Anyone have ideas on reducing the reaction time off the blocks? Only one of my events at Nationals posted a reaction time, and it looks like I went ahead and finished a cup of coffee before I left. Was I just thinking too much? Or do I need a cattle prod?
Rob,
Out of curiosity were the reaction times used on false starts too? The dual confirmation applies here as in the take-offs. As a starter, if I observe a false start then I go to the referee for confirmation. Would the reaction times then be looked at for confirmation?
BTW it was nice meeting you at the meet.
Yes, they were using reaction times for relay DQ’s. However, before the officials look at the reaction times on relay take-offs, there must first be dual confirmation from the take-off judges that an early take-off occurred. So it is actually more difficult to get DQ’ed with automated take-off judging, since the automated take-off time can overrule a called early take-off.
In track and field, the allowable reaction time is 0.100 seconds or greater. It has been shown than a human can't react to anything quicker than this and it would have to be aniticipation. Anything below this is a false start. For elite sprinters, a 0.15 reaction is very common. The blocks have sensors that can detect the applied pressure when leaving. There is a speaker at each block so the lane closest to the gun does not get an advantage. The first false start is applied to the field, each successive flase start results in the runner's DQ.
I have no Idea how swimming works. Are there sensors? If so, what is the allowable reaction time? It has been my understanding that in swimming, it is a judgement call and there is no second chance. The first false start is an immediate DQ. Is this true?
Also, I had this happen to me, I was drawn off the block by the guy next to me. It was a friendly meet so no DQ's. In a big meet would I also have been DQ'd?
Oh no he definitely got away with one - the refs had to see the false start first then verify with the timing system. The pads were pretty accurate.
Being a teammate with a very slow reaction time it was interesting to see - I switched from a track start last year back to a grab start because although a little slower off the block I get a better push with both legs and go deeper and further on the start, an advantage for me since I swim longer races primarily and have pretty good underwater dolphins. A person has to decide what is advantageous for themselves. The reaction time is just another piece of information to help with that.
Doug Strong,
Watching the end of your 200 fly was one of the highlights of the meet for me. I was warming up for my 200 fly by the pirate ship behind the scoreboard, and walked out to find the crowd chanting GO!!! each time you breathed. I don't think I will ever forget that, especially when I'm standing behind the blocks wondering why I keep inflicting the 200 fly upon myself. Thank you.
A negative reaction time doesn't necessarily mean a false start. Depends on how the sensor works. I could imagine being in contact with the top of the block, but the sensor thinks you've left if it doesn't register any weight. (You are stretched over the water, but toes still on the block.)
I think they allow up to a -0.03 reaction because of this.
Also, I had this happen to me, I was drawn off the block by the guy next to me. It was a friendly meet so no DQ's. In a big meet would I also have been DQ'd?
This would seem as good a place as any to express sympathy for Dave Newton, 81, of PNA who was in the next lane to me in the 200 Free at last week's US Nationals in Federal Way. He got a DQ for a false start after losing his balance on the block and falling forward into the water. He was distracted by my trying to fight off the two volunteer timers who were holding me tight after the "take your mark" command. (I hadn't explained what kind of help I needed to mount the starting block thoroughly enough, I guess). I tried to intercede for him, but the judge either didn't hear me, or pay any mind to my plea for clemency. Dave certainly deserves an apology, but there doesn't seem to be anyone in position to do so; except maybe me.
Anyone have ideas on reducing the reaction time off the blocks? Only one of my events at Nationals posted a reaction time, and it looks like I went ahead and finished a cup of coffee before I left. Was I just thinking too much? Or do I need a cattle prod?
Here is a drill gauranteed to help your reaction time:
Have someone stand behind you with some type of device to create a click. A WWII cricket is best. Place your arms forward at a 90 degree angle from your elbow and have your elbow at hip level. This will place you in a more or less ready position. Unless you have really long arms, you will be bent at the waist with your knees also bent. Have the person with the cricket, click it. On each click, touch your ear with your hand. Right first, then left. right,left,right,left... on each click. Then, standing in the same position, when you here the click, jump and rotate your body 1/4 turn to the left or right. Spend a couple of minutes at the beginning of each workout, or at least twice a week, and it will help in decreasing your reaction time.
