On November 1st 2023 came into force the latest rule amendments. World Athletis published two documents: the first one covers the introduction of the “Short Track” and all related changes, and the second one covers the rest of the rule changes.
Please find the official documents in the links provided below:
Some changes are:
200m Standard Oval Track (Short Track)
The previous requirement for the “Indoor Track” to be covered has been eliminated, making it optional. Therefore, the “Indoor Track” has been renamed to “200m Standard Oval Track (Short Track)”, and the previous “Outdoor Track” has been renamed to “400m Standard Oval Track”.
Abbreviations
An abbreviation has been added to the list of standard abbreviations:
qD – Advanced to next round by Draw
Warnings and Disqualification
The rules regarding Warnings and Disqualification have been moved to the Technical Rules (TR7). The rules themselves are unchanged.
Protests and Appeals
Competing “Under Protest”
When an Athlete is allowed to compete “under protest”, a red and white card will be shown.
Protests About the Placing of Athletes.
To reflect practice, the World Athletics Photo Finish Judge should act on behalf of the Running and Race Walking Events Referee regarding protests about the placing of athletes.
The Start
If an athlete has moved but no other athlete has been disturbed, a warning should not be given.
To clarify: a warning should be given only when another athlete has been disturbed, resulting in such athlete committing what would otherwise be a false start.
The Race
Rule TR17 has been rewritten and restructured, resulting in some rules having another reference.
No changes in the contents or application of the rules have been produced.
Field Events
Use of Implements
For safety reasons, the use of implements outside the circle or runway is prohibited at any time.
Judging
Loose parts on the athlete (e.g. shoelaces) should be disregarded.
Pole Vault
Change in the position of the crossbar
Once the time for the trial has started, no further change in the position of the crossbar is allowed.
Vaulting Poles
If an athlete uses any other athlete’s pole without their consent, that trial will be judged as a failure, even if the Judges notice this fact at a later time.
Horizontal Jumps
Take-Off Board
The take-off board may now be constructed as a single piece with a contrasting colour to indicate the “blanking board”.
Throwing Events
Bodily Fluids
Due to health and safety reasons, no spitting on the implements is permitted.
Hamer Throw
For safety reasons, a small section of clear vinyl may be placed over the twisted ends of the hammer wire.
Javelin Throw
[To be in force from 1 April 2025]
The 700g javelin’s centre of gravity has been moved forward.
Cross Country
In Cross Country Relays, to better indicate the athletes the takeover zones, the lines have been widened to 300mm and 1m x 1m flags should be placed at least 2m high (green flags at the beginning and red flags at the end of the takeover zones).
Additionally, athletes are not permitted to begin running outside the takeover zones.
