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World Athletics (formerly IAAF) certifies athletics facilities so that international competitions can be held under fair and safe conditions. There are two classes for outdoor facilities: Class 1 and Class 2. Class 1 is the class that hosts the highest-level competitions and goes through the most comprehensive checks.
Events such as the Olympic Games, world championships and top-level competitions on the World Athletics calendar require a Class 1 certified facility. In addition, performances and records achieved in international competitions are expected to come from a facility with a valid World Athletics certificate. The class required for a given event is set out in that event's technical regulations.
The Class 1 target must be set at the very beginning. Track geometry, bend radius, number of lanes, field event layout and drainage details must follow World Athletics standards. Later corrections are expensive and often insufficient.
Before signing the surfacing contract, check that the product holds a current World Athletics product certificate. The system type, layer build-up and thickness stated in the certificate must be installed exactly on site.
Lateral inclination must not exceed 1%, and overall inclination in the running direction must not exceed 0.1%. Asphalt evenness and surface thickness are measured directly in the on-site tests. Drainage channels and the inner track kerb must be installed without disturbing levels and alignment.
After surfacing, lines are painted and equipment is installed. All fixed equipment (cages, take-off boards, water jump, pole vault box) must be in place before the survey.
The surveyor prepares the measurement report and the accredited laboratory carries out the on-site tests. If deviations are found, they are corrected and the relevant measurements repeated.
The application is usually made to World Athletics through the national federation (in Türkiye, the Turkish Athletics Federation). The file includes the application form, survey report, product certificate and in-situ test report. After evaluation the facility certificate is issued and the venue is added to the World Athletics list of certified facilities.
World Athletics facility certificates are valid for up to five years; the period may be shorter depending on the age of the surface at application. Extension by re-testing is possible at the end of the period, and Class 1 renewals repeat the in-situ tests. Ageing surfaces may need re-topping. Always refer to the current World Athletics certification procedures.
SFS Engineering manages the process from design to certificate application on World Athletics-certified facility projects. See our credentials on the World Athletics certificates page and a project example in our certified athletics facility case study. For the differences with Class 2, read our Class 2 certificate guide.
Both classes require a certified surface and a survey report. Class 1 additionally requires on-site testing of the surface by an accredited laboratory, and the highest-level competitions are held at Class 1 venues.
Usually to World Athletics through the national athletics federation, with the survey report, product certificate and in-situ test report.
Yes, if the surface is a certified system and the dimensions and in-situ tests comply. Surface age shortens the validity period, and very old surfaces need re-topping first.
Up to five years, possibly shorter depending on the age of the surface. It can be extended after re-testing.
Get technical support for your project: SFS Engineering handles site survey, design, material selection and installation as a single contractor. Send us your dimensions and site details through our contact page and we will work out the right solution together.