GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
When does the wind-gauge measurement start for a sprint, long jump or triple jump?
It depends on the event. The cited rule uses timed windows from the start signal for straight sprints, from the first athlete entering the straight for most 200m races, and from specified approach marks for the horizontal jumps. A shorter jump approach starts its window when the athlete begins the run.
For Athletics viewers and meet volunteers interpreting when an event wind reading is measured. · Updated
Sprint windows differ by event
Under TR17.12, the table gives 5 seconds for 50m, 50m hurdles, 60m and 60m hurdles; 10 seconds for 100m; and 13 seconds for 100m or 110m hurdles. These windows start from the gun flash or smoke, not the sound of the gun.
For a 200m race, the usual window is 10 seconds from when the first athlete enters the straight. The rule states an exception for a 200m Standard Oval Track; the cited text does not license guessing an alternate trigger for that format.
Horizontal jumps use approach marks
For long jump, the 5-second window starts when the athlete reaches the 40m mark. For triple jump, it starts at the 35m mark. If the approach is shorter, measurement begins when the athlete starts the run.
These are wind-gauge timing instructions. They do not state a wind limit, decide whether a mark is record-eligible, or establish that a particular result is valid.
A sprint window and a short approach
For a fictional 100m race, start a ten-second measurement window from the gun flash or smoke. For a fictional long-jump approach, start a five-second window at the 40m mark. If another fictional jumper uses a shorter approach, begin that window when the athlete starts the run. No wind value is invented.
Related questions
Does the 200m wind window always start at the gun?
No. Under the cited rule it normally runs for ten seconds from when the first athlete enters the straight, with a stated exception for a 200m Standard Oval Track. The exception should not be assigned an alternate trigger without its applicable rule text.
When does the triple-jump wind window begin?
The cited rule uses a five-second window starting at the 35m approach mark, or at the beginning of the run if the approach is shorter.
Sources and further reading
- Competition Rules & Technical Rules (C1.1 & C2.1), retained 2026 text checked 2026-10-15 — TR17.12, printed pp.28-29 (PDF pp.70-71); TR29.10-29.12, printed pp.74-75 (PDF pp.116-117)..
- Competition and Technical Rule Amendments July 2026 — cover and page 2, CR32 change table; the retained sheet lists a CR32 U20 5000m Race Walk change only and does not amend the event rule discussed here.