<<<<<<
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???
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???
>>>>>>
Hyperbole.
The
recall shots are not fired to "call attention to the error" or anything the
sprinter/hurdler has done ... nor to "punish" them, embarrass them, or increase
pressure on them.
The
recall is to prevent the athletes from running any more of an entire 100, 200,
110H or 400 meters than is necessary.
The
embarrassing time comes when a sprinter has false-started enough times to be
DQ'ed. Even then, there is nothing different (or publicly humiliating)
about the DQ process that doesn't happen in other events.
In
sprint swimming races the situation is similar. They start high above the
water (also on blocks), and the launch, entry, and technique while underwater is
very demanding, similar to a track start.
In
swimming, they recall the swimmers the same way, with an audible "alarm" kind of
warning. But, meet officials have to drop a rope in the water (at the
10-15 meter mark) to snare the swimmers who didn't hear the recall. Nobody
feels persecuted or publicly humiliated, though.
Humiliation? That is what you feel when you get
pulled from the track for being lapped in a dist. race. You didn't even do
anything "wrong", you just weren't "good enough."
I
doubt anybody feels like the DQ'ed sprinter/hurdler just wasn't "good enough" at
starting so the officials tossed him.
The
typical start IS a pressure-packed time-frame that is tough mentally ... but
don't all events have very demanding things that can be mastered through
practice, training, and experience?
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 9:40 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: t-and-f: What's next?
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 9:40 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: t-and-f: What's next?
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....
