With the accuracy of the timing systems , ties are rare . Ties between different athletes are resolved as follow : In determining whether there have been a tie in any round for a qualifying position for the next round based on time , a judge ( called the chief photo finish judge ) must consider the actual time recorded by the athletes to one thousandth of a second . If the judge decide that there have been a tie , the tying athletes must be placed in the next round or , if that is not practicable , lots must be drawn to determine who must be placed in the next round . In the case of a tie for first place in any final , the referee decide whether it is practicable to arrange for the athletes so tying to compete again . If he decide it is not , the result stand . Ties in other placings remain .