Competition Rules & Technical Information 

The following information pertaining to the rules and technical areas of athletics can be found in this section:

Athletics Australia General Rules 19-22

Dispensations from and interpretations of IAAF Competition Rules

Athletics Australia General Rule 19 sets out the requirements for valid competitions in Australia. 

Athletics Australia General Rules 20-22 set out the dispensations from and interpretations of IAAF Rules for the purposes of competition in Australia. 

All competition committees and officials should familiarise themselves with these dispensations and interpretations.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (the IAAF) provides an extensive range of information covering the competition rules and technical areas of athletics.  The IAAF Competition Rules are set out in the IAAF Handbook, which contains the rules that govern the sport of track and field athletics worldwide.  The IAAF Handbook, including any amendments to the rules, and the IAAF Advertising Regulations for competitions under IAAF Rules, can be downloaded from the Constitution and Rules section.  Many of the publications produced by the IAAF can be accessed in a print-ready Adobe PDF format from the Downloads section.  The Technical Matters  section provides technical information designed for those involved in the technical running of track and field competitions and the production of equipment used at athletics events.  In the Downloads Publications section, you can access many of the technical publications produced by the IAAF, including information on the Certification System, and information for those involved in track construction.  Further information can also be obtained from the IAAF Track and Field Facilities Manual that can be purchased from Athletics Australia.  Printed copies of the IAAF Handbook and other IAAF publications can also be purchased from Athletics Australia.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Rules are an adjunct to the IAAF Rules.  For competition at Paralympics and IPC World Championships, the IPC Rules shall be used, along with the current IAAF Handbook.