Duties of the Starter:
ARTICLE 1. The starter shall have entire control of the competitors when on their marks and during the start; and, along with the assistant starter, the starter shall decide, without appeal, whether a start is fair and legal, or which competitor(s) shall be charged with a false start. The starter shall be responsible for:
a. Starting races promptly after the clerk of the course turns the athletes over to the starter;
b. Answering questions on the rules and conditions governing the start of each race;
c. Ensuring that starting blocks are setup within the competitor’s lane; and
d. Positively informing all competitors, officials, meet management and spectators of cancellations, warnings and/or disqualifications through the use of green, yellow or red cards and verbal communication.
In staggered starts, the starter is to take a position and remain stationary so that the distance between the starter and each competitor is approximately the same, and so that each competitor equally hears the commands and the starting device. If a speaker system is used, speakers in sufficient numbers must be positioned so that competitors simultaneously can hear the commands and starting device. In such cases the starter may be positioned so that the entire field falls in a narrow visual angle.
Assistant Starters:
ARTICLE 2. Assistant starters shall be appointed with the authority to recall for any observed infringement of the rules or any start that, in their opinion is unfair. The reason for any recall shall be reported to the starter. Such assistants are of special value when the starter has difficulty seeing the entire field or the entire area where a recall is authorized. At least two assistant starters are recommended.