8 February 2016

Since late 2014, there has been a review process in operation examining and editing the Rule Book. Changes have now been finalised and come into operation on 1st April 2016, with the final changes having been adopted by the UKA Board on January 21st 2016.

The detail will follow once the book is circulated (currently at the printers), however the key points to note are:

1.    Adoption of IAAF Rules as the basis. Proposed from the start of the process, this brings the UK rules closer to those operated world-wide, but also retains UK specific aspects as and where they are required. UK specific aspects retained include areas such as: arrangements to join a club, transfers and resignation. Also age group weights/ hurdle heights etc.

2.    Compulsory Registration. The rule book now requires competing athletes to be current members of their respective Home Country Federation (England, Wales, NI, Scotland) in order to compete (with a number of exceptions e.g. road, trail etc.). This change recommended through the rules procedures by EA is (a strengthening from the previous position where the rules expected athletes to be registered), requires a detailed implementation structure to be in place by 1st April 2016, and such work is planned and being put in place. Details of the checking and support systems will be rolled out over the period leading into April 1st, which will include continuing the dialogue with competition providers across the UK.

3.    Tidying up and reformatting. The Review and the incorporation of the IAAF Rule book has enabled a general tidying up and reformatting exercise to take place – the intention being to make the Rule Book easier to use and to navigate around. The many proposals received in this area from clubs and individuals across the country have been considered and, where suitable, adopted.

4.    Age Groups. It has been previously confirmed that the Age Groups are not changing at this juncture, so for clarification, the Rule book outlines rules for U20, U17, U15, U13 etc.

The rule book will now go to the publishers so that it can be distributed early March.