No change in masters false-start rule, says Beckers of WMA

The IAAF often dictates WMA rules and policies, but not this time. Newly elected Vice President-Stadia Serge Beckers of Belgium has replied to my query on whether World Masters Athletics (and USATF masters by extension) will use the no-false-start rule mandated for IAAF and other open meets starting in 2010. The answer is no. Serge, who says he’s back at work in the Belgian military, writes: “As for the IAAF ruling on no-false-start: WMA is not following this rule and our rules of competition will not be changed. So this means for our masters around the world no changes and the following is still valid for masters meets.” So no one-strike-and-you’re-out for masters. Whew!

Serge further explains:

Rule 161 Starting Blocks: Master competitors are not required to use starting blocks or a crouch start or have both hands in contact with the track for the start of any race.

Rule 162: In any race, individual athletes who are charged with a false start, as determined by the head starter, shall be warned. Individual athletes who are charged with their second false start in the same race, as determined by the head starter, shall be disqualified. This includes the Combined Events.