GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
In long or triple jump, which mark in the sand determines the measured distance?
For a valid long or triple jump, measure from the nearest break in the landing area to the take-off line or its extension, at a right angle to that line. The break can come from any part of the athlete’s body or from an item attached to the athlete when it made the mark. So a hand mark closer to the take-off line than the feet mark can control the measurement. If a measurement falls between whole centimeters, the result is recorded down to the next lower centimeter.
For Long- and triple-jump athletes, coaches, and fans trying to understand how a distance is measured. · Updated
Find the nearest break in the landing area
TR29.9 does not say to measure from the athlete’s feet or from the farthest mark in the sand. It uses the break nearest the take-off line, made by any part of the body or an item attached to the athlete at the time it made a mark. The measurement runs to the take-off line, or its extension, at a right angle.
Measure a valid trial from that mark
TR29.9 calls for immediate measurement of each valid trial. A disputed trial may also be measured after an immediate oral protest under TR8.5, preserving the mark while the protest is considered; that does not establish that the trial was valid. The Comments say valid trials are measured even when the distance is short, because the result can affect a countback or qualification. Irregular trials are not normally measured outside the protest procedure or the special cases described in the Comments. Measurement does not itself decide whether take-off or landing was legal.
Record the result to the centimeter
If the measured distance is not an exact whole centimeter, TR29.8 records it to the next lower centimeter. For example, 6.287m is recorded as 6.28m, not rounded up.
A fictional landing with two marks
In a fictional jump, the feet leave a break 6.42m from the take-off line, while a hand makes another break 6.28m from the line. Measure from the hand mark because it is nearer the take-off line. If 6.28m is the measured distance, record 6.28m. This example explains measurement only; it does not decide whether the jump was valid.
Related questions
Does the feet mark always decide the distance?
No. The nearest break made by any body part, or an item attached when it made a mark, controls measurement.
Is the tape measured diagonally from the mark?
No. TR29.9 says to measure perpendicular to the take-off line or its extension.
Is a mark from a hand proof that the jump was a foul?
No. The mark determines where to measure a valid trial from. Take-off and landing-area validity are separate rule questions.
Sources and further reading
- Competition Rules & Technical Rules (C1.1 & C2.1) — TR29.8–29.9, Distance Measurement for Horizontal Jumps, printed p.74 (PDF p.116), including the Comments on valid trials, immediate protests, and marker placement.
- Competition and Technical Rule Amendments July 2026 — Cover and page 2, CR32 change table