IAAF Ranking

The ranking system is based on the two main elements of all Track & Field performances, the measured results of athletes and their placings during competition. Athletes’ performances can be considered in all competitions from grass roots to elite international level. However, the IAAF or one of its Member Federations must have officially ratified the results.

The IAAF World Rankings produce Event Rankings and Overall Rankings. The Event Rankings evaluate athletes competing in a single discipline and rank the world's athletes in that specific discipline. The Overall Rankings compare all athletes in all disciplines to rank all the male and female athletes in the world.

Ranking Method
The Rankings are based on the Ranking Scores
Ranking Score = Average of Performance Scores
Performance Score = Result Score + Placing Score

In order to improve their ranking position, the athletes have to achieve the best possible results in their event at the highest quality competitions they can enter!

In 2004 Road Running and Race Walking were introduced, a development which enables the Rankings to cover all the athletics disciplines: Track & Field, Combined Events, Road Running, Race Walking and the World Cross Country Championships.

Event Rankings are produced in 40 Athletics events. These Events often consist of a group of disciplines, which are similar to each other. Therefore each Event includes a ”Main Event” to which may be assimilated one or more ”Similar Events”. Table 1 shows the details by listing all the 20 men's Events and 20 women's Events.

Performances in each of these 20 men's and women's Events count separately for the Event Rankings. Athletes can be ranked in all the different Events where they have achieved performances.

For more information about the ranking and it's rules, go to IAAF