100M Dash Rules

Runners competing in the 100-meter dash take part in one of the fastest competitions in track and field. A typical 100-meter race is completed in approximately 10 seconds. Rules for the 100-meter dash are determined by the International Association of Athletics Federations, the governing body of track and field.

  1. Heats

    • For every eight participants in a 100-meter competition, a separate heat is held. Heats are preliminary races used to narrow the field until only eight participants remain, at which time a final race is held

    Seeding

    • Participants in the 100-meter dash are initially seeded based on previous performances during the year. After the first preliminary races, seeding is determined based on performance during the heats. The IAAF mandates the zig-zag method for seeding. Under this method, the top seeds are placed in separate heats. The next highest-ranked competitors are then placed in the heats, and this continues until all participants have been placed. For example, for a field with 24 participants, the number-one seed would be placed with the seeds number six, seven, 12, 13, 18, 19, 24; the number-two seed would be placed with seeds number five, eight, 11, 14, 17, 20, and 23; and the number-three seed would be placed with seeds number four, nine, 10, 15, 16, 21, and 22.

    Placement

    • Competitors in the 100-meter dash are initially placed at random. After the first round of heats, separate draws are held. The top-four competitors in each heat draw for lanes three, four, five and six. The next two competitors draw for lanes seven and eight. The lowest two seeds then draw for lanes one and two.

    The Start

    • Athletes prepare for the 100-meter dash by assuming the start position. In the start position, each athlete must put his feet in the starting blocks. The athlete's hands and at least one knee must touch the ground. When the official announces "Set," all athletes must pick up their knee while keeping their hands on the ground. Runners then start when the official fires the start gun. Athletes who move before the start gun is fired are assessed a false start. After the first false start, any subsequent false start results in a disqualification for that athlete.

    The Finish

    • Participants run until they cross the finish line. Whoever crosses the finish line first is declared the winner. Before results become final, race officials verify that participants remained in their assigned lanes for the entire race. Any athlete who runs out of the assigned lane is disqualified.