However, when such a track is fully resurfaced, the lane width shall
226 Rule 40: The Straight Track

Start and Finish
3. There should be a clearance of at least 3m behind the start line free of any obstruction.
There shall be a clearance of at least 10m beyond the finish line free of any obstruction with
adequate provision beyond for an athlete to come to a halt without injury.
Note: It is strongly recommended that the minimum clearance beyond the finish line should
be 15m.
COMMENT: The straight track can measure 50m or 60m. In major competitions, it is necessary
that the events take place over a distance of 60m.
If advice is sought, it is necessary to insist on the area which must be free at the start and at the
finish.
Experience has proved that in many situations, behind the starting line, the free zone cannot be
more than 2 metres. This distance is sufficient to place the starting-blocks with false start
apparatus and the lane boxes indicating the lanes.
Rule 41: The Oval Track and Lanes
1. The nominal length should preferably be 200m. It shall consist of two parallel straights and
two bends, which may be banked, whose radii should be equal.
The inside of the track shall be bordered either with a kerb of suitable material,
approximately 50mm in height and width, or with a white line 50mm wide. The outside edge
of this kerb or line forms the inside of lane 1. The inside edge of the line or kerb shall be
horizontal throughout the length of the track. However, this kerb or line may be located on
the banking slope such that the pivot line of the banking shall be horizontal throughout the
length of the banking. The kerb on the two straights may be omitted, and a white line 50mm
wide substituted.
Note: All measurements shall be taken as indicated in Rule 15.2
Lanes
2. The track should have a minimum of four and a maximum of six lanes.
Rule 41: The Oval Track and Lanes 227

The nominal width of the lanes shall be between 0.90m and 1.10m including the lane line on
the right. All lanes shall be of the same nominal width with a tolerance of ±0.01m to the
selected width. The lanes shall be separated by white lines 50mm wide.
COMMENT: Despite the oftentimes narrowness of the width of the lanes for indoor
competitions, athletes must still start (e.g. Have their hands completely within) inside their
lanes. This does not mean that part of their starting blocks cannot be outside their lanes
providing they do not interfere with another athlete, (see Rule 16.2 (e)).
Banking
3. The angle of banking in all the lanes should be the same at any cross section of the track.
The straight may be flat or have a maximum lateral inclination of 1:100 (1%) towards the
inside lane.
In order to ease the change from the straight to the banked bend, the change may be made
with a smooth gradual horizontal transition which may be extended into the straight. In
addition, there should be a vertical transition.
Marking of the Inside Edge

4. Where the inside edge of the track is bordered with a white line, it shall be marked
additionally with cones or flags on the bends and optionally on the straights. The cones shall
be at least 0.15m high. The flags shall be approximately 0.25mx0.20m in size, at least
0.45m high and set at an angle of 60° with the ground away from the track. The cones or
flags shall be placed on the white line so that the edge of the base of the cone or flag pole
coincides with the edge of the white line closest to the track. The cones or flags shall be
placed at distances not exceeding 1.5m on the bends and 10m on the straights.
Note: the use of an inside kerb is strongly recommended.
COMMENT: An Oval Track may be longer than 200m but any records for 200m or longer races
would not be ratified. The development of a 200m track is more advantageous than those of a
shorter distance. To organise top level competitions, it will be useful to have a 6-lane track. The
ideal width of the lanes of an Oval Track should be 1m.
228 Rule 41: The Oval Track and Lanes

Cones must be placed not only along the bends, but along the whole of the oval track.
When positioning the flags or cones it must be taken into account that the white line on the
inside edge of lane 1 does not belong to the runner drawn in that lane. Cones are preferred and
recommended for Indoor Competitions
Rule 42: Start and Finish on the Oval Track
1. Technical information on the construction and marking of a 200m banked indoor track are
given in detail in the World Athletics Track and Field Facilities Manual. The basic principles
to be adopted are given hereunder.
Basic Requirements
2. The start and finish of a race shall be denoted by white lines 50mm wide, at right angles to
the lane lines for straight parts of the track and along a radius line for curved parts of the
track.
3. The requirements for the finish line are that, if at all possible there should be only one for all
the different lengths of race; that it shall be on a straight part of the track and that as much
of that straight as possible should be before the finish.
4. The essential requirement for all start lines, straight, staggered or curved, is that the
distance for every athlete, when taking the shortest permitted route, shall be the same.
5. As far as possible, start lines (and take-over zone lines for relay races) should not be on the
steepest part of the banking.
Conduct of the Races

6.
a) Races of up to, and including, 300m shall be run entirely in lanes.
b) Races over 300m, and less than 800m shall start and continue in lanes until the
breakline marked at the end of the second bend.
Rule 42: Start and Finish on the Oval Track 229

c) For the start of races of 800m, each athlete may be assigned a separate lane, or up to
two athletes may be assigned per lane, or a group start, preferably commencing in lanes
1 and 4, may be used. In these cases, athletes may leave their lane, or those running in
the outer group may join the inner group, only after the breakline marked at the end of
the first bend, or if the race is run with two bends in lanes, end of the second bend.
d) Races longer than 800m shall be run without lanes using an arced start line or group
starts. If a group start is used, the breakline shall be at the end of either the first or
second bend. If an athlete does not follow this Rule, they shall be disqualified. The
breakline shall be an arced line marked after each bend, 50mm wide, across all lanes
other than lane 1. To assist athletes identify the breakline, small cones or prisms, 5cm
50mm × 50mm and no more than 0.15m high, preferably of different colour from the
breakline and the lane lines, shall be placed on the lane lines immediately before the
intersection of the lane lines and the breakline.
Note (i): In competitions other than the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see
Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)) the NPCs concerned may agree not to use lanes for the 800m
event.
Note (ii): On tracks with less than six lanes, a group start may be used to allow six athletes to
compete. This doesn’t apply for athletes in class 11 and class 12 if accompanied by a guide-
runner.
Note (iii) For races running in lanes, athletes in Sport Classes 11 and 12, shall have two lanes
available.
Start Line and Finish Line for a Track of 200m Nominal Length
7. The start line in lane 1 should be on the principal straight. Its position shall be determined so
that the most advanced staggered start line in the outside lane (400m races) should be in a
position where the angle of banking should not be more than 12 degrees.
The finish line for all races on the oval track shall be an extension of the start line in lane 1,
right across the track and at right angles to the lane lines.
COMMENT: Colours to use for marking the track are indicated on the Track Marking Plan
included in the World Athletics Track and Field Facilities Manual.
230 Rule 42: Start and Finish on the Oval Track

Rule 43: Seeding, Draws and Qualification in Track Event
Rounds and Heats

1. In indoor competitions, the following tables shall, in the absence of extraordinary
circumstances, be used to determine the number of rounds and the number of heats in each
round to be held and the qualification procedure, i.e., those to advance by place (P) and
time (T), for each round of Track Events:
Note: The applicable regulations may specify, following consultation with the Technical
Delegate(s) where appointed, how vacant positions due to withdrawals in semi-finals and
finals may be filled by the next ranked athlete(s) following the previous round after those
qualified.
60m
9-16 2 3 2
17-24 3 2 2
25-32 4 3 4 2 4
33-40 5 4 4 3 2 2
41-48 6 3 6 3 2 2
49-56 7 3 3 3 2 2
57-64 8 2 8 3 2 2
65-72 9 2 6 3 2 2
73-80 10 2 4 3 2 2
Rule 43: Seeding, Draws and Qualification in Track Event 231

200m, 400m, 800m, 4x200m, 4x400m
7-12 2 2 2
13-18 3 3 3 2 3
19-24 4 2 4 2 3
25-30 5 2 2 2 3
31-36 6 2 6 3 2
37-42 7 2 4 3 2
43-48 8 2 2 3 2
49-54 9 2 6 4 3 2 3
55-60 10 2 4 4 3 2 3
1500m
12-18 2 3 3
19-27 3 2 3
28-36 4 2 1
37-45 5 3 3 2 3 3
46-54 6 2 6 2 3 3
55-63 7 2 4 2 3 3
232 Rule 43: Seeding, Draws and Qualification in Track Event

The following alternative tables shall be used for the specific class or class combination as
denoted in the respective table. For class combination not entirely covered by the below tables,
the above regular tables shall normally be applied, otherwise an appropriate table shall be
determined by the Technical Delegate.
60m (T11-12) – 8 Lanes

5-8 2 1 2
9-12 3 1 1
13-16 4 1 4 2 1 2
17-20 5 1 7 3 1 1
21-24 6 1 6 3 1 1
25-28 7 1 5 3 1 1
29-32 8 1 8 4 1 4 2 1 2
200m, 400m, 800m (T11-12) – 6 Lanes

4-6 2 1 1
7-9 3 1 0
10-12 4 1 2 2 1 2
13-15 5 1 1 2 1 2
16-18 6 1 0 2 1 2
Rule 43: Seeding, Draws and Qualification in Track Event 233

1500m (T11-12) – 6 Lanes
6-10 2 1 3
11-15 3 1 2
16-20 4 1 6 2 1 3
Note: The above qualifying procedures are only valid for 6 lanes oval tracks and/or 8 lanes
straight tracks.
COMMENT: For an outdoor competition with a track having only 6 lanes this rule could be used
for seeding and progressions.
Draw for Lanes

2. For all events run wholly or partly in lanes around a bend, where there are successive rounds
of a race, three draws for lanes will be made:
a) One for the two highest ranked athletes or teams to determine placings in the outer two
lanes;
b) Another for the third and fourth ranked athletes or teams to determine placings in the
next two lanes;
c) Another for the other athletes or teams to determine placings in any remaining inner
lanes;
d) The ranking referred to shall be determined as follows:
e) For the first round, from the relevant list of valid performances achieved during the
predetermined period;
f) After the first round, in accordance with the procedures identified in Rule 21.3 (a) or in
the case of 800m, Rule 21.3 (b).
3. For all other races, the lane order shall be drawn in accordance with Rules 21.4 and 21.5.
234 Rule 43: Seeding, Draws and Qualification in Track Event

COMMENT: Where tracks have a different configuration of lanes, then the tables to be used
should be adapted either in the specific Technical Regulations for the competition or if not by
the Technical Delegate(s) or the LOC
Rule 44: Spike Length
When a competition is conducted on a synthetic surface, that part of each spike which projects
from the sole or the heel shall not exceed 6mm (or as required by the LOC) subject always to the
maxima provided in Rule 6.4.
Conduct of the Races

1. In the 4x200m relay race all the first leg and the first bend of the second leg up to the nearer
edge of the breakline described in Rule 42.6 shall be run in lanes. Each takeover zone shall
be 20m long and the second, third and fourth athletes shall start within this zone.
2. The 4x400m relay race shall be run according to Rule 42.6 (b).
3. The 4x800m relay race shall be run according to Rule 42.6 (c).
4. In relay races where athletes are permitted to leave their respective lanes on entering the
straight after running two or three bends in lanes, the layout for the echelon start is
described in Rule 42.
5. The waiting athletes in the third and fourth legs of the 4x200m relay race, in the second,
third and fourth legs of the 4x400m and the 4x800m relay race shall, under the direction of
a designated official, place themselves in their waiting position in the same order (inside to
out) as the order of their respective team members as they enter the last bend. Once the
incoming athletes have passed this point, the waiting athletes shall maintain their order, and
shall not exchange positions at the beginning of the take-over zone. If an athlete does not
follow this Rule, their team shall be disqualified.
Note: Owing to the narrow lanes, indoor relay races are much more liable to collisions and
Rule 44: Spike Length 235

unintended obstruction than outdoor relay races. It is, therefore, recommended that, when
possible, a spare lane should be left between each team.
Rule 46: High Jump
Runway and Take-Off Area

1. If portable mats are used, all references in the Rules to the level of the take-off area must be
constructed as referring to the level of the top surface of the mat.
2. An athlete may start their approach on the banking of the oval track provided that the last
15m of their run up is on a runway complying with Rules 26.3, Rule 26.4 and Rule 26.5.
Rule 47: Horizontal Jumps
Runway
An athlete may start their approach on the banking of the oval track provided that the last 40m
of their run up is on a runway complying with Rules 27.1and Rule 27.2.

Rule 47: Horizontal Jumps
Rule 48: Shot Put
Landing Sector
1. The landing sector shall consist of some suitable material on which the shot will make an
imprint, but which will minimise any bounce.
2. The landing sector shall be enclosed at the far end and on the two sides, as close to the
circle as may be necessary for safety of the other athletes and officials, by a stop barrier and
protective netting of approximately 4m height which should stop a shot whether in flight or
bouncing from the landing surface.
3. In view of the limited space inside an indoor field of play, the area enclosed by the stop
barrier may not be large enough to include a full 34.92° sector. The following conditions
shall apply to any such restriction:
a) The stop barrier at the far end shall be at least 0.50m beyond the current World Record
in Shot Put for men or women;
b) The sector lines on either side shall be symmetrical about the centre line of the 34.92°
sector;
c) The sector lines may either run radially from the centre of the Shot Put circle including a
full 34.92° sector, or may be parallel to each other and the centre line of the 34.92°
sector. Where the sector lines are parallel, the minimum separation of the two sector
lines shall be 9m.
COMMENT: It is recommended that the stop barrier / protective netting on either side should be
extended towards the circle so that it starts within 8m of it and that for the length of these
extensions, the height of the netting should be at least 5m.
4. For Seated Throw Shot Put Events, a stop board is not necessary. For these classes, the use
of a movable platform at a suitable place in the indoor area is allowed.
Rule 48: Shot Put 237

Construction of the Shot
5. Depending on the type of landing area (see Rule 48.1), the shot shall be either solid metal or
metal cased or, alternatively, soft plastic or rubber casing with a suitable filling. Both types
of shot may not be used in the same competition.
Solid Metal or Metal Cased Shot

6. These shall comply with Rule 31.4 and Rule 31.5, for the Shot Put outdoors.
Plastic or Rubber Cased Shot

7. The shot shall have a soft plastic or rubber case with a suitable filling such that no damage
shall be caused when landing on a normal sports hall floor. It shall be spherical in shape and
its surface finish shall be smooth.
Information for manufacturers: to be smooth, the surface average height must be less than
or equal to 1.6μm, i.e., a roughness number N7 or less.
8. The shot shall conform to the following specifications:
Shot
Record 2.000kg 3.000kg 4.000kg 5.000kg 6.000kg 7.260kg
Range for supply 2.005kg 3.005kg 4.005kg 5.005kg 6.005kg 7.265kg

of implement for 2.025kg 3.025kg 4.025kg 5.025kg 6.025kg 7.285kg
competition
Minimum 80mm 85mm 95mm 100mm 105mm 110mm

Diameter
Maximum 110mm 120mm 130mm 135mm 140mm 145mm

Diameter

SECTION VI - ROAD RACES
Rule 49: Road Races
Preamble
In the case of mass participation events held outside the stadium, these rules should normally
only be applied in full to those athletes, if any, who are designated as taking part in the elite or
other defined section of the races such as age group categories for which there are placings for
awards or prizes. Race organisers should outline in the information provided to other athletes
which other rules will apply to their participation, particularly those pertaining to their safety.
Distances
1. The standard distances for men and women shall be 10km, Half-Marathon, Marathon
(42.195km).
Course
2. The races shall be conducted on made-up roads. However, when traffic or similar
circumstances make it unsuitable, the course, duly marked, may be on a bicycle path or
footpath alongside the road, but not on soft ground such as grass verges or the like. The
start and finish may be within an athletic field of play.
Note (i): It is recommended that, for road races staged over standard distances, the start and
finish points, measured along a theoretical straight line between them should not be further
apart than 50% of the race distance.
Note (ii): It is acceptable for the start, finish and other segments of the race, except for the
wheelchair events, to be conducted on grass or other non-paved surfaces. These segments
shall be kept to a minimum.
3. The course shall be measured along the shortest possible route that an athlete could follow
within the section of the road permitted for use in the race.
Rule 49: Road Races 239

In all the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)) the
measurement line should be marked along the course in a distinctive colour that cannot be
mistaken for other markings.
The length of the course shall not be less than the official distance for the event. At the
Paralympic Games and WPA Championships(see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)), the uncertainty
in the measurement shall not exceed 0.1% (i.e., 42m for the Marathon) and the length of the
course should have been certified in advance by a World Athletics approved course
measurer.
Note (i): For measurement, the “Calibrated Bicycle Method” shall be used.
Note (ii): To prevent a course from being found to be shorter than the official race distance on
future re-measurement, it is recommended that a “short course prevention factor” be built in
when laying out the course. For bicycle measurements this factor should be 0.1% which
means that each km on the course will have a “measured length” of 1001m.
Note (iii): If it is intended that parts of the course on race day will be defined by the use of
non-permanent equipment such as cones, barricades, etc. their positioning shall be decided
not later than the time of the measurement and the documentation of such decisions shall be
included in the measurement report.
Note (iv): It is recommended that for Road Races staged over standard distances, the overall
decrease in elevation between the start and finish should not exceed 1:1000, i.e., 1m per km
(0.1%).
Note (v): A course measurement certificate is valid for five years, after which the course shall
be re-measured even when there are no obvious changes to it.
4. The distance in kilometres on the route shall be displayed to all athletes. The distance in
miles may also be displayed in addition to the distance in kilometres. Where wheelchair
athletes are competing in a race, the maximum height of the intermediate distance signs
shall not exceed 1 metre.
Start
5. The races shall be started by the firing of a gun, cannon, air horn or like device. The
commands and procedure for races longer than 400m shall be used. In races which include
240 Rule 49: Road Races

a large number of athletes, five-minute, three-minute and one-minute warnings before the
start of the race should be given. On the command “On your marks”, the athletes shall
assemble on the start line in the manner determined by the LOC. The Starter shall ensure
that no athlete has their foot (or any part of their body) or the front wheel (classes T33-34
and T51-54) touching the start line or the ground in front of it, and shall then start the race.
COMMENT: As for middle and long distance Track Events, it is emphasised for events held
outside the stadium that Starters and Referees should avoid being over-zealous in the
application of the false start Rules to such events. Recalling starts in road races and other
outside events can be difficult, and in large fields impractical, in any case. However, where
there is a clear and wilful breach, the Referee should not hesitate to consider appropriate action
in respect of an individual either during or after the race. However, in major events, where the
start mechanism malfunctions, and it is clear or possible that the timing system may not have
started a recall where practical might be the best option.
Note (i): In Road races, ambulant athletes may start together, but will be ranked by the
finishing time according to the eligible sport class(es) of each event.
Note (ii): In Road races, wheelchair athletes will start according to the decision of the
Technical Delegate for the event but will be ranked by the finishing time according to the
eligible sport class(es) of each event.
Note (iii): Seeding for Wheelchair Road Races should be by Sports Class, Seed Time and
Gender (i.e., T54/34 Males should be seeded in the front row/s, then T54/34 Females, then
T52/33/51 Males and then the T52/33/51 Females). The start of each Sports Class
event/division should be separated by intervals of a minimum 30 seconds.
Note (iv): The seeding grid for each Sports Class event/division should position the #1 seeded
athlete at the centre position in the front row of the grid with #2 and #3 placed on their
immediate right and left respectively, and #5 and #4 on their outside right and left
respectively and so on (See Figure 25).
Note (v): In the case of events starting outside the stadium, the start line may be up to 0.3m
in width and made of any colour contrasting distinctively with the surface of the start area.
COMMENT: For the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships and WPA Sanctioned
Competitions (3.12 (a) - (c)), at least, the basis of seeding should be by the best valid time
achieved by each athlete during the pre-determined period. This period will be specified in

the Technical Regulations or in the document setting out the entry conditions and standards
for the competition. Where there is no such specification, then the Technical Delegate(s)
together with the LOC should decide the basis on which the seeding will be determined. For
World Para Athletics Approved Competitions (3.1.2 (d)) the seeding and seeding grid shall
be agreed between the Technical Delegate (if appointed) and the LOC.
Figure 25 – Example of Seeding Grid for Wheelchair Road Races
COMMENT: Establishing the starting positions is not as important tactically for a half-marathon
or marathon, or any mass road race in reality, however it is important to the athletes that proper
recognition be given. The above is an example only, but the importance of the first two rows is
paramount.
The Finish
6. In the case of events finishing outside the stadium:
a) the finish line may be up to 0.30m in width and may be of any colour contrasting
distinctively with the surface of the finish area.
b) In races for athletes in Sports Classes T11 and T12 competing with a guide-runner the
athlete must cross the finish line in front of the guide-runner or the athlete will be
disqualified.

Safety
7. The LOC of Road Races shall ensure the safety of athletes and officials. At the Paralympic
Games and WPA Championships(see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)), the LOC shall ensure that
the roads used for the competition are closed to motorised traffic in all directions;
Drinking / Sponging and Refreshment Stations

8. Except for wheelchair events:
a) Water and other suitable refreshments shall be available at the start and finish of all
races;
b) For all events, water shall be available at suitable intervals of approximately 5km. For
events longer than 10km, refreshments other than water may be made available at these
points;
Note (i): Where conditions warrant, taking into account the nature of the event, the
weather conditions and the state of fitness of the majority of the competitors, water
and/or refreshments may be placed at more regular intervals along the route.
Note (ii): Mist stations may also be arranged, when considered appropriate under certain
organisational and/or climatic conditions.
COMMENT: If mist stations are in place, they shall not span over the entire width of the
course. This is to allow for some athletes to run or wheel without getting wet. It is very
important to note that many wheelchair racers typically do not like mist stations because
push rims and gloves might get wet and therefore hamper propulsion.
c) Refreshments may include drinks, energy supplements, foodstuffs or any other item
other than water. The LOC will determine which refreshments it will provide based on
prevailing conditions;
d) Refreshments will normally be provided by the LOC, but it may permit athletes (and their
guide-runners) to provide their own refreshments, in which case the athlete shall
nominate at which stations they shall be made available to the athlete. Refreshments
provided by the athletes (and their guide-runners) shall be kept under the supervision of
officials designated by the LOC from the time that the refreshments are lodged by the

athletes or their representatives. Those officials shall ensure that the refreshments are
not altered or tampered with in any way;
e) The LOC shall delineate, by barriers, tables or markings on the ground, the area from
which refreshments can be received or collected. It should not be directly in the line of
the measured route. Refreshments shall be placed so that they are easily accessible to,
or may be put by authorised persons into the hands of, the athletes (and/or their guide-
runner). Such persons shall remain inside the designated area and not enter the course
nor obstruct any athlete. No officials shall, under any circumstances, move beside an
athlete while they are taking refreshment or water;
f) In the Paralympic Games and WPA Championships (see Part B - 3.1.2 (a) and (b)), a
maximum of two officials per Country may be stationed behind the area designated for
their country at any one time;
Note: For an event in which a Country may be represented by more than three athletes,
the Technical Regulations may allow additional officials at the refreshment tables.
COMMENT: The revisions to Rule 49 adopted in 2011 included a harmonisation of the

provisions within the rules pertaining to outside events, where this was logical and in
accordance with practice. As a result, specific provision was made for the first time in this rule
to cover team officials and refreshment tables.
g) An athlete and/or the athlete’s guide-runner may at any time carry water or refreshment
by hand or attached to their body provided it was carried from the start or collected or
received at an official station;
h) An athlete and/or guide-runner who receives or collects refreshment or water from a

place other than the officials stations, except where provided for medical reasons from or
under the direction of race officials, or takes the refreshment of another athlete and/or
guide-runner, should, for a first such offence, be warned by the Referee normally by
showing a yellow card. For a second offence, the Referee shall disqualify the athlete,
normally by showing a red card. The athlete shall then immediately leave the course.
i) Guide-runners may collect refreshments for their guided athlete from the official stations
provided they are passed to the athlete within the designated area from which
refreshments can be received or collected. Guide-runners may not pass any
refreshments to any athlete or guide-runner outside the designated area.

Note: An athlete and/or guide-runner may receive from or pass to another athlete and/or
guide-runner refreshment, water or sponges provided it was carried from the start or
collected or received at an official station. However, any continuous support from an
athlete and/or guide-runner to one or more others in such a way may be regarded as
unfair assistance and warnings and/or disqualifications as outlined above may be applied.
COMMENT: It is important to note here that the collection of refreshments must be made in the
designated area, and they must not be passed to the athlete by the guide-runner outside of this
designated area.
Wheelchair athletes (Sport Classes T33-34, T51-54) may carry their own refreshments.
Note: The LOC must ensure that officials are aware of the specific problems of safety
presented in providing drinks to athletes with vision impairment (Classes T11-13) or upper
limb impairment (Classes T45-46), and that adequate training is given to all assistants
involved.
Race Conduct
9. In Road Races, an athlete may leave the marked course with the permission and under the
supervision of an official, provided that by going off course they do not lessen the distance to
be covered.
10. If the Referee is satisfied on the report of a Judge or Umpire or otherwise that an athlete has
left the marked course thereby shortening the distance to be covered, they shall be
disqualified.
COMMENT: The finish area shall be wide enough to enable several runners to sprint side by side
and long enough to separate them at the finish. Unless a Transponder Timing System is being
used together with a backup system (such as a video recording) to check finishing orders, finish
lanes (“funnels”) should be set up some 8 to 10 metres after the finish line with a maximum
width of 0.70-0.80m. Once in the funnels, the athletes must not be able to overtake one
another. The funnels should be 35-40m long into which the athletes will be directed as they
cross the finish line. At the end of each funnel, officials will note the athletes’ numbers/names
and if applicable recover their transponder timing chips.
The funnels should have moveable ropes at the end at which the athletes enter, so that when

one lane is full, the next rope can be drawn across behind the last athlete, to enable the next
finisher to enter the new finish lane, and so on.
Judges and Timekeepers will additionally be placed on either side of the finish line and it is
recommended that, in order to follow up any appeal relative to the finishing order, an official
with video recording equipment (if possible with a timing clock in sight) shall be assigned and
placed a few metres after the finish line in order to record the order in which the athletes cross
the line.
Where a Road Race finishes on a running track the provisions of Rule 18.5 (Lane Infringement)
do not apply and, in the event that an athlete steps inside the track at the end of a Road Race
the Referee shall apply this Rule 49.10 in determining whether an athlete has left the marked
course thereby shortening the distance to be covered having regard to all the circumstances.
11. Umpires should be placed at regular intervals and at each key point. Other umpires should
move along the course during the race.
COMMENT: It is acknowledged that following the practice of first giving a warning when
applying relevant aspects of Rule 49 and where applicable Rule 7.2 and Rule 7.3 will create
difficulties in implementation but where the opportunity arises, the Referee should do so. It is
suggested that one option might be that course or refreshment station umpires be designated
as assistant Referees and that they be in communication with the Referee and each other to
ensure the effective co-ordination of warnings and disqualifications. But there remains the
possibility as per the Note to Rule 7.2 that in some circumstances disqualification can, and
should, occur without a warning being given.
When a Transponder Timing System is not in use, or where an additional back-up recording
system is desired, it is recommended that a funnel system such as that described in the
commentary on Rule 49.10 be used.
12. The LOC shall provide numbered bibs that distinguish between athletes of each Sport Class.
13. During road races athletes in Sport Classes T11-12 are allowed to use a maximum of two (2)
guide-runners. Any interchanges must take place without any hindrance to other athletes,
and may take place at either the 10km, 20km, 21.1km (half-way) or 30km marks for
marathon races, 10km mark for half-marathon races and 5km mark for 10km races.
Note (i): It is strongly recommended that the LOC ensures that the race takes place in its

entirety in good daylight conditions.
Note (ii): Should there be an interchange of guide-runners, the athlete and the substituting
guide-runner must both finish the event in order for the performance to be recognised.
Note (iii): Depending on the set up of the course, the interchange may take place at an
alternative mark as determined by the Technical Delegate(s) together with the LOC. The
interchange mark must be notified to athletes in an appropriate time frame before the race.
14. The intention to interchange guide-runners must be notified in advance to the Referee and
Technical Delegate. The technical officials will determine the conditions of the interchange
and will communicate these in advance to the athletes.
Note: If the interchange does not take place after the technical arrangement being made, the
athlete shall be disqualified from the race.
Drafting
(Sport Classes T33-34, T51-54)
15. In WPA Recognised Competitions under Part B - 3.1.2, for Road Race Events where Sport
Classes T33-34, T51-54 compete together, drafting behind an athlete from another Sports
Class or gender is prohibited. Athletes are also prohibited from drafting behind motorised
vehicles or bicycles. In violation of this Rule, the athlete concerned shall be disqualified.
Note (i): Drafting is defined as seeking a performance advantage by following another

athlete within a distance of less than 5m for one minute.
Note (ii): In Road races, Sport Class T53 and T54 are considered as one class. The Rule
49.15 does not apply.
Obstruction
16. The provisions of Rules 18.1, 18.3 and 18.4 shall apply to Road Races.

SECTION VII - PROTESTS AND APPEALS
Rule 50: Protests and Appeals
These Protest Regulations do not cover Classification or Anti-Doping issues which will be dealt
with exclusively under the World Anti-Doping Code and the WPA Classification Rules and
Regulations respectively.
Protests
1. Protests concerning the status of an athlete to participate in a competition (other than
relating to Classification and Anti-Doping) must be made to the Technical Delegate(s) prior
to the commencement of the competition. Once the Technical Delegate(s) make(s) a
decision, there shall be a right of appeal to the Jury of Appeal. If the matter cannot be
resolved prior to the competition, the athlete shall be allowed to compete “under protest”
and the matter shall be referred to the IPC. In such cases WPA will be entitled to rule
conclusively on an athlete’s status after the event has been completed and the results may
then be adjusted retrospectively.
2. Protests concerning the result or conduct of an event shall be made within 30 minutes of the
official announcement of the result of that event.
The LOC of the competition shall be responsible for ensuring that the time of the
announcement of all results is recorded.
COMMENT: Normally this means that the 30 minutes start when the results are posted (with the
time noted on the posted results sheet) at the TIC or as indicated in the Technical Regulations
for the competition. The Secretary to the Jury of Appeal is the person who “manages” the
process. If there isn’t one, then someone in the TIC would manage it. That is, ensuring the time
limits are being followed, arranging for discussions with the appropriate Referee, etc.
3. Any protest shall, in the first instance, be made orally to the Referee by an athlete or by
someone acting on their behalf or by an official representative of a team. Such person or
team may only protest if they are competing in the same round of the event to which the
protest (or subsequent appeal) relates (or are competing in a competition in which a team
points score is being conducted). To arrive at a fair decision, the Referee should consider
248 Rule 50: Protests and Appeals

any available relevant evidence. The Referee may decide on the protest or may refer the
matter to the Jury of Appeal. If the Referee makes a decision, there shall be a right of appeal
to the Jury. Where the Referee is not available, the protest should be made to them through
the Technical Information Centre (TIC) or other administrative base where official
competition administration is being carried out.
Note: The International Photo Finish Judge, where appointed, should act on behalf of the
Road Race Event Referee regarding protests about the placing of athletes.
4. In a Track Event
a) if an athlete makes an immediate oral protest against having been charged with a false
start, the Start Referee (or if one is not appointed, the relevant Track Referee) may, if
they are in any doubt, allow the athlete to compete “under protest” in order to preserve
the rights of all concerned. Competing “under protest” shall not (subject to the Comment
below) be allowed if the false start was detected by a World Athletics approved Start
Information System; unless for any reason the Referee determines that the information
provided by the system is obviously inaccurate. If an athlete is allowed to compete under
protest, a red and white (diagonally halved) card shall be raised in front of the athlete.
b) a protest may be based on the failure of the Starter to recall a false start or, under Rule
17.5 to abort a start. The protest may be made only by, or on behalf of, an athlete who
should normally have completed the race with bona fide effort. If such a protest is
upheld, any athlete who committed the false start or whose conduct should have led to
the start being aborted, and who was subject to warning or disqualification according to
Rule 17.5 or Rule 17.7 and Rule 17.8, shall be warned or disqualified. Whether or not
there may be any warning or disqualification, the Referee shall have the authority to
declare the event or part of the event void and that it or part of it shall be held again if in
their opinion justice demands it.
Note: The right of protest and appeal in Rule 50.4 (b) shall apply whether or not a Start
Information System is used.
c) If a protest or appeal is based on an athlete’s incorrect exclusion from an event due to a

false start and it is upheld after the completion of the race, then the athlete should be
afforded the opportunity to run on their own to record a time in the event and
consequently, if applicable, to be advanced to subsequent rounds. No athlete should be
advanced to a subsequent round without competing in all rounds unless the Referee or
Rule 50: Protests and Appeals 249

Jury of Appeal determines otherwise in the particular circumstances of the case, e.g. the
shortness of time before the next round or the length of the race.
Note: This Rule may also be applied by the Referee, the Jury of Appeal in other
circumstances where it is deemed appropriate (see Rule 18.1).
d) When a protest is made by or on behalf of an athlete or team which did not finish a
race, the Referee must first ascertain whether the athlete or team was or should
have been disqualified for a breach of the Rules unrelated to the matter raised in the
protest. Should that be the case the protest shall be dismissed.
COMMENT: When the Start Referee decides on an immediate oral protest made by an athlete
for being charged with a false start, they have to consider all the available data and in case of
only a reasonable possibility that the athlete’s protest may be valid, they should allow the
athlete to compete under protest. After the race, a final decision must be taken by the Referee,
a decision that may be subject of an appeal to the Jury. The Referee should not normally allow
an athlete to compete under protest if the false start has been detected by a Start Information
System that appears to be working properly or in cases where it is very clear by visual
observation that the athlete has committed a false start and there is no valid reason to allow the
protest. However, it is acknowledged that when the reaction time is close to the allowed limit,
any movement could be hardly visible. In this case if, in the opinion of the Start Referee, it would
require further study of the technological evidence, the Start Referee may decide to allow the
athlete to run under protest to preserve the rights of all concerned.
These Rules not only apply where a Starter failed to recall a false start but where also a Starter
failed to correctly “abort” a start. In both cases the Referee must consider all factors involved in
the particular case and must decide if the race (or part of it) has to be re-held. Giving two
examples of extreme situations, it will not be logical or necessary to re-run a Marathon race in a
case where an athlete who finishes was responsible for a non-recalled false start. But the same
will probably not be the case in a sprint event where an athlete was responsible for a non-
recalled false start as this may have affected the start and subsequent race of other athletes.
On the other hand, if for example in a Qualification Round it was clear that only one or some
athletes were disadvantaged by a failure to recall a false start or to abort a start, a Referee could
decide that only those athletes be given the opportunity to run again – and if so under what
conditions. Rule 50.4 (c) covers the situation in which an athlete is wrongly given a false start
and excluded from a race.

5. In a Field Event, if an athlete makes an immediate oral protest against having a trial judged
as a failure, the Referee of the event may, at their discretion, order that the trial be
measured and the result recorded, in order to preserve the rights of all concerned. If the
protested trial occurred:
a) During the first three rounds of trials of a horizontal Field Event in which more than eight
athletes are competing, and the athlete would advance to any subsequent rounds of
trials only if the protest or subsequent appeal was upheld, or;
b) In a vertical Field Event, where the athlete would advance to a higher height only if the
protest or subsequent appeal is upheld, the Referee may, if they are in any doubt, allow
the athlete to continue competing under protest to preserve the rights of all concerned.
COMMENT: In cases where the Referee is sure that the decision of the Judges is correct,
particularly by their own observation or advice received from a Video Referee, the athlete should
not be allowed to continue.
But when considering whether to order the measurement of a trial which is the subject of an
immediate oral protest the Referee should:
(a) not do so in cases where there was a clear breach of the Rules, for example in the long jump
a clear mark made in the plasticine by the athlete in question or in a throwing event where the
implement has clearly landed outside the sector;
(b) always do so (and immediately so as to not delay the competition) in cases where there is
any doubt.
The good operation of this Rule means that the Judge with the spike or prism should always
mark the point of landing (except in throwing events where the implement clearly lands outside
the sector) even when they see a red flag. Apart from the possibility that the athlete may make
an immediate oral protest, it is also possible that the Judge with the flags may have incorrectly
or accidentally raised the wrong one.
6. The protested performance of the athlete and any other performance achieved while
competing under protest will become valid only if the athlete is subsequently found to have
competed within the rules such that the trial is no longer judged a failure.
In Field Events, where, as a result of an athlete competing “under protest”, another athlete
is allowed to continue in the competition when they would otherwise not have done so, such

athlete’s performances and eventual results will remain valid irrespective of whether the
“under protest” athlete’s immediate oral protest is successful.
Protest Appeals
7. An appeal against a Protest decision is possible and such appeal must be made to the Jury
of Appeal within 30 minutes:
a) Of the official announcement of the amended result of an event arising from the decision
made by the Referee, or;
b) Of the advice being given by or on behalf of the Referee to those making the protest,
where there is no amendment of any result.
The Appeal shall be in writing, signed by a responsible NPC official on behalf of the athlete
or team, and shall be accompanied by an appeal fee of €200 or its equivalent in the
currency of the country where the competition is being held. The appeal fee will be forfeited
if the appeal is not allowed. Such athlete or team may appeal only if they are competing in
the same round of the event to which the appeal relates (or are competing in a competition
on which a team points score is being conducted).
Note: The relevant Referee shall, after their decision on a protest, immediately inform the TIC
of the time of the decision. If the Referee was unable to communicate their decision orally to
the relevant team(s)/athlete(s), the official time of the announcement will be that of posting
of the amended results or of the decision at the TIC.
8. The Jury of Appeal shall consult all relevant persons, including the relevant Referee (except
when their decision is to be fully maintained by the Jury of Appeal). If the Jury of Appeal is in
doubt, other available evidence may be considered. If such evidence, including any available
video evidence, is not conclusive, the decision of the Referee shall be upheld.
9. The Jury of Appeal may reconsider a decision if new conclusive evidence is presented,
provided the new decision is still applicable. Normally such reconsideration may be
undertaken only prior to the Victory Ceremony for the applicable event, unless the relevant
governing body determines that circumstances justify otherwise.

COMMENT: In certain circumstances the Judges (Rule 2.14.2), the Referee (Rule 2.13.6) and
the Jury (Rule 50.9) can each reconsider a decision made by them – if it is still applicable and
practical to do so.
10. Decisions involving points that are not covered by these Rules shall be reported
subsequently by the Chairman of the Jury of Appeal to WPA appointed representative.
11. Decisions of the Referee (subject to appeal under these Regulations) and of the Jury of
Appeal shall be final and there shall be no further right of appeal to any other body, including
to CAS.
COMMENT: Where an appeal is presented, the payment of the funds (€200 or equivalent local
currency) will be retained until after the Victory Ceremony. This will ensure that where the Jury
of Appeal reconsiders its decision that the rights of all parties in the dispute are respected and
where the decision to change an original decision, there is no question of having to request the
appeal funds to be returned to the Jury of Appeal after they may have been returned via an
earlier decision of the Jury of Appeal.
Dispute Procedures at WPA Recognised Competitions

As part of the WPA Competition Approval Process the LOC in consultation with the WPA
appointed representative may stipulate specific dispute resolution procedures for disputes
falling outside the Protest and Protest appeal procedures at WPA Recognised Competitions (see
Part B - 3.1.2).
For information regarding the dispute procedures for a specific competition please liaise with
the respective Competition Manager and/or the WPA Technical Delegate.

SECTION VIII - WORLD AND REGIONAL RECORDS
Rule 51: World and Regional Records
For detailed information regarding the procedures for Claiming WPA World and Regional
Records refer to the WPA:
https://www.paralympic.org/athletics/records
COMMENT: Included on the website are the current application forms for records.
Submission and Ratification

1. WPA World and Regional Records can only be achieved at WPA Recognised Competitions by
an eligible athlete (or eligible athletes in the case of a relay event) as defined in Part B - 4
holding a:
a) Sports Class Status of Confirmed (C), or;
b) Sports Class Status of Review (R) with a Fixed Review Date which is after the date when
the record was achieved.
2. Except for Field Events conducted as provided in Rule 4.7 and Rule 4.8 and Competitions
held outside the stadium under Rule 49 no performance set by an athlete will be ratified if it
has been accomplished during a mixed competition.
Note: Women only Road Race records are subject to the conditions set out in Rule 51.22.
3. The following categories of Records are accepted by WPA: World Outdoor Records and
Regional Outdoor Records.
4. An athlete (or athletes in case of a relay event) who sets a Record must have been eligible to
compete under these Rules, must have been entered into the relevant Competition by a
member of the IPC; and all provisions of these Rules must have been duly observed at the
relevant Competition.
5. The WPA Technical Delegate, if appointed to the relevant WPA Recognised Competitions
(see Part B - 3.1.2), shall be responsible for ensuring all of the procedural requirements
254 Rule 51: World and Regional Records

outline in this Rule are fulfilled.
6. When a performance equals or betters an existing Record, the national governing body
where the performance was set shall collect, without delay, all the information required for
the ratification of the Record by WPA. No performance shall be regarded as a Record until it
has been ratified by WPA. The national governing body should immediately inform WPA of
its intention to submit a performance.
Note: The national governing body herein these Rules refers to the authorized body
responsible for sending the Athletes to the respective event. This could be a National
Paralympic Committee or the NF or the body responsible for Para Athletics in the country.
7. The submitted performance shall be better than or equal to the existing Record for that
Event as accepted by WPA. If a Record is equalled, it shall have the same status as the
existing Record.
8. The WPA Record Application Form shall be completed and dispatched to the WPA Office
within thirty (30) days of a record being achieved. The WPA Record Application Forms are
available, on request, from the WPA Office, or may be downloaded from the WPA website at:
https://www.paralympic.org/athletics/technical-information
Note: The WPA Record Application Form is required for performances achieved at WPA
Approved Competition (see Part B - 3.1.2 (d)).
9. The national governing body where the performance was set shall send, with the WPA
Record Application Form:
a) The printed programme of the Competition (or electronic equivalent);
b) The official result of the Event, including all information required under this regulation;
c) In the case of a Track Record where Fully Automated Timing was in operation, the photo
finish image of the event and zero control test image for track events up to and including
800m and 4x400m relays; and
d) Any other information required to be submitted by this regulation, where such

information is or should be in its possession.
10. WPA World and Regional Records will only be ratified if they are achieved at:
a) Paralympic Games, WPA Championships or WPA Sanctioned Competitions (see Part B -
Rule 51: World and Regional Records 255

3.1.2 (a) to (c)) conducted in accordance with the IPC Anti-Doping Code, or;
b) WPA Approved Competitions conducted in accordance with the anti-doping rules of the
relevant governing body and the WADC the International Standards at which random in-
competition testing (urine only or urine and blood) was also conducted.
Note (i): For the purpose of record ratification, all World and Regional Outdoor Records
achieved by athletes in Sport Classes T61-62 shall undergo a measurement of their
MASH which shall be conducted at the Call Room.
Note (ii): WPA World and Regional Records will be ratified even though the athlete who
sets the record performance may not have been tested at the Competition.
11. Records made in qualification rounds, in deciding ties, in any Event which is subsequently
decreed void, may be required to be submitted for ratification.
12. WPA Management Team is authorised to recognise Records.
13. When a Record has been ratified, WPA will supply the official Record certificate, for
presentation to Record holders and the performance will be updated and available on the
official WPA website.
14. WPA shall update the official List of Records every time a new Record has been ratified. This
list shall represent the performances regarded by WPA as being, from the date of the list, the
best performances yet set by an athlete or team of athletes in each of the recognised Events.
15. If the performance is not ratified, WPA will provide the reasons as to why this is the case.
Specific Conditions
16. Except in Road Events:
a) The performance shall be made in a certified athletics facility, which conforms to Rule 3;
b) For any performance at any distance of 200m or more to be recognised, the track on
which it was made shall not exceed 402.3m (440 yards) and the race shall have started
on some part of the perimeter;
c) A performance in an oval Track Event shall be made in a lane where, the running line
radius does not exceed 50m, except where the bend is formed with two different radii, in

which case the longer of the two arcs should not account for more than 60° of the 180°
turn.
d) A performance made in a Track Event outdoors may be made only on a track which
conforms to Rule 15.
17. For Records in Track (Running and Wheelchair Racing) Events
a) The performance shall be timed by official Timekeepers, by an approved Fully Automatic

Photo Finish System (for which a zero control test has been undertaken with Rule 20.20)
or a Transponder System used (see Rule 20.25);
b) For races up to and including 800m (including 4x400m), only performances timed by an
approved Fully Automatic Timing Photo Finish System shall be ratified
c) For all performance made outdoors up to and including 200m, information concerning
wind velocity, measured as indicated in these Rules, shall be submitted. If the wind
velocity, measured in the direction of running, averages more than 2 metres per second
during the race, the performance will not be ratified.
d) No performance will be ratified where the athlete has infringed Rule 18.5 except,
(i) in cases covered in Rule 18.5(b), or
(ii) in cases covered in Rules 18.5(c) and 18.5(d) if it is the first infringement in the
event.
COMMENT: The amendment to Rule 18.5 means for World Record ratification that if an
athlete or relay team achieves a record time and, in that race, that athlete (or any athlete
in the relay team) made a single infringement under Rules 18.5(c) or 18.5(d), and in the
case of an event with more than one round, it was the first infringement in the event, the
record may stand. If the athlete or relay team achieves a record time and, in that race, an
infringement occurred more than once or the athlete or relay team carried over such
infringement from a previous round of the same event, the record cannot be ratified.
e) For all Records up to and including 400m (including 4x400m), where available starting
blocks linked to a World Athletics approved Start Information System shall have been
used and must have functioned correctly so that reaction times were obtained and are
shown on the results of the Event.

18. For Records in Relay Events
The time set by the first athlete in a relay team may not be submitted for ratification as
Record.
19. For Records in Field Events
a) The performances shall be measured either by three Field Judges using a calibrated and
certified steel tape or bar or by an approved scientific measuring apparatus, the
accuracy of which has been confirmed by a qualified Measurement Judge in accordance
with Rule 10;
b) In the Long Jump and Triple Jump, information concerning wind velocity, measured as
indicated in these rules shall be submitted. If the wind velocity, measured in the
direction of jumping, averages more than 2 metres per second, the performance will not
be ratified;
c) Records may be credited for more than one performance in a competition, provided that
each Record so ratified shall have been equal or superior to the best previous
performance at that moment;
d) In Throwing Events, the implement used shall have been checked prior to the
Competition in accordance with Rule 2.11. If the Referee becomes aware during an
Event that a Record has been equalled or bettered, they shall immediately mark the
implement used and undertake a check to ascertain whether it still complies with the
Rules or if there has been any change in characteristics. Normally, such implement shall
be checked again after the Event in accordance with Rule 2.11.
20. For Records in Road (Running and Wheelchair Racing) Events
a) The course must be measured by an “A” or “B” grade World Athletics /AIMS approved
measurer who shall ensure that the relevant measurement report and any other
information required by this Rule is available to WPA upon request;
b) The start and finish points of a course, measured along a theoretical straight line
between them, shall not be further apart than 50% of the race distance;
c) The overall decrease in elevation between the start and finish shall not exceed 1:1000
i.e., 1m per km (0.1%);

d) Any course measurer who originally measured the course or other suitably qualified
official designated by the measurer (after consulting the relevant body) with a copy of the
documentation detailing the officially measured course shall in advance of the race
check that the course is laid out in conformity with the course measured and
documented by the Official course measurer. They shall then ride in the lead vehicle
during the competition or otherwise validate that the same course is run by the athletes;
e) The course must be verified (i.e., re-measured) as late as possible before the race, on the
day of the race or as soon as practical after the race, by a different “A” grade measurer
from the one that did the original measurement;
Note: If the course was originally measured by at least two "A" grade or one "A" and one
"B" grade measurers, no verification (re-measurement) under this Rule will be required.
f) Records in Road Events set at intermediate distances within a race must comply with the
conditions set under these Rules. The intermediate distances must have been measured,
recorded and subsequently marked as part of the course measurement and must have
been verified in accordance of these Rules.
21. Other Records
a) Games, championships, meeting and other similar records may be established by the
relevant body having control over the Competition or by the LOC.
b) The record should recognise the best performance achieved at any edition of the
applicable Competition in accordance with the Rules, with the exception that wind
velocity readings may be ignored, if so stated in the applicable Regulations for the
Competition.
22. Events for which Records are Recognised
Fully Automatically Timed performances (F.A.T.)
Hand Timed performances (H.T.)
Transponder Timed performances (T.T.)

Men
F.A.T. only: 100m; 200m; 400m; 800m; 4x100m Relay; 4x400m Relay;
F.A.T. or H.T.: 1500m; 5000m; 10,000m;
Road Races
F.A.T. or H.T. or T.T.: 5km, 10km; Half Marathon; Marathon
Jumps: High Jump; Long Jump; Triple Jump
Throws: Shot Put; Discus Throw; Javelin Throw, Club Throw
Women
F.A.T. only: 100m; 200m; 400m; 800m; 4x100m Relay; 4x400m Relay;
F.A.T. or H.T.: 1500m; 5000m; 10,000m;
Road Races
F.A.T. or H.T. or T.T.: 5km, 10km; Half Marathon; Marathon
Jumps: High Jump; Long Jump; Triple Jump
Throws: Shot Put; Discus Throw; Javelin Throw; Club Throw
Universal
F.A.T. only: 4x100m Universal Relay
Note: A women only road race can be staged by having separate women’s and men’s start
times. The time differential should be chosen to prevent any possibility of assistance, pacing,
drafting or interference, especially on courses involving more than one lap of the same section of
the course.

SECTION IX - AWARDING MEDALS AND DIPLOMAS
Rule 52: Awarding Medals and Diplomas
1. At WPA Recognised Competitions only finalists are eligible for medals.
In relay events, the four (4) athletes and guide-runner(s) of each team entitled to a medal
who competed in the final shall mount the Victory Ceremony podium. Other athletes and
guide-runner(s) in accordance with Rule 23.10 who competed for any of these teams in the
competition may either receive their medals on the Victory Ceremony podium or
subsequently, at the discretion of WPA and the relevant LOC.
2. Athletes shall nominate the guide-runner(s) on the final entries. Only those guide-runners
who have been declared by the final confirmation and who meet the following criteria shall
be eligible to receive a medal alongside the medal winning athletes.
a) In individual events where athletes with vision impairment are allowed to compete using
multiple guide-runners, only those guides who have completed the full event (from the
first round to finals) with the athlete shall be eligible to receive the medal alongside the
athlete.
Note (i): Assistants in field events are not eligible to receive a medal.
Note (ii): Should the athlete declare to use more than one guide-runner in an event, then
these guide-runners will not be eligible to receive a medal.
b) in relay events, the guide-runner(s) accompanying the medal winning athlete(s) in the
final shall mount the Victory Ceremony podium and receive a medal.
Note: The athletes and guide-runners of the winning teams, who competed in any previous
rounds of the competition, may receive their medals on the Victory Ceremony podium or
subsequently, at the discretion of WPA and the relevant LOC.
3. In individual events where athletes with vision impairment are allowed to compete using
multiple guide-runners, all guide-runners in track and road events (including events in which
multiple guide-runners have competed), are eligible to receive diplomas according to the
diploma policy as stipulated in the relevant Protocol Guide applicable to the competition.
Rule 52: Awarding Medals and Diplomas 261

4. Sport Class changes in competition may affect an athlete’s result(s), placing and record(s)
and the impact varies in Track and Field events. Re-entry after Changes in Sport Class is
subject to the Technical Delegate’s approval in accordance with Rule 5.3 of these Rules.
Track Events
If the revised Sport Class is still within the eligible Sport Classes of that event, re-entry of that
event is not required. Result, placing and prize won by the athlete shall stand.
If the revised Sports Class is outside the eligible Sport Classes of that event, the performance(s)
achieved by the athlete shall stand but the placing and prize won by the athlete shall be void.
Field Events
If the revised Sport Class is still within the eligible Sport Classes of that event, re-entry of that
event is not required. If the Points System is being used, the points which determine the placing
and prize shall be recalculated against their revised Sport Class. The performance(s) achieved
by the athlete may stand provided the same competition rules apply in their revised Sport Class.
If the revised Sport Class is outside the eligible Sport Classes of that event, the performance(s)
achieved by the athlete may stand provided the same competition rules apply in their revised
Sport Class, but the placing and prize won by the athlete shall be void.
262 Rule 52: Awarding Medals and Diplomas

APPENDIX 1
WORLD PARA ATHLETICS IMPLEMENT WEIGHTS FOR SPORT CLASSES
Sport Classes F11-13
Age Classes Discus Discus Javelin Javelin Shot Shot

Group Male Female Male Female Put Put
Male Female
Open F11-13 2.00kg 1.00kg 800gr 600gr 7.26kg 4.00kg
U/20 F11-13 1.75kg 1.00kg 800gr 600gr 6.00kg 4.00kg
U/17 F11-13 1.50kg 1.00kg 700gr 500gr 5.00kg 3.00kg
Sport Class F20

Male Female
Open F20 2.00kg 1.00kg 800gr 600gr 7.26kg 4.00kg
U/20 F20 1.75kg 1.00kg 800gr 600gr 6.00kg 4.00kg
U/17 F20 1.50kg 1.00kg 700gr 500gr 5.00kg 3.00kg
APPENDIX 1 263
Sports Classes F31-38
Age Classes Discus Discus Javelin Javelin Shot Shot Club

Group Male Female Male Female Put Put Male &
Male Female Female
F31 NE NE NE NE NE NE 397gr
F32 1.00kg 1.00kg NE NE 2.00kg 2.00kg 397gr
F33 1.00kg 1.00kg 600gr 600gr 3.00kg 3.00kg NE
Open F34 1.00kg 1.00kg 600gr 600gr 4.00kg 3.00kg NE
And
U/20 F35 1.00kg 1.00kg 600gr 600gr 4.00kg 3.00kg NE
F31 NE NE NE NE NE NE 397gr
F32 750gr 750gr NE NE 1.00kg 1.00kg 397gr
F33 750gr 750gr 500gr 500gr 2.00kg 2.00kg NE
U/17
F38 1.00kg 750gr 600gr 500gr 4.00kg 2.00kg NE
264 APPENDIX 1
Sport Classes F40-46

Male Female
F40,F41 1.00kg 750gr 600gr 400gr 4.00kg 3.00kg
Open F42 1.50kg 1.00kg 800gr 600gr 6.00kg 4.00kg

and
U/20 F43,F44 1.50kg 1.00kg 800gr 600gr 6.00kg 4.00kg
F45,F46 1.50kg 1.00kg 800gr 600gr 6.00kg 4.00kg
F40,F41 1.00kg 750gr 500gr 400gr 3.00kg 2.00kg
F42, 1.00kg 1.00kg 700gr 500gr 5.00kg 3.00kg

U/17
F43, F44 1.00kg 1.00kg 700gr 500gr 5.00kg 3.00kg
F45,F46 1.00kg 1.00kg 700gr 500gr 5.00kg 3.00kg
APPENDIX 1 265
Sport Classes F51- 57
Age Classes Discus Discus Javelin Javelin Shot Shot Club

Group Male Female Male Female Put Put Male &
Male Female Female
F51 1.00kg 1.00kg NE NE NE NE 397gr

Open
and F54 1.00kg 1.00kg 600gr 600gr 4.00kg 3.00kg NE
U/20 F55 1.00kg 1.00kg 600gr 600gr 4.00kg 3.00kg NE
F51 750gr 750gr NE NE NE NE 397gr
U/17 F54 750gr 750gr 500gr 500gr 3.00kg 2.00kg NE
F57 1.00kg 750gr 500gr 500gr 3.00kg 2.00kg NE
266 APPENDIX 1
Sport Classes F61- 64

Male Female
Open F61,F63 1.50kg 1.00kg 800gr 600gr 6.00kg 4.00kg

and
F62,F64 1.50kg 1.00kg 800gr 600gr 6.00kg 4.00kg
U/20
F61,F63 1.00kg 1.00kg 700gr 500gr 5.00kg 3.00kg

U/17
F62, F64 1.00kg 1.00kg 700gr 500gr 5.00kg 3.00kg
APPENDIX 1 267
APPENDIX 2
APPENDIX 2
Classification Hierarchy Table 1 – Paralympic Games and World Championships
Class 100m 200m 400m 800m 1500m 5000m 10000m Marathon High Jump Triple Jump Long Jump Discus Shot Put Javelin Club Class
11 11
12 * * * * * * * * 12
13 13
20 20
31 31
32 32
33 33
Only Female
34 34
35 & 38 35 & 38 35 & 38
35 35 & 38 35 & 38 35
Only Female Only Female Only Female
36 & 38 36 & 38 36 & 38
36 36 & 38 36 & 38 36
Only Female Only Female Only Female
37 & 38 37 & 38
37 37 & 38 37 & 38 37 & 38 37
Only Female Only Female
35, 36 or 37 See Above 35, 36 or 37
38 35, 36 or 37 35, 36 or 37 38
Only Female Breakdowns Only Female
40 40
41 41
61 61
42 42
63 63
43 43
62 62
44 44
64 64
45 45
46 46
47 47
51 51
52 52
** ** ** **
53 53
*** *** *** ***
54 **** **** 54
55 ***** 55
56 56
57 57
Grouping classes on basis of Classification Hierarchy and/or technical rules.

Non existing class/event combination (2018).
* Class 11 can compete with Class 12. Class 12 can compete with Class 13. However, Class 11 should not compete with Class 13.
** Possible combinations: T51-53 or T52-54.
*** T53 and T54 compete as a combined event.
**** Possible combinations: any grouping of three consecutive classes.
268
***** Possible combinations: any grouping of three consecutive classes within 53-57 (females) or 54-57 (males).
APPENDIX 2
APPENDIX 2
Classification Hierarchy Table 2 – Regional Championships and Regional Games
Class 100m 200m 400m 800m 1500m 5000m 10000m Marathon High Jump Triple Jump Long Jump Discus Shot Put Javelin Club Class
11 11
12 * * * * * * * * 12
13 13
20 20
31 31
32 32
33 33
34 34
35 35 & 38 35
36 36 & 38 36
37 37 & 38 37
38 35, 36 or 37 38
40 40
41 41
61 61
42 42
42, 44, 63, 64
63 63
43 43
62 62
44 44
42, 44, 63, 64
64 64
45 45
46 46
47 47
51 51
52 52
** ** ** **
53 53
*** *** *** ***
54 **** **** 54
55 ***** 55
56 56
57 57
Grouping classes on basis of Classification Hierarchy and/or technical rules.

Non existing class/event combination (2018).
* Class 11 can compete with Class 12. Class 12 can compete with Class 13. However, Class 11 should not compete with Class 13.
** Possible combinations: T51-53 or T52-54.
*** T53 and T54 compete as a combined event.
**** Possible combinations: any grouping of three consecutive classes.
269
***** Possible combinations: any grouping of three consecutive classes within 53-57 (females) or 54-57 (males).
APPENDIX 3
World Para Athletics Maximum Allowable Standing Height (“MASH”)
Rules
March 2024
1 Introduction
1.1 For the purposes of the World Para Athletics Rules & Regulations, to which this document
forms an Appendix, these rules (the “MASH Rules”) detail the process and procedure
regarding MASH measurement for the Athlete competing with bilateral prostheses in the
following Sport Classes:
1.1.1 T61 and/or F61
1.1.2 T62 and/or F62
1.2 For the purposes of Rule 6.12.2 of the World Para Athletics Rules & Regulations, only the
Athlete who has completed Athlete Evaluation, attended an Evaluation Session with a
World Para Athletics Classification Panel in accordance with the WPA Classification
Rules and Regulations, and been allocated a Sport Class listed in Article 1.1 above is
eligible to attend MASH measurement and to be assigned a MASH.
2 MASH personnel
2.1 World Para Athletics may delegate some or all of the tasks and responsibilities referred
to in this Appendix to individuals it identifies as having the necessary skills and
experience for this role (“MASH Personnel”).
2.2 World Para Athletics may implement a system for the training and certification of MASH
Personnel.
2.3 For the avoidance of doubt, Classifiers may also act as MASH Personnel.
3 MASH Measurement Sessions

3.1 This section sets out the process for the Athlete to be measured for and assigned a MASH
(a “MASH Measurement Session”).
3.2 For this process, World Para Athletics will form a panel comprising at least two (2) MASH
Personnel (a “MASH Panel”).
3.3 During the MASH Measurement Session, the MASH Panel will assess the Athlete and
assign the Athlete a MASH in accordance with the procedure set out in Annex 1.
World Para Athletics MASH Rules (March 2024) 271

3.4 The Athlete’s National Body or National Paralympic Committee is responsible for
ensuring that the Athlete complies with their duties in relation to the provisions of this
Appendix. An Athlete’s National Body or National Paralympic Committee must take
reasonable steps to ensure that the Athlete attends their scheduled MASH Measurement
Session.
3.5 In respect of the Athlete:
3.5.1 An Athlete is personally responsible for attending their scheduled MASH
Measurement Session.
3.5.2 The Athlete has the right to be accompanied by one member of the Athlete’s National
Body or National Paralympic Committee (hereafter referred to as the “Athlete
Support Person”) when attending a MASH Measurement Session. The Athlete must
be accompanied if the Athlete is a minor or lacks legal capacity according to their
national laws.
3.5.3 The Athlete (and if applicable their Athlete Support Person) must acknowledge and
agree to the terms of the Athlete Agreement Form as specified by World Para
Athletics.
3.5.4 The Athlete must verify their identity to the satisfaction of the MASH Panel by
providing a document such as a passport, photo ID card, or accreditation.
3.5.5 The Athlete must attend the MASH Measurement Session with sports attire
appropriate for allowing access to relevant anatomical landmarks for measuring and
marking their MASH.
3.5.6 The Athlete must comply with all reasonable instructions provided by a MASH Panel.
3.5.7 It is the responsibility of the Athlete and if applicable, their Athlete Support Person to
ensure that adequate information related to the Athlete’s impairment and MASH is
provided to World Para Athletics, as requested by World Para Athletics.
3.6 In respect of the MASH Panel:
3.6.1 The MASH Panel will conduct the MASH Measurement Session in English unless
otherwise stipulated by World Para Athletics. If the Athlete requires an interpreter, a
member of the Athlete’s National Body or National Paralympic Committee will be
responsible for arranging for an interpreter. The interpreter is permitted to attend the
MASH measurement session in addition to an Athlete Support Person, if applicable.

3.6.2 The MASH Panel may at any stage seek medical, technical or scientific opinion(s) if
the MASH Panel feels that such opinion(s) is necessary in order to conduct any aspect
of the MASH Measurement Session or determine the Athlete’s MASH.
4 Suspension of MASH Measurement Session

4.1 A MASH Panel, in consultation with World Para Athletics, may suspend a MASH
Measurement Session if it determines it is unable to assign an accurate MASH for the
Athlete, including but not limited to, in one or more of the following circumstances:
4.1.1 the Athlete fails to comply with any part of these MASH Rules;
4.1.2 the Athlete is unable to communicate effectively with the MASH Panel; or
4.1.3 the Athlete refuses or is unable to comply with any reasonable instructions provided
by the MASH Panel.
4.2 If a MASH Measurement Session is suspended by a MASH Panel, the MASH Panel and/or
World Para Athletics will provide the Athlete, relevant National Body, or National
Paralympic Committee an explanation for the suspension and may specify details of any
remedial action that is required on the part of the Athlete (if applicable).
4.2.1 If the Athlete takes the remedial action to the satisfaction of the MASH Panel and
World Para Athletics within any timeframe specified for that action, the MASH
Measurement Session will be resumed.
4.2.2 If World Para Athletics determines that no remedial action is applicable or if the
Athlete fails to take the remedial action within any timeframe specified, the MASH
Measurement Session will be terminated and the Athlete will be precluded from
competing at any WPA Recognised Competition unless otherwise determined by
World Para Athletics.
4.2.3 In the circumstances set out in Article 4.2.2, it shall be entirely at World Para Athletics’
discretion whether the Athlete is permitted to attend a new MASH Measurement
Session. If the Athlete is permitted to attend a new MASH Measurement Session,
World Para Athletics will determine the new session’s venue, date and time.
5 MASH Measurement Challenges

5.1 Types of MASH Challenge and Parties Permitted to Make a MASH Challenge
5.1.1 There are two distinct forms of challenge which may be raised against an Athlete’s
MASH (a “MASH Challenge”):

5.1.1.1 A National MASH Challenge.
5.1.1.2 A World Para Athletics MASH Challenge.
5.1.2 A National MASH Challenge may only be made by one of the following bodies:
5.1.2.1 A National Body; or
5.1.2.2 A National Paralympic Committee.
5.1.3 A World Para Athletics MASH Challenge may only be made by World Para Athletics.
5.2 National MASH Challenge
5.2.1 A National Body or National Paralympic Committee may only make a National MASH
Challenge in respect of an Athlete under its jurisdiction.
5.2.2 A National MASH Challenge may only be made in respect of an Athlete’s final assigned
MASH which appears on the MASH Master List.
5.2.3 A National MASH Challenge may only be made on one or more of the following
grounds:
5.2.3.1 If there has been growth/a change in height in the Athlete’s skeletal
structure due to natural skeletal maturation. This ground applies only to the
Athlete whose relevant MASH Measurement Session was conducted prior to
or during the year of their 21st birthday and must be supported by medical
documentation showing a change in an anthropometric measurement that
may impact the Athlete’s MASH.
5.2.3.2 If, for medical reasons, there has been a change in the Athlete’s height since
their last MASH Measurement Session. An application on this ground must
be supported by a relevant medical diagnosis and supporting medical
documentation that shows a change in an anthropometric measurement
that may impact the Athlete’s MASH.
5.2.3.3 If a National Body or National Paralympic Committee considers there has
been a procedural error made during a MASH Measurement Session
resulting in an Athlete receiving an incorrect MASH.
5.2.4 The Athlete shall be permitted to compete under their current MASH while it is under
challenge by a National Body or National Paralympic Committee.
5.2.5 To submit a National MASH Challenge, a National Body or National Paralympic
Committee must complete a MASH Challenge Form, in a form specified by World Para
Athletics and must include the following:

5.2.5.1 the name and IPC Sport Data Management System (SDMS) ID of the Athlete;
5.2.5.2 the details of the challenged MASH measurement and a copy of the
challenged measurement;
5.2.5.3 an explanation as to why the National MASH Challenge has been made and
the basis on which the National Body or National Paralympic Committee
believes that the Athlete’s assigned MASH is incorrect;
5.2.5.4 sufficient supportive documentation for the relevant ground(s) of challenge
set out at 5.2.3 above (as applicable); and
5.2.5.5 a non-refundable MASH Challenge Fee of 150 EUR.
5.2.6 The MASH Challenge documents must be submitted to World Para Athletics and
uploaded on SDMS as soon as reasonably practicable.
5.2.7 Upon receipt of the MASH Challenge application, World Para Athletics will conduct a
review of the National MASH Challenge.
5.2.7.1 If Word Para Athletics accepts the National MASH Challenge, World Para
Athletics will appoint a MASH Challenge Panel to conduct a new MASH
measurement at the next available MASH measurement opportunity. The
Athlete shall be permitted to compete under their current MASH prior to the
commencement of the new MASH Measurement Session by the MASH
Challenge Panel. World Para Athletics will notify all relevant parties of the
venue, date, and time for the new MASH Measurement Session to be
conducted by the MASH Challenge Panel.
5.2.7.2 If World Para Athletics rejects the National MASH Challenge, the Athlete’s
MASH shall remain as listed on the MASH Master List prior to the National
MASH Challenge.
5.3 World Para Athletics MASH Challenge
5.3.1 World Para Athletics may, at its discretion, make a MASH Challenge at any time in
respect of an Athlete under its jurisdiction if it considers that Athlete may have been
assigned an incorrect MASH.
5.3.2 If World Para Athletics decides to make a MASH Challenge, World Para Athletics will
advise the relevant National Body or National Paralympic Committee of the MASH
Challenge in writing with an explanation as to why the MASH Challenge has been
made.

5.3.3 World Para Athletics will appoint a MASH Challenge Panel to conduct a new MASH
measurement at a future venue, date, and time determined by World Para Athletics.
5.3.4 Unless World Para Athletics determines otherwise, the Athlete shall be permitted to
compete under their current MASH prior to the commencement of the new MASH
Measurement Session by the MASH Challenge Panel.
5.4 MASH Challenge Panel
5.4.1 A MASH Challenge Panel must not include any person who was a member of the
MASH Panel that conducted the Athlete’s challenged MASH Measurement Session.
5.4.2 The MASH Challenge Panel will conduct the new MASH Measurement Session in
accordance with these MASH Rules.
5.4.3 On conclusion of the new MASH Measurement Session, the MASH assigned to the
Athlete by the MASH Challenge Panel will be final and shall be the Athlete’s only valid
MASH.
6 MASH Master List

6.1 World Para Athletics will maintain a public MASH Master List on the World Para Athletics
website which includes the Athlete’s name, gender, year of birth, country, Sport Class
and Sport Class Status, and current MASH.
6.2 World Para Athletics will assign a note next to an Athlete’s current MASH measurement
on the MASH Master List indicating when a National MASH Challenge has been accepted
or a World Para Athletics MASH Challenge has been made, until the challenge is
resolved.

Annex 1: Determining Maximum Allowable Standing Height (MASH)
for Athletes with bilateral lower limb deficiency competing with
Prostheses
For ambulatory Athletes running, jumping and throwing with Prostheses (i.e. bilateral above knee
amputations, bilateral below knee amputations, bilateral lower limb dysmelia, or combined above
knee and below knee amputations,), the following formulas apply for measuring the maximum
allowable standing height (all measures are taken in centimetres (cm) rounded at 1 digit behind
the comma):
 For Athletes with below knee deficiencies:
Males Max. height = -5.272 + (0.998 x sitting height) + (0.855 x thigh)
+ (0.882 x upper arm) + (0.820 x forearm) + 1.91
Females Max. height = = -0.126 + (1.022 x sitting height) + (0.698 x thigh)
+ (0.899 x upper arm) + (0.779 x forearm) + 1.73
 For Athletes with above knee deficiencies:
Males Max. height = -5.857 + (1.116 x sitting height) + (1.435 x upper arm)
+ (1.189 x forearm) + 2.62
Females Max. height = -4.102 + (0.509 x arm span) + 0.966 x sitting height)
+ 2.14
 In cases of multiple dysmelia, the formula with the highest R2 for which all parameters can
be measured will be taken from the Canda 2009 publication (Canda, A. (2009) Stature
estimation from body segment lengths in young adults: Application to people with physical
disabilities. Journal of Anthropology, 28(2):71-82) The PE score will be added to the
formula in table 4 (males) or table 5 (females) of this study (See Annex 2).
 In cases with complex dysmelia, where no measures for the upper limb can be calculated,
standing height will be based on the following formula:
Males Max. height = sitting height / 0.52
Females Max. height = sitting height / 0.533

 In cases of Athletes with combined above and below knee amputation (or comparable
dysmelia), the formula for below knee deficiency (see above) will be taken with the
measurement of the thigh on the non-affected side.
All measures are taken in conformity with the ISAK standardized measures (International
Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry).

Annex 2: Maximum Allowable Standing Height formulas for Athletes with Multiple
Dysmelia
Male

Female
(Canda, A. (2009). Stature estimation from body segment lengths in young adults: Application to people with physical disabilities. Journal of
Anthropology, 28(2):71-82)

Annex 3: Procedure for MASH Verification in the Call Room
1 Introduction
In accordance with Rule 6.13 of the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations, the actual height
of an Athlete in their Competition leg prostheses shall not exceed their MASH. The height of
Athletes shall be measured in the Call Room by Call Room Judges. If an Athlete fails to comply
with this Rule, then the Athlete will not be permitted to start the event and shall be shown in the
results as “DNS” in accordance with Rule 6.21.
This document has been developed for use by Local Organising Committees (“LOCs”) and Call
Room Judges to outline the equipment to provide and procedure to follow in the Call Room in
order to verify an Athlete is in compliance with their MASH.
2 Call Room Equipment

The following equipment is necessary (to be provided by the LOC) in order to allow for an Athlete’s
height to be measured in the Call Room:
2.1 Stadiometer (or other suitable measurement device)
A stadiometer is a piece of equipment used for measuring height. It usually consists of a ruler and
a sliding horizontal headpiece which is adjusted to rest on the top of the head. There are various
types of free-standing or wall mounted stadiometers available, examples of which can be found
in Figure 1.

Free-standing Stadiometer Wall Mounted Stadiometer
Example of an acceptable
baseboard
Example of a baseboard
which is raised and too
narrow
Figure 1: Stadiometer Examples
Regardless of the type being used, the stadiometer must be positioned in such a way to allow the
Athlete to be correctly positioned with their head, shoulder girdle and buttocks in contact with
the vertical pole. To achieve this position, the most posterior part of the blades of their prostheses
may need to be positioned behind the pole, as seen in Figure 2. If using a wall-mounted
stadiometer, the stadiometer must be fixed to a rigid vertical column (rather than the wall), and
the column will need to be narrow enough to allow for part of the blades to be positioned behind
the pole while the Athlete is standing with feet shoulder width apart (see 2.2.2.a below).
If using a free-standing stadiometer, the base board must be large enough to allow the Athlete to
stand with their prostheses directly below the hips, that is approximately 15 cm apart. The vertical
measure must be marked in centimetres and millimetres.

Figure 2: Athlete standing against a rigid pole, rather than a wall, which allows the most posterior part of the blades to be
positioned behind the pole
2.2 Metal Measurement Tape

A metal measurement tape helps to ensure the accuracy of measurements when erecting the
stadiometer, especially when fixing a wall-mounted stadiometer.
2.3 Spirit Level
A spirit level helps to ensure that the stadiometer is truly vertical, and the measurement bar
placed on top of the Athlete’s head is truly horizontal.
Figure 3: Spirit Level
2.4 Area with a level surface

The stadiometer must be placed in an area of the Call Room with a level surface. Where the
surface (base of the stadiometer or ground) is solid, a suitable surface (for example a piece of
synthetic track or rubber matting) must be placed on the surface so Athletes can stand without
damaging the spikes attached to their prosthesis. The pathway from the Athletes’ waiting area to
the measurement device, if set up in a separate section of the Call Room, must also be suitable
for spikes.

3 Procedure for conducting MASH verification in the Call Room
3.1 Prior to Competition
Prior to the Competition, the Call Room Chief Judge must:
1. Review the start lists to:
a. identify all Athletes in Sport Classes T/F61-62;
b. confirm the events (date, time) in which those Athletes are going to compete and
the times they will be entering the Call Room; and
c. prepare a list with the MASH of those Athletes. Their respective MASH can be
found in the WPA MASH Master List.
2. Ensure that the space and equipment is set up in the Call Room to conduct MASH
verification (see section 1 of this document).
3. Assign a panel consisting of at least two Call Room Judges responsible for verifying the
Athlete does not exceed their MASH. In a panel of two, one acts as a measurer and
recorder and the other acts as a supporter of the Athlete while keeping the balance. In a
panel of three, the first acts as a measurer, the second as a recorder, and the third as
supporter of the Athlete. The Call Room Chief Judge may be one of the members in the
panel.

3.2 During Competition
During the Competition, the assigned panel must verify the MASH for every T/F61/62 Athlete prior
to each Event (including all phases and rounds) in which the Athlete competes. The MASH
verification must be conducted as follows:
1. The Athlete must be wearing their Competition prostheses;
2. The Athlete must be standing in the most upright position
possible, as depicted in Figure 4 and as follows:
a. The Athlete stands as erect as possible with the blades
approximately shoulder width apart on a solid
wooden/rubber surface, against the stadiometer or a
rigid column with the stadiometer attached to it;
b. The Athlete must be positioned in such way that they
are in contact with the column at the following points:
i. head (if possible)
ii. shoulder girdle (scapulae)
iii. buttocks Figure 4: Athlete positioned
correctly
To achieve contact with the column by these three
points, it may be necessary for the most posterior part
of the blades to be on either side of the column. See above Figure 4;
3. When positioning the Athlete, the assigned panel must ensure that the:
a. neck is in neutral position (i.e. head is positioned in the Frankfort plane – lower
edge of the eye socket is horizontal to the tragus of the ear. When aligned the vertex
is the highest point of the skull (Figure 5);
b. pelvis and hips are in neutral position (Figure 6); and
c. knees are in extension.
It might be difficult for the Athlete to maintain their balance while keeping this position, so
the Athlete should be assisted to maintain balance using their arms (e.g., with a tall chair
or assisted by a member of the panel). The support should be high enough so that the
Athlete does not have to stoop to reach it (see Figure 4).

Figure 5: Example of neck in neutral position (Frankfort Plane) measurement.
Figure 6: Example of Neutral position of pelvis.
4. The Athlete’s standing height must at all times be equal to or less than the recorded
MASH on the WPA MASH Master List. If an Athlete exceeds their MASH, this must
immediately be reported to the Call Room Referee. The Athlete will not be permitted to
compete in the Event in accordance with WPA Rule 6.13.
5. The panel must complete a MASH Validation Form (example in Annex 4) and submit it to
the Technical Delegate (TD) at the end of each day of the Competition. A template MASH
Validation Form is also available below.

Annex 4: MASH Validation Form

World Para Athletics
Adenauerallee 212-214
53113 Bonn, Germany
Tel. +49 228 2097-200
Fax +49 228 2097-209
[email protected]
www.WorldParaAthletics.org
© 2024 International Paralympic Committee – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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World Para Athletics

Rules and Regulations

WORLD PARA ATHLETICS CLASSIFICATION RULES AND REGULATIONS

World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations 2024 1

2 World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations 2024

World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations 2024 3

4 World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations 2024

World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations 2024 5

6 World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations 2024

APPENDIX 2 ........................................................................................................................ 268

APPENDIX 3 ........................................................................................................................ 270

World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations 2024 7

IOC: the International Olympic Committee.

IPC: the International Paralympic Committee.

IOSD: International Organisation of Sport for the Disabled, an independent organisation

LOC: Local Organising Committee – an organisation appointed by World Para Athletics to

National Federation: the national member of an International Federation.

Orthosis: an orthopaedic appliance or apparatus used to assist functioning in a limb that is

WADC: the World Anti-Doping Code.

WPA: World Para Athletics.

World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions: Paralympic Games, WPA Championships,

2.1.7 These Rules will be effective from 11 March 2024.

2.2.1 References to a ‘Regulation’ mean a Regulation referred to in Part B of these

2.4 Printing of the Rules

2.5 Amendments to the Rules

3 World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions

3.1.2 World Para Athletics Recognised Competition levels are as follows:

PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS 13

3.3 Competition management

3.3.1 The IPC shall manage the Paralympic Games.

14 PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS

3.4 Competition entries

3.5 Recognition of results

PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS 15

3.7 Anti-gambling requirements

4 Eligibility & Classification

4.2.1 To meet the eligibility requirements to participate in WPA Championships and

16 PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS

4.3 Eligibility requirements – World Para Athletics Approved Competitions

4.3.1 In order to compete in World Para Athletics Approved Competitions an

4.4 Qualification requirements

4.4.1 In addition to the eligibility requirements outlined above, in order to compete in

PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS 17

4.5.1 Subject to Regulation 4.5.3, below, an athlete shall be eligible to compete in

4.5.2 Subject to Regulation 4.5.3, below, an athlete shall be eligible to compete in

18 PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS

5.1.2 World Para Athletics Approved Competitions must be conducted in accordance

5.2 World Record Recognition

6.2 Medical responsibilities

PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS 19

6.2.2 By entering in the Paralympic Games, WPA Championship or a World Para

6.3 Medical withdrawal request

20 PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS

6.4 Medical insurance

PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS 21

22 PART B – WORLD PARA ATHLETICS REGULATIONS

6.8 Hypoxic or hyperoxic chambers or tents

6.10 Smoking Ban

Smoking is prohibited during competition at all venues of World Para Athletics