How do blind athletes do the long jump?
I · Intermediate · Field events and discipline · 4 of 4T11 jumpers may have two assistants: a caller who guides the run-up by sound and an escort who positions them; T12 jumpers may have one. In throws, an assistant may bring F11 and F12 athletes to the circle, orient them and give sound cues, then must leave. T11 athletes wear eye covers; T12 athletes may have visual markings.
How it works
- T11 jumps: a caller and an escort allowed.
- T12 jumps: one assistant as caller or escort.
- Throws, F11 and F12: one assistant to orient and give sound cues.
- During an attempt: sound only; no touching.
- Silence: spectators asked for silence when sound is used.
- T12 markings: paint, chalk, cones or flags if allowed.
- Eye covers: T11 may remove the mask between trials, not the patches.
- Coaching: assistants may not coach; a warning first.
The glossary has the caller, the T11 to T13 and F11 to F13, the eye patches and opaque glasses, the athlete's assistant, the yellow and red cards and the prohibited assistance and technology.
Tricky cases
Can the caller stand in the sand pit?
No. Not in the take-off or landing area.
Can a T11 athlete see a marked runway?
No. Visual changes to the facility are not allowed for T11.
When may the assistant touch the athlete?
Only after the judges have ruled on the attempt.
Can a T11 thrower remove eye patches between throws?
No. Only the mask or glasses may come off.
Why the rule exists
Sound guidance lets athletes without sight run and jump safely. Limits on what assistants do keep the performance the athlete's own.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| T11 | Two assistants in jumps | R 7.18 |
| T12 | One assistant, visual marks allowed | R 7.19, 7.20 |
| F11 and F12 throws | One assistant | R 7.16 |
From the rule book
World Para Athletics, Rules and Regulations, September 2026, Rules 6.14 and 7.16 to 7.21. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations, September 2026.