IAAF Global Athletics (© IAAF)
MonteCarloA new rule related to the starts of races up to 400m in international competition came into effect on 1 January 2003.
The rule states that only one false start per race is allowed without the disqualification of the athlete(s) making the false start. Any athlete(s) making further false starts in the race shall be disqualified.
With the obvious need to standardise starting procedures, the IAAF Technical Committee has recommended a new system of Start Team Judges which will be managed by a judge (known as a Start Coordinator) under the supervision of a Track Referee.
The IAAF Technical Committee have suggested that any competitor(s) responsible for a false start will be warned with a yellow marker behind the blocks. At the same time, all the other competitors will also be warned with a yellow card. This is to make clear that any athlete making a further false start will be immediately disqualified and the familiar red marker displayed.
At the time of writing, many IAAF Member federations are educating their officials and their athletes about the new system in domestic competitions, prior to the start of the international indoor circuit in February. The IAAF is aware, however that some national federations have chosen NOT to apply this new rule in their own domestic competitions.
Commenting to the BBC about the new rule, 1980 Olympic champion Allan Wells confirmed this week that “it will root out people who shouldn't be in the top three places.” Current European Indoor 60m champion Jason Gardener also believed the ruling would “eliminate multiple starts in races."
"With the old rule it's been very annoying, especially in championships, where you could be in a semi-final and there could be six false starts," confirmed Gardener, "...but all athletes will have to become more disciplined."
Note: for Combined Events, the procedure is slightly different. Athletes responsible for a false start will be warned with the yellow marker. Any athlete who is responsible for two false starts shall be disqualified.