Athletes' Representatives

Background

On 14 August 2023, the World Athletics Council formally adopted new Athletes’ Representatives Rules(Rules) (See section C.5.1) which have introduced a centralised regulatory framework governing the activities of Athletes’ Representatives (ARs) on a worldwide basis.

The new Rules entered into force in two waves: 

• • On 1 September 2023, the licensing process opened for any individual that wished to be licensed by World Athletics as an AR;
  • On 1 January 2024, the obligation for certain ranked athletes and/or certain elite competitions to only engage or negotiate with individuals licensed by World Athletics as an AR commenced.

The AR Rules were then further refined in August 2024, and January 2025.

Licensed ARs

This section of the website currently lists ARs licensed by Member Federations pursuant to the January 2025 edition of the Rules. Only ARs licensed pursuant to the Rules, meaning they are eligible to perform ‘AR Services’ (as defined in the Rules), are listed on this section of the website. 

Applications to be licensed can be submitted on the World Athletics Athletes’ Representatives Portal (Portal). Further information about the licensing process, including the requirement for applicants to undergo vetting, can be found in the Portal.

Ranked Athletes

For purposes of transactions as defined in the Rules, a Ranked Athlete may only receive AR services from: 

• • licensed ARs; or
  • a Member Federation (with World Athletics permission, see "Facilitating Transactions below); or
  • the individual may self represent.

A Transaction under the Rules consists of:

1. 1. Participation in a competition which may result in the provision of promotional services, an appearance fee, prize money or other financial or non-financial benefit; 
   2. Employment with a team or club; or 
   3. Commercial agreements which relate to Athletic Shoes or Athlete Kit.

Accordingly, a list of Ranked Athletes is available on this section of the website. Where a Ranked Athlete has chosen to be represented by an AR, that AR is listed under their profile. 

Elite Competitions are also bound by the same obligation as it relates to transacting with athletes.

If you have any questions about the AR scheme, please do not hesitate to contact us (select 'athlete representatives' on the form).

Facilitating Transactions

In accordance with articles 16.1.1 and 16.5 of the World Athletics Athletes' Representatives Rules, the following Member Federations have received consent to facilitate Transactions for their affiliated Athletes:

The World Athletics Athletes' Representative Panel is a first instance body which has the power to make decisions pursuant to the AR Rules, including considering disciplinary matters and contractual disputes.

The below table sets out decisions made by the World Athletics Athletes’ Representatives Panel.