Equipment and assistance
World Athletics · 2026Clothing, shoes and bibs · Allowed support and prohibited help
Clothing, shoes and bibs
Clothing must not obstruct officials' view. Shoes must comply with the separate World Athletics shoe regulations; the book does not supply one universal sole-thickness limit for every event. Normally athletes wear visible bibs on front and back; jumping events allow one bib on the front or back. Do not cut, fold or hide a bib.
Allowed support and prohibited help
Communication with a coach outside the competition area and authorised medical treatment are permitted within the rules. Pacing by non-participants or lapped athletes and prohibited technical assistance can lead to sanctions. Personal communication devices are generally prohibited in the competition area, while permitted performance monitors must not communicate with another person.
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