Athletes’ Representatives
Whether you’re signing your first contract, reevaluating your current management relationship, or deciding whether to have one at all, choosing your Athletes’ Representative (AR) is one of the most important decisions a professional athlete can make. Your representation can shape your opportunities, finances, brand, and long-term career.
📩 If you’re experiencing issues with your AR or have questions on correct conduct, contact: DisciplinaryOfficer@worldathletics.org
Marketing and Advertising Rules
There are several ways in which you can leverage sponsors. One option is on your competition kit. The rules for this are quite simple, but many athletes don’t know what the opportunities are.
Per World Athletics Marketing and Advertising Rules, an athlete is allowed up to three personal sponsor logos (includes sports manufacturer) on upper and lower body kit. They must be same three personal sponsors on both upper and lower body competition kit.
Below you will find details on size and location to maximise your kit real-estate.
📩 If you’ve got questions about your kit, contact: kitapprovals@worldathletics.org
Competition Shoes
World Athletics sets out rules as to what shoe models can and cannot be worn in athletics competitions. Some shoes may be approved in some disciplines, but not in others.
What you must do:
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Identify the exact shoe model you intend to wear in competition.
- Verify the shoe against the list of Approved Athletic Shoes, –certcheck.worldathletics.org
- Shoes that are not listed as approved for the relevant discipline are not authorised to be worn in competition.
- You may also be required to undergo shoe control at competitions: this may include the shoe control officer taking photos of your shoes, or, your shoes being collected for independent assessment.
- It is important to keep your shoes with you after competing.
👟 Check the Approved Shoes List here: certcheck.worldathletics.org
📩 Get in touch for more information and support: rules@worldathletics.org
Anti-doping
Athletes who compete in athletics are subject to doping control testing. They may be required to provide urine and/or blood samples. As athletes you cannot take prohibited substances. Every year, the World Anti-Doping Agency publishes a list of prohibited substances and methods in sport.
What you must do:
- Be aware of all medications and supplements you are taking
- Verify the ingredients against the Prohibited List
- Another useful tool to search for specific products manufactured in your country is Global DRO, accessible here
- If you need to take medications which features on the Prohibited List, you should consult with the Athletics Integrity Unit or your local national anti-doping agency as early as possible to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption.
Reporting integrity breaches in athletics
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) is the independent body, created by the World Athletics, to manages all threats to the integrity of the sport of athletics. The AIU’s primary role is to protect clean athletes and keep athletics safe, and fair for all.
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, fan, or part of the support team, you can play a part by speaking up if you see something wrong.
All information, no matter how big or small, is important and could be crucial in uncovering and defending against integrity violations within our sport. Report it.
‼️ Details on how to confidentially report integrity breaches can be found via the AIU Integrity Line
Transfer of allegiance
If you want to compete for a different country in athletics, you’ll likely need approval from the Nationality Review Panel. Once your new country’s federation applies, there’s a three-year wait where you can’t compete for any country.
You’ll need to show proof of citizenship or living there (like a passport or lease) and explain why you want to switch—maybe for family, studies, or a club deal. Only federations can apply, and it can take two to three months or more to get a decision.
The panel also fixes things like name or birthdate errors. Start early and stay in touch with your federation.
📩 Get in touch for more information and support: nrp.secretariat@worldathletics.org
Safeguarding
Protect. Prevent. Empower.
Safeguarding is about making sure athletes are safe from any kind of harm, abuse, harassment or exploitation. It’s about creating a safe and happy environment where everyone feels respected and valued and can perform at their very best.
Creating a safe and supportive environment is every athlete's right.
A safer sport is a stronger sport.
👉 Take the Safeguarding Essentials course here.
📩 Get in touch for more information and support: safeguarding@worldathletics.org
