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Athletics: IAAF to introduce world rankings in 2018
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 [November 03, 2017]
By Mitch Phillips
LONDON (Reuters) - Athletics is to
introduce a world rankings system in 2018 as part of a widespread
effort to bring some sense and shape to its currently nebulous
calendar, and continue to move away from the sport's scandal-hit
past.
The introduction of the rankings in partnership with All Athletics,
announced on Friday, is part of a sweeping reform package that was
voted in by the IAAF last December to change the way the sport's
governing body operates.
The rankings will be a point-based system in which athletes collect
points across different levels of meet throughout the season to
determine qualification for premier competitions such as the
Olympics and World Championships.
It is also hoped that the introduction of the rankings will bring
some focus to the Diamond League, where currently leading athletes
often do not compete against each other, leaving fans feeling
short-changed and often confused.
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President
Seb Coe has made no secret of his frustration with many aspects of
the Diamond League's current format and is desperate to reform it.
When it comes to major championships, athletes are currently
selected by their national associations, if they achieve a
qualification time or mark.
"The IAAF World Rankings will drive and shape the global competition
system including entry into the World Championships and Olympic
Games," Coe said in a statement.
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The logo of the International Association of Athletics Federations
(IAAF) is seen in Monaco, March 11, 2016. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
"For the first time in the sport's history, athletes, media and fans
will have a clear understanding of the hierarchy of competitions...
allowing them to follow a logical season-long path to the pinnacle
of Athletics' top two competitions."
The athletes' position in the rankings will be determined by various
performance aspects along with the level of competition they are
participating in.
The points system for each event along with other details related to
the rankings will be finalised in the first quarter of 2018, meaning
the new system can be applied for qualification into the 2019 World
Championships and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The sport's governing body will also establish a new department
named IAAF Heritage to use athletics' history, drive understanding
of the sport and promote it around the world.
"The Rankings will bring much needed clarity to what is today a
confusing competition picture even for those from within the sport,
while Heritage will be an important tool to help inform, inspire and
engage interest through the extraordinarily story of Athletics,"
IAAF CEO Olivier Gers said.
(Reporting by Mitch Phillips/Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru; Editing by
John O'Brien)
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