Why does the starter sometimes say "Stand up", and what do the cards mean?
A · Advanced · The event and the start · 1 of 3If the starter is not satisfied that all is ready, the athletes are told to "Stand up" and the start begins again. If no athlete was to blame, a green card is shown to all. An athlete who caused the delay without a valid reason may get a yellow card. A second yellow card in the competition means disqualification.
How it works
- The command: when the starter is not satisfied that all is ready after the athletes are on their marks, the command is "Stand up" and the starter's assistants line the athletes up again.
- Three reasons that concern the athlete:
- causing the start to be called off, "for instance by raising a hand and/or standing or sitting up in the case of a crouch start, without a valid reason";
- failing to obey the commands, or not taking the final starting position "at once and without delay";
- disturbing other athletes "through sound, movement or otherwise".
- The yellow card: in those cases the referee may warn the athlete for improper conduct.
- The second one: a second warning in the same competition means disqualification.
- The green card: It tells everyone that no false start was committed.
- Never both: a green card is not shown when a yellow or red card has been given.
- Disturbing others: if one athlete's movement makes others move, the referee may warn the one who caused it. The others have not made a false start.
Tricky cases
Is a yellow card at the start the same as a false start?
No. A false start means disqualification at once. A yellow card is a conduct warning, and the athlete runs.
An athlete raises a hand because the blocks slipped. Are they warned?
No, if the referee accepts the reason as valid. The rule penalises calling off the start "without a valid reason".
An athlete has a yellow card from an earlier event that day and gets another at the start. What happens?
They are disqualified from the second event. A second warning in the competition has the effect of a red card, and the athlete may take no further part in that competition.
A loud noise from the crowd makes several athletes move. Is anyone penalised?
No. When the cause is outside the athletes, a green card is shown to all and the start is taken again.
Why the rule exists
The rules separate two things. Starting too early is a false start. Behaving badly at the start is a matter of conduct. Keeping them apart means the field is not punished for one athlete's action, and an athlete with a real problem can stop the start without being disqualified.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 16.2.3; TR 16.5; TR 7.1; TR 7.3 |
| Repeated movement | An athlete who keeps moving at several called-off starts may be warned even if nobody else is disturbed | TR 16.5 |
| Showing the decision | Screens, speakers or light towers may be used instead of cards | TR 16.5; TR 16.8 (note) |
| Relays | Cards given to members of a team count against the team | TR 7.1 commentary |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 7.1, 7.3, 16.2.3 and 16.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).