OFFICIAL RULES
World Athletics Book of Rules
Official constitution, competition rules, technical rules and regulations.
Visit official resource ↗Global Sports Education • Athletics
Push Beyond Limits.
Discover Athletics.
Explore the world of track and field through structured learning in running, jumping, throwing, road racing, coaching, officiating and athlete development. Discover the knowledge and skills behind one of the world's most diverse sporting disciplines.
RUN. JUMP. THROW. LEARN. ACHIEVE.
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TRACK & FIELD
Speed • Strength • Technique
ATHLETICS DEVELOPMENT
Learn • Train • Perform
Explore the knowledge
Athletics Learning Hub
A structured learning destination for athletes, beginners, coaches, educators, officials, schools and athletics enthusiasts. Select any learning area to open its dedicated topic page.
01
Athletics Fundamentals
Explore the history, disciplines, track and field facilities, equipment and essential principles of athletics.
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02
Sprinting
Study acceleration, starting techniques, stride mechanics, speed development and sprint race preparation.
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03
Middle-Distance Running
Explore pacing, running economy, race strategy, endurance and tactical performance.
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04
Long-Distance Running
Understand aerobic endurance, training principles, pacing, race preparation and distance-running techniques.
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05
Hurdles
Learn hurdle approach, take-off, clearance, landing, rhythm and race technique.
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06
Relay Racing
Explore baton exchanges, changeover zones, team coordination, running order and relay strategy.
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07
Long Jump
Study approach runs, take-off, flight techniques, landing and competition procedures.
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08
Triple Jump
Understand the hop, step and jump phases, rhythm, balance and technical progression.
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09
High Jump
Explore approach, take-off, clearance techniques, landing and high-jump development.
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10
Pole Vault
Discover pole-vault equipment, approach, plant, take-off, swing and landing concepts.
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11
Shot Put
Study throwing fundamentals, grip, delivery techniques, balance and competition rules.
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12
Discus Throw
Explore throwing posture, rotational movement, release mechanics and sector regulations.
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13
Javelin Throw
Understand approach, carry, withdrawal, throwing mechanics, release and safety procedures.
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14
Hammer Throw
Learn about grip, turns, balance, release mechanics, throwing circle and safety.
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15
Road Running & Marathon
Explore road-race formats, marathon preparation, pacing, endurance and event awareness.
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16
Cross-Country Running
Discover varied terrain, race tactics, group running, endurance and cross-country events.
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17
Race Walking
Study race-walking technique, contact and knee requirements, judging and competition procedures.
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18
Combined Events
Explore decathlon, heptathlon, event sequences, scoring concepts and multi-event preparation.
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19
Coaching, Officiating & Rules
Understand coaching development, technical officials, event administration and competition regulations.
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20
Youth, Para Athletics & Inclusion
Explore youth athletics, inclusive participation, Para athletics, adaptive sport and athlete development.
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One sport. Many disciplines.
Explore Every Dimension of Athletics.
Athletics brings together track events, field events, road running, cross-country, race walking and combined events. Each discipline offers its own technical challenges, competition formats and development pathways.
Explore Official Resources →Trusted external learning
Official Athletics Resources
Connect with World Athletics rules, technical documents, youth development materials and international education resources.
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
Competition & Technical Information
Competition rule amendments, technical information, manuals and event guidelines.
Visit official resource ↗YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
World Athletics Kids’ Athletics
Practitioner handbooks, activity ideas and resources for young participants.
Visit official resource ↗KNOWLEDGE LIBRARY
World Athletics Library
Explore official documents, education materials, technical information and publications.
Visit official resource ↗EDUCATION
World Athletics Education Hub
Explore athletics education and learning opportunities for the global athletics community.
Visit official resource ↗TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS
World Athletics Technical Information
Access technical manuals, competition guidance, facilities information and scoring tables.
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Rules and regulations:
Competition rules and technical requirements can change.
Always consult the latest official World Athletics documents
and the relevant national federation before applying rules
to an event or competition.
E-Learning Network • Sports Education
Inspire Movement. Empower Achievement.
Supporting accessible digital learning, knowledge sharing, athletic development and positive sporting communities around the world.
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