Starter

 Function:
To start a race which is fair for all athletes.

What Do I Need To Start A Race?

• Hearing protection: Ear muffs/plugs
• Starting apparatus: Starting gun: caps /ammunition, Electronic starting gun

Where Do I Stand To Start Races On The Straight Track?
Rule of thumb: On inside of the track: 5m from lane one; 3m forward of start line

Where Do I Stand For Races On The Circular Track?
Dependent on site constraints:

• At rear of athletes close to lane 8,
• 15m behind lane 1 start line
• Forward of the athletes, outside track; several metres forward of lane
• On infield, close to lane 1; approximately 15m rear of lane 1 start line

What Are The Rules Of Starting?

• If athlete leaves (breaks) their mark before gun is fired, starter declares a false start
• Disqualification of the athlete “breaking” is dependent on the starter’s perception of the break, the age level of the athlete and the combined events rule

How Do I Start A Race?

• Check with head timer that all other personnel are ready (place judges / timers)
• In all meets the Starter should ensure the track is clear before the gun is fired
• For all staggered start laned races the starter will select athletes lanes in a random fashion.
• In races up to and including 400m, the command is “On Your Marks” “Set” – gun
• In races over 400m that start from the curved lines, the command is “On Your Marks” – gun
• The length of time between each command is not counted or fixed, but should be a reasonable length of time whereby all athletes are settled and no movement detected. The command will vary, especially between athletes doing standing and crouch starts.
• If an athlete is taking too long to settle into the “Set” position, as Starter ask all the athletes to stand up and begin the commands again
• As soon as you as Starter have determined that all athletes are ready, the gun should be fired

Starting Locations and Lap information:

• 100m, 400m and 700m walk start at the front straight start line. 400m is a staggered start and athletes remain in their lanes for the duration of the race, they will complete one lap of the track from the start position. 700m walk start from a curved line and athletes can move to the inside lane straight away, they will complete two laps of the track from the start position.
• 200m, 500m, 800m 1100m start from the beginning of the back straight. 200m races start from a staggered start and run to the finish line on the front straight with athletes remaining in there laps for the duration of the race. 500m, 800m and 1100m all start from the curved line with athletes able to move to the inside lane straight away during a 500m, 800m and 1100m race. 500m will run to the finish line and then complete one additional lap. 800m will complete an additional two laps after crossing the finish line for the first time. 1100m will complete an additional three laps after crossing the finish line for the first time. 
• 300m and 1500m start from the finish line area curved line. Athletes are able to move into the inside lane straight away. 300m races will complete one full lap. 1500m races will complete five laps