What commands do I use for crouch starts and standing starts?
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 16.2:
| Race | Commands (in English) |
|---|---|
| Up to and including 400m, plus the 4 x 200m, medley relay and 4 x 400m | "On your marks", "Set", then the gun |
| Longer than 400m | "On your marks", then the gun |
| Any race where you're not satisfied all is ready after the athletes are on their marks, or you abort the start | "Stand up" |
- At the top international competitions commands must be in English. At all other competitions, including South African domestic meets, they may be given in the local language, English or French.
- Races are normally started by the report of the starter's gun held upwards. In ASA road races a gun, cannon, air horn or similar device is used with the commands for races longer than 400m (ASA Rule 33.5.3).
- On each command, athletes must take up their full and final position at once and without delay.
Added 22 Oct 2026