Athletics - Rules

Athletics consists of a lot of sports and each of them has different rules which athletes have to follow in order to win the game. We will discuss the rules of different athletics events here.

Hurdles and Sprints Rules

The rules for hurdles and sprints are as follows −

Start

Starting blocks are used to start the hurdles and sprint races. The block consists of two adjustable foot plates which are connected to the right frame. Firing through the starting pistol is used to start these races The announcer has to say "On your marks, set” and then the pistol is fired after all athletes come to the set position.

In the case of 100m, and 110m races for men and women, the athletes are lined up. In the case of 200m, and 400m sprints and hurdles, staggered positions are used to start the race. It is so because the lanes are curved.

False Start

If the pistol is not shot and one or more athletes start the race, it is called false start. The runner who commits this mistake is disqualified if he does so three times.

Lanes

Each player has to stand and run in the lane he or she has been assigned. The width of a lane is 1.22 meters. The lane inside is numbered 1 and the outer one is numbered as 8.

If an athlete runs in a lane not assigned to him, he is disqualified. In case an athlete is forced to leave his lane and run in another lane, he will not be disqualified.

Finish

The athlete who first reaches the finish line wins the race.

Middle Distance Races Rules

Here are the rules for middle-distance races.

Start

For the races whose distance is 800m and above, no starting blocks are used. Runners have to be in their upright positions and their hands should not touch the ground. After the announcer says On your marks, the pistol is fired after all the athletes are at the mark.

There are 8 runners in the 800m race and 12 in 1500m. A group start is used for the 1500m race.

Lanes

Players will have to stay in their own lane during the first run in the 800m. After that, they are allowed to move to the innermost lane. This point is known as break line. No lanes are assigned in the 1500m race. Runners can change their positions from the start.

Long Distance Races Rules

Here are the rules for long-distance races.

Start

No starting blocks are used and runners have to stand upright and their hands should not touch the ground. The announcer announces On your marks. When all athletes are on their mark, the pistol is fired to start the race. More than 12 competitors can compete in this race. These people may be divided into two staggered groups. The first group has to start the race from the regular start line and the second one has to start from a separate one.

Race Walking Rules

Race walking is a race in which athletes have to move constantly till the end of the race.

The athletes should be in an upright position while walking.

Judges

The race is observed by six to nine judges whose duty is to give warning to the participants.

If a participant gets a warning from three different judges, he or she is disqualified. If an official medical staff member suggests an athlete to retire from the race, the competitor should do so. A competitor may also leave the race by taking permission from the judges on the condition that the racing distance is not shortened.

Jumping Events Rules

Let us know the rules of different jumping events

High Jump

Athletes participating in the high jump have to take off through one foot only. If the crossbar falls down while jumping, it is termed as failed event.

Pole Vault

Players participating in pole vault are allowed to put a substance either on their hand or on the pole so that a better grip can be made. Athletes are not allowed to keep a tape on their fingers. They can do so only if any of the fingers is injured. These poles can be made up of different materials and there is no restriction on their length or diameter.

The reasons for the failed attempts are as follows −

If the bar is touched by an athlete and it does not remain on pegs
If the lower hand is moved above the upper one
If the upper hand is higher on the pole
If the bar is replaced during the vault

Long Jump

Long jump is an event in which the measurement is done from the spot of the takeoff to the place where any part of the body of the athlete lands. Failed attempt occurs in the following cases −

If an athlete touches the ground that is beyond the take-off line
If the takeoff is done outside the takeoff board
If an athlete touches the ground outside of the landing area on the landing

Triple Jump

Triple Jump is an event which consists of three steps known as hop, step, and jump. In the case of hop, athletes have to use the same foot for landing which they have used for making a hop. In the case of step, athletes have to use one foot for step and the other one for landing. Failed attempts in triple jumps occur in the following cases −

If an athlete touches the ground that is beyond the take-off line
If the takeoff is done outside the takeoff board
If an athlete touches the ground outside of the landing area while landing

Throwing Events Rules

Many throwing events are organized in the Olympics, Asian Games, and other tournaments. Here are the rules to be followed by athletes.

Implements

Implements that athletes use should have the same specifications as per the rules made by the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation). Athletes are not allowed to modify the implements and they cannot use any device for assistance like tapes on the fingers, Tapes can be used on wounded fingers if required.

Throw

The throwing events organized in a tournament like the Olympics are Shotput, Hammer Throw, and Discus Throw. All three throws of these events have to be done from a throwing circle. The throw is failed if an athlete comes out of the circle or runway while throwing.

The throw is considered valid if the equipment falls within the landing area. Athletes are not allowed to leave the till the time the equipment touches the ground.