ATHLETICS: General Rules and Official Requirement
1. Introduction
Athletics includes Track and Field events, Road Races, Cross Country, and Race Walking. It is governed internationally by World Athletics (formerly IAAF) and in India by Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
2. Major Categories in Athletics
Track Events: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10000m, Hurdles, and Relays (4x100m, 4x400m)
Field Events: Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, Pole Vault, Shot Put, Discus Throw, Javelin Throw, Hammer Throw
Combined Events: Decathlon (Men), Heptathlon (Women)
Race Walking: 20km, 50km (men/women)
Cross Country and Road Running
3. General Rules
A. Track Events
All races begin with the command: “On your marks”, “Set”, “Go” (or starting pistol).
Athletes must stay in their assigned lanes (in sprints up to 400m).
A false start results in disqualification after the first offense.
In relays, baton exchange must occur within the 20m change-over zone.
B. Field Events
Jumps: Athletes get a set number of attempts (usually 3–6); the best valid jump counts.
Long/Triple Jump: Take-off from a board; foul if stepped beyond.
High Jump/Pole Vault: Must clear the bar without knocking it down.
Throws: Throw must land within the marked sector (34.92°); measurement from the nearest mark.
Exceeding the circle or improper technique = foul.
C. Time and Measurement
Track events: Time is recorded using fully automatic timing systems.
Field events: Measured to the nearest lower centimeter or legal increment.
D. Tie-Breaks
In field events, ties are broken by comparing the second-best performances.
4. Equipment and Surface
Athletics takes place on a 400m standard synthetic track.
Field area must meet dimensions set by World Athletics.
All implements (javelin, shot, discus, etc.) must be certified.
5. Officials in Athletics
Referee: Supervises overall conduct of events.
Starter: Starts races.
Timekeepers & Judges: Record timings and positions.
Umpires: Ensure rule compliance on track.
Measurers: For field event measurements.
6. Uniform and Conduct
Athletes must wear proper numbered bibs.
Spikes allowed (6–9mm) for track and some field events.
Doping, obstruction, and unsportsmanlike behavior = disqualification.
7. Safety and Fair Play
Warm-up is mandatory.
Equipment must be used safely.
Respect for officials and competitors is required at all times.
OFFICIAL REQUIREMENTS TO CONDUCT AN ATHLETICS EVENT 1. Venue Requirements
Standard 400m Track (Synthetic or Cinder) with 6–8 lanes
Markings for all events: start/finish lines, relay zones, hurdle placement
Field Areas for:
Long Jump & Triple Jump pits
High Jump and Pole Vault areas
Shot Put, Discus, Hammer, and Javelin sectors
2. Equipment Required
Event Type Equipment Needed
Track Events Starting blocks, lane markers, stopwatches, cones
Field Events Crossbar, measuring tapes, wind gauge, markers
Jumps Jump boards, pits, uprights, sand
Throws Shot puts, javelins, discuses, hammers
Relays Batons (standard size)
General Whistles, flags, scoreboards, first aid kit
3. Key Officials Required
Official Duties
Meet Director- Overall in-charge of the event
Referee - Supervises track & field rules enforcement
Starter - Starts the races with pistol/whistle
Timekeepers - Record official race timings
Track Umpires - Monitor athlete behavior and lane rules
Judges (Field Events)-Measure throws/jumps, check foul/fair
Announcer - Makes public announcements
Marshal/Call Room - Assemble athletes before event start
Scorers - Maintain results and scores
Volunteers/Helpers - Support roles like water, escorting, organizing
4. Documentation & Records
Entry Forms and Age Verification Certificates
Heat Sheets and Event Schedule
Result Sheets
First Aid/Medical Report
Certificates or Medals for winners
5. First Aid & Safety
Trained Medical Staff/Doctor
First Aid Kit
Ambulance (for large or high-level events)
Water and refreshments
6. Additional Facilities (Optional but Preferred)
Sound system for announcements
Shade tents for players/officials
Seating for spectators
Digital timer display or electronic scoreboard
Total no of officials 12 to 15 depends on standard/level of meet