World Athletics, track and field’s global governing body, announced six new rule changes ahead of the 2023 World Championships in Budapest from Aug. 19 to 27.

Here’s what you need to know:

1 – Lane Draws:

New seeding will be implemented for lane draws in track events. Top-ranked athletes will have different lane allocations after the first round. Straight and 200m races have specific groupings for lane draw allocation.

2 – Qualification in Middle-Distance Events:

In 1500m, 3000m steeplechase, and 5000m, athletes will qualify for the next round based purely on positions, not time. We wrote about this rule when it was previously announced.

3 – Athlete Replacement Policy:

Empty lanes or starting positions due to athlete withdrawal will be filled by the next-best ranked athlete. This applies to finals and semifinals in all disciplines, including field events and relays. No re-draw of lanes or re-ordering of attempts. A maximum of two athletes will be considered for each replacement.

4 – The q Room:

A room will be set up for non-automatic qualifiers in sprints, hurdles, and 800m events. Athletes can relax, watch subsequent races on TV screens, have refreshments, and access their coaches and kit. Athletes can stay in the room for up to 20 minutes before proceeding through the mixed zone. TV cameras in the room will allow fans to watch the outcome.

5 – Running Under Protest:

Athletes can run under protest if the start referee has doubts over the validity of a false start charge, even if indicated by a certified start information system. The final decision on the protest is taken by the referee and subject to appeal to the jury. Athletes cannot run under protest if the false start is detected by a fully operational start information system or is clearly visible.

6 – Throwing Implements:

Throwers can now use their own implements, even if the same models are on the list provided by the organizers. The limit of two implements per athlete remains.