Question

Explain the different types of starts in Sprint races.

Answer 1

1. A five-centimetre-wide white line signifies the beginning of a race. To ensure that every competitor starts the same distance from the finish, the start line of all non-lane races must be curved.
2. Beginning blocks are allowed for use in all races up to and including 400 metres (including the first leg of the 4 × 100 metres and 4 × 400 metres), but they cannot be used in any other event. The starting block may not extend into another lane or cross the start line in any portion.
3. Once it has been determined that the athletes are stable and in the proper starting position, all races must be declared when the starter's gun or other authorised starting device fires upward.
4. The gun or other authorised starting device needs to be fired or activated once all athletes have taken their starting positions. The athletes may be called out of the blocks and the process restarted if the starter is not satisfied that everyone is prepared to go.