Official's Guide to Little Athletics Standard Rules Under 6-Under 17 2026/27

• Recall: if the Starter or an assistant thinks the start was not fair, they recall the athletes by firing a gun or activating a suitable audible signal. If the unfair start was not due to any athlete, no warning is given.
• False start: an athlete who leaves their mark with hand or foot after "Set" (events run entirely in lanes) or after "On your marks" (events not run entirely in lanes) and before the gun is fired.
• An athlete who, after "On your marks" or "Set", disturbs other athletes through sound, movement or otherwise may be considered to have committed a false start. Failing to comply with the "Set" command after a reasonable time may also be a false start.
• Penalty: any athlete who commits a false start is warned. An athlete responsible for 2 false starts (3 in combined events) is disqualified from the event. The rule is footnoted that local association rules also apply.
• Standing start allowance: where a standing start is used, an athlete who moves a foot to take up their final starting position immediately after "Set" has complied with the starting rules.
• The Starter is the sole judge of any event connected with the start, and only a Start Referee can overrule the Starter.
• For athletes in T11 and T12 with a guide runner, a breach by the guide runner leading to a warning or disqualification applies to the athlete too.

Events run entirely in lanes: 70m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 4 x 100m relay and all hurdles races. The 700m, 1100m and 1500m race walks and the 1500m are not run in lanes.

800m: run in lanes as far as the near edge of the break-line marked after the first bend, where athletes may leave their lanes. Up to two athletes may start in each lane.

Lane infringement: each athlete must stay in their allocated lane for any part of a race run in lanes. On a bend, the athlete must not step or run on or inside the left-hand lane line (or, in the inside lane, the kerb or inside border line). If the Referee is satisfied the rule was infringed and a material advantage was gained, the athlete:

• in Under 9 to Under 11 may be disqualified;
• in Under 12 and above shall be disqualified.

Obstruction: an athlete who jostles or obstructs another so as to impede their progress is liable to disqualification. The Referee may order the race re-held excluding the disqualified athlete, or in heats allow seriously affected athletes to compete in the final. In exceptional circumstances, whether or not anyone is disqualified, the Referee may order a re-run if just and reasonable.

Check marks: athletes may not place check marks on or alongside the track, except as the relay rules allow.

Hurdles must be the collapsible type, so a knocked-down hurdle lays flat with no part protruding.

• Place judges determine the official placings when hand timing or gate timing is used. With a photo finish system they may be used only as back-up for system failure.
• A Chief Judge is appointed and allocates place judges for all placings. Enough judges must be appointed for the number of athletes entered.
• Each judge decides the order in which athletes finish, and writes down the lane number of the athlete they are placing without taking their eyes off the finishers.
• Judges act independently and do not discuss placings.
• Athletes are placed in the order in which any part of the torso (not the head, neck, arms, legs, hands or feet) reaches the vertical plane of the nearer edge of the finish line.
• With hand timing and manual place judging, finishing posts should be painted white, at least 1.5m high, and placed 20cm from the inside and outside edge of the track at the finish line.
• The Chief Judge ensures all athletes have been placed before telling the athletes their placing, and tells the Chief Timekeeper or gate timing operator when all judges are ready for the next event.
• Judges may reconsider an original decision made in error. If a Referee or the Jury of Appeal has since decided, they refer all available information to the Referee.

Three methods of timekeeping are official in Little Athletics: fully automatic timing (photo finish), hand timing and a gate timing system.

• Hand timing: appoint enough timekeepers for the number of athletes, one of whom is the Chief Timekeeper. The Chief Timekeeper allocates separate timekeepers to record each of the minor places and, where possible, additional timekeepers for second and third place.
• Photo finish: the camera has a vertical slit in line with the finish line and a time scale graduated in 1/100th of a second. Times are read and recorded to 1/100th, rounded up to the next longer 1/100th unless exact.
• Gate timing: a commercially produced system, checked and calibrated with a certificate supplied every 12 months, started by the starter's gun (automatically or manually at the smoke or flash). It must record through at least two adjacent infrared beams on the leading edge of the finish line and print the time for each lane. Gate times are official unless the appropriate official decides they must be inaccurate, in which case back-up timekeepers' times apply. Where the system is started or finished manually, the time is recorded to 1/10th of a second, rounded up to the next longer 1/10th unless exact. Where it starts and finishes fully automatically, the electronic time is recorded with no adjustment.
• Back-up timing should be appointed wherever the timing system could fail.
• For wheelchair and race running races, time is taken when the centre of the axle of the leading wheel reaches the vertical plane of the nearer edge of the finish line.

These apply unless the applicable competition regulations say otherwise.

Heats

• With more than one round and seed times, athletes are seeded in heats using a zigzag distribution. Without seed times they are drawn randomly.
• With one round and seed times, athletes are seeded slowest to fastest. Without seed times they are drawn randomly.
• Lanes for heats are drawn randomly. If there are more lanes than athletes, the inside lane stays free.

Progression to the final

• 2 heats: 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each heat plus the next 2 fastest times.
• 3 heats: 1st and 2nd in each heat plus the next 2 fastest times.
• 4 or more heats: 1st in each heat, with remaining lanes filled by the next fastest times.
• Ties for the last place: both progress if possible, otherwise the higher placed in their heat, otherwise a random process such as a coin toss.
• With nine or more lanes, organisers may let nine or more athletes contest the final.

Final lane draw: athletes are ranked (fastest heat winner, second fastest heat winner, then fastest 2nd placers, then fastest next qualifiers). The top four ranked athletes draw randomly for the priority lanes (3, 4, 5 and 6 on an eight lane track; 4, 5, 6 and 7 on nine lanes) and the others draw for the remaining lanes.

Minimum time between rounds, when practicable: 45 minutes up to and including 200m; 90 minutes over 200m up to 800m; over 800m, not on the same day.

• The order of trials is drawn randomly.
• In all events except high jump, with more than 8 athletes each athlete gets 3 trials, and the 8 athletes with the best valid performances may be allowed additional trials. A tie (after count-back) for 8th place allows all tied athletes the additional trials.
• With 8 athletes or fewer, each athlete gets all applicable trials regardless of failures. An athlete with no valid trial in the first three rounds competes in later rounds before those with valid trials, in the same relative order as the original draw.
• Each athlete has a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 trials. Additional trials are taken in reverse ranking order after the first three rounds.
• Except in seated throws, no athlete has more than one trial consecutively, and an athlete cannot demand a trial that was missed.
• Clashing events: the Chief Judge may allow an athlete to compete out of round and out of order (except high jump, where the athlete may compete out of order and rejoins at the current bar height). The first three rounds must be completed and the final eight determined before any later rounds start.
• Time warning: a raised yellow flag, kept raised for the last 15 seconds before a trial is disallowed for exceeding the time limit.
• Leaving the event area: an athlete who leaves the defined event area without permission may be cautioned by the Chief Judge, and a repeat may lead to exclusion. The Referee may disqualify, and performances up to then stand.
• The Referee may award a substitute trial if an athlete is hampered, and may change the competition area, but only after a round is completed. If conditions are dangerous the round restarts.

• Judges judge, measure and record each valid trial, and all measurements are made immediately after each valid trial.
• Where possible use Electronic Distance Measuring (EDM). If EDM is not available, use a fibreglass or steel tape graduated in centimetres (or a graduated bar for high jump).
• In every field event except high jump, place the zero end of the tape (or the EDM prism) at the nearest edge of the mark where the implement first lands, or the mark in the pit closest to the take-off.
• Record distances to the nearest centimetre below the distance measured if it is not a whole centimetre.
• In high jump, measure in whole centimetres, perpendicular from the ground to the lowest part of the upper side of the bar.
• When an event finishes, the Referee checks and signs the final result sheet and it goes immediately to the recording area or key site official.
• If an athlete incurs a failure, they are told the reason at the end of the trial.
• In ties (all field events except high jump), the athlete's second-best performance decides, then the third best, and so on. If still tied after all count-backs, equal placing is declared.

Take-off area

• Under 9 and Under 10: a 0.5m x 1.22m mat covered with damp sand, soft earth or similar so the foot imprint can be seen. It is placed at most 0.5m from the nearer edge of the landing area.
• Under 11 and above: a 0.2m x 1.22m area, a board sunk level with the runway or painted on it. A strip of plasticine or similar (for example damp sand) up to 7mm high may be placed just beyond the take-off line. The take-off line is 1m to 2m from the nearer edge of the landing area. If no board or painted area is available, a mat may be used.
• All ages in classes T11 and T12: a 1.00m x 1.22m mat covered with damp sand or similar.
• Where possible the runway is at least 40m long. The landing area is 2.75m to 3m wide, filled with soft damp sand level with the take-off board.

Measuring

• Under 11 and above: the shortest distance from the nearest break in the landing area to the front edge of the take-off area, perpendicular to it.
• Under 9 and Under 10: if any part of the foot lands on the take-off mat, measure to the imprint made by the take-off foot. If no part of the foot lands on it, measure to the edge of the mat furthest from the landing area.

Failures include: any part of the take-off foot or shoe over the vertical plane of the front edge of the take-off area; landing and touching the ground outside the landing area nearer the take-off than the nearest break; first contact on leaving the area nearer the take-off line than the nearest break; walking back through the landing area; taking off from outside either end of the take-off area; and any somersaulting. Taking off before reaching the take-off area is not a failure for that reason. Shoelaces, caps and jewellery are not relevant when judging the vertical plane.

Safety: the Chief Judge (or association equivalent) ensures the landing area is satisfactory and the uprights and crossbar are in good condition, and may caution an athlete using an unsafe technique and, if necessary, not allow them to continue.

Validity and heights

• An athlete may start at any height above the minimum and jump at their own discretion at any later height. Three successive failures, not necessarily at the same height, disqualifies the athlete from competing further.
• If the bar falls off without being knocked by the athlete (for example in strong wind), the athlete is not penalised.
• Before the competition the judge announces the starting height and the heights to which the bar will be raised at the start of each round.
• It is recommended that the bar rises in 5cm increments until four or fewer athletes remain, then 2cm increments until one remains. A sole remaining athlete who has won may choose the increments.
• Check the bar height at both ends for level and in the centre for height. Measure in whole centimetres, perpendicular from the ground to the lowest part of the top side of the bar.

Technique by age: scissors only for Under 8, Under 9 and Under 10; any legal technique for Under 11 and above where flop mats are provided.

Ties

1. The athlete with the fewest jumps at the height where the tie occurs ranks higher.
2. If still tied, the athlete with the fewest total failures up to and including the last height cleared ranks higher.
3. If still tied, they share the place. There is no jump-off for placings.
4. If the result decides progression to the next level, a jump-off should take place. It does not affect placings.

General throwing rules

• The organisers provide all implements. Athletes may not use or bring any other implement onto the competition area.
• Once competition has begun, athletes may not use the circle, runway or sector for practice trials, with or without implements.
• Athletes may use a suitable grip substance on their hands only. Nothing may be sprayed or spread in the circle or on shoes, and spitting or applying body fluids to an implement is not permitted.
• A trial is complete when the athlete leaves the circle (shot put and discus) or runway (javelin).

Shot put and discus (from a circle)

• It is a failure if, after entering the circle and starting the throw, the athlete touches the top of the circle or stop board or the ground outside the circle with any part of their body. It is not a failure if the touch happens during the first rotation completely behind the white line through the centre of the circle.
• The athlete may touch the inside of the iron band or stop board.
• The implement must fall completely within the inner edges of the landing sector.
• Dropping an implement is not a failure if it does not touch the ground outside the circle or runway and no other rule is breached.

Javelin

• The throw is valid only if the metal head strikes the ground first and falls completely within the inner edges of the sector. The javelin does not need to stick in the ground.
• It is a failure if the athlete, after starting the throw, touches the lines marking the runway, the ground outside it, or crosses the throwing arc.
• An athlete may not turn completely around so their back is towards the arc before the javelin is thrown.
• It is a failure if the athlete leaves the runway before the javelin has touched the ground.

Definition: race walking is a progression of steps where the walker keeps contact with the ground so that no loss of contact is visible to the human eye. The advancing leg must be straightened (not bent at the knee) from first contact until the vertical upright position.

Judges: a track walk event has a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 walk judges, including the Chief Judge. Judges act independently and may not use transceivers. Judges with a connection to an athlete (relative, coach or protege) should be avoided, and must declare it.

• Yellow paddle: any judge can give one when an athlete appears in danger of breaking the definition. It is issued verbally, e.g. "Yellow Paddle No. xx contact or knees", without coaching. A judge can yellow paddle an athlete only once per offence per event, and a yellow paddle has no bearing on disqualification.
• Red card: given when an athlete is actually breaking the rules. A judge may give an athlete only one red card in an event. For Under 12 and above no verbal red card is given. For younger age groups the red card is given verbally at the time of the infringement.
• Disqualification: red cards from 3 or more walk judges disqualify an athlete. Only the Chief Judge may tell an athlete they are disqualified, and must give the reasons.
• A red card should never be given unless there is absolute certainty. The rules recommend showing a yellow paddle before a red card where possible.

Sufficient Referees are appointed to cover all event areas, including the call room, track events and field events. A Referee must:

• ensure field officials prepare and set up their areas and have them ready for inspection at least 15 minutes before the first event of the day;
• ensure the rules are observed and explained to the athletes;
• decide any technical points that arise, including those not covered by the rules;
• ensure the Chief Judges correctly supervise measurement of performances;
• check and sign the final result sheet after each event and immediately hand it to the recording area;
• verify that records have been correctly measured, and that high jump record heights are measured before trials are taken.

The Referee also rules on any protest or objection about the conduct of the competition, and may warn or disqualify an athlete or relay team that does not take part in a bona fide manner, shows unsporting behaviour or engages in improper conduct. In serious cases, disqualification may be immediate.

Call room judges check that athletes, guide runners and assistants are correctly attired, including uniforms, spikes, bibs and equipment or aids. Maximum allowable standing height is not applied in Little Athletics.

A Medical Officer with appropriate first aid or medical qualifications should be appointed at each competition, and a Referee may call the Medical Officer to examine any athlete in obvious stress or pain.