Long Jump Rules
A sprint down the runway into a single takeoff, jumping for maximum horizontal distance into the pit.
Each athlete gets a fixed number of attempts (usually 3-6); the best valid jump counts.
- •Longest valid jump, measured from the takeoff board to the nearest mark in the sand, wins
- •Distances measured to the nearest centimetre (or half-centimetre at elite level)
- •League standings can rank by best distance across the season
- •Taking off with any part of the foot beyond the takeoff board line is a foul — the jump doesn't count
- •The jump is measured from the nearest mark left in the sand, however the athlete lands or falls
- •Walking back through the pit toward the takeoff board is usually not allowed after landing
The board and measuring a jump
A jump is measured from the take-off line to the nearest break in the sand made by any part of the body, not from where the feet land. Sitting back on landing therefore costs distance, which is why the landing technique matters as much as the jump.
Any part of the foot passing beyond the take-off line is a foul, judged by the plasticine indicator board. Novice jumpers commonly lose more distance by taking off well behind the board than they would ever risk by fouling.
Running a competition
Standard format is three attempts for all competitors, with the leading eight receiving three more. Each athlete has a limited time per attempt, typically a minute, which needs a marshal with a clock in a busy competition.
Rake the pit and reset the plasticine between attempts, and check the wind gauge if you have one. The 2.0 metres per second tailwind limit applies to long jump exactly as it does to sprints.
Common questions
How is a jump measured?
From the take-off line at right angles to the nearest mark in the sand made by any body part. If a jumper falls backwards on landing, the measurement is taken from that mark, not from the feet.
What counts as a foul?
Breaking the vertical plane of the take-off line with any part of the foot, walking back through the pit, or taking off from outside the board. The plasticine strip is there to make the first of these objective.
How many attempts does each athlete get?
Three in the qualifying rounds, with the top eight getting three more in most competition formats. Smaller club competitions often give everyone four to keep it simple.
How do athletes find their run-up?
By measuring back from the board in training and marking the start with a check mark. A consistent run-up is the single most important thing in the event, since an inconsistent approach guarantees either fouls or lost distance.
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