Sprint Race Rules (Athletics Canada)

False Starts

• **Definition:** Any movement by an athlete before the starting gun is fired constitutes a false start.
• **Disqualification:** Athletes responsible for a false start will be disqualified immediately.
• **Authority:** The starter has the final say on whether a false start has occurred.
• **No-False-Starts Rule:** The race operates under a no-false-starts policy. One false start results in disqualification from the competition.

Lane Assignments

• **Assignment:** Lanes are assigned based on qualifying times or seeding.
• **Compliance:** Athletes must remain in their assigned lanes for the entire race.
• **Penalty:** Leaving the assigned lane leads to disqualification.

Finishing

• **Criteria:**
  The winner will be selected from the individuals with the top 10 fastest times after all the heats ( qualifying races have been completed). At the end of all the heats those 10 individuals will have a sprint off to determine who is the fastest.
  The winner is the first athlete whose torso crosses the finish line in the final race of the day. Second place is the individual after the first place and Third place is the individual after the second place person.
• **Finish Line:** The finish line is a vertical plane extending from the leading edge of the marker to the top of the post.
• **Recording:** All races will be recorded to assist with race timing.
  To judge all competitors in all the heats, the torso will be how placing and timing is used to determined all the winners.

Protests

• **Submission:** Protests must be lodged with the referee within 30 minutes of the race results being posted.
• **Requirements:** Protests must include a written explanation and any supporting evidence.

Code of Conduct

• **Behavior:** Athletes must display sportsmanlike conduct at all times.
• **Prohibited Actions:** Violence or aggression towards others will result in immediate disqualification.

Footwear

• **Permitted Footwear:** Only running shoes or footwear similar to waffle trainers are allowed.
• **Prohibited Footwear:** Spikes or cleats are not permitted.

Additional Rules

• **Attire:** Athletes must wear approved athletic attire.
• **Compliance:** Athletes must follow all instructions from race officials.
• **Prohibited Substances:** The use of performance-enhancing drugs is strictly prohibited.
• **Impediment:** Athletes must not impede or obstruct competitors.
• **Safety:** Use of dangerous or unfair equipment or tactics is forbidden.

Day of Conduct

• **Substance Use:** No alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or other substances are allowed.
• **Consequences:** Non-compliance will result in being asked to leave or disqualification.

Winners and Prizes

• **Heats:** Separate male and female heats will be conducted.
• **Finals:** The top ten fastest times from each gender will qualify for the finals.
• **Prizes:**
  • **Gold:** $2000 CAD
  • **Silver:** $1000 CAD
  • **Bronze:** $500 CAD

Tie-Breaking Rules

• **Run-Off:** In the event of a tie, a run-off will determine the clear victor.
• **Default:** If one participant cannot compete in the run-off, the win goes to the participant who can.

Post-Race

• **Marshalling:** After the race, athletes will be marshalled off the runway and must follow the lane marshals’ directions.
• **Familiarity:** Competitors should familiarize themselves with their lane marshals to know their race time.

These rules ensure a fair, safe, and competitive environment for all participants in the sprint races under the governance of Athletics Canada.