A coach plays a very great part in track athletics and should watch closely over the girls. If any of them seem tired or stale, let them rest for three or four days. Don’t, in your desire and enthusiasm, forget that more harm may be done through overwork and too strict training than in more obvious ways.
How to Conduct a Track Meet
The Competitors.
Every athlete should be entered in the meet a sufficient time before in order that the places, events and handicaps may be arranged. Handicaps may be granted if a mediocre runner is running with one of stellar ability. Every athlete should have a number.
The Officials.
Referee.—The referee has entire charge of the meet and is responsible for the good conduct of the meet. All fouls are dealt with by her. She may disqualify an offender and give the runner fouled another trial, or allow a new race to be run.
The Clerk of the Course.—This position deals mainly with the executive part of the meet. The clerk of the course sees that the events are run in order and on scheduled time. She sees that the contestants are called on time for their events. She also assigns the contestants to their places—1st, 2nd, 3rd lane, etc.—for the races.
Starter.—The starter gives the signal. As a rule, the pistol is the signal for the start. The starter should have a blank cartridge pistol, which she fires up into the air. The signals are: (1) “On your mark!” (2) “Get set!” (3) “Pistol.” The starter may penalize for a false start or for beating the pistol, that is, anticipating the pistol shot. She may disqualify if a runner deliberately starts ahead of the mark.
Inspectors.—These officials watch for fouls in a race, such as, impeding a runner; coaching during the race; crossing into another lane; grasping tape in hands; knocking over a hurdle.
Judges at Finish.—These judge the order of the runners at finish line—1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.