<P> At the elite level , competitors run down a runway ( usually coated with the same rubberized surface as running tracks , crumb rubber also vulcanized rubber -- known generally as an all - weather track ) and jump as far as they can from a wooden board 20 cm or 8 inches wide that is built flush with the runway into a pit filled with finely ground gravel or sand . If the competitor starts the leap with any part of the foot past the foul line , the jump is declared a foul and no distance is recorded . A layer of plasticine is placed immediately after the board to detect this occurrence . An official ( similar to a referee ) will also watch the jump and make the determination . The competitor can initiate the jump from any point behind the foul line ; however , the distance measured will always be perpendicular to the foul line to the nearest break in the sand caused by any part of the body or uniform . Therefore , it is in the best interest of the competitor to get as close to the foul line as possible . Competitors are allowed to place two marks along the side of the runway in order to assist them to jump accurately . At a lesser meet and facilities , the plasticine will likely not exist , the runway might be a different surface or jumpers may initiate their jump from a painted or taped mark on the runway . At a smaller meet , the number of attempts might also be limited to four or three . </P>
where do you measure the long jump from
perpendicular to the foul line to the nearest break in the sand caused by any part of the body or uniform