RUNNER PUT OUT OF RACE

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26030, 6 February 1950, Page 6

RUNNER PUT OUT OF RACE

CANADIAN SPRINTER AT EMPIRE GAMES

REINSTATEMENT AFTER LONG DELAY (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. February 5. After the Canadian D. A. Pettie had been ruled out of the final of the men’s 100 yards at the Empire Games at Eden Park yesterday by the starter (Mr J. C. Harbut, of Christchurch) for twice breaking, the remaining finalists were on the starting line and were about to be sent away when the Canadian coach (Mr B. Humber) dashed at full speed across the oval from the dressing sheds, just managing to catch the starter’s attention before he let the field go without the Canadian. Discussions then followed for about half an hour among games officials, Mr Humber, and the assistant manager of the Canadian team. The managers of other Empire Games teams joined in the discussion. The jury of appeal upheld the starter’s action. Before the race finally started, with Pettie included, the following announcement was made: “The jury of appeal upheld the starter’s decision, which was in accordance with their interpretation of the international rules. However, in view of the fact that Canada as a practice interpreted, this rule differently, and the competitor Pettie said so to the starter after being given the first warning, the jury agrees that with the consent of the other finalists Pettie may take his place in the final. For the balance of the meeting Canada will accept the jury’s interpretation of the starting rule.” Commenting on the incident, the Canadian coach, Mr Humber, said he was perfectly satisfied with the way the jury of appeal had settled the matter.

“I dashed on to the track when I saw Pettie walking off, not in protest but only to see if the matter could be satisfied by the jury of appeal. We realise the starter was quite within his rights in putting Pettie out of the race, and I am very happy at the amicable way it was settled.” Statement by Pettie Pettie said he was naturally upset at the decision, which had surprised him, as he had broken several times in similar circumstances at the 1948 Olympic Games and had not been put out. He said the discussions in the arena were “a bit hectic,” but said everybody was naturally worked up on such an important occasion. “When I again took my place in the final I was more nervous than ever and frightened lest I again beat the gun and again be put out of the race.” he said. “When I was at the set position I hesitated and was slow in getting away. However, I am very happy to have gained third place.” The crowd demonstrated its approval at the amicable settlement of the matter when Pettie eventually joined the starters for the final.

The rules of the International Amateur Athletic Federation state that all questions concerning the start must be decided by the starter, who has entire control of the competitors on their marks and is the sole judge of whether or not any man has left his mark. Further, the starter, in the event of a false start, jnust warn the offender or offenders and must, except in the pentathlon or decathlon, disqualify at the second false start.