The world of track and field boasts a rich and diverse history. Did you know that its origins date back to 776 BC, during the Ancient Olympic Games? As the sport has evolved over the centuries, so have the rules and regulations. This has led to the establishment of various rules and regulations by prominent organizations, such as the International Association of Athletics Federations, the National Federation of State High School Associations, and World Athletics.

As we approach the 2024 Olympics, World Athletics, the governing body for track and field events, has announced new changes aimed at enhancing the sport.

New ideas from the World Athletics aim to revolutionize track and field

On February 20, 2024, the CEO of the World Athletics, Jon Ridgeon, shared on the Anything But Footy podcast that the organization is planning to trial a new long jump format aimed at reducing the number of disqualifications due to athletes overstepping the traditional wooden board. Instead of using a wooden board for athletes to jump from, they want to try something called a “take-off zone.” This change could make it easier for athletes to jump without accidentally stepping over the line and getting disqualified.

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Ridgeon shared, “It will mean that every jump counts.” Apart from this, World Athletics is also considering hosting a big global event for track and field every year, even in years when there are Olympics or World Championships. This would make the sport more consistent and exciting for fans. As the ideas are still in the works and we might see these changes in competitions in the future, let’s also see the notable changes brought by world athletics in the sport in the past.

The changes made by the organization in the recent past

Last year, in May, World Athletics announced a significant change in renaming “Indoor Track and Field” to “Short Track.“ This decision aimed to accommodate the evolving nature of athletic competitions held in various venues, including city squares and shopping malls. The renaming also aimed to distinguish between indoor and outdoor track events more effectively. Besides the organization’s aim to revolutionize the sport, in August 2023, World Athletics revealed six new rule modifications ahead of the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

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These changes were aimed at improving the overall experience of athletes and fans. The modifications included adjustments to lane draws, qualification criteria for middle-distance events, athlete replacement policies, the introduction of a designated waiting area for athletes, a new protocol for running under protest, and a change in regulations regarding throwing implements. As we reflect on these changes and ideas, what are your thoughts on these decisions? Share your comments below!

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