Women’s athletics in India adheres to the international rules set by the World Athletics (formerly the International Association of Athletics Federations, IAAF), which are also applied in domestic competitions governed by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). These rules cover various disciplines within athletics, including track and field events. Here’s an overview of the key rules and regulations:

General Rules for Women’s Athletics

1. Track and Field Events

A. Track Events:

1. Sprints (100m, 200m, 400m):

• Starting Blocks: Athletes use starting blocks in sprints.
• False Start: A false start is indicated if an athlete starts before the gun. Athletes are allowed one false start per race; a second false start results in disqualification.
• Lane Violations: Runners must remain in their assigned lanes until the first curve is completed.

2. Middle-Distance (800m, 1500m):

• Starting: Runners start from a staggered position in the 800m and from a mass start in the 1500m.
• Lane Requirements: For the 800m, runners are allowed to break from their lanes after the first bend. In the 1500m, runners start on a common line.

3. Long-Distance (5000m, 10,000m):

• Race Strategy: Long-distance races involve pacing and strategy. Runners are not restricted to lanes after the start.

4. Hurdles (100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles):

• Hurdle Heights: Heights and distances between hurdles are specific to the distance of the race.
• Knocking Hurdles: Knocked hurdles are not automatically disqualifying unless they interfere with other runners or the athlete’s progress.

5. Relays (4x100m, 4x400m):

• Exchange Zones: Baton exchanges must occur within designated exchange zones.
• Passing the Baton: The baton must be passed within the exchange zone. If dropped, it must be recovered and handed off within the zone; failure to do so results in disqualification.

B. Field Events:

6. Jumps (Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Pole Vault):

• Long Jump: Athletes must take off from behind the take-off board. The measurement is taken from the take-off line to the nearest mark made in the sand.
• Triple Jump: Consists of a hop, step, and jump. Athletes must land in the designated area.
• High Jump: Athletes attempt to clear a horizontal bar set at different heights. They must not touch the bar while attempting to jump.
• Pole Vault: Athletes use a pole to clear a bar set at increasing heights. The vault must be completed without touching the bar or displacing it.

7. Throws (Shot Put, Javelin, Discus, Hammer Throw):

• Shot Put: The shot must be put from within a 7-foot-diameter circle. It must land within the designated sector.
• Javelin: The javelin must be thrown from within a marked area and land within the sector.
• Discus: The discus is thrown from a circular area and must land within the sector.
• Hammer Throw: Athletes swing a heavy weight (hammer) in a circular motion before releasing it. It must land within the sector.

2. General Competition Rules

8. Eligibility:

• Athletes must meet age and qualification standards for each event.
• Anti-doping regulations apply. Athletes are subject to drug testing to ensure fair play.

9. Equipment:

• Footwear: Spikes are allowed in track events and some field events but must comply with specific regulations for length and type.
• Apparel: Athletes must wear uniforms provided by their teams or approved by the competition organizers.

10. Conduct:

• Sportsmanship: Athletes must compete fairly and respectfully towards competitors and officials.
• Disqualification: Athletes may be disqualified for fouls, violations of rules, or unsportsmanlike behavior.

11. Timing and Measurement:

• Timing: Electronic timing systems are used for accurate measurement of track events.
• Measurement: Field event distances are measured from the take-off line or the throw line to the mark made in the sand or sector.

3. Domestic Competitions

12. National Championships: Organized by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), including the National Open Athletics Championships and the National Inter-State Championships.
13. State and Regional Events: Various state and regional championships help identify and develop talent.
14. Training and Development: The AFI supports training programs and coaching to enhance the performance of athletes at all levels.

These rules ensure that women’s athletics in India is conducted fairly, safely, and professionally, promoting the sport’s growth and competitive integrity.