- Before calling competitors to the starting line, the starter should check with the timekeeper to ensure that all is ready.
- When the starter believes all is ready, the competitors are warned by the starter with a short whistle blast.
- The starter then calls the competitors to their marks, using the words "On Your Marks". At this point, it must be ensured that no part of a competitor's body (including fingers, hands or feet) is on or over the starting line. The starter then allows the competitors a reasonable length of time to settle and become still.
- For all events up to and including the 400m, the starter then gives the command "Set". (For longer events, this command is not used). On "SET" all competitors move into their final starting position.
- The starter should not fire the gun (start the race) until all competitors are absolutely still. If unsteadiness occurs, or the starter believes it is taking too long for competitors to settle themselves, the starter may ask the competitors to all "stand up" and speak to the offending competitors. This is not considered a false start and the command of "on your marks" is given again.
- When the competitors are absolutely still, the gun is fired to start the race.
- If a competitor takes off before or with the gun, the starter should fire the gun again to indicate a false start and recall the competitors. A first false start warning is given to competitor/s concerned.