Monday, 12 November 2018:

The ruling body of world athletics has run out of time to impose a major change to the qualifying system for next year's world championships in Qatar.

Responding to widespread concerns from member countries, including Australia, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) will stick with the familiar qualifying standards formula to determine entry for the September 28-October 6 world titles in Doha.

But the IAAF remains committed to introducing a new global rankings system, probably in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"Like any system, if something is rolled out too quickly just because you want to get it out there, then you're doomed for disaster," said Australian head coach Craig Hilliard.

"As I understand it, this system is still going to be rolled out so let's just make sure that we get it right and sort out any teething problems beforehand."

The IAAF will release event-by-event qualifying standards in early December.

Australian athletes will be able to gain automatic selection for the Doha world titles at the national championships in Sydney in early April next year or by bettering the qualifying standards elsewhere, as has been the case in the past.

Spots in the Australian team for the 10,000m and the race walks will be up for grabs next month.

IAAF president Sebastian Coe said the ruling body still believed world rankings was the best way to manage qualifying for future major championships.

"It is important our athletes and federations fully understand what is a complex system," he said.

"(But) we think sticking with the existing qualification system is the best solution for Doha because it gives our athletes, coaches and member federations the certainty they need at this point to prepare for the world championships.

"We trust that once everyone understands the world rankings system, they will be confident about its introduction."

AAP