STARTER

The primary aim of the starting crew is to ensure a fair start for all competitors in the race

STARTER commands runners on the line and fires gun to start race.

RECALL STARTER ensures that runners are in proper positions and looks for false starts and block slips

If only one person then has to act in both capacities

Issue commands in clear, calm voice.

For races in lanes (60m to 400m) the commands are:

· ON YOUR MARK – Runners should be 3 meters behind start position and then move up to start or blocks. Starter places gun on top of head

· SET – issued after runners have settled into position or blocks. Starter raises gun up so timers can see

· BANG – Gun fired when runners are steady in set position. Ideal time is 1.8 seconds to 2.5 seconds after Set command.

For longer races in lanes (800m and longer) the commands are:

· ON YOUR MARK – Runners should be 3 meters behind start position and then move up to start. Starter raises gun to firing position.

· BANG – Gun fired when runners are steady in position. Ideal time is 1.8 seconds to 2.5 seconds after On Your Mark command.

STAND UP – Start above procedure over again. Command used if:

· Runner raises hand before gun fires because of problems

· Starter feels runners need to start over again at the line

RESTART: Restart gun should be fired if one of the following occurs:

· Runner starts moving out of set position before gun is fired

· Blocks slip or runner stumbles coming out (wet surface, etc.)

· In longer races, a runner is knocked down by another runner in first 100m.

Be familiar with the start lines for each type of race. If uncertain, consult with the Track referee or meet director. Take up a start position so that you can see all the runners starting a particular race and the assistant starter if there is one. The following are on the track at Parkland

60m to 110H – white lines on straight away	800m – curved line near finish line or
200m – white lines 4 pace stagger in lanes by 200 start	Green lines with 4 pace stagger near finish line
300H – white lines with 5 pace stagger by 1500m start	1500m – curved line near bins
400m – white lines with 8 pace stagger near finish line	3000m – curved line by 200m start

Have clear communication with marshalling crew, finish line crew and timing crew.

Cock gun just before On Your Mark command. Get into habit of keeping finger off the trigger until actually into starting mode. Have red sleeve on arm holding gun.