Book C – C5.1

ATHLETES' REPRESENTATIVES RULES(Approved by Council on 31 July 2024 and effective from 09 August 2024)

Book C – C5.1

Specific Definitions
The words and phrases used in these AR Rules that are defined terms (denoted by initial
capital letters) will have the meanings specified in the Constitution and the Generally
Applicable Definitions, or (in respect of the following words and phrases) the following
meanings:“Agency” means an organisation, entity, firm or private company retaining, comprising,
employing or otherwise acting as a vehicle for the business affairs of one or more ARs.
“Applicable Competitions” means any meet which is part of the Diamond League, World
Athletics Continental Tour (Gold), World Athletics Indoor Tour (Gold), Combined Events Tour(Gold), World Athletics Cross Country Tour (Gold), World Athletics Race Walking Tour (Gold),and World Athletics Label Road Races (Platinum, Gold, Elite and Label).
“Applicant” means a natural person that applies for a Licence.
“Approach” means (i) any physical, in-person contact or contact via any means of electronic
communication with a Client or potential Client; (ii) any direct or indirect contact with anotherperson or organisation linked to a Client or potential Client, such as (without limitation) a family
member, friend, coach, recruiter, school teacher; or (iii) any action when an AR uses or directs
another person or organisation to contact a Client or potential Client on their behalf in themanner described in (i) or (ii) above.
“AR Interest” means (i) any beneficial ownership of a legal person through which the relevant
activities of those entities are conducted; and/or (ii) being in a position that may enable theexercise of a material, financial, commercial, administrative, managerial or any other influence
over the affairs of a natural or legal person whether directly or indirectly and whether formallyor informally.
“AR Rules” means these Athletes’ Representatives Rules.
“AR Services” means Athletics-related services performed on or on behalf of a Client,including any negotiation, communication related to or preparatory to the same, or other related
activity, with the purpose, objective, and/or intention of concluding a Transaction.
“Athletes’ Representative” or “AR” means a natural person licensed by World Athletics toperform AR Services.
“Client(s)” means an Athlete (including a Ranked Athlete) that engages an AR to provide AR
Services.
“Disciplinary Officer” means the member of Staff appointed by the Chief Executive Officer
from time to time to act as the World Athletics Disciplinary Officer, and any person deputising
for that individual.
“Minor” means an Athlete that is under the age of 18.
“National AR Regulations” means any national athletes’ representative regulations adopted
by a Member Federation.
“Other Services” means any services performed for a fee by an AR for or on behalf of a Client
other than AR Services.
“Panel” means the World Athletics Athletes’ Representative Panel, a first-instance body which
has the power to make the decisions granted to it by these AR Rules.
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“Portal” means the digital platform operated by World Athletics through which the licensing
and application process, continuing professional development (CPD) programme, dispute
resolution process, and reporting shall occur.
“Procedural Rules” means the Procedural Rules Governing the World Athletics Athletes’
Representatives Panel, set out at Appendix 1 to these AR Rules.
“Ranked Athlete” means:(a) Any Athlete who at 30 September of the previous calendar year was ranked:(i)track Athletes: in the top 100 of the World Rankings (male and female);(ii)

field Athletes: in the top 50 of the World Rankings (male and female);(iii)

marathon Athletes: in the top 200 of the World Rankings (male and female). An
Athlete who at 15 March of the current calendar year is ranked in the top 200 of
the World Rankings (male and female) is also a Ranked Athlete for the current
calendar year;(iv)

road running half marathon-10km Athletes: in the top 200 of the World Rankings(male and female). An Athlete who at 15 March of the current calendar year isranked in the top 200 of the World Rankings (male and female) is also a Ranked
Athlete for the current calendar year;(v)

race walking Athletes: in the top 50 of the World Rankings (male and female);(vi)cross country Athletes: in the top 75 of the World Rankings (male and female);(vii)

combined event Athletes: in the top 35 of the World Rankings (male andfemale).

“Representation Agreement” means a written agreement between an AR and a Client for the
purpose of establishing a legal relationship to provide AR Services.
“Transaction” means (i) the participation of a Client in a competition (including ApplicableCompetitions), which may result in, including without limitation, the provision of: promotional
services, an appearance fee, prize money, or any other financial or non-financial benefit (e.g.
travel, accommodation, visa support); (ii) the employment, registration, or deregistration of a
Client with a team or club; (iii) the agreement of a Client to enter into a commercial arrangement
which relates to Athletic Shoes (as defined in the Athletic Shoe Regulations) and/or Athlete Kit(as defined in the Marketing and Advertising Regulations).

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SECTION 1 – GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1.

Overview

1.1

These AR Rules seek to implement Articles 4.1 (d) & (e) of the Constitution by
establishing the requirements and procedures with respect to Athletes’ Representatives
and their engagement by Clients.

2.

Purpose2.1

The purpose of these AR Rules is to:
2.1.1

establish a global, centralised AR regime administered by World Athletics;

2.1.2

identify the eligibility and licensing process to become an AR;

2.1.3

establish the rights and obligations of ARs and Clients; and2.1.4

provide a dispute resolution and disciplinary mechanism.

3.

Objectives

3.1

World Athletics has a constitutional obligation to protect the integrity of Athletics (ingeneral) and World Athletics by enforcing standards of conduct and ethical behaviour.
Regulation of the occupation of AR is consistent with this obligation.

3.2

The objectives of these AR Rules are to:
3.2.1

set minimum professional and ethical standards for the occupation of AR(which are consistent on a global basis);

3.2.2

set a standard licence fee for all ARs;

3.2.3

protect the integrity of Athletics;

3.2.4

ensure that the Athlete–AR relationship is founded upon the principle ofacting in the best interests of the Client;

3.2.5

protect ARs and Clients from abusive, excessive, and speculative practices;

3.2.6

establish a simple and effective dispute resolution and disciplinary process;3.2.7

provide transparency for any permitted conflicts of interest; and3.2.8

enhance transparency in financial and administrative affairs.

4.

Scope

4.1

These AR Rules govern the occupation of Athletes’ Representative and apply to all individuals
and organisations bound by the Constitution. This includes without limitation:
4.1.1

all Athletes (including Ranked Athletes), and in the case of minors, their legal
guardian;

4.1.2

all competitions (whether an Applicable Competition or other World Rankings
Competitions including national-level competitions);

4.1.3

all those holding disqualifying positions under AR Rule 8.4;

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4.2

4.1.4

all persons employed, engaged or who hold a beneficial interest in acompetition, whether an Applicable Competition or other World Rankings
Competitions, including national level competitions (e.g. Meeting Directors
and Technical Delegates);

4.1.5

all ARs and Applicants;

4.1.6

all Member Federations; and4.1.7

all Staff and Officials of World Athletics, Area Associations, Member
Federations.

The obligation that only an AR shall provide AR Services (cf AR Rules 16.1 and 16.2)
occurs for:4.2.1

a Ranked Athlete: when they engage an individual to provide AR Services;

4.2.2

an Applicable Competition: when it undertakes a Transaction with an Athlete(whether or not a Ranked Athlete);

4.2.3

an Athlete: when they choose to engage an AR.

4.3

These AR Rules do not apply, to the extent set out in AR Rule 5, where National AR
Regulations have been established.

5.

National AR Regulations

5.1

A Member Federation may either choose to implement and enforce National AR
Regulations or be obliged to do so through national law. In either circumstance, subject
to this AR Rule 5, such National AR Regulations must be consistent with these Rules.

5.2

A Member Federation that implements National AR Regulations must provide them toWorld Athletics for review (in English or French) prior to their adoption.

5.3

National AR Regulations shall not apply to:

5.4

5.3.1

any Ranked Athlete (including where they are affiliated to that Member
Federation);

5.3.2

any Applicable Competition (including where it occurs in the country or
territory governed by that Member Federation); and5.3.3

any AR (including where they are domiciled in the country or territory
governed by that Member Federation or they provide AR Services to an
Athlete affiliated to that Member Federation).

National AR Regulations shall:
5.4.1

incorporate AR Rules 16 to 22 of these AR Rules by reference;

5.4.2

acknowledge the primacy of these AR Rules over any National AR
Regulations;

5.4.3

not charge any sort of fee or levy on any AR; and5.4.4

not seek to undermine or circumvent the global nature of these AR Rules inany way through their National AR Regulations (or any other means) by
imposing restrictions within their own jurisdiction.

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5.5

National AR Regulations may:
5.5.1

introduce an application and licensing process for national-level athletes’
representatives. This may include charging an application and licensing fee(subject to AR Rule 5.4.3), the amount of which must be approved by World
Athletics;

5.5.2

regulate the activities of those national-level athletes’ representatives within
the country or territory governed by the Member Federation, subject to therestrictions provided in AR Rules 5.3 and 5.4; and5.5.3

deviate from AR Rules 16 to 22 where they conflict with stricter measuresmandated by any national law applicable in the country or territory of theMember Federation.

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SECTION 2 – BECOMING AN ATHLETES’ REPRESENTATIVE
6.

General Provisions

6.1

An Applicant may only become an Athletes’ Representative by:
6.1.1

submitting a complete licence application (including payment of theapplication fee) in the Portal;

6.1.2

complying with the eligibility requirements set out in AR Rule 8 below;

6.1.3

successfully passing the exam;

6.1.4

paying the annual licence fee; and6.1.5

A decision by the AR Panel approving the application.

6.2

By applying for a Licence, an Applicant agrees to abide by these AR Rules, theConstitution, and the Integrity Code of Conduct.

6.3

Upon receipt of a Licence, an AR agrees to abide by the Constitution and all World
Athletics Rules and Regulations (cf AR Rule 20.1.3).

7.

Licence Application

7.1

An Applicant must complete and submit their application in the Portal, including the
upload of any documents required.
7.1.1

The application shall include payment of an application fee, which will be set
by and payable to World Athletics.

7.1.2

The cost of the application fee will be utilised to facilitate the licensing
process, which includes the vetting process set out in AR Rule 8.

7.2

An Applicant is obliged to be truthful in their application. They shall make no false,
misleading, or incomplete statements in their application. Failure to be truthful may resultin their failing the eligibility requirements and their application being rejected.

7.3World Athletics’ Staff will assess whether the application has been completed. If theapplication is incomplete, they will inform the Applicant and request completion if the
Applicant desires to pursue their application. If the application is not rectified within thetime limit given, it is deemed withdrawn and will need to be resubmitted.

8.

Eligibility Requirements

8.1

The Panel is responsible for vetting Applicants against the eligibility requirements.
8.1.1

8.2

The procedure that will be conducted by the Panel is set out in Appendix 1.

The Panel shall only determine eligibility upon being satisfied that the Applicant:
8.2.1

meets the high standards of conduct and integrity required of an AR; and8.2.2

is of good character and reputation; and8.2.3

is physically and mentally fit to provide AR Services; andWorld Athletics Athletes’ Representatives Rules (Approved by Council 31 July 2024, effective 09 August 2024)

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8.3

8.4

8.2.4

does not have a conflict of interest that would be incompatible with the roleof an AR (cf AR Rule 18); and8.2.5

does not hold a disqualifying position (cf AR Rule 8.4).

In assessing whether an Applicant satisfies AR Rules 8.2.1 to 8.2.3, the Panel, shallwithout limiting its considerations, take into account whether the Applicant:
8.3.1

made false, misleading, or incomplete statements in their application; or

8.3.2

is, or has been, the subject of an investigation or disciplinary action, (whether
in any sporting context including within Athletics or with respect to theIntegrity Code of Conduct), resulting in adverse findings being made about
the person’s credibility, integrity, honesty or reputation; or

8.3.3

at any time has not complied with the law; or

8.3.4

is or has been the subject of any public controversy, which has soundermined that person’s credibility, integrity, honesty or reputation or hasbrought the person into such disrepute, that their association, or continued
association, with World Athletics has or is likely to adversely affect the
reputation or interests of the sport of Athletics or World Athletics (including,for example, any act which may violate Rule 3.3.17 of the Integrity Code of
Conduct); or

8.3.5

is unwilling or unable to deal with any potential or actual conflict of interest;
or

8.3.6

has ever been convicted of an anti-doping rule violation by any sports
governing body (including the Athletics Integrity Unit); or

8.3.7

has ever been convicted of any safeguarding-related rule or subject to any
safeguarding-related order by any sports governing body (including World
Athletics and/or the Athletics Integrity Unit); or

8.3.8

in the five years before the submission of their application, was ever declaredpersonally bankrupt or was a majority shareholder, director or key officeholder of a business that declared bankruptcy, entered administration and/or
underwent liquidation;

8.3.9

in the twelve months before the submission of their application, held any AR
Interest in any entity, company or organisation that brokers, arranges, or
conducts sports betting activities whereby a wager is placed on the outcomeof a sporting event to win money.

A disqualifying position is held by a person who:
8.4.1

is an official or staff member of World Athletics (including the Athletics
Integrity Unit);

8.4.2

is an employee, contractor or has a beneficial interest in a corporate teamor corporate club; or

8.4.3

is an employee, contractor or has a beneficial interest in a competition,
whether an Applicable Competition or other World Rankings Competitions,
including national level competitions. This includes Meeting Directors andTechnical Delegates.

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8.5

An Applicant must satisfy the eligibility requirements:
8.5.1

at the time that their application is considered; and8.5.2

at all times after being issued their Licence.

8.6

The Panel will notify an Applicant of its decision. An appeal against a decision of
ineligibility may be exclusively lodged with the World Athletics Disciplinary and Appeals
Tribunal in accordance with the Disputes and Disciplinary Proceedings Rules.

9.

Exam

9.1

If an Applicant is declared eligible by the Panel following the vetting process, they will
be invited to sit the exam.

9.2

The content of the exam will be prepared by World Athletics. It shall be a written exam
which includes testing knowledge of World Athletics’ Rules and Regulations and acting
as a sports agent.

9.3

The exam will be held once per year on the date(s) and at the location(s) determined byWorld Athletics.

9.4

Detailed rules and materials governing the exam procedure will be published separately
by World Athletics on an annual basis.

9.5

An Applicant will be notified of their exam score. An Applicant that fails the exam may
resit the exam in future.

10.

Licence Fee

10.1 An Applicant shall pay the licence fee to World Athletics within ninety days of passing
the exam. Failure to pay by the time limit will result in their application being rejected
and no Licence being issued.
10.2 The amount of the annual licence fee is set by World Athletics. This may include aninsurance component (cf AR Rule 11).
10.3 An AR shall pay the licence fee to World Athletics on an annual basis to maintain their
Licence. The annual deadline for payment is set by World Athletics.
11.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

11.1 World Athletics may procure a professional indemnity insurance policy providing
coverage in a particular territory on behalf of ARs working in that territory.
11.1.1

If this occurs, an Applicant or an AR working in that territory will automaticallybe granted coverage by the policy procured by World Athletics throughpayment of the licence fee.

11.2 ARs are strongly encouraged to obtain their own policy providing global coverage forprofessional indemnity insurance.
12.

Licence12.1 An Applicant that satisfies the requirements in AR Rule 6.1 shall be granted a Licence.

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12.1.1For the avoidance of doubt, an Applicant is not an AR nor licensed to perform
AR Services until they receive notification from World Athletics that they havebeen granted a Licence.

12.2 A Licence:
12.2.1is issued to a natural person for an indefinite period;

12.2.2is strictly personal and non-transferable; and12.2.3authorises an AR to conduct AR Services on a worldwide basis.

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SECTION 3 – MAINTAINING A LICENCE
13.

Ongoing licensing requirements

13.1 To maintain their Licence on an annual basis, an AR must:
13.1.1meet the eligibility requirements at all times (cf AR Rule 8.5.2);

13.1.2

pay the licence fee to World Athletics by the annual deadline (cf AR Rule10.3);

13.1.3comply with the CPD requirements by the annual deadline (cf AR Rule 14.1);
and13.1.4comply with their reporting obligations (cf AR Rule 23).

13.2 Failure by an AR to comply with one or more of these requirements shall result in their
Licence being automatically provisionally suspended by the Disciplinary Officer.
13.3 For cases involving a failure to meet the eligibility requirements (cf AR Rule 13.1.1):

13.4

14.

13.3.1

The Disciplinary Officer will notify the AR of the reasons they contend thatthey do not meet the eligibility requirements, the evidence relied upon, andof the automatic provisional suspension. The AR will be provided an
opportunity to respond.

13.3.2This notification by the Disciplinary Officer is equivalent to Procedural Rule10.19 set out in Appendix 1.

13.3.3

The Panel will subsequently commence the procedure at Procedural Rule10.20 set out in Appendix 1 and issue a decision.

13.3.4

An appeal against this decision may be exclusively lodged with the World
Athletics Disciplinary and Appeals Tribunal in accordance with the Disputes
and Disciplinary Proceedings Rules.

For cases involving a failure to observe the requirements in AR Rules 13.1.2 to 13.1.4:
13.4.1the Disciplinary Officer will notify the AR of their non-compliance and theautomatic provisional suspension; and13.4.2the AR will have sixty days to rectify their non-compliance. Failure to do soshall result in their Licence being permanently terminated.

Continuing professional development

14.1 An AR shall comply with the CPD requirements on an annual basis to maintain their
Licence. The annual deadline for compliance is set by World Athletics.
14.2 The CPD programme will be set and administered by World Athletics.
14.3 Detailed rules governing the CPD requirements will be published separately by World
Athletics on an annual basis.
14.3.1

It will be mandatory for an AR to complete the designated safeguarding
course, anti-doping course, and integrity course on an annual basis to meet
the CPD requirements.

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15.

Suspension or termination of a licence15.1 An AR may apply for the temporary suspension (for a defined period) or permanenttermination of their Licence. The application must be substantiated with reasons.
15.1.1The Panel will decide whether to grant this application.

15.1.2The procedure that will be conducted by the Panel is set out in Appendix 1.

15.1.3

An appeal against this decision may be exclusively lodged with the World
Athletics Disciplinary and Appeals Tribunal in accordance with the Disputes
and Disciplinary Proceedings Rules.

15.2 Where a Licence has been permanently terminated (whether by application orotherwise), the former AR must complete the full application process set out in these AR
Rules if they wish to provide AR Services in future.

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SECTION 4 – ACTING AS AN ATHLETES’ REPRESENTATIVE
16.

General Principles

16.1 Only an AR shall provide AR Services, subject to the two exceptions below:
16.1.1a Member Federation may facilitate a Transaction, with the prior consent
from World Athletics’ Chief Executive Officer or their nominee, for any of its
affiliated Athletes; or

16.1.2an Athlete may choose to self-represent in a Transaction.

For the avoidance of doubt, the coach or any other person in an Athlete’s entourage isstrictly prohibited from providing AR Services unless they are licensed as an AR.
16.2 The obligation that only an AR shall provide AR Services (cf AR Rule 16.1) occurs for:16.2.1a Ranked Athlete: when they engage an individual to provide AR Services;

16.2.2an Applicable Competition: when it undertakes a Transaction with an Athlete(whether or not a Ranked Athlete);

16.2.3an Athlete: when they choose to engage an AR.

16.3 This obligation occurs in the following Transaction scenarios:
Transaction (participation) with
Applicable Competition
RankedAthleteTransaction (participation) withother competitions

AR Services (cf AR Rule 16.1) shall AR Services (cf AR Rule 16.1) shallbe provided by:
be provided by:- an AR; or- an AR; or- a Member Federation (with World - a Member Federation (with World
Athletics permission); or
Athletics permission); or- the individual may self-represent.
Athlete- the individual may self-represent.

AR Services (cf AR Rule 16.1) shall An Athlete that is not a Ranked
be provided by:Athlete may engage:- an AR; or- an AR, utilise their Member
Federation, or self-represent (cf- a Member Federation (with WorldAR Rule 16.1); or
Athletics permission); or- an individual that is not an AR to- the individual may self-represent.
provide the equivalent of AR
Services,to facilitate the Transaction.

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Transaction (employment) with ateam or club

RankedAthleteTransaction (commercial)regarding Athletic Shoes orAthlete Kit

AR Services (cf AR Rule 16.1) shall AR Services (cf AR Rule 16.1) shallbe provided by:
be provided by:- an AR; or- an AR; or- a Member Federation (with World - a Member Federation (with World
Athletics permission); or
Athletics permission); or- the individual may self-represent.
Athlete- the individual may self-represent.

An Athlete that is not a Ranked An Athlete that is not a Ranked
Athlete is not obliged to engage an Athlete may engage:
AR to provide the equivalent of AR
Services regarding their employment - an AR, utilise their Member
Federation, or self-represent (cfwith a team or club.
AR Rule 16.1); or
If an Athlete chooses to engage an
AR to facilitate such Transaction, - an individual that is not an AR toprovide the equivalent of AR
their relationship is governed byServices,these AR Rules.
to facilitate the Transaction.

16.4 For the avoidance of doubt, subject to the exceptions in AR Rule 16.1:
16.4.1a Ranked Athlete shall only receive AR Services (or their equivalent) from anAR;

16.4.2an Applicable Competition shall only undertake a Transaction with an AR.

16.5 An AR must always satisfy the requirements in AR Rule 13 to maintain their Licence.
16.6 An AR may conduct their business affairs through an Agency.
16.6.1

Any employee, consultant, contractor, or other representative hired or
engaged by the Agency that is not an AR may not perform AR Services.

16.6.2

An AR is liable for any conduct by their Agency, its employees, consultants,
contractors, or other representatives, should they violate these AR Rules.
This includes without limitation where an AR has delegated responsibility to
an individual to Approach a potential Client to enter into a Representation
Agreement.

16.7 The following natural or legal persons may not have an AR Interest in the affairs of an
AR or their Agency:
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16.7.1a Client; and16.7.2any person who holds a disqualifying position (cf AR Rules 8.2.4 and 8.4).

16.8 Where a Member Federation has been provided prior consent from the Chief Executive
Officer or their nominee to facilitate a Transaction (cf AR Rule 16.1.1), it:

17.

16.8.1

must designate a person to facilitate the relevant Transaction, and identify
that person when seeking consent from World Athletics;

16.8.2upon receiving consent, shall adhere to the rules governing minors (cf AR
Rule 18) and the AR obligations (cf AR Rule 20). The designated person is
subject to the same adherence;

16.8.3shall not charge any service fee (cf AR Rule 19) to the Athlete; and16.8.4shall report, on request of or as directed by World Athletics’ Chief Executive
Officer or their nominee, any matter relating to the facilitation of the relevant
Transaction.

Representation Agreement

17.1 An AR may only perform AR Services for a Client after having entered into a written
Representation Agreement with that Client.
17.2 Only an AR (or their Agency) may enter into a Representation Agreement with a Client
for the provision of AR Services.
17.3 A Representation Agreement concluded between a Client and an AR may not exceed
two years. This term may be extended by mutual agreement for one year. There is nolimit to the number of mutually agreed extensions.
17.4 An AR may only execute one Representation Agreement with the same Client at any
one time. Before entering or amending a Representation Agreement, the AR shall:
17.4.1

inform the Client in writing that they should consider taking independent legal
advice in relation to the Representation Agreement; and17.4.2

obtain the Client’s written confirmation that they have obtained or decided
not to take such independent legal advice.

17.5 A Representation Agreement is valid only if it contains the following minimum
requirements:
17.5.1the names of the parties;

17.5.2the duration (if applicable);

17.5.3the amount of the service fee due to the AR;

17.5.4the nature and scope of the AR Services to be provided;

17.5.5the nature and scope of Other Services to be provided (if applicable); and17.5.6the parties’ signatures.

17.6 Any agreement deriving from a Transaction shall specify the AR’s name, their Client,
their World Athletics licence number, and their signature.
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17.7 Any clause in a Representation Agreement which imposes a penalty (whether financial
or non-financial) upon an Athlete for deciding to not renew the Representation
Agreement (whether with the same AR, Agency, or another AR within the same Agency)
upon its expiry shall be invalid.
17.8 A Representation Agreement may be terminated at any time where there is just cause
to do so. A party terminating a Representation Agreement without just cause or who
caused a Representation Agreement to be terminated with just cause must compensate
the other party for any resulting financial damage. There is just cause to terminate a
Representation Agreement when a party can no longer reasonably be expected,
according to the principle of good faith, to continue the contractual relationship for theagreed term.
18.

Conflicts of interest

18.1 Conflicts of interest may arise in the following situations:18.1.1

Where an Applicant is an official or staff member of an Area Association ora Member Federation;

18.1.2

Where an Applicant is employed or engaged (whether directly or indirectly
through a legal entity) by a company which produces Athletic Shoes (asdefined in the Athletic Shoe Regulations) or Athlete Kit (as defined in theMarketing and Advertising Regulations); or

18.1.3

Where an Applicant intends to perform AR services and Other Services formore than one party in a Transaction.

18.2 The Panel, in the exercise of its discretion, and on a case by case basis, may determinethat an Applicant, notwithstanding the real likelihood of a conflict of interest, is eligible tobecome an AR provided that the Applicant undertakes in writing (and adapted to theirindividual situation, as required by the Panel) to:
18.2.1declare the existence of the conflict to World Athletics, for publication, within
30 days;18.2.2

disclose this matter to their Client(s) and/or potential Client(s);18.2.3

not utilise their position to circumvent the rules prohibiting an Approach toan Athlete subject to a Representation Agreement (cf AR Rule 21.3.1);

18.2.4

not utilise any confidential information obtained through their position todishonestly benefit or profit at the expense of another AR or that AR’s
Client;18.2.5

disclose any restrictions to their Client(s) and/or potential Client(s)regarding the AR Services that they can provide (e.g. a restriction on theirability to procure a commercial agreement for their Client relating to Athletic
Shoes or Athlete Kit);

18.2.6

not dishonestly benefit or profit from their holding dual roles or produce an
outcome that improperly benefits (whether a monetary benefit or otherbenefit) their Client(s), and;18.2.7not cause their Client(s) to be economically or otherwise disadvantaged by
the entry into a sponsorship agreement with a company that produced
Athletic Shoes or Athlete Kit.

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18.3 An AR who at the time of being granted a licence does not have an identifiable conflictof interest but later develops such a conflict, must, within 7 days, notify World Athleticsof the full details of such conflict. Upon such notification, the Panel will then determine
whether the AR may continue in that role. The Panel may impose conditions on the AR
if it determines that the AR may continue in the role.
19.

Representation of minors

19.1 An Approach (and/or any subsequent execution of a Representation Agreement) to a
Minor or their legal guardian may only be made no more than six months before the
Minor reaches the legal employment age applicable in the country or territory of their
domicile. This Approach may only be made once prior written consent has been obtained
from the Minor’s legal guardian.
19.2 An AR that wishes to provide AR Services to a Minor shall:
19.2.1comply with any requirement to represent a Minor established by the law
applicable in the country or territory of the Minor’s domicile;

19.2.2

provide a copy of the proposed Representation Agreement prior to its
execution to World Athletics for its review and approval.

19.3 A Representation Agreement between an AR and a Minor shall only be enforceable
where:

20.

19.3.1

it meets the minimum requirements provided in AR Rule 17.5;

19.3.2the AR has complied with AR Rules 18.1 and 18.2;

19.3.3the Representation Agreement has been reviewed and approved by World
Athletics; and19.3.4

it is signed by the Minor and their legal guardian as provided by the law
applicable in the country or territory of the minor’s domicile.

Service fee and Invoicing

20.1 An AR may charge a service fee to a Client as agreed in a Representation Agreement
for any AR Services rendered.
20.1.1

The agreed service fee shall not be abusive or excessive.

20.1.2

The amount of the service fee shall be directly linked to the benefits agreed
for the Client to receive in the Transaction.

20.2 Payment of the service fee shall be made exclusively by the Client (e.g. either directlyor through a deduction from the Client’s remuneration earned from a Transaction).
20.3 Payment of the service fee shall be made to a bank account registered in the name of
the AR or their Agency.
20.4 An AR is entitled to receive a service fee, even when a Representation Agreement has
expired, where:
20.4.1the AR has provided a service to the Client corresponding to the AR Services
stipulated in the Representation Agreement; andWorld Athletics Athletes’ Representatives Rules (Approved by Council 31 July 2024, effective 09 August 2024)

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20.4.2the Representation Agreement was in force at the time when the relevant AR
Services were performed.

20.5 An AR may not receive a service fee when engaged to perform AR Services for a Minor
until they reach the legal employment age in the country or territory of their domicile.
20.6 An AR is not entitled to receive any service fee deriving from a Transaction where:
20.6.1

the Client fails to fulfil their obligations which arise from the Transaction; and20.6.2the AR still represents the Client at the time of that failure.

20.7 An AR shall provide an invoice to the organiser of any competition (whether an
Applicable Competition or other World Rankings Competitions including national-levelcompetitions) with which they conducted a Transaction on behalf of their Client within
thirty (30) days of the results management authority concluding their anti-doping
operations for that competition.
21.

Athletes’ Representative obligations

21.1 In addition to obligations referred to elsewhere in these AR Rules, an AR shall:
21.1.1

always act in the best interests of their Client(s);21.1.2

exercise due care and skill in the performance of AR Services;

21.1.3

respect and adhere to the Constitution, the Rules, and Regulations;21.1.4

avoid conflicts of interest while providing their AR Services unless expressly
permitted within these AR Rules;

21.1.5use best efforts to ensure that their Clients honour all agreements derivingfrom a Transaction (e.g. to participate in competitions, to respect an Athletic
Shoe commercial arrangement);

21.1.6be knowledgeable with regard to the Athletics calendar of competitions andassist, together with their Client’s coach, club, and Member Federation, inplanning, arranging, and negotiating their Client’s competition schedule;

21.1.7use best efforts to ensure that their Client(s) complies with all applicable Rules
and Regulations;21.1.8use appropriate efforts to ensure that their Client(s) receives all taxation
documents verifying the payment of any tax that has been deducted by the
payor from any amounts paid to the Client(s) and, when, Meeting Directors
do not supply tax forms, to inform World Athletics to assist in ensuring
appropriate tax certificates are provided by the Meeting Directors; and,21.1.9

immediately report any breaches of these AR Rules to World Athletics(including if applicable to the Athletics Integrity Unit).

21.2 Regarding Client disclosure, an AR shall:
21.2.1

immediately inform a Client of any written offer (by any means ofcommunication) they have received in relation to their Client; and21.2.2

provide to a Client, on request, a copy of their Representation Agreement or
any agreement in relation to Other Services, a copy of any agreement

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derived from a Transaction, and a schedule detailing payments of any kindwhatsoever made to the AR in relation to a Transaction.
21.3 An AR shall not engage, or attempt to engage, in the following conduct:
21.3.1

Approach a Client that is bound by a Representation Agreement with anotherAR, except in the final two months of that Representation Agreement;

21.3.2enter into a Representation Agreement with a Client that is bound by aRepresentation Agreement with another AR, except in the final two monthsof that Representation Agreement;

21.3.3

Approach, enter negotiations, take any steps, solicit or in any way facilitate
discussions between parties with a view to a Transaction (including themaking of statements to the media), regarding any Athlete with the aim ofinducing them to violate any obligations in an agreement deriving from a
Transaction;

21.3.4

offer or pay any undue personal, pecuniary or other advantage, either directly
or indirectly, to:21.3.521.3.622.

a.

any Official or Staff of World Athletics (including the Athletics Integrity
Unit), an Area Association, a Member Federation, an ApplicableCompetition, a regional association, or a club in connection with AR
Services; orb.

a Client or potential Client (or any family member or legal guardian orfriend of that Client) in relation to a Representation Agreement;

conceal material facts from a Client, including without limitation:a.

failing to declare a conflict of interest (even if such conflict would
otherwise be permitted in accordance with these AR Rules); orb.

failing to report a written offer (by any means of communication) madeto a Client;violate these AR Rules in any other way.

Client rights and obligations

22.1 A Client may:
22.1.1

engage an AR to perform AR Services;

22.1.2

self-represent to facilitate a Transaction (i.e. decide not to engage an AR);22.1.3

receive services equivalent to AR Services from their affiliated Member
Federation; and22.1.4

request from their AR a schedule detailing all payments of any kindwhatsoever made by and/or regarding that Client.

22.2 A Client shall:
22.2.1

pay the service fee agreed with an AR in a timely manner (e.g. either directlyor through a deduction from the Client’s remuneration earned from a
Transaction), and in accordance with the Representation Agreement;

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22.2.2

satisfy themselves that an AR is Licensed by World Athletics prior to signing
the relevant Representation Agreement;

22.2.3

respect all contractual obligations deriving from any Transaction completedwith the assistance of an AR;

22.2.4keep their AR fully informed of their competition schedule, and whereappropriate, of any relevant financial and commercial interests;

22.2.5appear, compete at, and promote all competitions where they have agreed
to do so, unless precluded by injury or exceptional circumstances;

22.2.6

not employ, engage, or permit any third party (that is not their AR) to act orhold themselves out as having authority to provide AR Services on theirbehalf;22.2.7

not enter, unless authorised by their affiliated Member Federation, any
competition that conflicts with following competitions for which they havebeen selected to compete by their affiliated Member Federation: WAS
Events, Area or Regional Championships or Games, National
Championships, and by their National Olympic Committee in respect of the
Olympic Games;

22.2.8cooperate with any request in relation to their AR made by World Athletics,
an Area Association, or their affiliated Member Federation; and22.2.9

immediately report any breaches of these AR Rules to World Athletics(including if applicable to the Athletics Integrity Unit).

22.3 A Client may not engage, or attempt to engage, in the following conduct:
22.3.1

engage or appoint an unlicensed person to perform AR Services;

22.3.2

accept or request any undue personal, pecuniary, or other advantage froman AR;

22.3.3

give, offer or seek to offer consideration or a promise of any kind, either
directly or indirectly, to an AR (or to any person connected with that AR),other than the service fee agreed;

22.3.4have an AR Interest in an Agency or the affairs of an AR (cf AR Rule 16.7);
or

22.3.5

violate these AR Rules in any other way.

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23.

Reporting23.1 World Athletics shall prescribe the manner in which ARs shall comply with their reporting
obligations or any request or direction from World Athletics to report additional matters.
23.2 An AR shall provide all Representation Agreements to World Athletics within 30 days of
their execution. An AR shall provide any amendment or termination of that
Representation Agreement to World Athletics within 30 days of that occurrence.
23.2.1

An AR may redact any confidential or commercially sensitive information
provided in that Representation Agreement.

23.2.2

Representation Agreements with Minors are not permitted to be redacted inany manner.

23.2.3On request of or as directed by World Athletics, an AR shall provide to World
Athletics a non-redacted version of a Representation Agreement that waspreviously provided with redactions.

23.3 On request of or as directed by World Athletics, an AR must provide to World Athletics:
23.3.1any agreement with a Client for Other Services;

23.3.2any agreement derived from a Transaction;

23.3.3any invoice or proof of payment related to a service fee; or

23.3.4any information that may impact their obligation to meet the eligibility
requirements (cf AR Rule 8).

23.4 On request of or as directed by World Athletics, if conducting their business affairs
through an Agency, an AR must provide to World Athletics:
23.4.1the corporate and ownership structure of the Agency;

23.4.2the names of the ARs that use the same Agency to conduct their businessaffairs, and the name of its employees, contractors, and consultants; or

23.4.3any change to the information previously provided in relation to the Agency.

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SECTION 5 – ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
24.

Publication

24.1 World Athletics shall publish:
24.1.1the names and details of all ARs;

24.1.2

the Clients of all ARs and the expiry date of their Representation Agreement;

24.1.3any permitted conflict of interest (cf AR Rule 17.7);

24.1.4any sanctions imposed on ARs and Clients for violations of these AR Rules.

24.2 Member Federations that implement National AR Regulations shall provide to World
Athletics:
24.2.1the names and details of all national athletes’ representatives which they
have licensed;

24.2.2the Athletes that the national athletes’ representatives represent;

24.2.3any sanctions imposed by the Member Federation on a national athletes’
representative or an Athlete for violations relating to the National AR
Regulations.

24.3 World Athletics may publish some or all the data provided by Member Federations.
25.

Dispute Resolution

25.1 The Panel has jurisdiction to determine disputes:
25.1.1arising out of or in connection with a Representation Agreement and/or aTransaction; and25.1.2where no more than two years has elapsed from the event giving rise to thedispute. This time limit shall be examined ex officio in each case.

25.2 The procedure for the resolution of disputes is set out in the Procedural Rules.
25.3 An appeal against any decision made pursuant to this AR Rule 24 may be exclusively
lodged with the World Athletics Disciplinary and Appeals Tribunal in accordance with the
Disputes and Disciplinary Proceedings Rules.
25.4 Any retaliatory action by an individual or organisation bound by these AR Rules against
a party that lodges a dispute against it is strictly prohibited. A violation of this provision
shall be considered a major disciplinary violation for the purposes of any investigation(cf Procedural Rule 10.18).
26.

Disciplinary matters26.1 The following bodies are competent to impose disciplinary sanctions on any party that
violates these AR Rules:
26.1.1

Disciplinary Officer: for minor disciplinary violations; and26.1.2

Panel: for all other violations of these AR Rules.

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26.2 The procedure that will be conducted by the Disciplinary Officer and the Panel is set out
in Appendix 1.
26.3 An appeal against any decision made pursuant to this AR Rule 25 may be exclusively
lodged with the World Athletics Disciplinary and Appeals Tribunal in accordance with the
Disputes & Disciplinary Proceedings Rules.
26.4 This AR Rule 25 is without prejudice to the jurisdiction of the Athletics Integrity Unit toinvestigate serious violations of these AR Rules which would also constitute a breach of
the Integrity Code of Conduct.
26.5 Any retaliatory action by an individual or organisation bound by these AR Rules against
a party that lodges a disciplinary complaint about it is strictly prohibited. A violation ofthis provision shall be considered a major disciplinary violation for the purposes of any
investigation (cf Procedural Rule 10.18).
27.

Transitory Provisions

27.1 Representation Agreements that have been executed prior to, but expire on or after, thedate of first approval of these AR Rules, shall be considered valid until their expiry,
notwithstanding if they do not meet the minimum requirements (cf AR Rule 17.5). Any
automatic rollover clause which causes that Representation Agreement to be extended
is considered a renewal in accordance with AR Rule 26.2.
27.2 Representation Agreements or renewals of Representation Agreements executed after
the date of first approval of these AR Rules shall comply with the minimum requirements
as from when these AR Rules first came into force.
27.3 An individual that is listed in the directory of Athletes’ Representatives published on theWorld Athletics’ website as at 01 September 2023 is exempt from the requirement to pass
the exam (cf AR Rule 9), provided that:
27.3.1they submit an application for a Licence in the Portal (cf AR Rule 7) by 30
September 2024;

27.3.2at the time of their application, they comply with the eligibility requirements(cf AR Rule 8). The Panel is responsible for vetting in accordance with AR
Rule 8.1; and27.3.3after being confirmed as exempt from the exam, they pay the licence fee (cf
AR Rule 10)27.4 An individual that meets these requirements will be granted a Licence. They willsubsequently be subject to the ongoing maintenance requirements (cf AR Rule 13).
28.

Recognition of national law licensing systems

28.1 A licensing system for sports agents established pursuant to national law, which permits
an individual to perform equivalent services to AR Services in a country or territory, may
be recognised by World Athletics, where it establishes:
28.1.1

eligibility requirements for all applicants and licensees; and28.1.2a requirement for applicants to successfully pass an exam that includes
questions related to sports regulation or other educational requirements.

28.2 An application for World Athletics to recognise a licensing system for sports agents
established pursuant to national law must be sent to World Athletics by the relevant
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Member Federation governing Athletics in the country or territory where such system isapplicable.
28.2.1

The World Athletics Chief Executive Officer or their nominee is responsiblefor deciding applications.

28.2.2

World Athletics will notify a Member Federation of the decision. Suchdecisions are not subject to appeal.

28.3 An individual licensed to perform equivalent services to AR Services in a certain country
or territory is exempt from the requirement to pass the exam (cf AR Rule 9), provided that:
28.3.1

the Council has granted the application for recognition of the relevant
national law licensing system;

28.3.2

they submit an application for a Licence in the Portal (cf AR Rule 7);

28.3.3at the time of their application, they provide proof they were licensed toperform services equivalent to AR Services in the relevant country or
territory;

28.3.4at the time of their application, they comply with the eligibility requirements(cf AR Rule 8). The Panel is responsible for vetting in accordance with AR
Rule 8.1; and28.3.5after being confirmed as exempt from the exam, they pay the annual licencefee (cf AR Rule 10).

28.4 An individual that meets these requirements will be granted a Licence. They willsubsequently be subject to the ongoing maintenance requirements (cf AR Rule 13).
29.

Matters not provided for29.1 Any matters not provided for in these AR Rules shall be determined by the Chief Executive
Officer (or their nominee).
29.2 Cases of force majeure affecting these AR Rules shall be decided by the Council, thedecisions of which are final.
30.

Effective Dates

30.1 These AR Rules were first approved by Council on 14 August 2023 and revised on 31
July 2024.

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APPENDIX 1
PROCEDURAL RULES GOVERNING THE WORLD ATHLETICS ATHLETES’REPRESENTATIVES PANELSECTION I: ORGANISATION, COMPOSITION, FUNCTIONS
1.

Objectives

1.1

These Procedural Rules govern the:1.1.1

organisation, composition, and functions of the Panel; and1.1.2

general procedural rules of the Panel.

2.

Jurisdiction

2.1

The matters for which the Panel has jurisdiction are provided in the AR Rules.

2.2

In the event of uncertainty as to whether the Panel has jurisdiction to decide a matter,the chairperson will decide.

3.

Applicable Law

3.1

The Panel shall apply the Constitution, the Rules, and the Regulations, as well as the
specificity of sport, when adjudicating matters.

3.2

The Panel shall apply the law of Monaco on a subsidiary basis.

4.

Composition

4.1

The Panel shall be appointed for four years by the Council.

4.2

4.1.1

The members of the Panel are subject to the Vetting Rules.

4.1.2

They must be deemed eligible by the Vetting Panel, in accordance with theConstitution and the Vetting Rules.

The Panel shall be composed of:
4.2.1

a chairperson;

4.2.2

a deputy chairperson; and4.2.3

the number of ordinary members the Council deems necessary.

4.3

The members of the Panel shall have legal qualifications or relevant experience inAthletics and/or sports agency. They shall not be a current AR or Athlete.

4.4

If a vacancy occurs, the Council may appoint a replacement for the remainder of theterm of office. The deputy chairperson shall deputise for the chairperson in theirabsence. An ordinary member selected by the pool of ordinary members shall deputise
for the deputy chairperson in their absence.

5.

Independence and Conflict of Interest

5.1

The members of the Panel are bound by the Constitution, the Rules, and theRegulations.

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5.2

A member of the Panel may not decide a case if there is any legitimate doubt as to theirimpartiality and shall disclose any circumstance which might give rise to a conflict ofinterest.

5.3

A party is entitled to challenge a member of the Panel appointed to decide a case if it
believes that there is a legitimate doubt as to their impartiality.
5.3.1

The decision on such challenge shall be made by the chairperson.

5.3.2

If the challenge is to the chairperson, the decision on such challenge shallbe made by the deputy chairperson.

6.

Confidentiality

6.1

The Panel shall maintain strict confidentiality on all matters that come to their attention
and any case that they decide.

7.

Exemption from liability

7.1

Neither the persons appointed to the Panel nor the World Athletics Staff acting in an
administrative capacity may be held liable for any action or omission relating to any
decision or procedure undertaken in accordance with these Procedural Rules.

8.

Role of the World Athletics’ staff

8.1

World Athletics’ Staff will provide the day-to-day operational and administrative support
for the Panel.

8.2

World Athletics’ Staff are empowered to make the decisions as provided in these
Procedural Rules.

SECTION II: GENERAL PROCEDURAL RULES
9.

Scope

9.1

AR Rule 8 provides that the Panel has jurisdiction to decide whether applicants meetthe eligibility requirements.

9.2

AR Rule 15 provides that the Panel has jurisdiction to decide applications for the
temporary suspension (for a defined period) or permanent termination of a Licence.

9.3

AR Rule 24 provides that the Panel has jurisdiction to determine disputes:

9.4

9.3.1

arising out of or in connection with a Representation Agreement and/or aTransaction; and9.3.2

where no more than two years has elapsed from the event giving rise to
the dispute. This time limit shall be examined ex officio in each case.

AR Rule 25 provides that the Panel has jurisdiction to impose disciplinary sanctions on
any party that violates the AR Rules except where:
9.4.1

the Disciplinary Officer is competent, due to the violation being a ‘minor
disciplinary violation’; or

9.4.2

the Athletics Integrity Unit has commenced an investigation into the same
matter.

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10.

Procedure

10.1 As a general rule, the procedure to be implemented by the Panel in any matter shall beefficient, simple to follow, and with limited formality.
10.2 The chairperson (or the deputy chairperson if the chairperson is unavailable) shall set
the relevant procedure for any matter that arises. This includes without limitation themethod of communication with the parties, the submissions and evidence to be provided
by the parties, any applicable deadlines, and the format and nature of the Panel’sdeliberations (including the number of panellists).
10.3 A party shall always act in good faith, tell the truth, and cooperate with any request for
information made by the Panel and/or World Athletics’ Staff.
10.4 The same obligations apply to any natural person or legal person under the jurisdictionof World Athletics that is not a party but has been requested to participate in or contributeto a case by the Panel.
10.5 The procedure shall be conducted in English. All information provided to the Panel shallbe provided in English, with a copy of the original if a translation.
10.6 The Panel may consider and rely on any evidence not submitted by a party, including
without limitation the evidence generated by or within the Portal.
10.7 The standard of proof shall be comfortable satisfaction of the Panel.
10.8 A party that asserts a fact has the burden of proving it.
10.9 For disputes (cf AR Rule 24), a non-refundable application fee prescribed by World
Athletics must accompany the statement of claim.
10.10 For all matters before the Panel, there shall be no procedural or legal costs. Parties shallbear all their own costs in connection with any procedure.
Vetting Procedure (AR Rule 8)
10.11 The Panel will assess the application against the eligibility requirements. The information
before the Panel shall include:
10.11.1

the disclosures made in their application;

10.11.2

specialised research commissioned from independent experts, including averification of the information provided in their application;

10.11.3

other information available to the Panel (cf Procedural Rule 10.6);

10.11.4

any such further inquiry as deemed necessary by the Panel (cf Procedural
Rule 10.3).

10.12 Upon completion of its assessment, the Panel may
10.12.1

decide that the Applicant is eligible; or

10.12.2

make a preliminary decision that the Applicant is ineligible.

10.13 Where the Panel has made a preliminary decision that an Applicant is ineligible, it shallnotify the Applicant the reasons for it (which shall be confidential).
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10.13.1

The Applicant shall be provided an opportunity to make submissions andprovide evidence in response to the preliminary decision.

10.13.2

Following receipt of the submissions, the Panel shall make a final decisionon whether the Applicant is eligible.

10.14 For the avoidance of doubt, the Panel may determine that an Applicant satisfies theeligibility requirements even though one or more of the matters specified in AR Rule 8.3
exists. In reaching this determination, the Panel may also consider the process by which
any of the circumstances set out in AR Rule 8.3 occurred, including whether the process
involved a fair hearing before an impartial body or followed the applicable rules or law,or an appeal is pending.
Licence Suspension Procedure (AR Rule 15)
10.15 The Panel will assess the application. The Panel may grant the application, or reject anapplication on the grounds that:
10.15.1

the application was not substantiated with reasons; and/or

10.15.2

the application was made with the intention to undermine or circumvent theapplication of the AR Rules in some manner; and/or

10.15.3

granting the application would violate the objectives of the AR Rules (cf AR
Rule 3); and/or

10.15.4

any other exceptional circumstances apply.

Disciplinary Procedure (AR Rule 25)
10.16 An investigation may be opened by the Disciplinary Officer based on a report from athird party or ex officio. The investigation shall be to determine whether a major or minor
disciplinary violation has occurred.
10.17 After opening the investigation, the Disciplinary Officer shall inform the party(ies) that a
disciplinary procedure has been commenced.
10.18 Upon completion of their investigation, the Disciplinary Officer may:
10.18.1

decide that a minor disciplinary violation has occurred and issue anadministrative sanction directly; or

10.18.2

decide that a major disciplinary violation has allegedly occurred andcontinue the procedure; or

10.18.3

decide that no disciplinary violation has occurred and close theinvestigation. In such cases, the Disciplinary Officer may reopen the caseif new facts or evidence are discovered in future.

10.19 Where the Disciplinary Officer deems that that a major disciplinary violation has allegedly
occurred, they shall forward charges of misconduct and the evidence relied upon to thedefendant(s) and provide an opportunity to respond.
10.20 The Panel will assess the matter after receiving the file from the Disciplinary Officer. The
Panel has the power to issue the following sanctions:10.20.1

warning;

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10.20.2

fine or any other pecuniary measure;10.20.3

return of awards or prize money;

10.20.4

withdrawal of a title;

10.20.5

suspension for a specific period of time;

10.20.6

suspension from taking part in any Athletics-related activity;

10.20.7

community service; and10.20.8

suspension or withdrawal of an AR licence.

10.21 The Panel, in determining the appropriate sanction:
10.21.1

may consider any mitigating or aggravating factors (e.g. a previous
sanction or evidence of repeated behaviour) as it deems appropriate;10.21.2

must respect the principle of proportionality.

10.22 Unless otherwise specified in the AR Rules, violations are punishable regardless ofwhether they have been committed deliberately, recklessly, or negligently. Acts
amounting to an attempt are also punishable. Any person that takes part in committing
a violation or induces someone to do so, whether as an instigator or accomplice, mayalso be sanctioned.
Dispute Resolution Procedure (AR Rule 24)
10.23 A party may submit a claim against another party which shall contain the following:
10.23.1

the name and email address for notification of the party;

10.23.2(if applicable) the name and email address for notification of any authorised
representative, and a copy of the power of attorney;

10.23.3

the identity and address for notification of the respondent(s);10.23.4

a statement of claim, setting out full written arguments, the evidence relied
upon, and requests for relief;

10.23.5the details of a bank account registered in the name of the claimant;

10.23.6

the date and a valid signature;

10.24 World Athletics’ Staff will assess whether these requirements are met. If the claim isincomplete, they will inform the claimant and request completion. If the claim is not
rectified within the time limit given, it is deemed withdrawn and will need to be
resubmitted.
10.25 World Athletics’ Staff, after assessing whether a claim is complete, will subsequently
assess whether:
10.25.1

the Panel obviously does not have jurisdiction; and/or

10.25.2

the claim is obviously time-barred.

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10.26 Following this assessment, World Athletics Staff may refer the case to the chairperson
for an expedited decision. If the chairperson considers that the claim is not affected byany preliminary procedural matters, they shall order the World Athletics staff to continue
the procedure.
10.27 After determining that the claim is complete, in disputes without prima facie complex
facts or legal issues, World Athletics’ Staff may make a proposal to finalise the matterwithout a decision of the Panel. This may include (without limitation) a proposal that: one
party pays another party; or a claim is withdrawn for being obviously unfounded. Such
proposal is without prejudice to any future decision of the Panel.
10.28 A party shall accept or reject the proposal within the time limit granted. A party that fails
to respond shall be deemed to have accepted it. Where a proposal is accepted, aconfirmation letter will be issued by World Athletics staff. The confirmation letter shall beconsidered a final decision.
10.29 After determining that the claim is complete, and (where relevant) if the procedure is tocontinue following the conclusion of any preliminary procedural matters or proposals,
World Athletics’ Staff will request that the respondent(s) submit their response to theclaim. If the respondent(s) fail(s) to submit a response to the claim, a decision will bemade by the Panel based on the file.
10.30 The Panel will assess the matter after receiving the file from World Athletics’ Staff.
10.31 Where a decision had been made or a proposal has been accepted, the consequencesof the failure to pay any amounts ordered shall be included in the decision.
Determination of the consequences for failing to comply with a financial decision shallbe made by the Panel (for a decision) or World Athletics’ Staff (for a proposal).
11.

Notification

11.1 A decision will be notified to a party directly.
11.2 Notification is deemed complete when the decision is communicated to a party.
Notification of an authorised representative will be regarded as notification of the party.
11.3 Decisions enter into force as soon as notification occurs.
11.4 Obvious mistakes in decisions and obvious procedural errors discovered after a decision
is rendered may be corrected, ex officio or on application, by the Panel. Where a decision
has been corrected, regulatory time limits will commence from the time of notification of
the rectified decision.
12.

Publication

12.1 All decisions shall be published on the World Athletics website following notification.
12.2 Where appropriate, World Athletics Staff may redact the written reasons.
13.

Representation

13.1 A party may appoint an authorised representative to act on its behalf in any procedure.
It shall provide written authorisation (e.g. a power of attorney) to be represented in thespecific procedure.
13.2 A party is responsible for the conduct of its authorised representative. Authorised
representatives are obliged to tell the truth and act in good faith in any procedure.
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13.3 The Panel or the World Athletics Staff may, at any stage of a procedure, request theintervention of another natural or legal person as a party or an interested participant ina procedure.
SECTION VI: FINAL PROVISIONS
14.

Transitory Provisions

14.1 Any procedure that commenced prior to this edition of the Procedural Rules coming into
force shall be subject to this edition of the Procedural Rules.
14.2 World Athletics’ Staff shall make all decisions regarding the application of these
Procedural Rules to procedures that commenced prior to this edition coming into force.
As a general rule, a party should not be prejudiced by any amendment to the Procedural
Rules prior to their procedure being finalised.
15.

Matters not provided for15.1 Any matters not provided for in these Procedural Rules which occur in the context of aprocedure shall be determined by the chairperson.
15.2 Any matters not provided for in these Procedural Rules which occur outside of thecontext of a procedure shall be determined by World Athletics’ Chief Executive Officer(or their nominee).
15.3 Cases of force majeure affecting these Procedural Rules shall be decided by theCouncil, the decisions of which are final.

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