Do masters athletes have to use starting blocks, and what are the false start rules?
Rule- Australia
- Australian Masters Athletics
- Masters athletics
- Track and field
- Ages 30+
- 2026/27
- Athletes
- WMA rules
No. It is not compulsory in masters athletics to use crouch starts or starting blocks, or to have both hands in contact with the track (WMA Technical Rule 15). If you do use blocks at an AMA Championship, personal blocks may not be used; blocks are supplied.
Commands: for races below 800m the start is "On your marks; Set; Gun". For events of 800m and over it is "On your marks; Gun".
False starts: an athlete charged with a false start by the Chief Starter is warned, and all athletes are allowed one false start. An athlete charged with a second false start in the same race is disqualified (this includes combined events). In the outdoor pentathlon sprints, a second break means disqualification.
An athlete protesting a disqualification after two false starts may not compete under protest.
Added 24 Oct 2026