World Athletics false start rules explained

World Athletics disqualifies any sprinter reacting faster than 0.10 seconds before the gun, implementing a strict "one strike and you're out" policy for false starts. This rule, in place since 2010, means a single premature movement from the starting blocks results in immediate elimination from the race. A "green card" indicates a faulty start where no athlete is at fault, allowing a restart, while yellow and red cards address improper behavior.