STARTING LINE

The job of the Starter and assistant Starter is to see that all runners in a race are given a correct, fair, and equitable start in the race. The Starter and Assistant Starter maintain control around the starting line area as well as are responsible for giving the runners instructions on the competition. There is always a Starter. There will sometimes be an assistant or recall Starter. If there are enough volunteers, I suggest also assigning one additional person to the starting line to work as the radio operator/stager to leave the Starter(s) to concentrate on their duties.

The starting line officials, and especially the Starter, are very key meet positions that control the efficiency and timing of your meet.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED -
-  Starter's gun. If you have a recall starter, you will need one for him/her, too. The club will usually provide the gun(s) needed. Recent rule changes allow .22 calibre as well as .32. Some clubs have used a "cap" type gun which produces a .22 type report. Any is acceptable that can be heard by all lanes in a staggered start. Cost of the ammunition is the major factor in gun selection.
-  Ammunition. Provided by the club. The quantity you will use varies each meet because it is dependent on the number of races, false starts, etc. One hundred (100) shots per meet should be available and you can expect to use a minimum of 75-80 per meet. Always bring the extra ammunition, you may need it.
-  Ear protection. Find out if the club provides ear protection. Even if they don't BRING SOMETHING!! The Starter will be firing 80-100 shots a few inches from his/her ear during the day and a hearing loss can possibly occur without some type of protection, even if it's just cotton.
-  Whistle. Sometimes provided by the club. Used to give the "Marks" and "Set" commands in staggered start races where the voice will not carry or the crowd noise is high. The whistle may also be used to communicate with the finish line if a radio is not available.
-  Arm "Sleeve". This is a brightly colored slip on covering for the Starter's gun arm. It is strictly a visual aid for the timers to find and distinguish the gun arm of the Starter from the background, especially when the Starter is remote.
-  Box. Usually the fishing tackle type. It is used carry the Starter's equipment and supplies. It should contain not only the gun(s) and ammunition, but some basic cleaning equipment and something to clear a stuck brass case (obviously, not needed if using a cap gun).
-  Order of Events. Should be the same as the Stager and Announcer use. It helps the Starter to know remember) which events are coming and where the starting line will change.
-  A radio. A real meet expediter when the starting line is remote to the finish line (100's, 220's). It is most efficient when the radio is used by the Assistant Starter to leave the Starter free to perform his starting duties.
-  Race Instruction cards. 3x5 type cards with the instructions for the runners. Instructions vary by event and are important since most of our competitors are new to the sport.
-  Megaphone or other voice amplification. Optional item but worth consider-ing if you don't use the whistle on staggered starts.
-  Starting Blocks. You need a least 3 or 4 but plan on providing 8. These are generally supplied by the facility.
The following items are not used exclusively by the Starter or starting line, but are needed in the conduct of the running events (and I couldn't think of where else to list them!):
-  Hammer. Make it a heavy type, like a sledge hammer which will be used to pound in the blocks. Only needed if you have a dirt track.
-  Wheel barrow or cart. Used to move the starting blocks to the various starting lines. Usually provided by the same source as the blocks.
-  Zone flags. You will need three each of two colors, usually red and white or red and green. They are used for the relays by the zone judges to indicate readiness and fair or foul passes.
-  Chalk. Same color (white ?) as used to mark the track. Used to re-mark the starting, finish and other lines which become obliterated during the competi-tion. Be sure it is non-caustic.
-  Hand chalker. Used to remark the lines.
-  Hurdles. You will need 10 per lane and you should have enough to run at least 4 lanes (40 hurdles). The hurdles must be capable of being set to 30" and 33".

HOW IT'S DONE - There are three areas to cover for the Starter/starting line:
-  1) How to start a race
-  2) Sample starting instructions
-  3) How the Starter/starting line works using a sample scenario

HOW TO START A RACE: Almost everyone is familiar with the commands to start a race. One or two commands are always given before the gun is fired. The commands are:
-  "Take your marks"
-  "Set"

Both commands are given for races up to and including the 440 yard dash and relay races where the first leg is a 440 or less. Only the "Take your marks" command is given before the gun for races longer than 440 yards.

The audible commands are always accompanied by visual signals (primarily directed at the finish line officials) given by the Starter. The signals are:

- On the "Take your marks" command, the gun arm of the Starter is raised. Also, at this point, some Starters move the other arm from the side in a "windmill" motion, first back , then around in a circle until their fingers point downward in front of them.

- On the "Set" command, the arm opposite the gun arm is raised.

Individual styles vary a great deal. The minimum the Starter must do is raise the gun arm on the "marks" command and the other arm on the "set" command. On races where only one verbal command is given, the arms are raised as described for the two command start, except that the "set" command is not given. The arm signals are all that the finish line officials have to alert them that the start is about to happen.

POSITION OF THE STARTER: The starter's position when starting a race is important to consider. He must deliberately choose a position to give his commands that gives a clear view of all of the runners in the race AND he can be clearly seen by the finish line officials. He must also not position himself so as to be in the way of the competitors. If possible, he should also consider against what background his gun arm appears to give the timers the best chance to see the flash/smoke of the gun. Often, moving a few feet one way or the other will put the gun against a better background. He should check with the finish line each time he moves the start.
The Starter should position his body with either his front or back square to the timers position. This will allow them to see both arms at all times. If he is sideways to the finish line, the arm farthest from the finish line can't be seen. It should be remembered that the runners respond to the gun and voice commands. The timers need to see his arms so that a start is not missed.

STARTING COMMANDS: The timing between the commands and when the commands are given are the single biggest problem for new Starters.
When all runners are standing ready at the line, The Starter should give the "Take your marks" command.
Only after all runners are at their marks AND NOT MOVING should the "Set" command be given. This is extremely important in the shorter races. When the "set" command is given, the starter should wait approximately two (2) full seconds before firing the gun. He should only fire the gun after two (2) full seconds IF all of the runners are in the "set" position and absolutely still. If they are not ready or still, he should order them "off your marks" or to "stand up" and start the procedure over.
Obviously, if the race is one started with only one command, just change the "set" command in the above paragraph to read the "Marks" command.
The commands should be given in a tone and manner which conveys control and authority but does not intimidate or upset the runners. Since age group track has young children who are mostly new and inexperienced, the Starter should be sensitive to over doing it.
The whistle may be used by the Starter when his voice may not be adequate to reach all competitors equally. This can happen on the start of a 220 or 440 where the Starter may position himself in lane 8 or 9 which can be over 30 yards from the runner in lane 1. Voice commands are always better, but if the whistle is used, I suggest one longer blast for the "marks" command and a shorter blast for the "set" command. If you use a whistle, be sure you explain it to the runners before you use it - or they may not react to it at all !

One additional note for the Starter and starting line crew. Order and some measure of quiet must be maintained around the starting line to assure a fair start. Don't be afraid to hold up the start until the area is under control. Usually a loud and commanding "Quiet at the Starting Line, Please" will do it. Sometimes, crowd noise can't be controlled much. Either hold the race or use the whistle. Remember, your job as Starter is to assure a fair start.

FALSE STARTS: False starts are signaled by the Starter or Recall Starter by a second firing of the gun. If any competitor leaves the starting line before the gun is fired, it is a false start. A false start is a judgement call on the Starter(s) part. Don't be afraid to recall a race, especially in the shorter (sprint) races where the start is very important. A called false start is like a called strike in baseball; there are always other opinions by other individuals. Practice will develop the best judgement.

Whenever there is a false start, it should be signalled immediately. Delaying the gun will make everyone else think you weren't sure of your decision.

STARTING INSTRUCTIONS: Not only do the rules require that certain instruc-tions be given before each race, they should be given to assist the children in learning and understanding the sport and competition. It is also necessary if you have any differences in the way you run the competition than it may be run by other clubs (consider the many ways the 880 is run). The instructions usually include:

- Confirm the race and age/groups in the event
- The length of the race: the number of laps or some other plain english description of the length.
- If this event is run partially in lanes, where they may "break" for lane one.
- Rules specific to this event or your facility or the way you run the competition.
- The starting commands you will use.
- Recall procedure.
- Ask for questions.
- As a courtesy, wish the competitors good luck.

The Starter will need to give instructions to every event and every heat/flight in that event. Monotony does set in. However, consistency is one of the secrets to good starting.

A couple of examples:
 -  For the 100,220,and 440:
   "This is the Gremlin Boys varsity 100 meter dash."
   "You will run the entire race in your own lane. Don't cross over the white lines or run in someone else' lane."
   "When you start, you must be behind the starting line, not on or over it."
   "When you finish, please come back to the finish line and stay in your lane until they take your tag."
   "I will give you two commands before I fire the gun: The first will be "Take your marks" and, when you are still I will say "Set". When you are still again, I will fire the gun."

NOTE: Here, if using the whistle, you would explain how you will use it as a replacement for the verbal commands.
   "If I fire the gun a second time, it means to stop and return to the starting line."
   "Are there any questions ?"
   "Good luck to all of you. Please stand behind your blocks (the starting line) until I call you to your marks."    (At this point in the 220,440 and relays you would walk the runners up to their staggered starting line)
   (Once the runners are at their correct starting line, you would then contact the finish line to ascertain their readiness)

For the 880,Mile and 2 Mile:
   "This is the Junior Boys and Girls Varsity and J.V. One Mile Run."
   "This race is four complete laps around the track and you will finish at the line you are standing on."
   "When the race starts, you may immediately break for the pole (or inside lane) provided you do not interfere with another runner. You may then run in lane one for the rest of the race."
   "At the end of the third lap, I will fire the gun (or ring the bell) when the lead runner goes by to let you know you have one lap left."
   "At the end of the race, please stay on the track until they take your tag."
   "I will give you only one command before I fire the gun. When I say "Take your marks", move up to this line and be ready for the gun."
   "If I fire the gun a second time, it means to stop and return to the starting line."
   "Are there any questions?"
   "Good luck to all of you. Relax until I call you to your marks."

With these two examples you can develop instructions for all of the running races. Pay particular attention to giving instructions in the relay races to describe the zones, how far each runner is to run, and who and how far they must run in lanes. On the 4x100 relay, the inspectors who take the runners to the actual zones should also point out the zone markings.

A SHORT SAMPLE SCENARIO: The activities of the starting line are the same for each race in each event. They involve the same actions and interactions whether the Gremlin Mile or Youth Boys 100 meter dash is being run. The differences that develop between the events are due more to the length of the event and how many you have of them. The need for efficiency is amplified in the shorter races because there are always more of them.

A sample scenario for the 100 meters, starting with the runners being pre-staged and sent to the starting line:
   - The runners are placed in their lanes or starting order. This can be done by the Assistant or Recall Starter, if you have one.

In the case of the 100's and 220's, the succeeding races are "stacked" behind the starting line in the order they are to be run. ( For other races, they must be held in Staging or at least off the track.) As the previously staged races are started, the race moves up to the starting line, runners remaining in the lanes they were assigned. When the race is next to start and the prior race has departed, the Starter should, for Midgets and above, ask if any desire starting blocks. If they do, the blocks should be placed and set quickly. One or two extra adult helpers at the start to work with blocks will help avoid delays in the meet.
   - In the sprint races, after the blocks are set and the runners have had 1 or 2 practice starts, the Starter should give his instructions. Keep delays to a minimum. In the 440 and longer, the Starter should give his instructions as soon as the last competitor has finished in the prior race.
   - If the Finish Coordinator has not already indicated his readiness for the race, the Starter should then indicate that at least the Startingline is ready. If the start is remote and both have a radio, the meet can be expedited by the Starter giving the number of runners in the race and the composition (age/groups involved and varsity/junior varsity mix). This will assist the finish line in assigning timers and being prepared to properly record the finish.
   - When the Finish Coordinator indicates the finish line is ready, the Starter can move the runners to their proper starting line and indicate to the runners to stand ready. The Starter should then move to the spot he will start the race from.
   - The Starter then gives the "Take your marks" command and proceeds through the starting sequence as described above.
   - The cycle starts over again.

As indicated, the sequence is essentially the same for every race in every event and age/group. Obviously, some differences exist between the sprint and distance races.

Remember, the Starter and starting line are critical players in the meet and contribute directly to the length of the meet. They should prepare the next race for starting and be ready to start at the FIRST indication that the finish line is ready. Knowing their duties and reducing the time between the races is critical.

INTERACTIONS - The interactions the Starter and starting line have during the meet have pretty well been described earlier. Basically, the starting line gets the runners already formed into races from the staging area and sends (by the starting process) them to the finish line.

If the Staging area is alert and not having problems, they will keep the starting line filled with just the right number of runners/races. If they send too many or not enough, the starting line should contact the Stager to make adjustments. Once a meet is running smoothly, there is not normally constant contact between the Staging area and the starting line.

The coordination with the finish line is, however, constant and on-going. THE CONTACT WITH THE FINISH LINE BEFORE EACH RACE IS STARTED IS ESSENTIAL AND CRITICAL. As mentioned, the Starter can assist the finish line by also advising the finish prior to the race start of the number of runners in the race and their composition.

One note on contacting the finish. Only the Finish Coordinator (Head Finish Timer/Judge) should be in contact with the Starting line. Only he/she can be the single point to assign timers and assess readiness. Multiple contacts are confusing.

TIPS -
- If you aren't familiar with exactly where each event is started on the track, get someone to show you BEFORE THE MEET STARTS !
- It would be useful if the Starter were familiar with other markings on the track for relay zones, hurdles, and the various staggered starting lines.
- Get familiar with the Starter's gun BEFORE the meet. Know how to load it, cock it, and how to clear it if there is a stuck case during the meet.
- Be in command but don't over do it. You must balance your conduct to keep control of the runners and the starting line but not intimidate the children. Try some humor with them (especially the younger ones) to get them to relax and cooperate. It will also break up the monotony for you.
- If the club doesn't provide a bright vest or something for you to wear to allow the timers to easily see you at a distance, bring something. An orange or red hat or bright shirt will do.
- Always keep a minimum of two rounds in the pistol and get in the habit of checking the pistol after every race. It's real embarrassing and a great waste of time to discover you are out of ammunition once the runners are in the "set" position.
- Cock the pistol before you give the "On your Marks" command, not as you raise your arm. Also, keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you give the "set" command. These actions will cut down firing the pistol at the wrong time and an embarrassment to you.
- Stand with your back or front square to the timers. They will be able to see both of your arms even at a distance. Remember, they key on your arm movements and often can't hear your voice commands.
- Get to know the Finish Coordinator by sight and name before the meet. You will be working very closely.
- Work quickly but don't rush. NEVER rush the intervals of time between the commands.
- The starting sequence should not only be viewed as a set of ac-tions/comma- nds which has a fixed order, but also as having a "timing" or "pace" which is just as important.

The part of the Starter's sequence which begins with asking the runners to stand ready (or "behind your blocks") and ends with the firing of the gun should never be started in the middle. This is most often attempted by new Starters when there is a problem after the "set" command has been given. The proper action is to ask the runners to "stand up" (sprints) or "relax" and, after any necessary warnings, start again with "stand ready".