5 Different Rules for Masters Track (vs Open, High School, Elite)

If you’re a Master runner, or thinking of running Masters track, read this article. Rules are rules, so you better know them. Here are 5 points that come to mind:

1. Seeds, Advancement, and Lanes
2. Age grouping
3. 3 point Starting position
4. False Starts, Lane Infringement & Yellow cards 
5. Uniforms (or Kit)

Now, the first point I disagree with. The other 4 points, I agree & support the rules.

Seeds, Advancement, and Lanes

This rule irks me.

So it’s Rankings, then Lanes draw.

In the above example (WMA 2024, M45 400m SF), you can see my GBR countryman & teammate Gavin Stephens had the 3rd fastest time in the semi-finals. But because of “ranking”, he was ranked 7th and given Lane 1 for the finals. (He ended up finishing 2nd anyways)

So the ranking were as follows (see “Group” in red box, above ):
(1-1), (2-1), (3-1), (1-2)
Given lanes 4-7-5-6. Then,
(2-2), (3-2), (1-3)q, (1-4)q
Given lanes 8-3-1-2

These lane draws should have been 3-4-5-6, then 7-8, then 1-2 as per the rules. See below:

The moral of the story? Win your Heat, regardless of time. Or come 2nd if you must (regardless of time, somewhat). Easier said than done at the World level. I don’t like the ranking rules, and they should adhere to the lane draws.

SIDENOTE: If they used the new rules for Budapest 2023, it’s:
5-6-7. Then 3-4-8. Then 1-2 based on times. See PDF below:

Age Groups

Let’s say the WMA World Masters competition start on July 1-10, but your 50th birthday is July 4, and your first event is July 6.

You will be entered in the M45/W45 for all your events during the meet, because it’s based on the start date of the competition. It just sucks that your competition will be tougher, and you may be challenged to advance to the next round.

But if you set a record (world, national, regional, club, etc), it WILL count in the M50/W50 category. If you set a world record, then running against ‘younger kids’ won’t hurt you!

And there is no problem in running a relay in M45/W45 as you can have ‘older runners’. That’s why relays are marked M40-99, for example. (Not sure why you’d want a M90 guy running in the M40 relay?)

3 point Starting Position

In Masters, you CAN use a 3 point start, like a 40 yard dash. You CAN even use 1 block pedal for your rear foot only. I’m not sure if they still make them, but check out the MOYE Victory Starting Blocks. Or if you have the Gill Fusion block series (the official USATF ones), you can buy the Moye pedal adapter to ‘convert’ to a 3 point blocks. (I did a full review on the Gill Fusion F10)

But you cannot use a 3 point start in open meets, as it must be 2 point standing (800m), or 4 points with or without blocks.

I tried 2 points, and felt wobbly, to the point where I could get a false start.

I tried 3 point start in an open meet, and got told off by the Official.

So 4 point start with no blocks is fine by me. Like Alan Wells. Or just always use blocks, and be consistent.

More information on the 3 point start can be found at Break the Box: The Case for the Three Point Start.

False Starts, Lane Infringement & Yellow cards 

This rule can be interpreted many ways.

If you get a yellow card from a false start, a lane violation (L) or even showing up to the Call room late, does the false start carry with you to the next round? Or for the duration of the competition, like a football/soccer match?

I can see 2 false starts or yellow cards in the same race as an automatic DQ. That makes sense. (it’s in the rule book)

But what happens when you get a yellow card in the heats? Does it carry over to the semi-finals and finals? The rule seems to vary. Check with the officials.

Uniforms (or Kit)

You must wear the official uniform or kit (a UK term) from your country.

If you come 3rd with an illegal singlet, the 4th place finisher can file a protest to DQ you, so he gets 3rd place! I’ve seen this before!

Team GB has only 1 official kit, but Team Canada has several official uniforms.

At the open World Athletics Championships, recently in Nanjing Indoors 2025, Team USA can be seen wearing 2 different styles of singlets, but in the heats only. The Finals requires the same uniform.

Also, your team can get fined for $10K if you go to the award podium with the wrong kit. Remember Ryan Crouser had to wear a super small sweater given by his teammate?

So you must also wear the official uniform at medal ceremonies. If you don’t have a sweater or jacket, just show up in your singlet. (then again, what are they going to do? DQ you?)

There are a few more oddities in Masters Track, but these are the ones that come to mind. Especially the first point above!