Traditionally, a runner that false starts a race is allowed to remain in the field if he is the first one to do so, although any subsequent false starts mean that the runner will be disqualified.
That first false start is charged to the field.
Starting on January 1st, 2010, that will no longer be the case.
The IAAF approved the rule change 97 votes to 55, citing the success that a similar rule change has had in the NCAA for eliminating sprinters who try to game the system with a slight early lead with no repercussions.
The change in the rules should give runners plenty of time to get used to the change before the 2011 World Championships in South Korea.
Doug Logan voted against the change on behalf of the USATF.
(More Info: USATF – Photo Source: elisasizzle)
This always seemed like a silly rule. I’m sure most of the world’s best sprinters will adjust without much problem.
Good! Hopefully, this will make a difference….although, it still sucks to jump the gun.
I’m in favor of this rule. Getting off to a good start is an extremely important part of short distance races. This makes it a great challenge for sprinters to get off to a good start because the consequences of messing up are huge. One chance from the start! It will make some runners a tad more hesitant in the beginning and runners with extreme focus on the gun will be rewarded as they should be.