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Teaching the Rules of Athletics The best time to teach the rules of athletics is during practice. For example, as athletes are working on their handoffs, not only should you practice legal exchanges, but also explain to your athletes why the exchange must be in the zone. We have provided some of the essential event-specific rules below. Not adhering to these rules can result in athlete disqualification during competition. Please refer to Official Special Olympics Sports Rules Book for the complete listing of athletics rules.   General Rules for the Running Events Runner is disqualified after two false starts. Pentathlon gets three false starts. Sprints: Runner must remain in lane throughout race. Runner must start behind the start line. Runner is disqualified if he impedes another runner's progress by obstructing, jostling or interfering, and gains an unfair advantage. Runner must wear sneakers or athletic shoes. Jumping the gun will cause a false start, which could lead to disqualification from the competition. Athletes are not automatically disqualified for leaving assigned lanes if no advantage is gained.   General Rules for the Relay Events Runners must pass the baton within the exchange zone. Runners may not throw the baton to make a pass. Runners must remain in their lanes throughout the 4x100 meter relay race. Runners are disqualified if they obstruct, impede or interfere with another runner's progress. Within the takeover zone, it is only the position of the baton which is decisive, and not the position or location of the body or limbs of the competitors. In the 4x400M relay, the first leg as well as the part of the second leg through the end of the first turn of the second leg shall be run entirely in lanes.   General Rules for the Long Jump Always start behind the takeoff line. The best of three non-consecutive jumps will be marked as the final score. Measure the distance of the jump from the takeoff line / board to the closest impression made in the sand by any part of the body. Exit pit from the sides or rear. Walking back toward the runway and crossing over the takeoff line will result in a foul. Running: Athlete must be able to jump at least 1M, the minimum distance between the toe board and sand pit. Standing: Athlete must use both feet on the take-off.   General Rules for the High Jump Do not dive over the bar in competition or warm-up for competition. Do not touch the pit, standards or bar, or cross the horizontal plane, when deciding not to jump after a bad approach. The approach can be restarted if the pit, bar or horizontal plane has not been touched and time remains. Do not take off from both feet. High jumps of any style must be made from a one-foot takeoff. Exit the pit from the sides or the rear. Three consecutive fouls at any one height will determine final placement. Final score is last height cleared. Athlete must be able to jump at least 1M, as the minimum opening height for all high-jump competition is 90cm.   General Rules for the Throwing Events Use an official size and weight softball, tennis ball or shot. Enter and exit the back of the throwing ring/circle or area. Throw the softball or tennis ball in any manner. The best of three non-consecutive throws will be marked as the final score. Do not step over the softball throw foul line, or on or over the shot-put toe board. Shot Put: A legal put must be initiated from the shoulder and the crotch of the neck with one hand only. The shot does not drop below the shoulder.   General Rules for the Wheelchair Racing Wheelchair athletes must start races with the front wheels behind the start line. All other running rules apply.

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