Section 8: Safety Considerations
8.1 Throwing Events Safety (Technical Rules 33, 34, 36 and 38)
World Athletics Technical Rule 37 requires that a protective cage be used for all hammer competitions (and strongly recommends one for discus at World Athletics Series events). The cage must be able to stop a 7.260 kg hammer ball travelling at 32 m/s and must be positioned so that it fully encloses the throwing circle and the potential sector of a misdirected implement. Standard cage designs are described in the World Athletics Technical Regulations. Entry to the throwing sector is strictly prohibited whenever an athlete is in the circle preparing or executing an attempt. Flags or barriers must be used to prevent spectators and uninvolved athletes from entering the sector (Technical Rules 33, 34, 36 and 38).
All implements used in competition must be checked and approved by judges before the competition begins and may be re-checked at any time during competition. Damaged or non-conforming implements must be removed immediately. Athletes may use personal implements subject to inspection and approval (Technical Rules 33, 34, 36 and 38).
8.2 Steeplechase Water Jump Safety (Technical Rule 23)
The water jump barrier must be fixed firmly to the ground. The water surface must be clear of debris before each race. First-aid personnel must be available trackside for all steeplechase events. The water depth must be verified prior to competition. Athletes with physical conditions that increase risk of harm from the water jump must be cleared to compete by the Medical Delegate (Technical Rule 23).
8.3 Pole Vault Safety (Technical Rule 28)
The landing area must be a minimum of 6 m × 6 m (not including the front extension) and the padding must meet World Athletics specifications. The box and plant area must be free of debris. A minimum of two uprights must be inspected before competition. The crossbar uprights must extend a minimum of 10 cm beyond each end of the crossbar. Uprights may be moved up to 40 cm toward the landing area and up to 80 cm away from the landing area from the stop board line, at the athlete's request (Technical Rule 28).
Pole vault competitions may not be conducted in winds exceeding certain thresholds; the Referee has authority to suspend competition for safety reasons including high wind, lightning, or other adverse conditions (Technical Rule 28).
8.4 Adverse Weather and Suspension of Competition
The Technical Delegate and Referee jointly have authority to suspend or delay competition in the event of lightning, severe wind, heavy rain, or other conditions that threaten the safety of athletes or officials. If competition is suspended, athletes in field events retain any valid marks already achieved. Track event heats may be rerun or continued from the point of suspension. All decisions about suspension are final at the competition level; they may only be overturned by the Jury of Appeal where a clear rule violation occurred.
8.5 Medical Support Requirements
World Athletics requires that all World Athletics Series events have on-site medical support including qualified physicians, paramedics, and equipment for emergency cardiac intervention (including defibrillators). Ambulance access routes to the field of play must be planned and kept clear throughout competition. Medical staff must be briefed on competition schedule and high-risk events (steeplechase water jump, pole vault, long distance races) (Technical Rule 6).
8.6 Anti-Doping Controls
World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, in force from 1 January 2021 and updated in alignment with the World Anti-Doping Code 2021, require all athletes at World Athletics Series events to be subject to doping control. Athletes selected for in-competition testing must report to the Doping Control Station within one hour of notification. Refusal to submit to testing, tampering with the process, or providing an adverse analytical finding constitute anti-doping rule violations. Prohibited substances and methods are listed in the WADA Prohibited List, updated annually, effective 1 January each year.
8.7 Athlete Well-Being — Race Walking
Race walking events (20 km, 35 km) conducted in extreme heat conditions are subject to additional safety protocols per World Athletics Technical Regulation and the Heat Stress Policy. Refreshment/sponging stations must be provided at defined intervals. Judges are required to issue caution cards for loss of contact and bent knee violations prior to disqualification, consistent with the requirement of three red cards from different judges. In extreme heat (WBGT above 28°C), the Medical Delegate may recommend modifications to competition procedures.