Excellent points to which I would hope the IAAF pays attention to ....
Conway Hill
>From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: Re: t-and-f: What's next?
>Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2001 09:40:16 EST
>
>the start for the sprinter/hurdler is such a complex piece of the race...it
>is the only event in track and field which symbiotically is linked with
>another person, the starter (and how do we hold him accountable - as
>mentioned earlier, iaaf/usatf rules differ) - these are the only events in
>track and field where an athlete is prevented from competing (tossed out of
>the meet) should they break the second time....all eyes are on the start of
>the dash, when a mistake is made, it is signalled by a multiple series of
>shots - yes, everyone knows a mistake was made (the long jumper fouls, for
>example, and no gun shots call attention to the error!! - someone just
>waves
>a pretty little red flag and many people don't even see it), the
>sprinter/hurdler has the greatest pressure on him/her at that set point, to
>go from absolute stillness to explosive speed in a short distance, is
>typical
>to no other event in the program - not to mention the odd weight bearing
>position that the athlete is in......so, before you call sprinters/hurdlers
>cheaters and want to abolish the current rule...think....it's not a simple
>as
>you make it....if they break, they get called back - and now have to
>approach
>the start with this punishment added to the above...isn't that enough to
>pay
>for a break??? all other athletes are given 3 tries/warnings to correct
>their
>errrors...how many times have you seen an athlete looking up to the coach
>in
>the stands for the adjustment of their mark, for example...yes, the coach
>helps them with their error from the stands prior to the next try!!! i just
>watched this over and over at the indoor nationals!!!! are those athletes
>cheaters and tossed out???????? i could go on and on..but i hate to be
>lengthy....
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