Racing Etiquette

It seems almost presumptuous to undertake an article on such a subject. Especially if you recognize that this might be one of your own failings. Even as you begin to write, you know that someone may be calling to mind a time when they thought that you were not as courteous to another runner as you should have been. yet some have shared their concerns with me; and I believe they deserve to be heard. Think of this article, therefore, as being simply reminders for us all. Some of the concerns show up in our club races; and some in other events, so listen to our fellow runners. This reflects what they consider to be racing etiquette. It would be also make some of their jobs easier.

1. TURN IN CARDS AT ONCE. When this is the way of counting results, they are needed as soon as possible after you pass through the finish line. Would it suprise you to find that some are as much as twenty to thirty minutes late? Sometimes even after thr results have been completed. Yet the ones involved are all ready to be upset if they are not included properly. Can we see how we bring some things on ourselves?

2. LET THOSE RECORDING RESULTS ALONE. They want to get the results for everyone just as quickly as possible, yet no one can do their best or fastest work with someone looking over their shoulder or asking them questions. Is it any wonder why most results workers would prefer to be hidden away somewhere until their work is done? When circumstances do not allow that, it is only common courtesy to stay out of their way. It will actually speed up the whole process.

3. DON'T DUMP ON THE VOLUNTEERS. We could hardly have good races without them. Many of them give sacrificially of their own time. They are trying to help us all; but, usually they have nothing to do with setting policy. They didn't measure the course or choose the trophies. They didn't even decide where the water table was to be or what was to be put upon it. They are just there to help...and we owe every one of them a debt of gratitude. So, if you have any complaint about anything, find out who was responsible and (with proper spirit) discuss it with them...plus just saying "thank you" to the volunteers.

4. AVOID IMPEDING ANY OTHER RUNNER. It doesn't take as much as you might think. A slight bump or a cut in front can make them break stride. Yet in almost any recognized track meet you could be disqualified for such things which take place regularly in our race. For example, the accepted rule is that you must be two steps ahead before you cut in front of anyone. Maybe we just don't understand that anything that causes a runner to break stride is not something that can be immediately corrected. Just a little courtesy please.

5. FREELY URGE FASTER RUNNERS TO STAGE IN FRONT OF YOU. They may not even want to do so. Their strategy may call for a slower start; but they will not forget that you offered. We all like to get a good start. No one can fault you for that; but it is actually to you advantage to let faster people ahead of you. it will also lift you spirits later in the race if you can be the one who is passing, rather than the one who is being passed.

6. THINK OF NEW AND BETTER WAYS TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS. No one really needs to instruct you about specifics. Just use your own initiative. Do things that others don't do. Before, during, and after a race you can think of things that will build others up. It still thrills me to hear my name called on an out-and-back race; and it makes me realize how much I owe to people who sometimes I don't even know. It makes me want to do more to encourage others. Do you have similar debts?

Racing etiquette: What a vital topic it is! And how we all fall short at times. None of us have all the answers; and we must not act as if we do. yet all of us need reminders. Just use common courtesy. Be mindful of others. Don't assume that you are the exception to the rules of good conduct. Others are always watching; and they will become better or worse because of your example. Remember also that anything that makes racing better for others will invariably make it better for you as well. Will you join me, then, in a fresh determination to show proper concern for the thoughts and feelings of every other runner? When we respect them, they are sure to respect us as well. Won't this make our races better???