How are false starts treated in combined events?
Rule- South Africa
- Athletics South Africa
- World Athletics rules
- WA Technical Rules 2026
- Track and field
- Starters
- Officials
- All ages
- 2026/27
Under World Athletics TR 39.8.3, in the track events of a combined events competition (for example the U16 pentathlon, heptathlon or decathlon):
- One false start per race is allowed without disqualification.
- After that first false start, the athlete responsible is shown a yellow and black card, and every other athlete in the race is also shown the yellow and black card to warn them.
- Anyone responsible for a further false start in that race is disqualified by the starter and shown the red and black card.
Only the starter can decide these warnings and disqualifications.
Added 22 Oct 2026