RULES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Entry Guidelines 

• Entry Forms are now in an Excel format and must be emailed to events@athleticssa.com.au. This document is available at the bottom of the State Relay Event Page.

• Team registrations close Thursday 14th of December at midnight. On the day of the competition, the team manager must submit the names of the competing athletes 60 minutes before the event start time. Changes may be made after this time in accordance with WA Rule 24.11

Entry Fee

• $30 inc. GST per team in any relay entered by Thursday 14th of December at midnight.
• $50 inc. GST per team in any relay entered after the cut-off point.

*Any club submitting over 40 teams will only be charged entries for 40 teams. This is to encourage clubs to invite as many athletes as possible to participate in the championships. 

Team Eligibility 

• All athletes must be ‘first claim’ members of the Club they are competing for. 

• All Athletes must be registered members of Athletics SA and an affiliated club. 

• Age group team categories will be Open, Over 35, Over 50, Under 18, Under 16 and Under 14. 

• Athletes may compete in multiple age groups if they meet the age qualification.  

• Age group athletes may not compete in Over 35 or Over 50. 

• Females can compete in male teams, providing at least 2 of the team members are male. 

• Able-bodied Composite Teams (mixed age & gender) may compete in the Relays but will not be eligible for State Titles/Medals.

• Para Composite Teams (mixed age and/or gender) may be eligible for State Titles/Medals depending on the number of participating classified athletes.

Age Groups 

Age groups for this competition will be conducted by an athlete’s age as of 31st December, see table above.

Rules and Regulations 

General

1. World Athletics Rules will be used throughout the competition. 

2. Team uniform must be worn with the ASA registration numbers placed on the front and back of the athlete’s uniform. One number may be taken off for Vertical Jump events only. 

3. Failure to comply with proper uniform guidelines will result in the athlete being unable to compete. 

4. Athletes can enter into as many teams as they like. However if an athlete nominates for two or more teams and events are conducted concurrently or have been combined, said athlete will only be eligible to compete in one team and must nominate their chosen team at least 30mins before the event starts. 

Officials & Helpers

5. All clubs will be required to provide helpers based on the number of teams they have entered. 

Team Managers

6. Team Managers must ensure each relay team is “checked in” at least 1 hour before the event in the Stadium function room. 

8. Track relay teams must report 10 mins before event start time to the Track Call Room, located at the 100m Start line.  

9. Field relay team members report 15 mins to the Event Field Area before the start time of their chosen throws event.   

Throws

10. A throws team must consist of 3 individuals. 

11. A throws field team must throw in all 3 throwing disciplines in the same age group to score.  

12. The same team is not allowed to enter twice in the same age group even if athletes have switched events. (e.g. You cannot use the same 3 athletes in U18 to make two teams) 

13. All distances thrown will be converted to points using the World Athletics multi-event scoring table and then added together to give the overall placing of the team with the highest score. 

14. Athletes in the field relays will be allowed three trials only. 

15. All athletes must throw weight for age implements determined by their team category. 

16. Masters/O35/O50 must throw the ASA specified weight.

Jumps

17. A jumps team must consist of 3 individuals. 

18. A jumps field team must jump in all 3 jumping disciplines in the same age group to score. 

19. The same team is not allowed to enter twice in the same age group even if athletes have switched events. (eg. You cannot use the same 3 athletes in U18 to make two teams) 

20. All distances jumped will be converted to points using the World Athletics multi-event scoring table and then added together to give the overall placing of the team with the highest score. 

21. Athletes in the horizontal jump events will be allowed three trials only. 

22. Athletes in the vertical jump events may attempt three heights only. 

It is important that all participating athletes and, where relevant, parents, coaches and para-guides/support personnel take the time to read and adhere to the rules and regulations below to allow smooth conduct of the Championships. 

These Championships will be conducted according to the rules of World Athletics, Athletics Australia and Athletics SA. 

1. Uniforms 

• All athletes entered in these Championships must wear their approved Club uniform – and any variations or transition arrangements agreed between ASA and each club. Non Members are to wear neutral clothing (preferred black, navy or white – (No Fluro) without large logos or advertising. 
• The Athletics SA State Uniform MUST NOT be worn in any Athletics SA Club or State competition. This uniform is reserved for National Competitions only. 

2. Footwear 

• Footwear must comply with the World Athletics Shoe Rulings (Technical Rules – Rule 5) available by clicking HERE.  
• All athletes competing in the Open and U20 age groups must complete a shoe declaration.  Click HERE to complete the shoe declaration. 

• At this venue only Christmas Tree or Pyramid spikes are permitted. Needle spikes are banned and are not used under any circumstances. These will be checked at the start line for track events. Spike length is a maximum of 7mm for track and 9mm for Javelin and Jumps. 

3. Athlete Check In 

• All athletes are required to check in for their event. Check in will be in the Function Room. Athletes only need to check in once. 
• Athletes are required to check in no later than 60 minutes prior to the advertised start time of their event.  
• Check In will be open 90 minutes before the first competition of the day. 
• Failure to check in – but present at the first event will result in a Yellow Card being issued (TR7.1) 

4. Scratching from an event 

• Any athlete who fails to make a start or trial in their first event will be deemed to have withdrawn from the competition. 
• If you wish to scratch after entries have closed, please contact Athletics SA via.events@athleticssa.com.au 

5. Competition Bibs  

• All athletes must wear the cloth 2023-24 Athletics SA Competition Bibs.  Non-Members will be issued with one paper bib. 
• The competition bibs issued to athletes must be worn on the front and back (except for jumping events where athletes may choose to wear the bib on either the  front or the back) of their competition unform firmly attached with no less than four (4) pins. The entire bib including sponsorship information must be always visible and no part of the bib shall be folded under the uniform. 
• Athletics SA will enforce World Athletics rule TR 5.9 & TR 5.11, which render an athlete liable to disqualification if s/he tampers in any way with the competition bib. 

6. Entries – Age Groups 

• Age groups are determined by your age as at 31st December 2024. 
• Age groups may be combined to provide for more efficient running of the competition.  
• Where age groups are combined for an event, an athlete must compete in their own age group, with the exception of athletes wanting to compete in the Open category in lieu of their own age group. 

7. Warm-up 

• All Warm-ups must be conducted at the adjacent Warm-up Track.  Athletes in Shot Put, Discus and Javelin will be given time at the event site to warm up when possible, due to the restrictions currently in place in the warm up area.  

8. Call Room Procedures 

• There will be a no call room in operation. All athletes are required to report to the competition site of their first event 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time. 
• Mobile phones, iPods, iPads or MP3 Players are not permitted inside the competition area, during State Competitions. The competition area is defined as the Main Arena and the Check in Area 

9. Combined Event Rules 

• The Combined Event Referee is in charge of the Combined Events and will notify the athletes at the completion of each event when the next event will start. 
• Athletes must notify the Combined Events Referee if they are intending to withdraw from the competition. 
• All Combined Events shall be scored using formulae or tables from the current World Athletics Combined Events Scoring Tables. 
• This event will be conducted under World Athletics Rule 39. 

10. Field Events 

• Implement weights will be as listed in the Athletics SA Rules of Competition 2023/24 
• O35 and O50 athletes must use the Athletics SA specifications. 
• Starting heights for pole vault and high jump will be published after the close of entries. 
• Pole Vault Rule Dispensation 
• For the Under 18 age group and lower for women and the U16 age group and lower for men, at the discretion of the Chief Judge at the event, a trial may be deemed valid where the athlete made a reasonable attempt to push the pole back in the direction of the runway, but the wind then caused the bar to be dislodged by the pole. 
• This dispensation shall apply for the relevant age groups at all meetings held in Australia. 

11. Personal Implements 

• Athletes who wish to include their own throwing implements in the Championships equipment pool (which may be used by any athlete in the same competition), must lodge them with the Technical Manager at the Technical/Equipment Room, no later than 90 minutes, before the scheduled start time of their event on the day of competition or on a previous day if the event starts prior to 10.00am. 
• Please note that World Athletics TR32.2 limits the number personal implements added to the pool per person to a maximum of 2. 
• The implements will be impounded until after the competition (meaning the last applicable event in which the athlete is competing) when athletes may collect them from the Technical Shed. 
• Athletes are to provide their own vaulting poles. 

12. Starting Blocks 

• Starting Blocks must be used for all events up to and including the 400m and only those supplied by Athletics SA can be used. Private blocks will not be permitted.  

13. Timetable Changes 

• The timetable and any changes in the timetable or these regulations are available on the Athletics SA website.

14. Medal Presentations 

• Medal presentations will be made as soon as possible after the event. All participants are asked to assist with this procedure by going with an official at the completion of the event to the medal presentation area. Each athlete must wear either their competition singlet or tracksuit top for the presentation. 
• Medals (gold, silver, bronze) will be awarded to the first three (3) Athletics SA registered athletes in the event.  If an interstate athlete places they will also receive a medal. 
• Non-members are not eligible for state medals. 

15. Protests & Appeals 

• These must be lodged initially with the relevant Referee as per World Athletics Rules (WA TR8). 
• 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. 
• Appeals to the Jury can be made after a Protest to the Referee is dismissed.  This is to be in writing on the appropriate form and lodged with the $50 fee. Appeals may be lodged by either the athlete or athlete’s representative and are to be lodged in the Results Room. 

Combined Events – Events and Order for each Age Group 

Athletes who make the standard will receive additional attempts for throws and jump disciplines.

Summer Series events may be limited to 3 attempts per athlete, depending on participation numbers and/or the chief judge's discretion.

The Standards will be reviewed in November after the first set of competitions.

Extra Attempts Standards (final page of Competition Rules - pg 29) 

Athletics Australia has introduced a ruling that prohibits athletes from competing in specific disciplines:

Under 13

• Triple Jump​

• Pole Vault​

• Hammer Throw​

• Track Events longer than 1500m​

• Steeplechase

• 200m Hurdles

• Heptathlon

Under 14

• Track Events longer than 1500m​
• Steeplechase

• 200m Hurdles

• Heptathlon

Frame Runners

• Track Events longer than 100m​ (Athletics SA will offer Frame Runners the ability to compete up to 400m events but will only offer 100m at State Championships and Nationals)

For a comprehensive list, please see the Athletics Australia Entry Standards. Assume the blank is a non-event.

Athletics Australia Entry Standards

Event Day Location

At SA Athletics Stadium, the event Information & check-in is located on either:

• Level 1 Grandstand Function Room (North End) 
• Level 1 Foyer Area (Centre)

Accessible via the grandstand concourse glass doors or ground floor staircase/ elevator.

Check-In Process

TRACK EVENTS (NOT STATE CHAMPS) 

Track athletes are required to check in 45 minutes before their event. In 2023-24, this can be done via the mobile check-in system; however, if you have not received an SMS to check in, you can do so via the staff at the event information desk. Track athletes are required to marshall at the start line 10 minutes before the race.

FIELD EVENTS (NOT STATE CHAMPS) 

Field athletes are not required to check in for their event at the event information desk but must attend the event site 10 minutes before the session starts time and report to the officials to begin warm-up.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

ALL athletes must check in via SMS or the event information desk during state championships. See the championship event-specific rules regarding exact timings.

Athletes may only compete in one discipline session per event per day. e.g. If an athlete competes in session one, they are not eligible to compete in session two.

For a full list of Technical Specifications for track and field events, please see the rules below.

Technical Specifications (Athletics SA Competition Rules - Pages 23 to 28) 

Athletics SA Rules

Athletics Australia Info Hub

World Athletics Book of Rules

World Athletics Technical Information (Compliant Shoes)

Relay Information

Check-In

Q: I have forgotten to check in for my track or field event. Can I still compete?

A: At the events team's discretion, you can obtain an event permit slip to display to the officials to compete.

Blood Rule

Q: I have sustained an injury in competition. Can I complete my final trials?

A: At the discretion of the athlete, coach, first aider & chief judge, you are allowed to continue competing.

Shoes

Q: What shoes can I compete in for track and field events?

A: World Athletics & Athletics Australia shoe rules only apply to U20 and Open events (So if a U18 participates in an open event, they must wear the correct shoes). Currently, World Masters are not applying the shoe rule for the over 35 category (as at the time of writing). 

For more information on shoes, please see the World Athletics Technical Rules.

• Competitors whose performances are close to existing Records and who require extra watches or Officials or wind gauge for a record attempt, must advise the appropriate referee at least one hour prior to the commencement of their event.
• Where a State Record is broken during a club/state level competition, an application form claiming the record must be completed and signed by the appropriate officials. The form should then be forwarded to the Athletics SA Records Officer – records@athleticssa.com.au. This is the responsibility of the Athlete.
• Where a State Record is broken during a national/international level competition, an application form claiming the record must be completed and forwarded to the Athletics SA Records Officer – records@athleticssa.com.au. No official sign off is required. This is the responsibility of the Athlete.
• From 1st October 2023, age eligibility for State Records is age at 31st December in the year of competition

For information, please access the records page.

To assist Athletics SA with allocating officials on event days, we ask our athletes, coaches and community to notify us what events to sanction to a World Athletics Standard for rankings and points.

Athletics SA World Athletics Sanctioning Nominations

Athletics SA requires all athletes competing in the Open and Under 20 age divisions (including Para) to submit a Shoe Declaration prior to their first State Championship/ National competition / Permit meet / Continental Tour meet. 

Athletics SA Shoe Declaration (U20 and Open athletes)

For specific information, please visit the World Athletics Website, book of rules, TR 24. (Rule 170) Relay Races. 

General Information 

• Each member of a relay team may run one leg only. 

• The baton shall be passed within the takeover zone. The passing of the baton commences when it is first touched by the receiving athlete and is completed the moment it is in the hands of only the receiving athlete. In relation to the takeover zone, it is only the position of the baton which is decisive. Passing of the baton outside the takeover zone shall result in disqualification. 

• Maps of all athletes change over locations are attached for reference. 

4x100m Relay (100m-100m-100m-100m) 

The 4x100m Relay is conducted over 400m and involves legs of 100 metres, run entirely in lanes. 

4x200m Relay (200m-200m-200m-200m) 

The 4x200m Relay is conducted over 800m and involves legs of 200 metres, run in the following ways: 

• Where possible, entirely in lanes (four bends in lanes). - 24.13.1 TR 

• In lanes for the first two legs, as well as that part of the third leg up to the nearer edge of the break line described in Rule 17.5 of the Technical Rules, where athletes may leave their respective lanes (three bends in lanes). - 24.13.2 TR 

• In lanes for the first leg up to the nearer edge of the break line described in Rule 17.5 of the Technical Rules, where athletes may leave their respective lanes (one bend in lanes). - 24.13.3 TR 

Note: Where not more than four teams are competing and option 1 is not possible, option 3 should be used. 

4x400m Relay (400m-400m-400m-400m) 

The 4x400m Relay is conducted over 1600m and involves legs of 400 metres, run in the following ways: 

• In lanes for the first leg, as well as that part of the second leg up to the nearer edge of the break line described in Rule 17.5 of the Technical Rules, where athletes may leave their respective lanes (three bends in lanes). - 24.15.1 TR 

• In lanes for the first leg up to the nearer edge of the break line described in Rule 17.5 of the Technical Rules, where athletes may leave their respective lanes (one bend in lanes). - 24.15.2 TR 

Note: Where not more than four teams are competing, Rule 24.15.2 should be used. 

4x800m Relay (800m-800m-800m-800m) 

The 4x800m Relay is conducted over 3200m and involves legs of 800 metres run in the following ways: 

• In lanes for the first leg up to the nearer edge of the break line described in Rule 17.5 of the Technical Rules, where athletes may leave their respective lanes (one bend in lanes). - 24.16.1 TR 

• Without the use of lanes. - 24.16.2 TR 

Swedish Medley Relay (100m-300m-200m-400m) 

The Swedish Medley Relay is conducted over 1000m and involves legs of 100, 300, 200 and 400 metres.  

Runner 1(100m) - The race begins at the 200m start point, and the first runner runs 100m entirely in lanes. 

Runner 2 (300m) - The second runner receives the baton within the third 4x100 change over zone. Once athletes enter the straight, they may cut across to run on the inside and may then run the remainder of the second leg in the inside lane. 

Runner 3 (200m) - the third runner commences at the 200m start point within the (30m) 4x100 changeover zone for lane 1 (extended outwards by the placement of a cone or something similar at the likely extremity at each end of the zone – both ends so be straight lines as used in 4x400m second and third changeovers). Athletes are lined up in the changeover zone based on the order printed on the start list. Athletes may run the entire third leg in the inside lane. 

Runner 4 (400m) - The final change over occurs in the 4x400 change zone. There is no acceleration zone. Athletes enter the changeover zone based on their team’s position at the 200m point. They may not change order within the changeover zone. Athletes may run the entire fourth leg in the inside lane. 

Distance Medley Relay (1200m-400m-800m-1600m) 

The Distance Medley Relay often called a ‘DMR’ is conducted over 4000m and involved legs of 1200m, 400m, 800m & 1600m. All Runners will start and finish at the same point on the finish line without the use of lanes (24.18 TR). 

For all takeovers, athletes are not permitted to begin running outside their takeover zones, and shall start within the zone. If an athlete does not follow this Rule, their team shall be disqualified. - 24.19 TR