In what order do athletes compete, and what if something goes wrong?
A · Advanced · The competition · 1 of 5Athletes compete in an order drawn by lot. An athlete who is also in another event at the same time may be allowed to take a trial out of order. One who is hampered by something beyond their control may be given a replacement trial. An athlete who is not there when their time runs out is given a failure.
How it works
- The draw: "the athletes shall compete in an order drawn by lot".
- Throwing out of turn by choice: an athlete who takes a trial in a different order by their own decision may be warned for conduct. The result of the trial stands.
- Two events at once: when an athlete is entered in a track event and a field event, or two field events, taking place at the same time, the referee may let them take their trial in a different order, for one round of trials at a time.
- Not in the last round: the referee may not allow a change of order in the final round of trials.
- Missing the changed turn: if the athlete is not then present, they are treated as passing once the time has run out. If they miss a later trial it counts as a failure.
- Replacement trials: "If, for any reason beyond their control, an athlete is hampered in a trial and is unable to take it, or the trial cannot be correctly recorded, the Referee shall have the authority to award them a replacement trial or to re-set the time".
- No change of order: a replacement trial does not change the competing order. A reasonable time is allowed for it.
- Leaving the area: an athlete may not leave the immediate area of the event during the competition without the permission of an official, who goes with them.
- The penalty for leaving: a warning if possible. For a repeat or a serious case, disqualification.
- Moving the event: the technical delegate or referee may change the place or time of the competition if conditions justify it, but only after a round of trials has been completed.
- The flags: the judge raises a white flag for a valid trial and a red flag for a failure, once the trial is complete.
Tricky cases
An athlete is running a heat while their group is throwing. Do they lose the trial?
No, if the referee has agreed to let them take it in a different order in that round.
A photographer steps in front of the cage as an athlete begins a throw. What happens?
The referee may award a replacement trial or reset the clock, because the athlete was hampered by something beyond their control.
Can an athlete go to the stand to talk to their coach between trials?
No, not by leaving the area on their own. They need an official's permission and must be accompanied. Talking to a coach from inside the area is allowed.
The wind turns against the throwers halfway through a round. Can the direction of the event be changed?
No. Neither the strength of the wind nor a change in its direction is enough reason, and any change waits until a round of trials is complete.
Why the rule exists
A drawn order is fair, and athletes can plan their warm-up around it. The exceptions cover the two things an athlete cannot control: a timetable clash with another event, and an interruption during their own trial.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 4.3; TR 25.5; TR 25.8; TR 25.18 to 25.20 |
| After a qualification round | A fresh draw for the final | TR 25.5 |
| Combined events | A change of order may be allowed in any round of trials | TR 4.3 (note) |
| Athletes competing under protest | They compete before the others in later rounds | TR 25.6 (note ii) |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 4.3, 6.4.1, 25.5, 25.8 and 25.18 to 25.20. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).