IAAF Tweaks False Start Rule .....

[Kermit]

.... with Immediate effect!

The danger of one inadvertent twitch ruining the greatest day of a sprinter’s life has been removed after athletics’ governing body softened the rules on false starts ahead of the London Olympics.

The little-publicized clarification by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) permits athletes to move in the starting blocks without being disqualified so long as their hands do not leave the ground or their feet the blocks.

Previously, such twitching or flinching could have resulted in disqualification at the discretion of the starter.

“The bottom line is, outside of an athlete removing his hands off the track or his feet leaving the blocks, nothing else is a false start,” David Katz, one of 17 members on the rule-making IAAF technical committee, told Reuters by telephone.

http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/07/ ... -olympics/

[djlovesyou]

I presume that someone else's twitch that causes another athlete to leave the blocks will be deemed a 'faulty start' too?

[Geoff]

A lot of people, including many on this board, have been suggesting for some time this change should be made. Hopefully, starters will use common sense and athletes will not try to abuse the rules but it should avoid the minor twitches and movements that can lead, rather harshly, to an instant disqualification.

[Laps]

Oh dear! Back to the bad old days of gamesmanship, multiple twiching and delayed starts.

All it needs is the same discipline they have in Swimming. What is so difficult about that?

[ultragirl]

Oh dear! Back to the bad old days of gamesmanship, multiple twiching and delayed starts.

All it needs is the same discipline they have in Swimming. What is so difficult about that?

Absolutely right Laps.

[SteveK26]

Indeed. VERY few dq's in swimming. Virtually only in relays where a swimmer dives in too soon.
You just dont go on the B of the bang, but rather on the A!
Events run to time, no gamesmanship, and no hard luck stories.
I think this is a bad move for athletics, and is probably motivated by Bolt's dq in the worlds.

[ultragirl]

What I would like to see implemented, is when an athlete is disqualified for false starting then his spot is filled by the next qualified athlete to do so

[trickstat]

What I would like to see implemented, is when an athlete is disqualified for false starting then his spot is filled by the next qualified athlete to do so

I presume you're joking.

[ultragirl]

Some stretch of the imagination required here, imagine the stress of having some one you have beaten previously taking your place because you were trying it on in the blocks