Changed rules were used in the competitions. All participants competed in two finals in their respective disciplines.
In the running disciplines up to 800 meters and in the hurdles as well as in walking (5 km), the times from two runs were added. The fastest overall time won. The other placements were determined accordingly. In the second lap, the top eight from the first lap started together in one run, while walking there were two mass starts. Whoever showed the lowest total in the addition of the two best times won the gold medal.
In the throwing disciplines as well as in the long jump and triple jump there were two competitions in which all athletes competed together in a group. The best performance from both competitions was added to a total, according to which the places were allocated. In each competition there were four throws or jumps per athlete.
There were also two competitions on two different days in the high jump and pole vault. As usual, there were three attempts per height. The overall result was calculated from the two performances of the two finals.
If athletes achieved the same height or distance in total, the absolute best height or distance in one of the finals was used to determine the better final placement. If this was also the same, places were allocated twice. Failed attempts had no influence on the final ranking.
In the running disciplines of 1500 and 3000 m as well as 2000 m obstacle, the athletes first had a competition in their track discipline. In addition, all runners took part in a cross-country run (4 km). The places achieved in the track discipline and in the cross-country run were added, the lowest number of points won. (Example: 3rd place over 1500 meters and 5th place in the cross resulted in a total of 8 points). With the same number of points, the better placement in the cross-country run was decisive.
For all competitions: If you received a "DNS" (not started), "DNF" (did not finish) or "DSQ" (disqualified) at the first start, you could still start in the second run.