AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 70, 15 December 1932, Page 6

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

International Federation

DISCUSSION OF RULES Much information of interest to amateur athletes is contained in the official report of the eleventh congress of the International Amateur Athletic Federation, the world controlling body, which was held in Los Angeles during the Olympic Games festival. Certain of the rules were discussed and certain alterations and innovations were made. Consideration was given to the question of what should be regarded as a favourable wind, and delegates were informed that the German association had undertaken to study the matter and that research work would also be carried out in America. An alteration to the rule relating to the pole vault, event was made as follows: “'When a competitor jumping to the side or going be-' neath the bar passes the perpendicular plane, it shall be counted as a failure. It shall also be a failure if the pole touches the ground beyond this perpendicular plane.” In regard to the high jump it was stated that the rules and records committee, being of the opinion that the existing rules made the work of the judges very difficult, had decided to study the question, and if possible suggest some alteration for the next congress. An alteration was made also in the rule applying to the finish of a race. Competitors are now to be placed in the order in which any part of their torso; as distinct from the head, arms, feet, or hands, reaches the finishing line on the ground. In the event of a competitor falling, hejs not to be considered to have completpfl the race unless his entire body has crossed the finishing line. The piece of worsted stretched across the track Is described as an aid for the judges and not as a finishing line.

The electrical timing device used for the running events at the Gaines was given the official name of the Kirby Timer, in recognition of Mr. Kirby’s work in the interests of improved timekeeping. It was decided to make provision in the rules for the acceptance of tenth of a second timing for races up to and including the 1000 metres. For longer races the timing will be by the fifth of a second. On the suggestion of the Belgian association the federation decided to publish annually a list of world records. A diploma will be issued in future to all athletes breaking such records. The question of giving the New Zealand Amateur Athletic and Cycling Association dispensation of the rule allowing only 21 days for a tour by overseas athletes was raised. The congress decided not to give any general permit, but to recommend the N.Z.A.A. and C.A. to apply for an extension of the 21-day period when required.