USA Track and Field now to Allow Listening Devices
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As mentioned in a previous blog, listening to music while running can prove to be very beneficial for setting a pace and diverting negative thoughts in a runner’s mind. Recently, the USA Track Field has amended Rule 144.3, which will enable race directors to choose to allow the use of headphones by runners in non-championship races. The rule set forth reads, “The following shall be considered assistance and therefore not allowed:
“(f) The visible possession or use by athletes of video, audio, or communications devices in the competition area. The Games Committee for an LDR event may allow the use of portable listening devices not capable of receiving communication; however, those competing in Championships for awards, medals, or prize money may not use such devices.”
Previously headphones had been banned from all USATF events, but the enforcement of this rule was often in the hands of race directors, with some enforcing the ban, some simply urging runners not to use headphones and others not enforcing it. This rule gives the race directors authority to do what a lot of them were already doing.
Personally I think music does give an advantage to runners; however, if you make this advantage available to every participant, I do not see at as an issue. Opponents of allowing headphones cry that it is too dangerous for the runners to not be able to hear. I personally think the opponents are made mostly of runners who do not choose to use headphones when they run and do not want to allow a competitive edge to the other runners. I don’t listen to music when I run. Stop complaining and just run faster.
Tags: competitive, headphones, USATF