How long does an athlete have to take their throw?
I · Intermediate · The competition · 5 of 5An athlete has one minute to start a trial once the official signals that all is ready. If the same athlete has two trials in a row, the time is two minutes. A trial that has not been started when the time runs out is recorded as a failure.
How it works
- When the clock starts: "The official responsible shall indicate to an athlete that all is ready for the trial to begin, and the period allowed for this trial shall commence from that moment."
- The time: 1 minute.
- Consecutive trials: 2 minutes.
- The very first trial: one minute for each athlete, whatever the numbers.
- Out of time: if the time is exceeded the trial is recorded as a failure.
- Already started: "If the time allowed elapses after an athlete has started their trial, that trial should not be disallowed."
- Choosing not to go: an athlete who decides not to attempt the trial is given a failure once the time has run out.
- The clock and the flag: a clock showing the time left should be visible, and an official raises a yellow flag for the last 15 seconds.
- Absent: an athlete who is not there for a trial is given a failure once the time has run out.
Tricky cases
The clock reaches zero when the athlete has already begun the throw. Is the trial lost?
No. If the time runs out after the athlete has started the trial, the trial is not disallowed.
An athlete stands at the end of the runway and lets the clock run out. What is recorded?
A failure.
Does the clock start when the athlete's name is called?
No. It starts when the official indicates that all is ready for the trial.
Does the last athlete left in the competition get more time?
No. In these events the time stays at one minute, or two minutes for consecutive trials.
Why the rule exists
Without a clock an athlete could wait as long as they liked for the wind to drop or for a rival to cool down. The extra minute for consecutive trials is there because an athlete cannot be expected to throw twice at full effort inside one minute.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 25.17 |
| Something outside the athlete's control | The referee may award a replacement trial or reset the clock | TR 25.18 |
| Competition formats | Organisers may shorten the time. They may not lengthen it | TR 1 commentary |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 25.17 to 25.19 with the commentary printed under them. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).