DIVISION II

IAAF CONSTITUTION

This division contains:
 
RULE 1 - Definitions
RULE 2 - The International Association of Athletics Federations
RULE 3 - Objects
RULE 4 - Membership
RULE 5 - Council
RULE 6 - Continental Areas
RULE 7 - Congress
RULE 8 - Committees
RULE 9 - Languages
RULE 10 - Alterations to Rules
RULE 11 - Authority for Rules
RULE 12 - International Meetings - Competitors Competing Abroad - Qualifications of Competitors
RULE 13 - World, Area and Group Championships: Meetings requiring an IAAF Permit
RULE 14 - Payments
RULE 15 - Provision of Equipment and Services
RULE 16 - Subventions to assist Athletes
RULE 18 - Advertising and Displays during Competition
RULE 19 - Athletes’ Representatives
RULE 20 - Suspensions and other Sanctions
RULE 21 - Disputes
 
ELIGIBILITY
RULE 51 - Definition of Eligible Athlete
RULE 52 - Restriction of Competition to Eligible Athletes
RULE 53 - Ineligibility for International and Domestic Competitions
RULE 54 - Disciplinary Procedures in Non-Doping Cases

RULE 1 - Definitions

Athletics

Track and field athletics, road running, race walking and cross country running.
 

IAAF

International Association of Athletics Federations.
 

Member

Any National Governing Body for athletics affiliated to the IAAF.
 

Club

A Club or Society of athletes affiliated to a Member in accordance with the Rules of the IAAF.
 

Country

"Country" means a self-governing geographical area of the world recognised as an independent state by international law and international governmental bodies.
 

Territory

"Territory" means a geographical territory or region which is not a Country, but which has certain aspects of self-government, at least to the extent of being autonomous in the control of its sport and which is thus recognised as such by the IAAF.
 

IAAF World Athletics Series

Events of the IAAF four-yearly official competition programme.
 

IOC

International Olympic Committee.
 

International Athletic Competitions

(a) Olympic Games, World Championships and World Cups;
(b) Continental, Regional or Area Championships open to all IAAF Members in the Area or Region (i.e. Championships over which the IAAF has exclusive control, comprising only athletics events);
(c) Group Games (i.e. Area or Group Games at which competition in several sports is to take place, and over which therefore, the IAAF has no exclusive control);
(d) Continental, Regional or Area Cups and Age Groups Events;
(e) Matches between two or more Members, or combination of Members, Club Cups;
(f) International Invitation meetings specifically authorised by the IAAF. See Rule 13.3(b);
(g) International Invitation Meetings specifically authorised by an Area Group Association;
(h) Other meetings specifically authorised by a Member so that foreign athletes may take part.
 

Majority

An absolute majority is more than half the votes cast.
A simple majority is the highest number of votes obtained by a candidate, respectively a subject, in a specific vote.
A special majority is two-thirds of the votes of those present voting at a Congress, such two-thirds to represent at least one half of all Members of the IAAF.
 

Note 1: Where appropriate the masculine gender shall include the feminine, and the singular shall include the plural.
Note 2: In Divisions II, III and IV, amendments to the Rules as approved by the 2001 Congress are marked by double lines in the margin.

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RULE 2 - The International Association of Athletics Federations

The IAAF shall comprise duly elected national governing bodies for athletics which agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the IAAF.
 
The rules and regulations of an elected national governing body must be in conformity with and not wider than IAAF eligibility rules.
 
A Bureau shall be established in Monaco to carry out the administration of the IAAF in accordance with the decisions of Congress and Council. The location may be changed only with the approval of Congress.

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RULE 3 - Objects

The objects of the IAAF shall be:

1. To establish friendly and loyal cooperation between all Members for the benefit of athletics, peace and understanding between nations throughout the world.

2. To strive to ensure that no racial, religious, political or other kind of discrimination be allowed in athletics, and to take all practicable measures to stop such discrimination.

3. To strive to secure that there shall be no hindrance to the participation of any country or individual in international athletic competitions on racial, religious or political grounds, and to ensure that there be no such hindrance in international meetings over which the IAAF has control.

4. To compile rules and regulations governing international competitions for men and women, of all ages in athletics. To strive to ensure that for all elected positions in the IAAF, including Council and Committees, there shall be no discrimination toward race, religion, politics, age or sex.

5. To ensure that all contests between Members, including Area and Group Championships or Games, shall be held under the laws and rules of the IAAF.

6. To affiliate a national governing body for athletics which may be recognised by the respective National Olympic Committee, where such a Committee exists.

7. To decide any dispute that may arise between Members, if called upon to do so.

8. To cooperate with the Organising Committees of the Olympic Games in carrying out the organisation of the athletic competitions and, as delegated by the IOC, to supervise and control all the technical arrangements.

9. To frame regulations for the establishment of World and Olympic records, and such other athletic records as Congress agrees may be recognised.

10. To foster the worldwide development of athletics and the dissemination of technical and other information to its affiliated entities.

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RULE 4 - Membership

1. The national governing body for athletics in any country or territory shall be eligible for Membership. Only one Member from each country or territory may be affiliated, and such Member shall be recognised by the IAAF as the only national governing body for all athletics in such country or territory.
 
The jurisdiction of Members shall be limited to the political boundaries of the country or territory they represent.

2. Application for Membership by a national governing body, together with a copy of its current Constitution and Rules shall be submitted to the Council, which shall have the power to elect to membership provisionally.
 
Membership provisionally granted by the Council must be confirmed at the next Congress, which confirmation must obtain a special majority. See Rule 1 "Definitions".

3. There shall be one list of Members, all of whom have equal voting rights at Congress.

4. The annual fee of US$200 from each Member affiliated to the IAAF shall be paid in advance, by 1st January.

5. All Member Federations shall be required to submit, within the first three months of each year, an annual report which shall include the following information:
 
- Federation’s address, telephone, e-mail, etc.
- List of Officers of the Federation;
- A current copy of the Constitution and Bye-Laws;
- Active Membership of the Federation (i.e. clubs, athletes, coaches, officials, etc);
- Major Championships and events held during the year (senior, junior, men, women, etc);
- National records at close of year;
- Report on out-of-competition doping control.
 
When necessary, the IAAF may assist Member Federations to meet the requirements of the last obligation.
 
Members shall be required to submit a copy of the said annual report to their respective Area Group Association at the same time. Appropriate sanctions shall be imposed on Members which fail to supply the requested information within a reasonable period of time.

6. For the purpose of electing the IAAF Council in accordance with Rule 5.1, or any Area Committee, Members are divided into the following areas:
 

7. Congress shall decide the name under which a Member is listed and may compete.

8. In every kind of information, bulletin, competition documents, etc., and on official occasions, the names of the participating Members in the language of the Organising Member must correspond to the exact translation of the list of Members as set out in paragraph 6 of this Rule.
 
Any abbreviation used for the names of these participating Members must be in conformity with the official abbreviations recognised by the IAAF Council. (See List of Members).

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RULE 5 - Council

1. The Council shall consist of 27 elected members as under:
(a) President
(b) 4 Vice Presidents
(c) Honorary Treasurer
(d) One Representative from each of the following six Area Groups:

(e) Fifteen members elected as individuals.
 
Not more than one member of the Council may come from any one country or territory.
 
At least two members of the Council shall be women.
The General Secretary is an ex officio member of the IAAF Council.

2. Members of the Council shall be elected for a period of four years in accordance with the provisions of Rule 7 - Congress. If during the first two years of the term of office, a vacancy arises in the Council for an individual member, a substitute shall be elected at the next Congress for the residuary period.

3. The Council shall meet at least once a year. The President, or Senior Vice President in his absence, will preside at all meetings of Council.

4. At its first meeting, the Council shall nominate one of the Vice Presidents as Senior Vice President for the purpose of presiding over the Council in the absence of the President.
 
The Vice Presidents shall occupy honorary positions and have equal rights with other members of the Council (other than the President and the Senior Vice President as above).

5. The President, and each other member of the Council, shall have a vote. The President, in the case of a tie in the voting, shall have a second or casting vote.

The President:
(a) Shall preside over all meetings of the Congress and the Council.
 
(b) Shall represent the IAAF in all dealings with the International Olympic Committee and the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations.
 
(c) Shall negotiate or oversee the negotiation of all major contracts on behalf of the IAAF.
 
(d) Shall evaluate the performance of the General Secretary and shall make an annual report to the Council in this regard.
 
(e) Shall be an ex officio member of all IAAF Committees and Commissions.
 
(f) May create any task force or working group he may deem necessary or advisable to address any urgent situation.
 
(g) As the principal elected officer of the IAAF, he shall be responsible for the oversight of the operations of the headquarters of the IAAF and, where appropriate, shall take such measures as he may deem necessary for the proper administration of the Federation. He shall periodically reportto the Council in that regard. Such oversight shall be conducted in close co-operation with the General Secretary.
 
(h) May engage such persons as he may deem necessary or advisable for the fulfilment of his duties as President.
 
(i) May delegate any of his duties as he considers appropriate.

6. The Council’s powers shall include the following:-
 
(a) To elect a Member provisionally to membership in accordance with the provisions of Rule 4.2.
 
(b) To suspend, or take sanctions against, a Member in accordance with the provisions of Rule 20.
 
(c) To make decisions in urgent matters relating to all rules. Any such decisions must be reported to the next Congress.
 
(d) To summon a Special Congress to deal with any special case of great importance requiring an urgent decision.
 
(e) To approve, reject or amend procedural guidelines made in accordance with Rules 55 to 61 (Division III).

7. The Council’s duties shall include the following:-
 
(a) To administer the affairs of the IAAF.
 
(b) To submit to each biennial Congress a report, together with audited financial statements for the preceding period, and a budget for the succeeding two years.
 
(c) To examine any proposals from Members or Committees which are to be discussed at Congress, and to submit such reports thereon as they think fit and to submit to Congress any other proposals they may deem desirable.
 
(d) To notify Members of the imposition of any penalties by either Congress or Council.
 
(e) To maintain a register of World, Olympic and any such other records as Congress may decide to recognise.
 
(f) To control and supervise the athletic technical organisation at the Olympic Games.
 
(g) To make the necessary appointments, including Technical Delegates for the Olympic Games and for all events included in the IAAF World Athletics Series. To appoint the official IAAF Representative at Area or Group Games and Championships, or Inter-Continental matches. This representative shall, if possible, be from the Council and shall ensure that the IAAF Rules are observed.
 
(h) To appoint the General Secretary, who should attend all meetings of the Council and of IAAF Committees. The General Secretary shall be an ex officio member of the Council, who is remunerated, with a voice but without a vote.
 
The General Secretary shall be responsible for the engagement of staff for the Bureau, with the approval of the President and Honorary Treasurer.
 
The Council shall also appoint such honorary assistants as it may deem necessary for the purpose of administering the affairs of the IAAF.
 
(i) To promote a Development Programme for the benefit of Members requiring assistance in the training of coaches, judges, etc.
 
(j) To nominate one or more Vice Presidents or members of the Council to undertake special responsibility for the supervision of the Development Programme, or to perform any other special duties subject to the overall control of the Council.
 
(k) To appoint members of the Medical Committee, on the recommendation of the existing members of the Committee.
 
(l) To decide on dates and venues for Competitions directly organised by the IAAF and defined in Rule 12.1.
 
(m) To appoint representatives of the IAAF to the Fédération Internationale de Médecine Sportive, Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne and other bodies of similar nature.

8. Finance
(a) The Finances of the IAAF shall be conducted in a prudent manner which will assure continuation of the many activities and programmes of the IAAF.
 
(b) The Council may delegate, in the administration of the affairs of the IAAF, the power to act in the case of urgency in financial matters to the President and Honorary Treasurer, as appropriate. In such a case the Council must be advised at the earliest opportunity of any action so taken. The President and Honorary Treasurer shall be entitled to indemnify themselves out of the funds of the IAAF in respect of any loss so incurred.
 
(c) A Finance Commission shall be appointed by the Council, comprising the Honorary Treasurer and such other members as the Council may deem particularly suited to contribute to the oversight of the financial matters of the IAAF by virtue of their preparation and/or experience and their availability.
 
Only the Council shall have the right to administer all revenues obtained by the IAAF during the Council’s four-year mandate. The Council shall provide guarantees that such revenues shall be adequate and reasonably divided in order to ensure:
 
- the organisation of IAAF events;
- the participation of athletes and teams in IAAF events;
- the administration of IAAF offices;
- the anti-doping programme;
- the worldwide promotion of athletics;
- the support of, and contributions to Area Associations and Members through the Development Programme;
- sufficient reserves.
 
(d) An annual budget (accompanied by a financial forecast for the four-year cycle), which shall have been approved by the Finance Commission, shall be presented to the Council by the Honorary Treasurer at the first meeting of the calendar year, and shall be adopted as approved by said Council.
 
(e) In preparing the annual budget of the IAAF, a substantial amount adequate to carry out the agreed programme shall be set aside for the purpose of development.
 
(f) The complete financial accounts and records shall be audited by an outside accounting firm who shall report their findings on an annual basis to the Member Federations.
 
(g) In preparing the annual budget of the IAAF, an amount adequate to carry out the administrative and operational duties of the Committees shall be set aside.

9. The IAAF President shall be, ex officio, a member of the Executive Council of all Area Associations.

10. Any member of the IAAF Council shall be, as of right, a member of the Council and/or the Executive body of his National Federation. He shall also take part, ex officio, in the General Assembly of the National Federation.

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RULE 6 - Continental Areas

1. Continental, Area or Group Associations, Confederations or Committees may be formed for each of the six groups listed under Rule 4.6.
 
In the case of Committees, these shall be elected by regional congresses and the result of all elections notified to the General Secretary.
 
Each of such Associations, Confederations or Committees shall draw up its own rules relating to its constitution and powers (which shall in all cases be limited to operation within its own area and in no sense conflicting with any IAAF Rule). These rules and any other subsequent amendments must be submitted to the Council for approval and referred to the next Congress for amendment or ratification. Associations, Confederations and Committees shall render detailed, written reports of their activities to Congress every two years.

2. Members shall not be permitted to organise or take part in area or group championships or games if their subscriptions are unpaid for the current year; neither may a representative from any Member take part in any meeting of the Continental Associations, Confederation or Committee, unless the subscription of the Member he represents or to which he belongs is paid up for the current year.

3. If at any time a position as Area Group representative becomes vacant through resignation or otherwise, the Bureau shall, after consultation with the Area Association concerned, arrange for a ballot within three months to elect a representative to hold office until the next Congress.

4. Each Continental Association shall annually prepare a calendar of all area championships, matches and invitation meetings to be held by the Members of their area. The calendar shall also include the national championships of its members. The Continental Association in granting authorisation for any of these meetings shall ensure that they follow a logical sequence of progression towards the major Rule 12.1 (a), (b) and (c) meetings to be held the following year and that the dates of the aforementioned are duly protected.

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RULE 7 - Congress

1. The Congress of the IAAF shall consist of the Council, Honorary Life Presidents, Honorary Life Vice Presidents, Honorary Life Personal Members and not more than three delegates from each Member.

2. An IAAF Congress shall be convened biennially in conjunction with the World Championships. The date and venue of the Congress shall be confirmed at the preceding meeting of the Congress.

The IAAF Constitution and Elections will be dealt with by the even numbered Congress.
 
The IAAF Technical Rules and Competition Regulations will normally be discussed at the odd numbered Congress. (See Rule 10.2(b)).
 
A special location in the stadium shall be provided for all Congress delegates to watch the World Championships.

3. A Special Congress may be convened by the Council, and shall be so convened if not less that one-third of the Members give notice in writing to the General Secretary stating that they desire such a meeting and the reasons therefore. The Council shall summon a Special Congress to be held within three months from the receipt of the aforementioned notice.

4. Only Members who have paid their subscriptions for the current year and are in good standing with the IAAF may take part in any meeting of the Congress.

5. Members shall only be represented by delegates. Members must certify the names of their delegates in writing to the General Secretary prior to the commencement of the Congress meeting. A Member may have no more than three delegates present at the Congress, only one of whom may record votes from that Member.

6. A delegate shall be a citizen of the country or territory of the Member which he represents.
 
A delegate may only represent one Member.

7. The Congress shall be conducted strictly in accordance with the Rules of Congress Procedure.

8. Immediately after the number of Member Federations present has been confirmed, the first voting strength shall be announced, and the appointment of Scrutineers nominated by Council from the delegates at the Congress shall be approved.

9. Confirmation of Membership provisionally granted by the Council under Rule 4.2 shall then be voted upon.

10. After the second voting strength has been announced, elections shall be held.
 
All nominations shall have been submitted to the General Secretary at least three months prior to the date of the Congress. Nominations can be made only by Members to which the candidates belong, but may be seconded by other Members, and in the case of an Area Group Representative, only by Members in that respective Group.
 
No election shall take effect until the conclusion of the Congress. The Council and Committees elected at a Congress coinciding with the World Championships shall not take office until after the Championships.
 
Electronic tabulating equipment shall be available for voting on the election of members to Council and Committees.
 
The elections shall be held in the following order:-
 
(i) President
(ii) 4 Vice Presidents
 
All ballot papers, to be valid, must register votes for 4 candidates, no more and no less. If there are three or four successful candidates from the same Area Group, then only the two with the most votes shall be declared elected, and, in the next ballot, only candidates for the other Area Groups may participate;
 
(iii) Honorary Treasurer
(iv) Area Group Representatives
 
A separate ballot shall be held for each Area Group and only those members included in the group under Rule 4.6 shall be eligible to vote;
 
(v) Individual Members
Congress shall elect first two female members. All ballot papers, to be valid, must register votes for two female candidates, no more and no less. Following the election of two female members, Congress shall proceed to elect the remaining individual members. All ballot papers, to be valid, must register votes for 13 candidates, no more and no less;
 
(vi) Committees
The Arbitration Panel (see Note 2 to Rule 21); the Technical Committee; the Women’s Committee; the Race Walking Committee; the Cross Country and Road Running Committee; the Veterans’ Committee, and any other Committee appointed by the Congress as necessary.

11. Elections held under Rule 7.10 shall require an absolute majority of the votes cast on the first round and a simple majority on the second round.

12. If, at the time of an election, there are fewer candidates than there are vacancies, the President may invite Members at the Congress to submit further nominations.

13. Any unsuccessful candidate for any position may, if also so nominated, be included in a subsequent ballot for any other position.

14. On the recommendation of Council, in recognition of valued services given to the IAAF, Congress shall be entitled to elect Honorary Life Presidents, Honorary Life Vice Presidents and Honorary Life Personal Members, without voting powers.

15. In addition, the Congress on the recommendation of Council, may grant the following awards:
 
(i) IAAF Veteran Pin
For long and meritorious service to the cause of world athletics within the IAAF activities. Normally 8 per Congress shall be awarded.
(ii) Plaque of Merit
For meritorious service to the cause of track and field athletics within Area Group activities, to be proposed by Area Groups.
(iii) Admittance to the Hall of Fame
 
For exceptional, meritorious performances of outstanding athletes, and other persons within the IAAF activities.
 
A suitable IAAF diploma will be presented to all recipients of the above awards as well as to Honorary Life Officers and Members.

16. Only the Congress shall have the power to amend, add to, or alter any Rule. Such powers must be exercised in accordance with Rule 10. Congress shall have the power to suspend and take other sanctions, and to reinstate Members. Such powers must be exercised in accordance with Rule 20.

17. Only Congress will have the right to decide upon the introduction of new events and new competitions directly organised by the IAAF: i.e. World Championships and World Cups as well as new events in the official competition programme of the IAAF.

18. The Council of the IAAF shall attend the Congress but no member of Council shall represent his or her own Member. Council members may speak, but may not vote.

19. Honorary Presidents, Honorary Life Vice Presidents and Honorary Life Personal Members may attend the Congress and may speak, but may not vote.

20. The Chairmen of IAAF Committees shall attend the Congress but no Committee Chairman shall represent his or her own Member. Committee Chairmen may speak but may not vote. IAAF Committee Members may attend the IAAF Congress as observers.

21. Continental, Area or Group Associations, Confederations or Committees formed for each of the six groups listed under Rule 4.6 may appoint up to 3 representatives who may attend the Congress as observers.

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RULE 8 - Committees

1. All Committees, with the exception of the Medical Committee who are appointed, shall be elected for a period of four years, unless otherwise decided by Congress.

2. The IAAF President shall be an ex officio member of all Committees.

3. There shall be at least the following Committees:-
 
(a) Technical Committee - the Technical Committee, to whom all questions concerning Competition Rules shall be referred, shall consist of a Chairman and 15 individuals.
 
(b) Women’s Committee - the Women’s Committee to whom all questions concerning women’s athletics shall be referred, shall consist of a Chairperson and 10 individuals.
 
(c) Race Walking Committee - the Race Walking Committee, to whom all questions concerning race walking shall be referred, shall consist of a Chairman and 10 individuals.
 
(d) Cross Country and Road Running Committee - the Cross Country and Road Running Committee, to whom all questions concerning Cross Country and Road Running shall be referred, shall consist of a Chairman and 10 individuals.
 
(e) Veterans’ Committee - the Veterans’ Committee, to whom all questions concerning veteran athletes shall be referred, shall consist of a Chairman and 10 individuals.
 
(f) Medical Committee - the Medical Committee, to whom all questions of a medical nature concerning athletics shall be referred, shall consist of a Chairman and up to 12 individuals.

4. All Committees shall meet when summoned by the General Secretary and their recommendations shall be reported to Congress. If an Area is not represented on a Committee, that Area Group shall nominate one additional person for that Committee until the next election.

5. Individual members must come from different countries or territories.

6. No Committee member may take part in any meeting unless the subscription of the Member he belongs to is paid up for the current year.

7. Extraordinary vacancies on IAAF elected Committees:-
 
If at any time a position on an IAAF Committee becomes vacant through resignation or otherwise, the IAAF General Secretariat shall take the following action:
 
(a) should the vacancy be for an Area Group Representative, the IAAF General Secretariat shall, after consultation with the Area Association concerned, arrange for a ballot within three months to elect a representative to hold office until the next Congress.
 
(b) should the vacancy be for an individually elected member, then the next highest polling candidature from that Election Congress shall be appointed by the Council to hold office until the next Congress.

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RULE 9 - Languages

At all Congress meetings, each Member may speak in his own language. Simultaneous translations must be made in Arabic, German, Russian and Spanish, in addition to English and French. Simultaneous translations may be made from and into any additional language required, provided that the cost of this can be met by, or on behalf of, the Member requesting the additional language.
 
The Constitution and the Rules and Regulations, Minutes, Reports and other communications shall be in such languages as the Council shall decide.
 
In all cases of any difference in the interpretation of any text, the English version shall be accepted.

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RULE 10 - Alterations to Rules

1. Constitutional Rules (a) A proposal to amend a rule in Division II ("Constitution"), unless this is proposed by Council, must be submitted to the General Secretary by a Member, or by an Area Council or Area Congress, at least six months prior to the Congress at which it is to be considered.
All proposals, including those proposed by Council, shall be sent by the General Secretary to members at least four months before the Congress.
 
(b) To be accepted, any such proposals must obtain two-thirds of the votes cast, which two-thirds must also represent at least one-half of the aggregate voting power of all Members of the IAAF (a special majority).
 
(c) Any subsequent necessary alterations to the wording of statutes passed by Congress can only be made by the President (or a Council member nominated by him for this purpose) or by the General Secretary, and this provided no material change to the decision of Congress is made.

2. Technical and Other Rules (a) A proposal (unless this is proposed by Council) to amend any technical rule or other rule, must be submitted to the General Secretary at least six months prior to the Congress at which it is to be considered.
 
A proposal to amend a technical rule may only be submitted by a Member, or the Council, or a member of the Council or any permanent Committee or by an Area Council.
 
(b) Amendments to the technical rules will normally only be considered by the odd numbered Congress every four years, the next one being the 45th Congress in 2005.
 
Urgent proposals for alterations to the technical rules may, however, be at any time, and they must be discussed at, and confirmed by, the next Congress, even if they reach the General Secretary later than six months prior to the Congress.
 
(c) A report, containing the recommendations of the Technical Committee, shall be circulated to all Members at least three months before each Congress.
 
(d) Where the Council has exercised its power under Rule 5.6(c) to amend a technical rule or any other rule as an urgent matter, such amendment must also be reported to and confirmed by the next Congress.
 
(e) When an amendment to a technical rule is adopted by Congress or is decided upon by Council as an urgent matter under Rule 5.6(c), a fixed date for the operation of the amendment must be stated, such date to allow adequate time for all Members to put it into operation simultaneously. This date shall normally be January 1st of the following year.
 
(f) Any subsequent necessary alterations to the wording of technical rules passed by Congress can only be made by the Chairman of the Technical Committee (or by a member of the Technical Committee nominated by him for this purpose) or by the General Secretary, and this provided no material change to the decision of Congress is made.

3. The alterations referred to in paragraphs 10.1(c) and 10.2(f) shall be pointed out, at the first opportunity, to Council and, if necessary, to Congress.

4. The Handbook which incorporates changes made by Congress, must be published in English before the 1st November, and in French by 1st December of that same year.

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RULE 11 - Authority for Rules

The Council shall be the interpreter of the IAAF Rules. All matters not provided for under IAAF Rules shall be decided by the Council. Decisions in matters of legislation shall become operative only after the approval of Congress has been given.

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RULE 12 - International Meetings - Competitors Competing Abroad - Qualifications of Competitors

1. At the following International Meetings, the Rules and Regulations of the IAAF must apply:
 
(a) Olympic Games, World Championships and World Cups.
 
(b) Continental, Regional or Area Championships open to all IAAF Members in the Area or Region (i.e. Championships over which the IAAF has exclusive control, comprising only athletics events).
 
(c) Group Games (i.e. Area or Group Games at which competition in several sports is to take place, and over which therefore, the IAAF has no exclusive control).
 
(d) Continental, Regional or Area Cups and Age Groups Events;
 
(e) Matches between two or more Members, or combination of Members, Club Cups.
 
(f) International Invitation meetings specifically authorised by the IAAF. See Rule 13.3(b).
 
(g) International Invitation Meetings specifically authorised by an Area Group Association.
 
(h) Other meetings specifically authorised by a Member so that foreign athletes may take part.

2. All International Meetings or any meetings in which any foreign athlete takes part must be authorised by the IAAF, an Area Group Association, or by a Member.
 
In order to obtain the authorisation referred to in Rule 12.1(f), a Member must apply on behalf of the meeting organiser to the IAAF for a permit. See Rule 13.3(b).
 
Before authorising any International Meeting under Rule 12.1(f), (g) or (h) above, the IAAF, Area Group Association or Member must obtain from the promoter an undertaking in writing:-
 
(a) that all IAAF Rules and Regulations will be observed;
 
(b) that information on all aspects of the organisation will be forwarded within 30 days to the IAAF or the Member authorising such a meeting, if requested.
 
Authorisations by Area Group Associations and Member Federations must be presented to the IAAF Council for approval.

3. No Member may grant its authorisation for a meeting under IAAF Rule 12.1(h), being a meeting which extends invitations to athletes from more than 5 (five) Members (other than the host Member).

4. No athlete shall be eligible for international competition unless that athlete is:
 
(i) a Member of a club affiliated to a Member; or
 
(ii) is himself affiliated to a Member ; or
 
(iii) has otherwise agreed to abide by the Rules of a Member; and
 
(iv) for competitions at which the IAAF is responsible for doping control (see Rule 58.1), has signed an agreement in a form set by the IAAF by which he agrees to be bound by IAAF Rules, Regulations and Procedural Guidelines (as amended from time to time) and to submit all disputes he may have with the IAAF or a Member only to arbitration in accordance with IAAF Rules, accepting not to refer any such disputes to any Court or authority which is not included in IAAF Rules.

5. No athlete or club may take part in an athletic meeting in a foreign country without the written approval of the IAAF Member to which he belongs, and no Member shall allow any foreign athlete to enter any competition without such permit certifying that he is eligible and permitted to compete in the country concerned.
 
No athlete may have affiliation abroad, without previous authorisation from his original Federation.
 
Even then, the Federation of the country in which the athlete is residing, cannot enter any athlete’s name for meetings in another country without previous authorisation from the original Federation.

6. In approving the participation of an athlete at an athletic meeting in a foreign country, the Member should specify the number of days for which the athlete and any accompanying manager or coach is permitted to receive expenses and the daily allowance as detailed in Rule 14 "Payments".
 
After the meeting, the Member may request an account of expenses paid.

7. Any athlete competing in any foreign country (other than in international meetings as defined above) shall, in respect of that competition, be subject to the athletic laws of that country.

8. All negotiations for the participation of an athlete in another country shall be carried on through the Members concerned or through the relevant Athletes’ Representatives, or directly with athletes. Formal invitations shall not be extended directly or indirectly to an athlete by any individual, club, college, university or other organisation.
 
However, a Member may authorise one of its member clubs to communicate with the club of another country concerning the participation of one or more of its athletes, subject to the expressed condition that the Member concerned is kept informed as to the content of any communications.

9. Where an athlete of any Member country receives a scholarship from an institution in another country, then as a condition to and before the athlete’s governing body shall grant the permission to compete referred to in Rule 12.5, the President of the institution granting the scholarship shall first submit to the Member, in whose country the educational institution is located, full and detailed information of the nature and extent of the scholarship aid furnished to the athlete, for transmission to the Member for the athlete’s country.

10. In International meetings under Rule 12.1(a), (b) and (d) Members shall be represented only by citizens of the country which the affiliated Member represents.
 
Having once represented any Member in a Meeting which comes within the categories defined in Rule 12.1(a), (b) and (d), no contestant may thereafter represent any other Member in such a meeting except in the following circumstances:
 
(a) The incorporation of one country in another.
 
(b) The creation of a new country ratified by Treaty.
 
(c) Acquisition of a new citizenship. In this case, the athlete cannot compete for the new country for a period of at least three years after the date when the athlete last represented another Member in a Meeting under Rule 12.1(a), (b) and (d).
 
This period may be reduced to one year, if the two Members concerned agree.
(d) Where an athlete holds, or is legally entitled to hold citizenship of two or more countries, provided that it is at least three years since the athlete last represented the first Member in any competition under Rule 12.1(a), (b) and (d). This period may be reduced to one year, if the two Members concerned agree.

11. Athletes from a National Federation or some other athletics organisation which is not an affiliated Member of the IAAF may compete in any competition, except for the meetings listed under Rule 12.1(a) and (b), against athletes under the jurisdiction of a Member, provided:
(a) that the Federation or Organisation concerned is not at that time suspended by the IAAF or excluded from particular categories of competition;
 
(b) that the prior permission of the Council is given upon the application of the Member in the country or territory where the competition is to take place, or of the Member wishing to send athletes to compete in a non-Member country or territory;
 
(c) that where the competition is held in a non-Member country or territory, the Member must obtain an undertaking from the organising body that in all other respects, the Rules of the IAAF will be observed.

12. (a) When a citizen from a country which is suspended from the IAAF is seeking to become a national of an eligible country, he may compete in domestic competition on condition that:
 
(i) he renounces his former nationality in the process of applying for citizenship of an eligible country and publicly states this fact by advising the Members concerned;
 
(ii) he completes at least one year’s continuous residence in his new country;
 
(iii) the domestic competition in which he participates does not include athletes from other Federations.
 
(b) An athlete who has complied with the requirements of Rule 12.12(a) above may compete in international meetings, under Rules 12.1(f), (g) and (h) after completing a period of two years’ continuous residence in the new country.
 
(c) An athlete who has complied with the requirements of Rule 12.12(a) above may represent his new Federation in international competitions under Rule 12.12(a) to Rule 12.12(e) only after completing a period of three years continuous residence in, and after he has acquired citizenship of his new country.
 
(d) The period of continuous residence shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days, starting from the day after a person lands in the country where he/she seeks to gain nationality.
 
(e) In any continuous 365 day period, an athlete may not spend more than a total of 90 days in the territory of a suspended country.
 
(f) An athlete seeking to qualify under this Rule must refrain from any athletic activities, which shall include, but not be restricted to, exhibition races, training, coaching, officiating, lecturing, giving interviews and publicity interviews, with any members of an athletic federation which is under suspension.

13. IAAF Members and their officials, coaches and athletes, are not to conduct any activities, as defined in paragraph 12.12(f) above, associated with any representative of a suspended Member, their officials, coaches, judges, athletes, etc. In case of any infringement of this Rule, the provisions for suspensions and sanctions laid down in Rule 20 shall apply.

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RULE 13 - World, Area and Group Championships: Meetings requiring an IAAF Permit

1. The IAAF alone shall have the right to organise or sanction World, Area or Group Championships for Athletics.

2. The IAAF shall organise World Championships in Athletics in odd numbered years.

3. (a) Area or Group Championships or Games, Inter-Continental Matches; Meetings of Five or more countries.
 
Authorisation of the IAAF is required, unless the IAAF Council decides otherwise, for all Area or Group Championships or Games, for Inter-Continental matches and for any other athletic meetings in which teams from five or more countries participate. The application for a permit must be made to the IAAF, accompanied by a fee of US$150 (or its equivalent in other currencies) by the sponsoring Member for such sanction except for the Olympic Games.
 
All application forms must be completed in detail and lodged at the Headquarters of the IAAF not later than 31st of December the year prior to the date of the Championships or Games in question. Organising Committees must ensure that countries to whom invitations are sent are in membership of the IAAF and any other country wishing to participate must apply to the IAAF for membership, which must have been granted prior to their entry being accepted. Such applications must be received at least three months before the date of the opening of the promotion concerned.
 
The IAAF shall not authorise any Continental, Regional or Area Championships without first having obtained an unqualified undertaking that the necessary permission for visiting athletes and officials to enter the country where the competition is to be held will be forthcoming sufficiently far ahead to enable them to travel and compete at the Championships. Should it subsequently transpire that these undertakings cannot be fulfilled, the competition shall be transferred to another country which can fulfil the guarantee.
 
The IAAF does not have exclusive control over the Games included in Rule 12.1(c). It shall not authorise to hold athletic competitions at such Games if the Council is satisfied that the Member, in whose country or territory the Games are to be held, has not taken all practicable measures to secure that the necessary permission for visiting athletes and officials to enter the country or territory will be forthcoming sufficiently far ahead to enable them to travel and compete at the Games in question.
 
(b) International Invitation Meetings Authorisation of the IAAF is required for International Invitation Meetings under Rule 12.1(f).
 
The application for a permit must be made on the official form, accompanied by a fee of US$150 or its equivalent in other currencies, by the Member concerned on behalf of the Meeting organisers.
 
All application forms must be completed in detail and lodged at the IAAF Headquarters not later than September 1st in the year prior to the meeting in question.

Note: Details of how to obtain authorisation for competitions under Rule 12.1(b) and 12.1 (f) and of the conditions which must be met before authorisation is given, are available from the IAAF General Secretariat upon request.

4. The Council may produce Regulations governing the conduct of meetings held under IAAF Rules and regulating the relationships of Athletes, Athletes’ Representatives, Meeting Organisers and Members. These Regulations may be varied or amended by the Council as it sees fit.

5. The IAAF shall designate a representative to attend every meeting where authorisation is required at the expense of the organisers, to ensure that the Rules and Regulations of the IAAF are complied with. The travelling expenses of this representative shall be paid to him by the Organiser not later than fourteen days prior to his departure to the venue. The choice of airline shall be left to the discretion of the representative and in cases involving flights over one thousand five hundred miles, business class return air travelshall be provided. Accommodation expenses shall also be paid by the Organisers not later than the final day of the Championships or the athletic section of the Games. Such representative shall render his report to the IAAF within thirty days thereafter.

Note: The following Rules 14-16 are based on the principle that an athlete’s health must not suffer, nor must he/she be placed at a social or material disadvantage as a result of his/her preparation for or participation in the sport of athletics. An athlete’s National Federation shall control such material and financial assistance as may be reasonable and necessary to assure this.

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RULE 14 - Payments

The following rules shall apply to payments allowed to athletes competing in International Meetings under Rule 12.1:
 
These payments may include:
 
(a) A daily allowance.
 
(b) The actual outlay for transport, travel, insurance, meals, lodging and a subvention for hardship for the minimum time they are required to be absent from their normal residence.
 
(c) Any eventual amount negotiated with the Organiser for his participation to the event or for the results achieved during the event.

Note 1: In general, money may not be received directly by an athlete. Members shall, however, have power to issue athletes with direct payment documents or a direct payment card which will authorise athletes (or their Representatives on their behalf) to receive funds directly. The grant of direct payment documents or cards is conditional upon full and complete compliance by the athlete and his representative with IAAF Rules and Regulations, and those of the athlete's National Federation.

Note 2: The IAAF may request information from Meeting Organisers concerning all payments made to athletes in connection with their participation at meetings.

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RULE 15 - Provision of Equipment and Services

Athletes may accept assistance in the form of equipment and services required for training and competition, subject to the control of the national governing body.
 
Such assistance may include the following items:
 
(a) Sports equipment and clothing;
 
When manufacturers are prepared to provide free issues of implements or personal equipment, distribution shall be controlled through the national governing body.
 
(b) Insurance cover for accidents, illness, disability and personal property.
 
(c) Cost of medical treatment and physiotherapy.
 
(d) Coaches and trainers authorised by the national governing body. If an athlete is authorised to avail himself of the services of a doctor for medical treatment or a masseur or coach, accounts should be submitted and payments made direct to the doctor, masseur or coach and not through the athlete.
 
(e) Accommodation, Food, Transport, Education and Professional Training.

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RULE 16 - Subventions to assist Athletes

1. Where a national governing body, after full investigation, considers it appropriate, it may provide, or arrange for the provision of, a subvention to an athlete to assist him in the expenses incurred in training for or participation in any competition under Rule 12.1 (a) to (h).

2. An athlete must not accept subvention without the prior permission in writing of his national governing body.

3. The Council of the IAAF may request information from Members concerning the payments of any such subventions.

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RULE 18 - Advertising and Displays during Competition

General
1. Advertising and displays of a promotional nature shall be permitted in all events held under IAAF Rule 12.1(a) - (h), provided such advertising and displays comply with the terms of this Rule and any Regulations made under it. In addition all advertising and displays must comply with the local legal requirements and, in meetings held under IAAF Rule 12.1(h), must be consistent with the Rules of the Member in whose territory the competition is taking place.

2. The Council may pass Regulations giving detailed guidance as to the form advertising may take and the manner in which promotional or other material may be displayed during competitions. These Regulations may be amended by the Council. Any such amendment shall come into force immediately after the Council meeting making any such decision.

3. The advertising of tobacco products is prohibited. The advertising of alcohol products is prohibited, unless expressly permitted by the Council.

4. Only advertising of a commercial or charitable nature shall be allowed at meetings conducted under IAAF Rules. No advertising which has as its objective the advancement of any political cause or the interests of any pressure group, whether domestic or international, shall be allowed.

5. No advertising may appear which is, in the opinion of the IAAF, tasteless, distracting, offensive, defamatory or unsuitable bearing in mind the nature of the event. No advertising may appear which obscures, either partially or otherwise, the television camera’s view of a competition. All advertising must comply with any applicable safety regulations.

6. Meeting organisers may only acknowledge sponsors during the competition as permitted in Regulations made under this Rule.

7. No identification of sponsors of individual athletes may appear on advertising inside the competition arena. For the purposes of these Rules and any Regulations made hereunder, references to the competition shall include where relevant all activity within the competition arena.

8. The IAAF shall have the right to review any contract entered into by any Member to ensure compliance with all applicable IAAF Rules and Regulations. Members should insert a provision in their constitution which allows them to review any advertising contracts entered into by an individual athlete or by a club. In appropriate cases, the IAAF may ask Members for copies of contracts between advertisers and athletes or clubs within their jurisdiction.

9. Members must ensure that no contract between a sponsor or advertiser and an athlete contains a provision obliging the athlete either to organise his competition schedule in accordance with directions given by the sponsor or advertiser, or obliging the athlete to appear at meetings designated by the sponsor or advertiser, other than those meetings at which the sponsor or advertiser is also a sponsor of the meeting.

Advertising Boards
10. Advertising material may appear on boards outside or inside the competition arena, on notices or posters at the meeting or in programmes relating to the meeting, as provided in the Regulations.

11. All advertising boards must be solidly attached to supporting structures and, other than in exceptional circumstances, may not be moved from the time the competition starts to its finish. The advertising on such boards must remain the same throughout each day of the competition in progress but may be changed after the end of the day’s competition for the following day.

Technical Equipment
12. Technical equipment for use in competition may carry the manufacturer’s name, label or trademark, or the name of the competition or competition venue, or the name or logo of the Member under whose jurisdiction the competition is organised. The number, size and combination of the markings allowed to be placed on each specific piece of equipment is to be found in the Regulations. However, other than as provided in the Regulations, no more than one brand name, label or trademark or other identification may appear on any one piece of equipment.

Clothing
13. All clothing worn by competitors in the competition arena must conform to these Rules and any Regulations made hereunder. All Members must submit to the IAAF for central registration purposes details of all sponsorship agreements entered into by the national team in consequence of which advertising will appear on national team competition clothing. Members should also keep a register of all approved club sponsor identifications, which must be made available to the IAAF. These details should include a photograph of the complete uniform including the marks of recognition of any sponsor.

14. In meetings held under IAAF Rule 12.1(a), (b) and (c), no sponsor identification, other than that of the manufacturer of the clothing, may appear on any clothing worn by an athlete. In competitions held under IAAF Rule 12.1(d) and (e), one mark of sponsor identification of the national team, as registered with the IAAF, may appear on any clothing worn by an athlete, provided that the Member hosting the event agrees. In meetings held under IAAF Rule 12.1(f), (g) and (h), athletes may wear clothing displaying either national team or club identification, provided this has been registered in accordance with this Rule.

15. No competitor, official or any other person wearing any clothing in breach of these Rules or any Regulations made hereunder will be allowed into the competition arena. It is a condition of the grant of a permit by the IAAF that the Meeting Organiser ensures compliance with these Rules and any Regulations made hereunder.

Other Equipment taken into the Competition Arena
16. Any other equipment taken into the competition arena (for example bags) shall also be subject to Regulations made under this Rule.

Athletes’ Number Cards
17. Athletes’ number cards (bibs) must comply with the technical requirements laid down in the Regulations. These bibs must be worn as issued and may not be cut, folded or obscured in any way. In long distance events these bibs may be perforated to assist the circulation of air, but the perforation must not be made on any of the lettering or numerals which appear on them.

Clubs Sponsored by Commercial Enterprises
18. If the Member for the territory in which a club is based agrees, a commercially sponsored club may be registered in the name of a sponsor. With the agreement of such Member, the name of not more than one sponsor may be added to, or incorporated in, the existing club name.

19. Each Member should submit, if requested, to the IAAF for central registration, any sponsor identification which is to appear on commercially sponsored club vests, or other clothing as permitted by these Rules. This information should include a photograph of the club uniforms.

20. International Commercial Clubs, i.e. clubs consisting of athletes who are not normally resident in the territory of the Member under whose jurisdiction the club is organised, shall not be permitted.

Enforcement and Sanctions
21. The IAAF Council may appoint one or more designated individuals to act as IAAF Advertising Commissioners. The powers and duties of such Commissioners are more clearly expressed in the Regulations made pursuant to this Rule. In the event of a conflict between the decision of the Advertising Commissioner and that of a competition official, the view of the Advertising Commissioner will prevail.

22. Where a breach of these Rules or any Regulations made hereunder have taken place, the designated IAAF Advertising Commissioner may impose sanctions which may include a period of ineligibility or a fine. Details of the sanctions which may be imposed, and of the relevant disciplinary procedures, are to be found in the Regulations made hereunder.

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RULE 19 - Athletes’ Representatives

1. Members may allow athletes to use the services of an authorised Athletes’ Representative to assist athletes, in cooperation with the Member, in the planning, arranging and negotiation of their athletic programme.

2. Members shall be responsible for the authorisation of Athletes’ Representatives. Each Member shall have jurisdiction over Athletes’ Representatives acting on behalf of their athletes and over Athletes’ Representatives acting within their territory.

3. To assist Members in this task, the IAAF shall publish a Guidance Note for IAAF Members on the regulation of Federation/Athletes’ Representatives. This Guidance Note shall contain a list of matters which should be included in each Member’s system of regulation of Athletes’ Representatives, the IAAF’s suggestions of best practice in this area, as well as suggested forms of contract between the Athletes and their Representatives.

4. It is a condition of membership of the IAAF that each Member includes in its constitution, provisions to ensure that no Athlete will be granted the Member’s consent to use an Athletes’ Representative, and no Athletes’ Representative shall be authorised, unless a written contract exists between the athlete and his Representative which contains the minimum terms set out in the IAAF Regulations concerning Federation/Athletes’ Representatives.

5. Any athlete who uses an unauthorised Representative may be subject to sanctions in accordance with IAAF Rules and Regulations thereunder.

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RULE 20 - Suspensions and other Sanctions

1. The Council shall have the following powers:
 
(a) to suspend a Member from membership until the next meeting of Congress or for any shorter period;
 
(b) to suspend a Member from any one or more types of International Meetings as defined in Rule 12.1 until the next meeting of Congress or for any shorter period; and
 
(c) to caution or censure a Member;
 
(d) to reinstate a Member who has been suspended by the Council in accordance with this Rule 20.

2. The Council may only exercise its suspensive powers under Rule 20.1 if:
 
(a) a Member has failed to pay the appropriate subscription for the preceding year by 31st December of that year;
 
(b) in the opinion of the Council, the Member has infringed any one or more of the Rules;
 
(c) in the opinion of the Council, the Member has failed upon written notice to it, within one month to take such sanction against an individual athlete as the Council considers necessary. As the IAAF carries out doping control on behalf of its Members at International Meetings, the Council may suspend a Member if the IAAF has carried out its investigations in accordance with Rules 55-61 and recommended doping procedures, and has informed that Member in writing of the results of those investigations, but the Member has, in the Council’s opinion, not taken sufficient action against an individual athlete, for having committed a doping offence as defined in Rule 60.1;
 
(d) in the opinion of the Council, the IAAF is better able to achieve any of its objects by the suspension of a Member.

3. Before the Council may exercise its suspensive powers under Rule 20.1, the Member must have been sent notice in writing of the alleged infringement or failure under Rule 20.2(b) or (c), at least one month before the next Council Meeting, at which the Member will be afforded a reasonable opportunity of being heard.

4. The Congress shall have the following powers:
 
(a) to suspend a Member from membership for a fixed period, or until a specified set of circumstances changes or ceases to exist;
 
(b) to suspend a Member from any one or more types of International Meetings as defined in Rule 12.1 for a fixed period or until a specified set of circumstances changes or ceases to exist;
 
(c) to caution or censure a Member; and
 
(d) to reinstate a Member who has been suspended under (a) or (b) above, before the end of the fixed period or before the set of circumstances specified has changed or ceased to exist.

5. The Congress may only exercise its suspensive powers under Rule 20.4, and may only reinstate a Member under Rule 20.4(d) if:
 
(a) a proposal for such suspension or reinstatement, as the case may be, has been received by the General Secretary at least six months before the relevant Congress meeting (unless the Member is already suspended by the Council, or is suspended by the Council during those six months); and
 
(b) either:
(i) the proposal has been sent by the General Secretary to Members at least four months before the said Congress; or
(ii) the Members have been informed at least four months before the said Congress of a Member’s suspension by Council and of a Council proposal that the Member be suspended by Congress; or
(iii) the Members have been informed at least four months before the said Congress of a Council proposal that the Member should be reinstated; or
(iv) the Members have been informed in writing, before the start of the Congress, that the Council has suspended a Member within the four months preceding the Congress and of a Council proposal that the Member should be suspended by Congress; and
 
(c) the proposal receives two-thirds of the votes of those present and voting at the Congress, which two-thirds must also represent at least one-half of the aggregate voting power of all Members of the IAAF (i.e. a special majority).

6. The Congress may only exercise its suspensive powers under 20.4 if:
 
(a) a Member has failed to pay the subscription for the preceding year by 31st December of that year; or
 
(b) in the opinion of the Congress, the Member has infringed any one or more of the Rules; or
 
(c) in the opinion of the Congress, the Member has failed upon written notice to it, within one month to take such sanction against an individual athlete as the Congress considers necessary. As the IAAF carries out doping control on behalf of its Members at International meetings, the Congress may suspend a Member if the IAAF has carried out its investigations in accordance with Rules 55-61 and recommended doping procedures, and has informed that Member in writing of the results of those investigations, but the Member has, in the opinion of Congress, not taken sufficient action under the Member’s own rules.
 
(d) in the opinion of the Congress, the IAAF is better able to achieve any of its objects by the suspension of a Member.

7. Before the Congress may exercise its suspensive powers under Rule 20.4, the Member must have been sent notice in writing of the alleged infringement or failure under Rule 20.6(b) or (c), at least one month before the Congress meeting, at which the Member will be afforded a reasonable opportunity of being heard.

8. A Member who has been suspended by the Congress under Rule 20.4 may request, provided that notice in writing is received by the General Secretary at least six months before the next ensuing Congress, that a proposal for that Member’s re-instatement be considered at the next said Congress meeting.

9. A Member who has been suspended by the Congress under Rule 20.4(a) shall automatically cease to be suspended
 
(a) at the end of the fixed period, or
 
(b) once, in the opinion of Council, the set of circumstances specified has changed or ceases to exist.

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RULE 21 - Disputes

Disputes
1. Each Member shall incorporate in its constitution provision that all disputes, however arising, whether doping or non-doping related, shall be submitted to a hearing.
 
In the event of a dispute between a Member and an athlete, the Member shall submit the matter to an arbitration panel or other disciplinary tribunal constituted or otherwise authorised by the Member. The hearing before the arbitration panel or other disciplinary tribunal should take place as soon as possible and, under normal circumstances, not later than three months after the dispute has arisen or, in doping cases, not later than three months after the final laboratory analysis. The Member shall inform the athlete and the IAAF in writing of the decision taken by the arbitration panel or other disciplinary tribunal (and shall send the IAAF a copy of the written reasons for such decision) within 5 working days of its being made.

2. All appeals
(i) between Members,
(ii) between a Member and an athlete,
(iii) between the IAAF and an athlete, or
(iv) between the IAAF and a Member, however arising, whether doping or nondoping related, shall be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport or any of its affiliates situated elsewhere ("CAS") within sixty days of the date of communication to the prospective appellant of the decision that is to be referred.

3. The following are examples of disputes that may be submitted to CAS by way of an appeal:
 
Doping related disputes
(i) Where a Member has held a hearing under Rule 59.3 and the athlete believes that, in the conduct or conclusions of such hearing, the Member has misdirected itself, or otherwise reached an erroneous conclusion.
(ii) Where a Member has held a hearing under Rule 59.3 and the IAAF believes that, in the conduct or conclusions of such hearing, the Member has misdirected itself, or otherwise reached an erroneous conclusion.
(iii) Where testing has indicated the presence of a prohibited substance and, contrary to Rule 59.3, the Member refuses to allow the athlete a hearing.
(iv) Where testing by another sporting body recognised by the IAAF has indicated the presence of a prohibited substance, and the athlete considers that the decision of the other sporting body is unsatisfactory and should not be relied upon.
(v) Where an athlete has been found by the IAAF to have admitted taking a prohibited substance, or using, or attempting to use, a prohibited technique, and the athlete denies having made any such admission.
 
Non-doping related disputes (vi) Where an athlete has been found by a Member to have rendered himself ineligible under Rule 53.1, other than in the case of Rule 53.1(v), and the athlete wishes to contest the finding of ineligibility.

4. A reference shall not be made to CAS until all remedies have been exhausted under the Member's constitution. When those remedies include a final appeal to CAS at which the IAAF has the right to be represented, and the final appeal has been decided upon by a CAS Panel, that decision shall be binding upon the athlete, the Member and the IAAF and no further recourse to CAS shall be made.

5. In the case of a reference to CAS under Rule 21.3(i),(iii),(iv),(v) and (vi), the formal parties to the appeal shall be the athlete as appellant and the relevant Member or the IAAF as respondent. In any case where the Member or the IAAF is not a formal party to the appeal, it may, however, choose to participate in the hearing before CAS if it considers it appropriate to do so.

6. In the case of a reference to CAS under Rule 21.3(ii) above, the parties to the appeal shall be the IAAF as appellant and the athlete as respondent. The relevant Member may, however, choose to participate in the hearing before CAS if it considers it appropriate to do so.

7. The decision by the IAAF as to whether a dispute should be referred to CAS under Rule 21.3(ii) above, or whether any other dispute in which the IAAF would be the appellant should be referred to CAS, shall be taken by a Commission appointed by the Council.

8. The CAS appeal, including, but not limited to, the constitution of the CAS Panel, the powers of the CAS arbitrators, the documents to be filed with CAS and the procedure of the appeal, shall be in accordance with the rules of CAS from time to time in force, provided always that the CAS Panel shall be bound to apply IAAF Rules and Regulations (in accordance with Rule 21.9 below) and, unless the Council determines otherwise, the appellant shall file his statement of appeal with CAS (in accordance with Rule 21.2 above) within sixty days of the date of communication of the decision that is to be appealed. Within ten days of filing the statement of appeal, the appellant shall file his appeal brief with CAS and, within thirty days of receipt of the appeal brief, the respondent shall file his answer with CAS.

9. All appeals before CAS shall take the form of a re-hearing de novo of the issues raised by the case and the CAS Panel shall be bound by the IAAF Rules and Regulations and the Procedural Guidelines for Doping Control (as amended from time to time). In any doping cases before CAS, the IAAF shall have the burden of proving, beyond reasonable doubt, that a doping offence has been committed.

10. The decision of CAS shall be final and binding on all parties, and on all Members of the IAAF, and no right of appeal will lie from the CAS decision. The decision shall have immediate effect and all Members shall take all necessary action to ensure that it is effective. The fact of the referral to CAS and the CAS decision shall be set out in the next notice to be sent by the General Secretary to all Members of the IAAF.

Note 1: The effective date of Rule 21 set out above is 1 November 2001, being the formal date of publication of the new IAAF Handbook (2002-2003 edition).
Note 2: Where a dispute has arisen prior to 1 November 2001, or where a Member has made a decision concerning a doping matter before this date, then such dispute or doping matter shall be resolved in accordance with the IAAF Rules and Regulations in force immediately prior to 1 November 2001.
Note 3: Notwithstanding Note 2 above, with the consent of the parties to any dispute or doping matter (including, where the Member's decision is subject to review by the IAAF, with the consent of the IAAF), such dispute or doping matter may be referred, on an ad hoc basis, to be resolved under the appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Note 4: Where a dispute or doping matter is referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in accordance with Note 3 above, it shall apply the Rules and Regulations of the IAAF in force immediately prior to 1 November 2001.
Note 5: Where a dispute arises after 1 November 2001, or where any decision concerning a doping matter is made by a Member after this date, the dispute or doping matter shall be resolved in accordance with Rule 21 set out above.

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ELIGIBILITY

RULE 51 - Definition of Eligible Athlete

An eligible athlete is one who agrees to abide by the Rules of the IAAF.

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RULE 52 - Restriction of Competition to Eligible Athletes

1. Competition under IAAF Rules is restricted to athletes who are under the jurisdiction of a Member, and who are eligible to compete under IAAF Rules.

2. In any competition under IAAF Rules, the eligibility of an athlete competing shall be guaranteed by the governing body of the country to which the athlete belongs.

3. It is the duty of each athlete to communicate to his National Federation or the IAAF all matters relating to his eligibility or any circumstances under which he may have breached IAAF Rules concerning eligibility.

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RULE 53 - Ineligibility for International and Domestic Competitions

1. The following persons shall not take part in competitions, whether held under IAAF Rules or the domestic Rules of a Member.
 
Any person:
(i) whose National Federation is currently suspended by the IAAF. This does not apply to the domestic competitions organised by the currently suspended National Federation for the citizens of that country;
(ii) who has taken part in any athletic meeting or event in which any of the competitors were, to his knowledge, suspended from participation or ineligible to compete under IAAF Rules, or which takes place in the territory of a suspended Member. This does not apply to any athletic meeting which is restricted to the Veteran age groups (40 years and over for men and 35 years and over for women);
(iii) who takes part in any athletic meeting which is not sanctioned, recognised or certified by the Member in the country in which the event is held;
(iv) who is suspended from participation in or ineligible to compete in competitions under the jurisdiction of his National Federation, in so far as such ineligibility is consistent with IAAF Rules;
(v) who contravenes Rules 55 to 61 ("Control of Drug Abuse");
(vi) who has competed, or is competing in any sport for pecuniary reward, other than as permitted by IAAF Rules or by special sanction of the Council;
 
Note: No person shall be declared ineligible who prior to August 21st, 1991, has (i) competed for pecuniary reward in a sport other than athletics or (ii) entered into a contract or agreement to compete as a professional in a sport other than athletics. Any person who, prior to August 21st, 1991, has been declared ineligible by virtue of having (i) competed for pecuniary reward in a sport other than athletics or (ii) entered into a contract or agreement to compete as a professional in any sport other than athletics shall be deemed eligible after September 15th, 1991, without further action of the Council or the Athlete’s Federation.
 
(vii) accepts directly or indirectly any money or other consideration for expenses or loss of earnings, other than what is permitted under Rules 14, 15 and 16;
(viii)who has committed any act or made any statement either verbally or in writing, or has been responsible for any breaches of the Rules or other conduct which is considered to be insulting or improper or likely to bring the sport into disrepute;
(ix) who contravenes Rule 18 (Advertising and Displays during Competition) or any Regulations made thereunder;
(x) who uses the services of an Athletes’ Representative, other than one approved by the relevant Member under Rule 19;
(xi) who has been declared ineligible by virtue of a breach of any Regulations made under IAAF Rules.

2. Unless the period of such ineligibility is stated in the relevant IAAF Rule or Regulation, those ineligible under this Rule shall be ineligible for a period set down in guidelines produced by the Council. In the absence of such guidelines, the Council may decide upon the appropriate period of ineligibility.

3. If an athlete competes whilst suspended or ineligible, the period of this ineligibility shall be deemed to recommence from the time he last competed as though no part of a period of suspension or ineligibility had been served.

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RULE 54 - Disciplinary Procedures in Non-Doping Cases

1. When it is alleged that an athlete has violated Rule 53.1 (other than Rule 53.1 (v)), the allegation shall be reduced to writing and forwarded to the athlete’s National Federation, which shall hold an investigation. If the National Federation believes that there is evidence to support the allegation of ineligibility, a hearing shall be held before the relevant National Body. All relevant evidence shall be given to the party whose eligibility is challenged, who shall have the opportunity to present his case to the relevant National Body before any decision on his ineligibility is made.

2. Where the relevant National Body, after hearing the evidence, decides that an athlete has rendered himself ineligible, the athlete's National Federation shall take all the necessary suspensive action and it shall report this fact to the IAAF together with all documentary evidence submitted by both sides on the issue. If there are no special circumstances, the IAAF Council shall declare this decision to be final and binding upon all parties. All Members shall take all necessary action to ensure that this decision is effective. If, in the opinion of the IAAF, a National Federation has failed properly to impose a suspension, the IAAF may itself impose that suspension.

3. If an athlete wishes to contest such a finding of ineligibility, he may apply to CAS under Rule 21.3 (vi).

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