Rules


Competition Rules
The competition will be conducted as per the World Athletics (WA) Handbook and variations as per Athletics Canada and NLAA rules.
  • Timing - FinishLynx Photo Finish System and Hy-Tek Meet Manager will be in use for the meet.
  • A crouch start and starting blocks are mandatory for races 400m and shorter. (Learn how to quickly setup the starting blocks.)
  • Starting Commands for races 400m and shorter: “On your marks”, “Set”, the gun will be fired
  • Starting Commands for races longer than 400m: “On your marks”, the gun will be fired. Standing Start!
  • Running in lanes for races 300m and shorter: all runners must remain in their assigned lanes for the duration of the race from start to finish. In the 50m/60m/200m/300m, each athlete will have a separate lane at the start. The races will be run entirely in lanes.
  • In the 400m and 600m a two (2) turn stagger start will be used with one (1) competitor per lane at the start, runners must stay in their assigned lanes during the first 2 turns, after they cross the “breakline” runners can cut into Lane 1.
  • False Start: The athlete(s) responsible for the false start will be disqualified
  • in races longer than 400m, all starts must be made from a standing position.
  • Middle-distance running in lanes: runners begin from a common start line and may cut to the inside lane after the first turn or crossing the breakline.
Modified Rules for athletes in the U12 and U14 categories:
False Start
- one false start will be allowed per race without disqualification of an athlete. Any further false starts shall result in the disqualification of the athlete making the false start.
Starting Blocks
- The usage of Starting Blocks is optional.
Starting position
- Starting position is optional for races 400m and shorter - Crouch Start, Standing or 3-point start.
600m Start Line
- Water Fall/Curved Start: Runners will start from an arced line across the track.
Notes
  • It is the responsibility of each individual competitor to promptly report for their events.
  • Athletes should be ready to compete shortly after they are called to the start. Practice time before each start will be kept to a minimum, 1-2 minutes.
  • All events will be run as Timed Section Finals (TSF).
  • The 60m, 200m, 300m, 400m, 600m, 1000m, (except 1500m/3000m only to U18/U20/Snr/Mas) events are open to all age categories.
  • In all events, U12 age athletes will compete first followed by the next age category. To avoid empty lanes, however, race organizers reserve the right to combine some events.
  • Combined races - Where we have to run together two or more competition categories, the events will be ranked separately. For example, in the 60m, we may have one participant in each division. In such case, there will be one race, instead of two or more races, and participants from all categories will run together.
  • Mixed races: Male and Female Athletes competing in the U12, U14, Wheelchair and 3000m may participate together in some of the events but will be ranked separately. For all other categories, based on NLAA and Athletics Canada rules, mixed-gender (female and male) races are not allowed.
EVENT CHECK-IN AND RACE START PROCEDURES
CHECK-IN
  • All athletes must check in at the designated table 20-30 minutes before their event.
  • The check-in table is located in-field near the 50m start line.
  • Failure to check in on time will result in a “Did Not Start” designation and removal from the event start list.
RACE START

Athletes will have 1-2 minutes to set their starting block or to run off the start.

OFFICIALS AND COACHES
  • Officials are not permitted to coach.
  • Coaches may assist their athletes but must stay outside the competition area and are not allowed to interfere with officials.
GUIDELINES FOR WARMING UP ON THE TRACK DURING THE COMPETITION:
  • Athletes should complete their warm-up before checking in.
  • After check-in, athletes may continue warming up but must remain near the check-in table.
  • Athletes may use the track for warm-up and wear spikes on the red portion.
  • Please stay clear of the finish and start areas at all times.
  • During the 60m races, athletes cannot use the straightaway unless called to the start line by officials. The backstretch is available for warm-up during this time.
  • During the 300m races, athletes may use or wait in lanes 1 and 2 of the straightaway. Athletes may also use the backstretch but must move to lane six while the race is in progress.
  • During the 600m races and longer, athletes may continue using the outside lanes for your warm-up.