Get Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Here
- How are events supposed to be contested?
- Do times need to be fully automated?
- Can events be run on a road, field or anywhere else other than a track?
- How many events can we compete in?
- How are horizontal jumps and throws contested and measured?
- How many attempts can be taken in jumps and throws?
- How will you maintain the quality in the results?
- How can I run a steeplechase if no water is in the pit?
- How can I pole vault or high jump without a pit?
- What is a “Superweight”
- Are results for this challenge eligible for World Masters Rankings?
- Will the results be published after being submitted or after the Challenge?
Q: How are events supposed to be contested?
A: Challenges are for everyone, regardless of the restrictions, as long as the competition can be contested safely and all WHO and government guidelines for health and safety can be followed. Challenges are setup to accommodate almost anyone who wants to participate. Please read the Rules for information on Categories.
Q: Do times need to be fully automated?
A: It depends on the Category and the event. You can run and racewalk anywhere where you are safe and time any way possible, including self-timed, for Category C. Category B does not require FAT but must be timed by officials, technology or people. FAT is required for 200m and shorter events in Category A.
Q: Here in our country, we cannot compete on a track. Can athletes measure out the distance on a highway and time running that?
A: Yes, as long as done safely. These are Category C performances. Obviously, running on a highway in traffic is not allowed! Athletes can measure a running route, including sprints on any safe area like a parking lot, clear street or field and time their performance. Events cannot be run on a treadmill, downhill or any other condition which would provide the athlete with a competitive advantage.
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Q: How many events can we compete in?
A: As many as you want and can do within the competition timeframe. You can only compete in an event once during the Championship Edition. You can compete as many times as you want during the Hemispheres Edition and select one performance for listing in the final results.
Championship Edition Examples:
- An athlete can choose a day within the Challenge dates to run a 400M. This is the only 400m performance that counts. The athlete can only do the 400M once in the Championship Edition date period
- A decathlete can do the ten events in the decathlon over two days. This is one event. The decathlete can also enter and compete in other individual events, such as the high jump, discus throw and 400 meters. These would be three additional events.
- A thrower can compete in the five events of the Throws Pentathlon and count the first three throws towards the scoring of the throw’s pentathlon. This is one event. The same athlete continues to take all six throws, of which any of the six could count for results in the individual throwing events in the virtual competition. This would be five separate events, plus the throw’s pentathlon for a total of six events. OR a thrower takes the three throws in the five events in the throws pentathlon and completes the event. The thrower may enter other throws events and complete them individually within the competition date range.
Q: How are horizontal jumps and throws contested and measured?
A: If possible, people, other than the athlete, should be watching for fouls, marking the landing and measuring the attempts. Officials and proper jumping and throwing facilities are required for Categories A and B. See the Rules for more information on Categories.
Q: How many attempts can be taken in jumps and throws?
A: Six attempts for open and three attempts for combined events horizontal jumps and throws. High Jump and pole vault athletes are allowed to continue competing until they have three consecutive failed attempts.
Q: How will you maintain the quality in the results?
A: We obviously prefer a competitor to compete in a normal track and field event following WMA rules. This situation will not be possible for athletes in all locations. Participation is key given the worldwide difficulties this year. The result category will be flagged into the categories below. An athlete, is only able to participate per the example given is welcome, but will be in a different category to other athletes.
Category A – Pre-organized competitions run by organizations at an athletics facility like a track, designated jumping / throwing field or arena or gym with all applicable WMA rules being followed.
Category B – Officiated competitions at an athletics facility. As described above, officials can be friends or fellow competitors timing, marking, measuring and calling fouls.
Category C – Road, parking lot, field or wherever else the athlete can compete safely.
Examples of Category C Events:
- A timed 800 meter run can be completed on a measured course. It does not have to be a running track. The run can be timed with a stop watch by a friend, you do not need a certified official.
- A discus thrower may perform on a flat piece of ground with markings for a circle. A friend can mark throws and someone else can check for foot fouls.
The Challenges Team reviews results as they are submitted looking for outlying performance and general errors. Preliminary results are published. Athletes can verify there results and in certain cases challenge the validity of performances. Overall, this virtual competition relies on the honor system. The Challenges Team, at its sole discretion, can remove or flag performances determined to be better than the athlete’s usual performance. Final results published after the preliminary review period cannot be challenged.
Q: How can I run a steeplechase if no water is in the pit?
A: No water in the water jump is not safe and is not allowed. This is not the case everywhere, however, and hopefully more facilities will open again. Events like steeplechase might be able to be contested if it can be done safely without water like having all the barriers on the track or the cover over the water jump pit. Such circumstances would mean results would qualify for Category C.
Q: How can I pole vault or high jump without a pit?
A: Not all events can be done outside a normal track with jumping, vaulting and throwing facilities. Pole vault would not be an option without a safe runway and landing area. This is not the case everywhere, however, and hopefully more facilities will open again.
Q: What is a “Superweight”
A: A super weight is a heavy version of the weight throw and conforms to the same rules for construction, handles and throwing. The event is common in the USA and Australia with limited participation historically in other countries. Weights are: M35-59 – 56lb (25.45k); M60-69 – 44lb (20k); M70-79 – 35lb (15.91k); M80+ – 25lb (11.36k); W35-49 – 35lb (15.91k); W50-59 – 25lb (11.36k); W60-74 – 20lb (9.09k); W75+ – 16lb (7.26k);
Q: Are results for Challenges eligible for World Masters Rankings?
A: Only those in Category A where the competition is pre-organized and run fully in accordance with WMA Rules.
Q: Will the results be published after being submitted or after the Challenge is finished?
A: Results will not be published until after the submission deadline. Final results will be published after the process below is complete:
- Performances will be reviewed by the Challenges Team as they are submitted and athletes will be contacted with requests for clarifications where applicable.
- Preliminary results will be published as soon as possible after the submission deadline, most likely within 48 hours.
- People are encouraged to review the preliminary results and provide feedback to the Challenges Team. Feedback will be accepted for two weeks.
- The Challenges Team will further review performances, follow up on feedback received and clarification requests then make appropriate changes.
- Final results should be published within 4 weeks of the Challenge conclusion.