How much do you know about the False Start Rule?

When Usain Bolt, the 100 and 200m world record holder, false started in the 100m final at the 2011 Daegu world championships, the world stood and took notice. Opponents of the current false start rule were very vocal, calling for its immediate modification. The current rule went into effect on January 1, 2010 and has been heavily debated as to its fairness to the athletes. The “one false start and you are out rule” has faced criticism from both track fans as well as the athletes themselves.  The IAAF has argued that the current false start rule levels the playing field as anyone can be thrown out of a race including the world fastest man. Also in the past, there were circumstances in which athletes would intentionally commit  false start in fractions so as to rattle the other competitors with the hope of gaining a mental advantage. While Bolt’s false start made the headlines, Britain’s Christine Ohuruogu was also a casualty of the dreaded false start rule in the World Championship women 400m, when she false started in the heats. The image of a stunned Ohuruogu being led off the track by an official was one of the low points of the 2011 Daegu Championship.   Athletes have to Adjust Athletes are fully aware of the rules and have to make the necessary adjustments within their training regimen to avoid becoming a victim. In other sports, there are similar uncompromising rules. In the NFL, for example, the offensive line is taught to be patient and to wait for the snap of the football. A mere movement or flinch by an offensive lineman can lead to a false start that can cost the team 5 yards in penalty. While it is unfortunate that Bolt false started in a major championship, there are lots of good that can come from this. One being that track athletes are now fully aware that no one is immune from becoming a casualty of the false start rule. Knowing the rule is paramount.  The following Q&A seeks to examine the rules in more detail. Questions and Answers Who implemented the rule? The current false start rule was implemented by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) and adopted as of January 1, 2010.  Can track athletes be allowed to compete if they false start without being penalized? Yes. Athletes are allowed to run under protest if they are charged with a false start provided that the false start apparatus used are not IAAF approved and that the Referee deems the information received from such false start apparatus to be inaccurate.  If the false start apparatus used is IAAF approved then the athlete who false starts would not be allowed to run under protest. Ultimately, the decision for athletes to compete lies with the Referee. Jamaica’s Usain Bolt and Britain’s Christine Ohuruogu were automatically disqualified because the false start apparatus used at major championships are always IAAF approved. In both cases, the faulty equipment argument would not be a valid reason or excuse for the false starts.  Does the athlete who commits the false start have a right to protest? Yes: The right to protest and the right to appeal apply whether or not a false start control apparatus is used. In the case of Usain Bolt, his false start was very clear. Bolt knew it, the Starter knew it, and the IAAF certified false start apparatus showed it. Bolt had the right to file a protest but what good would have come from filing such a protest?  If Bolt has obviously false started and the Starter failed to recall the race, Bolt goes on to win the race.  Who are allowed to protest the claim of the Starter Failure to recall the race? The protest may be made only by or on behalf of an athlete who has completed the race. If the athlete did not finish the race, then neither he nor his representatives can file a protest. In what circumstance may a track athlete who false start be allowed to compete without a warning? In the Combined events such as the Heptathlon and Decathlon, athletes competing on the track are allowed one false start without being penalized as the first false start would be charged to the field. Any addition false start would lead to automatic disqualification.  Can an athlete be disqualified while in the starting blocks and prior to the Starter firing his pistol? Yes. What are three circumstances in which an athlete can be warned on the first offence by the Starter and disqualified on the second offence while in the Starting blocks?

• On the “set position” and before the report of the gun, causes the races to be aborted, for instance by raising a hand and/or standing or sitting up in the case of a crouch start without a valid reason.
• Fails to comply with the commands “On your marks” or “Set”  as appropriate or does not place himself in his final starting position after a reasonable time
• After the command “On you marks” or “Set” disturbs other athletes in the race through sound or otherwise.

Can more than one athlete be charged with false start and be disqualified from a single violation in a single race? In practice, when one or more athletes make a false start, others are inclined to follow and strictly speaking any athlete who does so has also made a false start. The Starter should warn or disqualify only such athlete or athletes who, in his opinion were responsible for the false start. This may result in more than one athlete being warned or disqualified.   Like us on  Facebook Follow us on Twitter