How does an athlete challenge a red flag or a result?
A · Advanced · Conduct, protests and kit · 4 of 5An athlete who disagrees with a red flag can protest at once, by word of mouth, to the referee. If in doubt the referee may let the athlete carry on competing "under protest" so that nothing is lost. Any other protest must be made within 30 minutes of the result, and the referee's decision can be appealed to the Jury of Appeal.
How it works
- On the spot: "if an athlete makes an immediate oral protest against having a trial judged as a failure, the Referee of the event may, if they are in any doubt, order that the trial be measured and the result recorded, in order to preserve the rights of all concerned".
- Carrying on under protest: if the athlete would go on to a higher height only if the protest succeeded, the referee may let them continue "under protest".
- Only if upheld: the disputed performance, and anything achieved while competing under protest, counts only if the referee or the Jury of Appeal later decides in the athlete's favour.
- Other athletes: an athlete who was allowed to continue because someone else was competing under protest keeps their results whatever the outcome.
- When the referee is sure: the commentary says the athlete should not be allowed to continue where the referee is certain the judges were right.
- The 30-minute rule: any other protest about a result or the conduct of the event must be made within 30 minutes of the official announcement of the result.
- Who may protest: the athlete, someone acting for them or an official representative of their team, and only if competing in the same round of the event.
- The appeal: to the Jury of Appeal within 30 minutes of the decision, in writing, signed, with a deposit of USD 100 or its equivalent that is forfeited if the appeal is not allowed.
- Final: the Jury's decision is final, with no further appeal.
Tricky cases
A judge raises a red flag and the vaulter is sure the bar fell because of the wind. What should the athlete do?
Protest at once, by word of mouth, to the referee. If the referee is in doubt, the athlete may be allowed to go on to the next height under protest.
Does a jump made under protest count if the protest fails?
No. Performances made while competing under protest become valid only if the protest or a later appeal is upheld.
Can a coach make the protest?
Yes. A protest may be made by someone acting on the athlete's behalf or by an official representative of the team.
Can the Jury of Appeal's decision be taken further?
No. The rule says there is no further right of appeal, including to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Why the rule exists
A bar that has been reset cannot be judged again an hour later. Dealing with the protest at once, and letting the athlete carry on provisionally, keeps the evidence and the athlete's chance alive until the question is settled.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 8 |
| No Jury of Appeal appointed | The referee's decision is final | TR 8.11 |
| New evidence | The Jury may reconsider if new conclusive evidence appears, normally before the victory ceremony | TR 8.9 |
| In the results | P marks an athlete competing under protest | CR 25.5 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rule 8 with the commentary printed under it, and Competition Rule 25.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).