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What is False start in Athletics?

Starting before the gun, or reacting to it faster than 0.100 seconds as measured by pressure sensors in the blocks. Under the zero-tolerance rule any athlete responsible for a false start is disqualified immediately, except in combined events where the field gets one collective warning.

Example: The defending champion was disqualified for a false start with a 0.089s reaction.

Related terms

Photo finishReaction timeTakeover zoneBatonAnchor legBell lapKickPacemaker
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