Written by: Brian Hasenbauer
Posted: Wednesday, 30 January 2008
While doing some running around the internet (why do they call it "surfing"?) looking for some opinions and information on running and the use of headphones I came across a few interesting articles that are worth sharing.
The first is the response from USATF (USA Track and Field) to Dave McGillivray, the race director of the Boston Marathon, about their concerns regarding runners using headphones while racing.
Here is the excerpt from their letter sent to McGillivray:
“While competition rules are adopted or modified for competitive reasons, the rule also recognizes an important safety issue. USATF, its insurance carrier, race directors, and race volunteers have significant safety concerns with headphones. These concerns are not limited to participant safety – all parties must consider the safety of event volunteers and spectators.
Participants wearing headphones are less aware of their surroundings and may not be aware of (1) starting line announcements; (2) instructions on the course from race management, volunteers and police officers; (3) warnings that a car is in the immediate vicinity or that participants have strayed off course (an example would be running on the wrong side of a coned line when the other side is open to traffic); (4) friendly warnings from another participant that is approaching to pass; (5) finish line/chute announcements; and, (6) directions in the recovery area. In basic terms - when you can't hear what is going on around you, you lose one of your most valuable senses - at a time when you need all of your senses working. Even if a participant is cognizant of their surroundings and “wants” to be aware, the inability to hear clearly is a significant risk factor that cannot be ignored. Event personnel must be able to communicate with participants before, during and after the race.
Of course, most participants assume responsibility for their own actions and likely do not have a claim of liability to others if they (the headphone-wearing participant) are injured due to their own negligence. However, in any race, a participant is responsible for him/herself and also has a responsibility to respect and allow his/her fellow participants to have the safest and most enjoyable race possible.
This rule is not new nor is USATF’s and race director’s concern for safety. Further, USATF is not trying to be "big brother” and micro-manage thousands of events. Beyond our obvious concerns for safety, we must act pragmatically – insurance rates continue to increase rapidly and accidents, near accidents and other claims require proactive, thoughtful action from all involved. We are under substantial pressure from our insurers to reduce the risk of injury to participants, volunteers and bystanders. It is very possible that insurance coverage will be reduced or eliminated with respect to claims based on headphone-wearing participants.
Given the impact on everyone – the increased risk of injury to all participants and higher insurance costs that will inevitably be passed along to participants – and confusion to existing competition rules and safety guidelines, race directors have requested clarification. In many cases, race directors have asked for rules and safety guidelines that eliminate headphones.
We understand that race directors may not actively apply all competition rules to all participants (in most cases, applying all rules to those competing for top overall and age group place finishes). The race director and his/her technical officials (jury, games committee) must review the application of rules, resolve disputes, and decide appeals. Ultimately, the race director is responsible for event safety and event technical officials are responsible for the application of competitive rules. We strongly encourage the race director and event technical officials to put safety first, abide by all competition rules, and prohibit headphones at sanctioned events.”
Its interesting to hear the technical reasons that race officials give to ban or discourage the use of headphones. While the officials have come out with these rulings it still seem as though it's the individual events that interpret and implement the rules regarding the use of MP3 players at their events. So it's not necessarily clear cut as to whether or not races are for or against the ban on headphones in all races.
A great example of a different interpretation of the USATF rules is the decision of the Portland Marathon to openly encourage the use of headphones. Saying that their entire race is run on a closed course with no vehicular dangers the use of the MP3 players is safe and encourages runners to use them.
This topic is just starting to get interesting. I saw the other day a race series sponsorsed by the MP3 player manufacturer, Zune. With the amount of money that's invested in making sure that runners wear MP3 players while running by companies like Apple and Nike I have a sneaking suspicion that MP3 players will be on the heads of runners in racing and training well into the future. Yes, there will be some contentious moments and some sports will not budge on their interpretation of the rules (like triathlon). But regardless of your opinion just make sure that you do two things if you decide to run with headphones on. First, make sure that you don't put anyone else in danger. Secondly, don't put yourself in danger. Stay aware of your surroundings and if you do choose to wear headphones in a race, be prepared for the consequences of your actions. We are adults after all!
See you at the races. MP3 player or not!
It's a really cool concept. We pick one day – Sunday, August 31 – and find out how many people around the world can lace up their running shoes and put in a whole bunch of miles. 
