SPRINT START

NUTLEY BOY

Is there a rule about both shoes being in contact with the track at the start of the sprint races ?

When I was at school we were told that both shoes (toes in the case of the set position for a sprint) had to be in contact with the track surface.

I noticed at the Worlds last week that some athletes in the set position seemed to have a toe off the track surface and well planted on the starting block.

Incidentally, I thought that there would be no real advantage to having your foot off the track. I always imagined that if you were off the track surface and up the starting block by a few inches at the start that you would be more likely to overbalance.

RoyMcC

There's no such requirement under IAAF Rule 161. Can't say that I've ever heard of it, in Ireland or the UK.

For what it's worth I think the requirement to use blocks is crazy, it ought to be optional.

notsofast

RoyMcC wrote: »

For what it's worth I think the requirement to use blocks is crazy, it ought to be optional.

I assume that's because of timing equipment. How would you accurately start the clock without blocks?

Pherekydes

notsofast wrote: »

I assume that's because of timing equipment. How would you accurately start the clock without blocks?

The gun starts the clock.

The blocks are used to help detect false starts.

RoyMcC

Yes, at elite level. This requirement applies (in Ireland, as with all countries that adopt IAAF) to all senior sprints up to 400m. You don't get photo finish/start electronics at many meets. An athlete entering (say) a graded meet has to climb into blocks even though they may not have used them before.

My experience at the Dublin graded meets, but perhaps the rules are relaxed elsewhere?

notsofast

Even at Provincial level this year, blocks were compulsory from U13 upwards. Last year, this was accompanied by gentle encouragement for all clubs to purchase blocks.

False start rule also adopted after U17s. U13-U16 had the old system, everyone on yellow after 1 false start. This was put in place to get kids used to blocks/false start rule as soon as possible.

dna_leri

NUTLEY BOY wrote: »

Is there a rule about both shoes being in contact with the track at the start of the sprint races ?

When I was at school we were told that both shoes (toes in the case of the set position for a sprint) had to be in contact with the track surface.

I noticed at the Worlds last week that some athletes in the set position seemed to have a toe off the track surface and well planted on the starting block.

Incidentally, I thought that there would be no real advantage to having your foot off the track. I always imagined that if you were off the track surface and up the starting block by a few inches at the start that you would be more likely to overbalance.

No there is no rule about both feet being in contact but yes you are more likely to overbalance.

Asafa Powell starts like that but unless you have his strength it is not recommended.