The Rules of Competitions (RoC) FAQ's
The Rules of Competition (ROC) are applicable to the following events:
- Weekly Little Athletics Centre activities (as guidelines)
- All Zone and Region Championships for all age groups
- NSW Little Athletics State Championships (9s, 10s, 11s, 12s)
- NSW Combined Event Carnival in March
It is important to note that all other State Championships for ages 13s and above operate under the World Athletics (or World Para Athletics, as applicable) competition rules, with relevant modifications published in the Technical Regulations on the NSW Athletics website.
These include, but are not limited to:
- NSW Junior Championships
- NSW Combined Event Championships (January)
- NSW Relay Championships (Weekend 2)
Rules for competitions not included in the Rules of Competition (RoC), such as the NSW Junior Championships, are available on the specific event page on the NSW Athletics website. These Rules will be progressively uploaded throughout August 2025.
The summary page of the full document outlines the full list of changes. The key updates are:
- At the Region and State Championships, the 14s and above false start and starting block rules are now aligned with World Athletics rules. There are no changes for the 13s and below.
- In field events at Zone, Region, and NSW Little Athletics Championships, all athletes now receive three (3) attempts, with the top eight (8) earning one (1) additional attempt.
- Team Managers are now able to submit video evidence that can be reviewed by the Referee when deliberating on a protest. This is in addition to the Jury of appeal which has always been allowed.
There are no changes to the rules for:
- Weekly centre competitions
- Zone Championships
Starting blocks are not required for any age group at these levels.
False start rules remain unchanged for these levels.
At Region and State Championships:
12s and under
No change
13s:
- May use blocks (not mandatory; subject to venue regulations)
- One false start is permitted per race; the next athlete to false start will be disqualified
14s and above:
- Blocks are mandatory for all events up to and including 400m
- A false start will result in immediate disqualification (World Athletics rule)
From 2024/25 (last season), NSW Junior Championships (plus the state relay championships and the majority of other NSW Athletics events) already operated under World Athletics rules to allow for national qualification via permit-level competition.
This approach has now been extended to Region Championships for the following reasons:
- Region events serve as qualifiers for State Championships
- Ensures consistency between Region and State-level competitions, as well as the majority of events delivered under the NSW partnership
- Lays the groundwork for the future when NSW Athletics stated aim is for Region events to be conducted under state permit, helping athletes qualify for National Championships
- Aligns the pathway with national standards and enhances opportunities for athletes.
This change affects:
- All age groups at Zone and Region Championships
- 9s to 12s at NSW Little Athletics State Championships
- Noting the 13s, 14s, 15s, 16s already operate under this rule at the NSW Junior Championships.
Key reasons:
- Introduces a standardised progression: athletes from 9s to 16s will receive 3 attempts + 1 final round if in the top eight. From 17s, athletes progress to the the top 8 getting three full attempts that continues through to Masters. This change applies consistency to pathway competitions from Zone to National Championships.
- Aligns with both Australian Athletics and Little Athletics Australia competition rules
- Streamlines scheduling and is a key enabler to the future combining of Junior and Little Athletics Championships– a key strategic goal requested by the clubs and centres in NSW.