Long Jump Equipment and Rules A runway of at least 40 meters in length is required. Competitors are allowed to post up to two location markers on the runway. The jumper's most forward point of contact with the take-off board, i.e. the toe of the jumper's shoe, must be behind the leading edge of the take-off board. The competitor may not stand or lean on any part of their body except for the handhold. The arm used to pull the start cord must be fully extended in a straight line with the shoulder. The hand holding the end of the rope must be completely free from pressure from any part of the body except for the thumb and first finger. The starting signal is given by an electronic starter or by a human starter (athlete). An electronic starter uses a cordless electric wand attached to a battery-powered radio transmitter. The jumper receives the signal by pulling a button on the handle of their helmet. A human starter signals the beginning of the jump by waving a flag or lamp held in their hand. To begin the jump, the competitor pulls the rope which activates an electric eye at the far end of the runway. This starts the clock as soon as the jumper leaves the ground. The maximum time that can elapse before the signal to clear the runway is given is 8 seconds. If the competitor does not leave the ground within this time, then they will be considered off balance and cannot be penalized further.