Instructions for the Starter

• There are four starters required for the Program
  • Front Straight
  • Back Straight
  • Circular Track
  • Long Distance
• The Starter needs to sign in with the Officials Coordinator
• The Starter needs to be comfortable with performing their role. Please have someone show you how to start a race and practice prior to attempting to start an official event.
• The Starter must acknowledge Safety Policy at all times and adopt Sunsmart Policy.
• The Starter needs to obtain the following equipment from the Officials Coordinator prior to the Commencement of the program:
  • Starters Stand (Circular Track only)
  • Amplifier (Circular Track only)
  • Officials Tag
  • Name Tag
  • Whistle
  • Starting Gun
  • Leather pouch with starters caps
  • Ear muffs or good quality ear plugs
• Starting Procedure:
  • The Age Groupo Manager will have marshalled the children in readiness for the event and is in control of the children until such time as the Starter calls "On Your Marks". At this point of time the Starter controls all aspects of starting.
  • For athletes aged Under 12 to Under 15, the athlete must use crouch start and use the blocks. These athletes need to be called to set up their blocks. Athletes from Under 6 to Under 11 can use either the standing start method, or crouch method without the use of blocks.
  • Once all is in readiness:
    • ensure the timekeepers are ready by sighting the green side of the lollipop sign at the finish line. The red side indicates that they are not ready.
    • ensure the timekeepers can see you.
    • call the athletes to 1 metre behind the start line.
  • For races up to and including 400 metres, the starter uses the following words prior to firing the gun. No other words are used.
    • "On Your Marks"(athletes come to starting line, crouch if necessary or desired). The starter should raise his firing arm horizontal to the ground and in a position for the timekeepers to see.
    • "Set"(athletes prepare to race, rise slightly from crouch if being used). The starter should raise his firing arm directly above his head and in a position for the timekeepers to see.
    • "Stand Up" (if necessary due to athletes not ready or gun firing error). The starter should lower his firing arm.
    • Please note that the starters process needs to be smooth and controlled to make it easy for the athletes and the timekeepers. A good approach for non block start events is to slowly say "On Your Marks", count 1 and 2, "Set", count 1 and 2, then fire the gun. Too slow and the athletes get shaky, too fast and the timekeepers miss the start.
  • For races of 800 metres or above, the starters only command is "On Your Marks" prior to firing the gun.
  • In the set position an athlete's head, torso and shoulders may be past the plane of the start line.
  • The starter shall not fire the gun until all competitors are steady. In the case of unsteadiness or if the starter considers the waiting time is excessive the command "Stand Up" is given.
  • A second shot is fired if a false start occurs. A false start occurs where:
    • one or more runners gains an advantage
    • an athlete disturbs others through sound or otherwise after the command "On Your Marks"
    • an athlete leaves his mark after the words "On Your Marks" or "Set" but before the pistol is fired.
  • Offending false start athletes are warned by the Starter and the Starters gun is reloaded. If a second false start occurs by any previously warned competitors, they will be disqualified (except for Under 6 - Under 9 and Multi-Event athletes who will be disqualified after 3 false starts)
  • The Starter cannot disqualify an athlete if he has not called a false start. At NLAC "event days", the responsibility for athlete indiscretions after a fair start falls to either the Track officials for a walk race, or the Chief Timekeeper for all other track events.
  • Please note that NLAC's policy is for the children to have fun, and children do not see being disqualified as being fun, so for NLAC events, please use your discretion on disqualification rules by keeping atune to the spirit of the moment, and other competitors thoughts.
  • Please try to keep events moving to ease the burden on the Program Coordinator.
  • A good Starter should be physically and mentally alert. They must have a good knowledge of the rules and be impartial and fair. A Starter should be calm and never panic.
• Starting Positions:
  • Starting on a straight line in races up to 110m.  The Starter stands on the infield side of the athletes and slightly in front of the athletes to enable all competitors to be viewed in the narrowest angle of vision practicable.  The Starter needs to consider the status of Circular Track events so as not to be in the way of a Circular Track athlete.
  • Staggered Start in Lanes (up to and including 400m). The Starter needs to ensure they are in a position to see all competitors in one line of vision and that all athletes can hear you (use amplifier if necessary)
  • Staggered Start on Curve.  Similar to above but Starter will need to take a different position to enable all competitors to be viewed clearly.

• Officiating at Athletics is FUN, so please enjoy yourself and have fun with the children.  Having fun is normally more important to the children than the actual competitive event.
• On completion of the "event day", return all equipment to the Officials Coordinator, and place name tag in Officials Prize Box. Please advise if any problems with equipment or process. Improvement recommendations are always sought.