protocol for the start team

Real Federación Española de AtletismoComité Nacional de Jueces

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Real Federación Española de AtletismoComité Nacional de Jueces

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Text! Jordi Roig Lizarraga" Sebastián Sánchez Cerón

Graphics" Julián Moya Jurado!Translation" Julián Moya Jurado

Index:

Structure and organization of the start teamLocation of the start team judges

Task to do for the teamProcedure to false starts and interrupted starts

1) STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE START TEAM START COORDINATOR THE IAAF RULES (Art. 129.1 and 129.7) GIVE THE RESPONSABILITY TO A START COORDINATOR TO ORGANIZE AND LEAD THE START TEAM. HIS/HER ROLE IS CRUCIAL FOR THE GOOD FUNCTION OF THE START TEAM AND THE SETTING NEEDS TO BE MADE EXACTLY GIVING CONSIDERATION TO THE TECHNICAL RULES RELATED TO THE START. Functions:

Ensure that every member of the start team is giving their functions to perform. Control and lead the start procedure, moderate the signals for the Starter,

Recallers and Starter’s Assistants. Connect with:

Competition Director / Event Presentation Manager. Photo-Finish team. Other teams of Judges related to the race (Timekeepers, Finish Judges,

Wind Gauge Operator, etc.). Technical Manager (hurdle races, relay races, steeplechase races, etc.).

Keep the competition to time by working efficiently with the team and all other parties and manage any delay.

Link with the provider of the false start control apparatus team, settle the proceedings protocol and allocate the duties of the Start Team Judges.

Keep all the documents produced during the competition, including the reaction times and/or false start waveform images.

Ensure that the IAAF rules are adhered to, especially Art. 162.8 Note: It is strongly recommended that the same starter should start all rounds of the same event and must start all heats within a round.

STARTER His/her performance is crucial during the whole start procedure, and his/her decisions are very important. It is recommended when making his/her decisions, to be supported by any available technology and the start team. Funcions:

The Starter is responsible for ensuring that all Athletes have a fair start according to the rules (art. 129.2, 129.3 and 129.6).

The Starter is responsible for every decision concerning false starts (even when the start is recalled by any of the Recallers). The communication between the Starter and the Recallers is really important but has to be done quickly to avoid unnecessary start delays.

The Starter must be located in such a way that he/she can see all Athletes on the same visual angle which needs to be as narrow as possible.

The Starter must be sure that the starting voices can be heard by all the Athletes equally.

When an approved false start control apparatus is in operation, the Starter must be placed close to it, to control in person the reaction times and use this information to make a decision about a false start.

RECALLERS The Recallers help the Starter and are deployed to specific positions to give an alternative and enhanced view of the race start. The function to control the hands, knees and legs of the Athletes has to be done by the Starter’s Assistants where available (Art. 130.4). Functions:

They need to be in a position in which they have an alternative view of the start to the Starter.

Detect any infraction or technical error which the Starter cannot detect. If they observe any doubt about the start, they must recall the race and

communicate their reason for this to the Starter. STARTER’S ASSISTANTS They play an important role in the preparation of the race and to ensure the timetable is fulfilled. They must ensure that Art. 130 and 162.8 are fully implemented. Functions:

Identify number bibs and lanes for the Athletes on the start list and their heat lanes.

Check on the starting blocks are properly placed in the lanes according to the rules.

Let the Start Coordinator know when the runners are ready to start. Check the Athletes, when they are in their start position: “on your marks”.

Crouch start: the Athletes place their hands behind the start line, and keep their hands and one knee in contact with the ground, and their feet in the starting blocks.

Standing start: the position of their feet are behind the start line and they do not touch the ground with their hands. Give a signal to the Starter when all the Athletes are ready.

After a false start, show the appropiated card to the athlete after an indication from the Start Coordinator.

If any athlete is disqualified, ensure that he/she leaves the start area. After a false start, recall the Athletes to their starting point/assembly lines again. Be responsible for the readiness of batons for the first athletes in a relay race.

2) LOCATION OF THE START TEAM JUDGES The protocol for the start team depends on the number of Judges in the team. There will be three possibilities:

Start coordinator + 5 judges (1 Starter, 2 Recallers and 2 Starter’s Assistants).

Start coordinator + 4 judges (1 Starter, 2 Recallers and 1 Starter’s Assistant).

Start coordinator + 3 judges (1 Starter and 2 Recallers). The location and placements of the team will be explained later in this document. Note: More available judges are only an option with international competitions when

there are more particular protocols for these events. Less available judges than the recommended cannot guarantee a start judgement under acceptable conditions.

The location of the start team Judges have to be as follows:

The Starter will be placed in a fixed position with complete vision of all the lanes.

The Recallers must also stay on a fixed position, with a vision over all the

lanes, whenever possible (on 100m., 100mh., 110 mh. and 200m. This will be possible, no “althought” on 400m., 400mh., 4x100 relays and 4x400 relays this will not be possible), but they must always be on a different perspective to the Starter.

In 100m, 110m. and 200m. starts it is recommended that one of the

Recallers be placed behind the Athletes to have a viewing angle behind them.

The Starter’s Assistants are the only Judges of the team who can move

during the start procedure. They will check quickly the hands, legs and feet, particularly on staggered starts, so that the Athletes do not have to stay on their start position for longer than necessary.

Note: Sometimes, if there are less judges that necessary, the same judge will have to perform the task of Recaller and Starter’s Assistant. In the following enclosed pictures there is a summary of the location and displacement of the Judges. This refers to any of the three options previously mentioned and relate to any start of the 100m., 200m., 400m., 4x400m. and standing starts (break line). Note: The graphics that are shown next are not in scale. The indicated position for the

Start Referee is optional.

I. CROUCH STARTS

STARTS 100m., 100mh., 110mh. A) TEAM: START COORDINATOR + 5 JUDGES

Judge Placement and/or displacement Tasks to do

STARTER - static position, on elevated platform - inside track next to lane 1, between start line and 8-10 m ahead

- to direct the start procedure - controlling ALL the lanes (frontal-lateral view)

Outside RECALLER

- static position - outside track next to lane 8, 8-10 m ahead the start line

- helps the Starter - controlling ALL the lanes (frontal view)

Inside RECALLER

- static position - inside track next to lane 1, approx. 4-5m behind the start line

- helps the Starter - controlling ALL the lanes (rear view)

Inside STARTER’S ASSISTANT

1) starts behind lanes 2-3, to check feet position placement, 2) goes towards lane 1, parallel to start line, to check placement of hands, 3) then he/she goes backwards to position him/herself about 10 m behind the start line

- places/locates the athletes 3m behind the start line - checks the athlete’s contacts from lanes 1 to 4 - allows the OK signal to the Starter

Outside STARTER’S ASSISTANT

1) starts behind lanes 6-7, to check feet position placement, 2) goes towards lane 8, parallel to start line, to check placement of hands, 3) then he/she goes backwards to position him/herself about 10 m behind the start line

- places/locates the athletes 3m behind the start line - checks the athlete’s contacts from lanes 5 to 8 - allows the OK signal to the Starter

B) TEAM: START COORDINATOR + 4 JUDGES

The inside Recaller also acts as a Starter’s Assistant. Firstly, he/she positions him/herself and moves and does/carries out the inside Starter’s Assistant tasks and after that he/she places him/herself in the static position previously indicated on the scheme, to carry out the functions of inside Recaller.

C) TEAM: START COORDINATOR + 3 JUDGES

The inside and outside Recallers also act as inside and outside Starter’s Assistants. Firstly, they place themselves in position and then they move and do/carry out the Starter’s Assistants tasks, then they place themselves in the static position previously indicated on the scheme to do the recaller’s tasks.

STARTS: 200m.

A) TEAM: START COORDINATOR + 5 JUDGES


STARTER - static position, on elevated platform - on lane 3-4, 6-8m behind lane 1 start line

- commands the start procedure - controls ALL the lines (rear view)

Outside RECALLER

- static position - outside the track lane 8, 5m ahead lane 8 start line

- helps the Starter - control ALL the lines (front vision)

Inside RECALLER

- static position - inside lane 1 (on the lawn/grass track), 3-4m behind lane 1 start line

- helps the Starter - control ALL the lines (lateral-rear view)


- starts outside lane 1 and moves forward to the outside until lane 4 start line, and goes outside the track, perpendicular to lane 4 start line.

- locates the athletes 3m meters behind the start line - checks the athlete’s contacts from lanes 1 to 4 - allows the OK signal to the Starter


- starts outside lane 5 and moves forward to the outside until lane 8 start line and stay outside the track, perpendicular to lane 8 start line



The inside Recaller acts also as a Starter’s Assistant. He/She starts as an outside Starter’s Assistant, between lanes 3-4, then he/she moves outside backwards checking the athletes supports until lane 1 and places him/herself on the inside, on the position previously indicated on the scheme, to do/carry out the inside Recaller’s tasks.


The inside and outside Recallers do the same as the inside and outside Starter’s Assistants. The inside Recaller does the same as previously indicated on part “B” (no “before”), and the outside Recaller does the outside Starter’s Assistant movements but when he/she finishes, he/she locates him/herself in the static position previously indicated on the scheme to fulfill the outside Recaller’s task.

STARTS: 400m. – 4x100m.

A) START COORDINATOR + 5 JUDGES


STARTER - static position, on elevated platform - on lane 8, about 10-12m behind lane 1 start line

- command the start procedure - looking for ALL the lines (rear view)

Outside RECALLER

- static position - outside the track line 8, 5-6m in front of lane 8 start line

- helps the Starter - controls from 5 to 8 lines (front view)

Inside RECALLER

- static position - outside the track lane 8, perpendicular to lanes 4-5 start line

- helps the starter - control from 1 to 4 lines (front-lateral view)


- starts from behind, outside lane 1. - moves forward to the outside until lane 4 start line and then goes back, outside the track perpendicular to the lane 4 start line



- starts from the outside of lane 5 and moves forward on the outside until lane 8 start line and places him/herself outside the track, perpendicular to the lane 8 start line


The indicated positions are always recommended if we posses the media to make sure that the voices of the Starter reach simultaneously and in good conditions to all the Athletes. If that is not the case, have a look at “starts without loudspeakers” which will be indicated and explained ahead.


The inside Recaller also acts as Starter’s Assistant. He/She starts as a Starter’s Assistant at the outside between lanes 1-2, moving him/herself forward towards the

outside, checking on the placements of the hands, knees and feet until lane 4 and then he/she places him/herself to the outside of lane 8, perpendicular to the lanes 4-5 start line once in the previously indicated position on scheme, then he/she does his/her task as an inside Recaller.


The inside and outside Recallers also act as inside and outside Starter’s Assistants. The inside Recaller acts as indicated here above in “B”. The outside Recaller fulfills the movements of the outside Starter’s Assistant but when it is finished he/she locates him/herself in the static position previously indicated on scheme to fulfill the task of the outside Recaller.

STARTS: 4x400m.

A) TEAM: START COORDINATOR + 5 JUDGES


STARTER - static position, on elevated platform - on the lanes 6-7, about 12-15m behind lane 1 start line

- leads the starting procedure - looking for ALL the lines (rear view)

Outside RECALLER

- static position - outside the track line 8, 8-10m in front of lane 8 start line

- helps the Starter - controlling lines 5 to 8 (front vision)

Inside RECALLER

- static position - outside the track lane 8, perpendicular to lane 5 start line

- helps the Starter - looking for lines 1 to 4 (front-lateral view)


- starts from the outside of lane 1, he moves forward on the outside until the lane 4 start line, then he/she drags back to leave the track, perpendicular to the lane 4 start line



- starts from the outside of lane 5. He/she moves forward on the outside until he/she reaches lane 8. He/she stays outside the track, perpendicular to the lane 8 start line


The indicated positions are always recommended if we posses the media to make sure that the voices of the starter reach simultaneously and in good conditions to all the athletes. If that is not the case, have a look at “starts without loudspeakers” which will be indicated and explained ahead.


The inside Recaller also acts a Starter’s Assistant. He/She starts from the outside, between lanes 1-2, moving on the outside forward checking on the placements of hands, knees and feet until lane 4, once it is checked, he/she positions him/herself at the outside of lane 8, perpendicular to lane 5 start line, on the previously indicated position on the scheme, to carry out the task of inside Recaller.


The outside and inside Recallers also act as Starter’s Assistants: the inside Recaller acts as being indicated in the previous “B” mentioned above. The outside Recaller does his/her movements as an outside Starter’s Assistant, but when he/she finishes, he/she locates him/herself in the static position previously indicated on the scheme where he/she carries out the task of the outside Recaller.

STARTS: 4x400ml (without loudspeakers) We add a section of the 4x400m. relay starts “without loudspeakers” because the distance between the best placement where the Starter has to be located to be able to have a view of all the lanes (between lanes 6-7 and approx. 12-15m behind the lane 1 start line) and the lane 8 start line is really far away. By positioning him/herself in that position, when there are no loudspeakers, the voices of the Starter will not be hear in the last lanes (6,7 & 8). In such a case it is convenience that the Starter places in equidistant position between lanes 1 and 8, at the inside of the track (in the track inside half-circle). The further away from the track, more lanes may have on his/her vision angle but, even by doing this he/she won’t be able to control more than four lanes in his/her line of vision. Therefore, in cases like this, he/she needs the assistance of the Recallers and the Starter’s Assistants. They have to check the remaining lanes which are impossible to see for the Starter during the starting procedure. It is precise and absolutely important that all of them are within the same view angle on the line as the Starter because he/she needs to ensure that when he/she checks (lane 3 to 6, for example), he/she is also able to see the Recallers and the Starter´s Assistants, specially when one of them needs to make any signal indications before the shot. Once the Recallers and the Starter’s Assistants are ready, the starting procedure shall be as follows:

At the voice “on your marks” the Starter’s Assistants, after having checked the placement of the hands, knees and feet, make the “OK” signal to the Starter. By being in his/her vision angle, he/she does not have to turn around 180 degrees, concentrating on the central lanes. Once they give their “OK” to the Starter, the Starter’s Assistants observe any circumstance to interrupt the start. If so they make a signal to the Starter. By being within the Starter’s visual angle, he/she will see them immediately and could interrupt the start.

At the voice of “set” the Recallers are in change of observing, preferably one

Recaller for lanes 1 & 2 and the other the lanes 7 & 8 which are not being controlled by the Starter. If the Recallers observe any irregularity on the “set” position they will make a signal to the Starter and by being within the Starter visual angle, he/she will see them immediately and could interrupt the start.

In a case of a false start in lanes 1, 2, 7 or 8, the Recallers will cancel the start,

because thouse are the lines that they are controlling, after that, they pass their indications to the Starter though, so he/she can tell if the start was false and what lane it belongs.

Within this display of the start team, the location and movements that we have seen in all the shown schemes there are some differences which we explain as follows: Note: When necessary, depending of the sound conditions and audibility if required,

this scheme can be used for the starts of 400m. and 4x100 m. relay.

A)__TEAM: START COORDINADOR + 5 JUDGES


STARTER

- static position, on elevated platform - inside the track at half-circle, equidistant between lanes 1 & 8, about 20m away of lane 1 of the track

- commands the start procedure - checks lanes 3 to 6 (lateral view) - watch the indications of the Recallers and Starter´s Assistants during the start procedure

Outside RECALLER

- static position - outside the lane 8 of the track, perpendicular to lanes 2-3 start lines

- helps the Starter - checks lanes 5 to 8 (rear view) - gives indications to the Starter if there are irregularities during the start procedure

Inside RECALLER

- static position - outside the lane 8 of the track, perpendicular to lane 5 start lines

- helps the starter - checks lanes 1 to 4 (front vision) - gives indications to the Starter if there are irregularities during the start procedure


- starts from the outside behind lane 1 and moves forward to the outside until the lane 4 start line and goes out the track. He places him/herself perpendicular to lanes 3-4 start lines



- starts outside line 8 and moves back wards to the outside until lane 5 start line and places him/herself outside the track, perpendicular to lane 6 start line



The outside Recaller also acts as Starter´s Assistant: he/she starts as a Starter´s Assistant, from the outside of line 8. He/She moves backwards checking on the hands, knees and feet placements from the 8 to 5 lines. Then he/she places him/herself outside the line 8, perpendicular to lines 2-3 start line which is previously indicated on the scheme to carry out the task of outside Recaller.


The inside and outside Recallers also act as an inside an outside Starter´s Assistant: The outside Recaller acts as being indicated in the previous “B” mentioned (no “here”) above and the inside Recaller moves him/herself as an inside Starter’s Assistant but when he/she finishes, he/she goes to place him/herself in a static position which is previously indicated on the scheme (outside of the track, perpendicular to line 5 start line) to carry out the task of outside recaller.

II. STANDING STARTS (breakline) A)__TEAM: START COORDINATOR + 5 JUDGES


STARTER - static position, on the footstool - 2-3m inside line 1 (lawn/grass track), 3-4m. ahead the start line

- commands the start procedure - looking for ALL the lanes (front-lateral vision)

Outside

RECALLER

- static position - outside line 8, 1m ahead the start line

- helps the Starter - controls ALL the athletes (lateral vision)

Inside RECALLER

- static position - inside line 1, 1 m. ahead the start line

- helps the Starter - controls ALL the athletes (lateral vision)


- starts 5m ahead the start line from the central lines (to prevent the athletes go forward while doing the warm-up sprints) - then he/she goes to the start line to place the athletes 3m behind it (meeting line) - when the athletes are placed he/she moves him/herself to the outside of lane 8, 5m ahead the start line

- advises the athletes to not sprint towards the race but on the contrary sense - places the athletes 3m behind the start line - checks on the feet placements and the other contacts (only the feet can touch the flat) - allows the OK signal to the Starter

outside STARTER’S ASSISTANT

- starts 20-25m behind the start line from the central lines while athletes do warm-up sprints in the opposite direction of the race - calls the athletes to go to the start line - when they are placed 3m behind the start line, he/she places him/herself outside lane 8, 5m behind the start line.

- after indication from the Start Coordinator, he/she calls the athletes who are sprinting on the straight track - then the athletes are placed 3m behind the start line, he/she prevents the formation dispose

NOTE: In the standing starts, in break line, is common for the Athletes to perform short sprints at the start area. It is desirable that it takes place on the straight track, opposite direction of the race (less time is lost when called for the start).


The outside Recaller also acts as a Starter´s Assistant: he/she starts as previously indicated on the scheme as the outside starter´s assistant is detailed there and when the Athletes are correctly placed, 3 m. behind the start line, he/she places him/herself like an outside Starter’s Assistant to do his/her tasks.


The inside recaller also acts as a starter´s assistant: he/she starts as previously indicated on the scheme as the inside starter´s assistant is detailed there and when the Athletes are correctly placed, 3 m. behind the start line, he/she places him/herself like an inside Starter’s Assistant to do his/her tasks.

3) TASKS TO DO FOR THE TEAM SEQUENCE OF A START

About one hour before the first heat, they must perform the “0” test along with the Referee and the Photo-Finish Chief Judge.

Athletes enter in the track from the call room, accompanied by a Judge.,

The Starter´s Assistants wait in the start area with the start list, check the

Athletes´ number bibs and confirm them their respective race, heat and lane.

Note: The numbers and lanes checks can be done quickly and discreetly while the Athletes prepare their starting blocks (starts in lanes) or when they do the warm up sprints on the track, before the race (starts in break line), to do the task quickly and without disturbing them. a) Crouch starts (using starting blocks)

When the Start Coordinator (who is in control of timetable’s races) blows a whistler, the Starter’s Assistants ask the Athletes to shed/remove their warm up clothes, and place themselves about 3m behind the starting line.

When the Athletes are ready to start, the Starter’s Assistant shall give the

OK signal to the Start Coordinator.

After this, the Start Coordinator must be sure that: the photo-finish system and the false starts detector, the finish Judges, the Time keepers, and the wind gauge Operator all are ready and, after the Event

Presentation Manager confirms that everything is all right, he/she indicates to the Starter to start/commence the start procedure.

The Starter will give the order “On your marks”.

Athletes will place themselves on the starting blocks.

Note: To remember: If the Athletes deliberately delay placing themselves in that position they will receive a Referee’s disciplinary card. (Art. 162.5 b)

The Starter’s Assistants will check hands, knees and feet placement:

If any Athlete is not properly positioned, they will approach the Athlete/s,

speak in low tones and make a discreet indication to change his/her position.

If the Athlete/s do not change his/her position, the Starter’s Assistant will

make a sign to the Starter to interrupt the start procedure and the Referee takes a decision (Art. 162.5 b).

When the Athletes are placed “on your marks”, if one of them raises a hand

or gets up to abort the start, without a valid reason, he/she could receive a Referee’s disciplinary card (Art. 162.5 a).

When the Starter’s Assistants have established that the Athletes hands,

knees and feet placement is correct they move themselves to a position previously agreed making a confirmation sign to the Starter.

The Starter will give the command “set”.

When all the Athletes have reached their final start position, the Starter

will give the shot. Notes:

To remember: If all Athletes are prepared and stabilized in the “set” position, there is no reason to delay unnecessarily the shot.

Also, if any Athlete is still going up to his/her final position or is still doing some movement (shoulders, balancing, small “nervous” movements, etc.) DO NOT give the shot.

When any athlete is still moving in the “set” position it is recommended to wait a few tenths of a second for the Athlete to stabilize, before the shot.

If the Athlete continues his/her movements and does not stop, it is recommended he start procedure be interrupted and the incident is reported to the Start Referee who decides whether he/she is subject to a disciplinary card (Art. 162.5 c).

b) Standing Starts (breakline)

The Starter’s Assistants places/locates the Athletes on the start line in the start list order, when the Start Coordinator blows a whistler.

Having placed the Athletes at the meeting line, the Starter’s Assistant will make a confirmatory indication to the Start Coordinator and then, they place themselves outside the start line.

The Start Coordinator must be sure that: the photo-finish system and the false starts detector, the finish Judges, the Time keepers, the lap Scorers, and the wind gauge Operator all are ready and, after the Event

Presentation Manager confirms that everything is all right he/she indicates to the Starter to start the start procedure.

The Starter shall give the order “On your marks”. The Starter’s Assistants shall check that the Athletes feet placement is

correct, that is, completely behind the start line and not touching the track with their hands:

If the placement of the feet of an Athlete is not correct, the Starter’s Assistant, from the out the track shall make a verbal cue to change his/her feet position or approach quietly behind him/her

It the Athlete/s does not modify the position, the Starter’s Assistants will

make a sign to the Starter, who interrupts the start procedure and refers him/her to the Start Referee to make a decision. (Art. 162.5 b)

The Starter’s Assistants should not give the confirmation until all the Athletes are properly positioned with their feet behind the start line.

Also, the Starter should not shoot the gun until the Starters’s Assistants are out of the lanes (outside and inside the track) and have made the confirmation signal.

After receiving the OK signal, the Starter will make the shot.

4) PROCEDURE IN FALSE STARTS AND INTERRUPTED STARTS

The Starter is the only member of the start team who must determine if there has been a false start or not and the athlete/s who made it.

After an aborted start, the Starter will confirm to the Start Coordinator if it

is a false start or not, and to the Athlete who made it in that case.

In a cancelled start by the Recaller/s, the Starter will ask him/her/them the reason and confirm (or not) the false/s start/s to the Start Coordinator and the Athlete/s who made it.

The Starter’s Assistants shall wait for the Start Coordinator´s indication to

raise the lane marker and to show the appropriate card.

The system to show a card will be as indicated at Art. 162.8.

In an interrupted or aborted start, will not show a disciplinary card (that corresponds to the Start Referee) but will show the green card after the indication of Start Coordinator.

April 2010

Translation Spanish-English April 2011

protocol for the start team

Documents

start coordinator

start procedure

start teamlocation

fair start

start team judgestask

approved false start

start teamindicative

unnecessary start delays