Book C – C1.4

CONTINENTAL TOUR REGULATIONS(Approved by Council, 28 February 2024, effective from 08 March 2024)

Book C – C1.4

1. General Principles
1.1. The World Athletics Continental Tour (‘Continental Tour’) provides clearly understooddiffering levels of competition based on prize money and quality of organisation forworldwide international one-day Meetings, subject to fulfilment of the minimum
requirements set out in these Regulations.
1.2. Regulations governing the World Athletics Continental Tour shall be issued to Continental
Tour Meeting Organisers (‘Organisers’) and may be amended every year by World
Athletics.
2. Minimum Requirements
2.1. Organisers agree to observe and respect all Rules and Regulations, and decisions taken
by World Athletics.
2.2. Organisers staging the meeting at one competition stadium must do so over one day. If
Organisers stage part of the meeting in a temporary facility or facilities (i.e. outside thecompetition stadium to promote a specific event or events and shorten the timetable) thenthat part of the meeting must be held the day before. The temporary facility or facilities
must be constructed according to Rule 11 of the Technical Rules (see Book C – C2.1 of
the World Athletics Book of Rules).
2.3. Organisers must arrange a liability insurance policy, in favour of the Athletes, officials andspectators, to cover risks for which they may be liable towards such participants.
2.4. Organisers must meet the minimum requirements set out in Appendix 1 to theseRegulations.
2.5. The Continental Tour calendar can be found on the World Athletics website.
2.6. Once an Athlete (or an Athletes’ Representative or Member Federation on their behalf)
has accepted a starting place in a Meeting, and subsequently withdraws for any reason 5days or less before the Meeting, the athlete cannot compete in a World Rankings
Competition (including a Continental Tour or Diamond League meet) for 5 days following
the date of the originally accepted Meeting. For the avoidance of doubt, Organisers must
not invite an athlete subject to the 5-day period. If an Organiser discovers they haveinvited such an athlete and are still within the 5-day period, then they must withdraw theirinvitation.
2.7. The restriction at Regulation 2.7 can only be waived with the written acceptance of theTechnical Delegate of the Meeting in which the athlete originally accepted to compete inand subsequently withdrew from, or if for any reason the Technical Delegate is unable to,the World Athletics’ Chief Executive Officer (or their nominee). For the avoidance of doubt,
withdrawal for genuine reasons (e.g. illness, injury, bereavement, family emergenciesetc.) will be presumed acceptable with supporting information.
2.8. Where an Athlete is eligible, selected and notified in writing by their Member Federation
to compete at the Member Federation’s National Championships but, without a genuine
reason (with supporting information), instead competes at a Meeting then World Athletics
may decide not to validate, recognise and record the Athletes’ Results from the Meeting.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Athlete is to submit such genuine reasons in writing (withsupporting information) to World Athletics’ Chief Executive Officer (or their nominee).

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3. Application Processes
3.1. Each year Organisers must:
3.1.1. Submit an application through the Global Calendar Platform to be listed as a World
Rankings Competition: https://globalcalendar.worldathletics.org/
3.1.2. Arrange for their application to be countersigned by the host National Federationand forwarded to the corresponding Area Association (in the case of Silver, Bronze
or Challenger level Meetings).
3.1.3. By the deadline set by World Athletics, as published from time to time on thefollowing page, https://globalcalendar.worldathletics.org/
4. Requirements to Deliver the Event
4.1.

Media
4.1.1. Organiser must meet the following minimum requirements:
•
•
•
•

•
•

•
•

Tribune - Dedicated seats
Equipment - High-speed internet access and TV monitors (recommended)
Results - Individual & Public access to live results
Internet / Web - Organisers are required to provide information to feed World
Athletics Continental Tour website, whilst having the possibility to maintain theirown dedicated website.
Press releases - 2 minimum per month in the first 3 months prior to the Meetingand 4 in the last month.
Photographers - High speed and large capacity internet access via WIFI for the
purpose of quick upload and sending of digital photographs from the stadiumMedia working area
Press conferences - 2 minimum
Media Stand - 2 places for World Athletics representatives (including 2 ADSL
high- speed internet connections)

Organisers will use their best endeavours to provide the services to press andphotographers in accordance with World Athletics Media Guidelines.
4.2.

Television
4.2.1. Organisers will use their best endeavours to ensure television production andservice to broadcasters comply with the Television Production and Graphic
Branding Guidelines.
4.2.2. Live broadcast, or in exceptional circumstances only, delayed significant
broadcast on the day of the Meeting is compulsory within the host country. If
possible, live streaming should be used to promote the field events.

4.3.

Medical & Anti-doping
4.3.1. The Organiser must provide:• Adequate Medical and Emergency Services on site, including

emergency

assistance and ambulance service, and minor stitching.
• Physiotherapy facilities at the stadium and at the Athletes’ hotel.

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Book C – C1.4

4.3.2. The Organiser must organise and cover the costs of doping controls and analyses
as follows:
Urine Tests
Minimum 12
Minimum 6
Minimum 5GoldSilverBronze••••Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESA)
4 of the 12 urine tests
2 of the 6 urine tests
n/aSamples must be collected in strict accordance with World Athletics AntiDoping Rules (and appendices) using qualified doping control personnel.
Samples shall be shipped to and analysed by a WADA-accredited laboratory.
Additional tests may also be conducted where:
a. World Athletics decides to conduct pre-competition blood testing at its own
expense. The Organiser shall assist the Athletics Integrity Unit should precompetition blood tests take place at the Organiser’s event (chaperones,
hotel room for sample collection etc.); and/or
b. an Athlete breaks or equals a World Record (if more than one Athlete
breaks or equals the record in the same event, then all Athletes concerned
must be tested); and/or
c. any Athlete who has broken an Area or National Record requests it; and/or
d. the Athletics Integrity Unit requests it.
The latest World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules are available to download fromwww.athleticsintegrity.org

4.4. Athlete & Delegates Logistics
4.4.1. The Meeting headquarters hotel and transport facilities to be provided by theOrganiser must comply with the following minimum requirements:
Hotel*

Technical
PV
DelegatesGold
Min 4 stars Pool Cars
Transport & storage
SilverMin 3 stars Pool Cars
Transport & storage
BronzeMin 3 stars Pool Cars
Transport & storage* For athletes (the number of nights to be arranged by the Organiser’s designatedAthlete liaison person & for the Technical Delegates see Regulation 6.6 below)
4.4.2. Athletes' transportation means: to/from hotel, stadium, airport, train station, andany other official competition venue.
4.5. Technical Requirements
4.5.1. Entry Lists and Results•

Entry lists must be sent to the respective Area Association and to World
Athletics (email: worldathleticsmeetingresults@worldathletics.org) two days
before the Meeting.

•Start Lists must be sent the evening before the Meeting, following the Technical
Meeting (if applicable).

•

The Start List must include:
•

Event

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Book C – C1.4

•
•
•
•

Athlete’s Surname and Name
Athlete’s Country CodeAthlete’s Date/Year of Birth•

Organisers must use their best endeavours to post live on the event website
and sent live after each event to World Athletics (email:worldathleticsmeetingresults@worldathletics.org) and to the Area Association,
but at minimum no later than 60 minutes after the end of the Meeting.

•

The Organiser must also ensure that the Area Association and World Athletics
are informed of any correction to the Results within 48 hours of the correction
being identified by the Organiser.

•

Results must include:• Event• Athlete’s Position• Athlete’s Surname and Name
• Athlete’s Country Code• Athlete’s Mark• Wind: 100m, 200m, 100H/110mH• Wind at each trial: LJ and TJ• Trials: HJ, PV, SP, DT, JT, HT

4.6. Minimum requirements staged Disciplines (for all 3 levels)
4.6.1. The competition order of the field events will be at the discretion of the Organisers.
4.6.2. For events from 100m to 800m inclusive, allocation of lanes will be at theOrganisers' discretion, who will take into consideration current performances andlocal conditions.
4.6.3. The maximum size of fields (including pacemakers) should be as follows:
800m
1500m
3000m / 5000m
3000m SC
Field events

11 Athletes incl. pace
15 Athletes
18 Athletes
18 Athletes
8 Athletes + max. 2 national Athletes
12 Athletes in High Jump and Pole
Vault

4.7. Sustainability Requirements
4.7.1. Organisers must meet and report in accordance with the Sustainable Event
Standard set out in the following link https://worldathletics.org/athletics-betterworld/sustainability/athletics-for-a-better-world-standard .
5. Evaluation and Reporting
5.1. After completion of each Gold Level Meeting season, all Organisers will undergo anevaluation arranged and conducted by World Athletics. Organisers will report against thecriteria and scoring set out at Appendix 3 in accordance with dates and deadlines advisedby World Athletics.

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Book C – C1.4

5.2. Organisers are obliged to co-operate with the evaluation and reporting procedures andcomply promptly with any requests for information pursuant to them.
5.3. Further to the reporting requirement at Regulation 5.1, Organisers must provide a reporton their meeting to World Athletics by the date requested by World Athletics and include
the following information:
5.3.1. ticket sales,
5.3.2. financial breakdown.
5.3.3. completed Satisfaction Surveys in the form provided by World Athletics
5.3.4. fan engagement survey.

5.4. Following each Gold Level Meeting the designated Technical Delegate (as appointed byWorld Athletics in accordance with Regulation 6.6) will complete the Technical Delegate
Report Form concerning the staging of the Meeting to be returned to World Athletics nolater than 10 days after the Meeting.
5.5. A copy of the Technical Delegate’s Report will also be given to the Organiser and the
Area Association where the Meeting is held.
5.6. Once all Meetings reports have been received by World Athletics then World Athletics will
endeavour to complete its overall evaluation and reporting of the season by 31 January
following the last Gold Level meeting.
5.7. For the Silver and Bronze Level Meetings either the Member Federation or Area
Association may set the evaluation and reporting process and criteria for the meetings forwhich they have issued a Permit. Organisers of Silver and Bronze Level Meetings are
obliged to co-operate with the evaluation and reporting procedures as determined by theMember Federation or Area Association and comply promptly with any requests for
information pursuant to them. Further, Technical Delegates to Silver and Bronze Level
Meetings shall give assistance to the Organiser and the Organiser shall cooperate with
the Technical Delegate.
6. Gold Level Meetings
6.1. The Organiser shall make every effort to stage the main programme within two (2)consecutive hours.
6.2. Organisers must stage a minimum of 12 events, with a minimum of five (5) events per sex
including at least one (1) jumping and one (1) throwing event. Included in the 12 events
will be:• A core group of six (6) events which will take local interests into consideration as muchas possible but also aim to ensure all disciplines are conducted uniformly throughout
the Continental Tour. These must be agreed in advance in writing with World Athletics
and the relevant Area Association.
• An additional group of six (6) events focussed on the Area of the Meeting and on

rewarding the best Athletes from that Area in a unique way.

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Book C – C1.4

• Organisers will be free to organise additional events and assign them to the core or

additional groups.
6.3. Athlete Participation and World Ranking Points (see: https://worldathletics.org/worldranking-rules/basics)
a. There shall be a minimum of 6 Athletes in any one event.
b.

A minimum of 50% of the total Athletes participating in the Meeting shall be based in
the host Area in which the Meeting is held.

c. A minimum of 15% of the total Athletes participating in a Meeting shall be basedoutside the host Area.
d. A maximum of 4 Athletes from any one country (other than the host country) may
compete in any event.
e. A minimum of 3 Athletes from the top 50 (counting a maximum of 3 per country) of
the World Athletics World Rankings (in the month prior to the Meeting) to participate
in at least 12 events.
f.

Athletes requesting entry into a Meeting shall receive priority based on their positionin the World Rankings provided that their request to enter the Meeting has been
received by the Organiser at least one month prior the date of the meeting.

g. Category “A” World Ranking points will be awarded for all Continental Tour Gold
Level disciplines, except the following discipline where category “GW” World Ranking
points will be awarded: HT (men and women) (see: https://worldathletics.org/worldranking-rules/basics).
6.4. For any Athlete, Organisers must only negotiate their participation in the Meeting with:
6.4.1.

a World Athletics licensed Athletes’ Representative;

6.4.2.

a Member Federation who has received the prior written consent of World
Athletics’ CEO to represent the athlete;

6.4.3.

the Athlete themselves (if they have chosen to represent themselves).

A complete list of registered Athletes’ Representatives is available from World Athletics
website at https://worldathletics.org/athletes/athlete-representatives .
6.5. Prize Money at the Gold Level Meetingsa. Organisers must offer two levels of prize money per discipline: either US Dollars 15,000 or US Dollars 10, 000.
b. A minimum of eight core events must offer US Dollars 15, 000 and a minimum of 6
additional events must offer US Dollars 10, 000 in prize money.
Position
1
2
3
4
5
6

6

Core
Events5,000 USD
3,000 USD
2,000 USD
1,400 USD
1,200 USD
1,000 USD

Additional
Events3,500 USD
2,000 USD
1,400 USD
1,000 USD
800 USD
600 USD

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Book C – C1.4

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8
Total

800 USD
600 USD
15,000 USD

400 USD
300 USD
10,000 USD

c. Except for the HT, the same World Ranking points will be on offer for all disciplines
regardless of the prize money category.
d. The HT will have prize money of US Dollars 15, 000 and be awarded ‘GW’ category
World Ranking points.
e. The following shall be at the Organiser’s discretion:f.

•

For middle distance races, awards for Athletes finishing in places 9through 12; and•Bonuses for breaking a World Record.

Organisers must pay prize money within 30 days of receipt of the doping control
clearance from the Athletics Integrity Unit and complete invoices which must comply
with the communicated legal, fiscal and procedural requirements of the Organiser.

g. Organisers must reimburse an Athletes’ travel expenses. The reimbursement will
either be made at the Meeting or within 2 weeks after the Meeting, provided thenecessary paperwork (i.e. receipts, invoices etc.) has been given to the Organiser.
h. Upon request from World Athletics, an Organiser has the obligation to provide within
two weeks, proof of the payments made to the Athletes.
6.6. Technical Delegate
a. A Technical Delegate shall be appointed by World Athletics for each Gold level
Meeting on the Tour. Provided they are suitably qualified, the Technical Delegate
can be from any Country or Territory including the Country or Territory where theMeeting is located.
b. The role of the Technical Delegate is to ensure the Meeting is run in accordancewith these regulations and any policies.
c. The Meeting must pay for travel and three night’s full board accommodation for theTechnical Delegate unless otherwise agreed with World Athletics.
6.7.

Coordinatora. A Continental Tour Coordinator will be appointed by World Athletics to manage all
aspects relating to the Tour.
b. The role of the coordinator will be to support the Meeting organisers throughout theyear to ensure the highest quality Meeting possible and oversee all requirements
including Quality Control, Communication and PR, social media, Event Presentationand some technical aspects including the timetable.
c. The Meeting must pay for travel and three night’s full board accommodation for theContinental Tour Coordinator unless otherwise agreed with World Athletics.

6.8. Marketing & Other Rights
The Organiser guarantees to abide by the agreements between the Organisers andWorld Athletics Continental Tour Regulations (Approved by Council, 28 February 2024, effective 08 March 2024)

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Book C – C1.4

World Athletics regarding all marketing and other rights granted to World Athletics. The
Organiser agrees to comply with and implement the Marketing & Advertising
Regulations concerning event branding set out in Appendix 2 which apply to Continental
Tour Gold Level Meetings only.
6.9. Technical Meeting
The Organiser must hold a Technical Meeting or similar communication with allparticipants (i.e. Technical Delegate, Referees, Athletes’, Coaches, Athletes’
Representative, Meet personnel, World Athletics staff etc.) on the eve of the competition.
6.10. Lane Allocation
For events from 100m to 800m inclusive, allocation of lanes will be at the Organisers'
discretion, who will take into consideration current performances and local conditions.
6.11. Order of Field Events
The competition order of the field events will be at the discretion of the Organisers.
6.12. Size of athlete competition field
The maximum size of fields (including pacemakers) should be as follows:
800m
Athletes3000m / 5000m
Field events

8

11 Athletes incl. pace1500m
1518 Athletes3000m SC
18 Athletes
8 Athletes + max. 2 national Athletes
12 Athletes in High Jump and Pole Vault

World Athletics Continental Tour Regulations (Approved by Council, 28 February 2024, effective 08 March 2024)

7. Silver Level Meeting
7.1. Organisers must stage a minimum of 12 events, with minimum five (5) events per genderincluding at least one (1) jumping and one (1) throwing event.
7.2. The Organiser shall make every effort to stage the main programme within two and ahalf (2.5) consecutive hours.
7.3. Athlete Participation and World Ranking Points
a. There shall be a minimum of 6 Athletes in any one event.
b. A minimum of 50% of the total Athletes participating in the Meeting shall be from theArea Association in which the Meeting is held.
c. A minimum of 10% of the total Athletes participating in a Meeting shall be from outside
the host Area.
d. A maximum of 4 Athletes from any one country (other than the host country) may
compete in any event. (Consent from the Area Association to change this requirement
may be granted in exceptional circumstances).
e. A minimum of 3 Athletes from the Top 100 (counting a maximum of 3 per country) of
the World Athletics World Rankings (in the month prior to the Meeting) to participate ineach of at least 12 international events.
f.

Athletes requesting entry into a Meeting shall receive priority based on their position in
the World Rankings. The request must be received by the Organiser at least one monthprior the date of the meeting.

g. For any Athlete (including a ‘Ranked Athlete’ as defined in the Athletes’
Representatives Rules) Organisers must self-report to World Athletics who (full nameand contact details) the Organiser has negotiated the Athlete’s appearance at the
Meeting with.
h. Category “B” World Ranking points will be awarded for Continental Tour Silver Level
meetings.
7.4. Prize Money at the Silver Level Meetings
a. A total prize money purse of US Dollars 75,000 must be offered for the Meeting.
b. A minimum amount of US Dollars 5,000 must be offered for each event according to
the following structure.
Position
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total

All
Events1,600 USD
1,200 USD
900 USD
600 USD
400 USD
300 USD
5,000 USD

c. The following shall be at the Organiser’s discretion:
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•
•

Payment of awards beyond 6th position; andBonuses for breaking a World Record.

d. Organisers must pay Prize Money within 30 days of receipt of the doping control
clearance from the Athletics Integrity Unit and a complete invoice from the Athletes’
Representative.

10e.

Organisers must reimburse an Athletes’ travel reimbursements expenses. The
reimbursement must be paid within 30 days after the Meeting, provided the necessary
paperwork (i.e. receipts, invoices etc.) has been given to the Organiser.

f.

Upon request from World Athletics, an Organiser has the obligation to provide within
two weeks, proof of the payments made to the Athletes.

World Athletics Continental Tour Regulations (Approved by Council, 28 February 2024, effective 08 March 2024)

8. Bronze Level Meetings
8.1. Organisers must stage a minimum of 12 events, with minimum five (5) events per genderincluding at least one (1) jumping and one (1) throwing event.
8.2. The Organiser shall make every effort to stage the main programme within two and a half(2.5) consecutive hours.
8.3. Athlete Participation and World Ranking Points
a. There shall be a minimum of 6 athletes in any one event from 3 different countries.
(Consent from the Area Association to change this requirement may be granted in
exceptional circumstances).
b. A maximum of 4 athletes from any one country (other than the host country) may
compete in any event. (Consent from the Area Association to change this requirement
may be granted in exceptional circumstances).
c. For any Athlete (including a ‘Ranked Athlete’ as defined in the Athletes’
Representatives Rules) Organisers must self-report to World Athletics who (full nameand contact details) the Organiser has negotiated the Athlete’s appearance at the
Meeting with.
d. Category “C” World Ranking points will be awarded for Continental Tour Bronze Level
meetings.
8.4. Prize Money at Bronze Level Meetings
a. A total prize money purse of US Dollars 25,000 must be offered for the Meeting.
b. The following shall be at the Organiser’s discretion:•

Payment of awards beyond 6th position; and•Bonuses for breaking a World Record.

c. Organisers must pay Prize Money within 30 days of receipt of the doping control
clearance from the Athletics Integrity Unit and a complete invoice from the Athletes’
Representative.
d. Organisers must reimburse an Athletes’ travel reimbursements expenses. The
reimbursement must be paid within 30 days after the Meeting, provided the necessary
paperwork (i.e. receipts, invoices etc.) has been given to the Organiser .
e. Upon request from World Athletics, an Organiser has the obligation to provide within
two weeks, proof of the payments made to the Athletes.
9. Breaches and Sanctions
9.1.

In the event of an allegation of breach of any of these Regulations or World
Athletics’ Rules or Regulations generally, the alleged breach will be investigated and,if applicable and subject to Regulation 9.2 below, sanctioned in accordance with the
Disputes and Disciplinary Proceedings Rules.

9.2.

If the Disciplinary Officer finds there has been a breach of these Regulations or otherrelevant World Athletics Rule or Regulation, in addition to the sanctions set out in theWorld Athletics Continental Tour Regulations(Approved by Council on 28/29 February 2024 and effective from 08 March 2024)

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Disputes and Disciplinary Rules, they may impose any one or more of the following
sanctions:9.2.1. withdrawal of the Organisers’ current Permit;
9.2.2. downgrade the Organiser’s Permit;
9.2.3. not accept the results from the Organiser’s meeting as being ‘official’ andinvalidate the results in the World Athletics statistics or results;
9.2.4. place conditions on future applications from the Organiser for a World Athletics
Permit;9.2.5. prohibit the Organiser from applying for a meeting Permit for a period as may
be appropriate in the circumstances.
9.3.

Where the Disciplinary Officer makes a finding against an Organiser:
9.3.1. World Athletics (or its delegate(s)) may publish the decision and/or the sanction
as World Athletics (or its delegate(s)) considers appropriate.
9.3.2. a copy of the findings will be provided to the Member Federation where theOrganiser’s meeting is or would normally have been held.

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World Athletics Continental Tour Regulations (Approved by Council, 28 February 2024, effective 08 March 2024)