What help may an athlete have between trials?

• The competition area: the fenced area where the event takes place, open only to the competing athletes and authorised officials.
• Coaches: "Communication between the athletes and their coaches not placed in the competition area" is allowed. A place in the stands close to each field event should be reserved for coaches.
• Video: athletes in field events may view "images of previous trial(s), recorded on their behalf by persons not placed in the competition area". The device may not be taken further into the competition area, though the athlete may hold it while talking to the person who made the recording.
• Devices: "Possession or use of video recorders, radios, CD, radio transmitters, mobile phone or similar devices in the competition area" is banned.
• Officials: may not give advice beyond their job. The rule's example is "indication of the take-off point in a jumping event except to indicate a failure in Horizontal Jumps".
• Medical help: treatment by the official medical staff is allowed, and so are bandages, tape, belts and supports worn for protection or for medical reasons.
• Clothing from officials: hats, gloves, shoes or clothing handed out at official stations or approved by the referee are allowed.
• Technology: apart from shoes that meet the shoe rules, any technology or appliance that gives an advantage the permitted equipment would not is banned.
• The penalty: a warning from the referee, and disqualification from the event if it happens again.

Field events have long gaps between trials, and coaching in those gaps has always been part of them. The rules allow it across the barrier and keep the competition area itself for athletes and officials. The commentary says the rule has been changed often "to respect the role of coaches" and to reduce conflict with officials.