I.A.A.F Long Jump Rules

In international levels of competition the long jump rules play an important role in regulating the event. Having consistent rules allows all athletes to compete fairly and cleanly.

The same goes for rules at the high school and collegiate levels.

Long Jump Rules For Athletes And Officials

Warm-Up

• At the beginning of the long jump, athletes are allowed practice trials.


• Once the competition begins, athletes are not allowed to use the runway or takeoff area for practice.

Markers

• Athletes are allowed two markers that can be placed alongside the runway. Not on it. Adhesive tape is allowed, but chalk is not.

Competition Order

• There is a qualifying round when there are too many athletes to fit into one final round. The athletes are then divided into two or more groups.


• The top 12 athletes in the qualifying round move onto the final round.

Delays

• When an athlete causes an unreasonable delay during an attempt the official can record the trial as a foul.


• I.A.A.F long jump rules dictate that an athlete has a one minute window to complete an attempt, unless they are taking consecutive jumps. In that case they have two minutes.

Ties

• In the case of a tie, the second best performance will resolve the situation. If necessary, the third best, etc.


• If the tie is still not resolved, the athletes will have a new jump to determine the winner.

Final Results

• The best jump for each athlete will be recorded. Including any jumps taken to resolve a tie.


• Jumps in the qualifying round do not count as final jumps in the competition.

Competition Rules

The Jump Is A Foul If The Athlete:

• Steps over the takeoff line during takeoff, or if any part of their body crosses the line. That includes running up and not jumping.


• Takes off outside either end of the board.


• Touches the ground between the landing pit and the takeoff line.


• Does a somersault while running or jumping.


• Touches the outside of the landing area behind where the athletes mark is made in the sand.


• Steps in the sand behind their landing mark while leaving the landing area.

Miscellaneous Long Jump Rules

• To record a legal attempt the athlete must leave the landing area by making their first foot contact further than their break in the sand.


• All jumps are measured from the nearest mark made in the sand from the takeoff board.

Measurements

• The distance jumped is recorded to the nearest 1/1ooth of a meter. e.g. 8.21 meters.

Equipment And Facility Long Jump Rules

At the International level, the rules are a little more strict than at lower levels. There are rigorous guidelines not only for the athlete but for the equipment used as well.

Runway

• The minimum length of the runway is 40 meters. This measurement is taken from the takeoff line.

Measuring Wind Speed

• A wind gauge is used.


• The gauge is placed 20 meters from the takeoff board , is 1.22 meters high and no further than 2 meters from the runway.


• Wind speed is measured for 5 seconds.

The Takeoff Board

• The takeoff is measured from a board that is level with the runway.


• The takeoff line is the edge of the board nearest to the landing area.


• The distance between the takeoff line and the end of the sand pit is at least 10 meters.


• The takeoff line is from 1 to 3 meters from the landing area.


• The takeoff board is rectangular, white in color, and made of wood or a rigid material.


• The board is 1.22 meters long, 20cm wide and 10cm deep.


• There is an indicator board. It is a contrasting color, and placed in front of the takeoff board.


• Between these two boards is the plasticine itself. It should cover part of the indicator board.

The Landing Area

• The landing area will have a minimum width of 2.75 meters and a maximum width of 3 meters.


• It should be filled with soft damp sand, and level with the takeoff board.

Shoes- Sole And The Heel

• The sole and heel of the shoe can have indentations, ridges, grooves and protruding items as long as they are of similar material to the sole.
• The sole of the shoe can only be 13mm thick.

Above are the basic I.A.A.F long jump rules. All athletes, officials, equipment, and facilities must abide by these rules to hold a safe and fair competition.

You can find the NCAA long jump rules here, or for long jump rules at the high school level, click here.

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