Effectiveness, Consistency of USATF's Headphone Ban in Question

USA Track & Field approved a rule last December that prohibits the use of headphones in races it sanctions, according to Irene Sege of the BOSTON GLOBE. While the ban "arose from practical concerns about safety and liability, it raises philosophical questions about how runners define themselves.” USATF Long Distance Running Manager Jim Estes indicated that the ban was “a precaution against injury or lawsuit rather than a response to a specific incident,” as runners listening to music often cannot hear directions or warnings.  But Sege wrote the effectiveness of the ban “is uncertain,” and USATF has “not sent notification to race directors,” some of whom “say they weren’t aware of the new rule.” And with USATF events “ranging from fun runs to world-class contests, enforcement varies widely.” The Boston Marathon has long prohibited headphones, and Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray “expects to beef up publicizing the rule.” Cape Cod Marathon Race Director Courtney Bird: “I can go to the point of saying the use of earphones is banned and their use during the race may disqualify you. … Are we going to physically have the anti-iPod police out on the course? The answer is no” (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/20).

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