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We Are Not Children: Why The Headphone Ban Is Stupid And Wrong

I’m going to lay out exactly why it’s stupid and wrong to ban headphones from a race. But first, let me issue a disclaimer. I don’t actually use them myself. There’s no particular reason, I just prefer to be able to observe my surroundings, and I guess I find it a bit irritating physically.

That being said, I will strongly defend the right of other brokers to use them, with this caveat. The main reason they are banned by the IAAF under rule 144 has to do with providing an advantage to the competitor (in this case psychological), and with that I agree.

The problem comes when we look at the vast majority of casual or non-professional runners. There simply isn’t a compelling enough reason to ban something that positively and effectively enhances the running experience for a large percentage of runners.

Here follows my reason for not banning headphones:

we are not children

Adults can and should be expected to exercise caution in the use of music players. If they feel it impairs their ability to hear directions (a iffy scenario I’ll get into later) or to be aware of approaching or passing runners, they’re free to turn down the volume or use just one earphone, and they most likely will. do.

With children, one may be free to issue a blanket ban, but as adults, we can expect to receive censorship only in an actual case of misuse or abuse. You do not punish the many for the sins of the few.

No ‘security’ issue

Really, the argument that there is a security problem with the headphones is a theoretical argument, not a real one. We are supposed to believe that there is a problem with the instructions given by the race officials. How often do you think this problem has actually arisen?

In my experience, most of the instructions given are of the type to stay on this side of the road or that side of the road, something that is fairly adequately communicated by observing gestures and observing what others are doing. Add to that, the fact that most people will just pull out an earpiece when it looks like someone is trying to address them.

The second instance is supposed to be when another runner comes up from behind and you can’t hear it. I’ll admit there may be some merit here, but only, I think, in the case of a single track trail race. In most other cases, there is usually more than enough room to pass.

Lastly, very few headphones completely cancel out all sound and you would typically hear quite loud communication.

One more time. We are (for the most part) adults. If we believe there is a possibility that we are receiving verbal communication, we will adjust the volume or take other steps to facilitate it.

It allows for yet another reason for race officials to be mean.

We’ve all seen the drunken race officials with their new headphone warning power. It’s a waste of time and energy, and it’s an ugly sight. Certainly there are plenty of them who seem delighted at the chance to disqualify a competitor.

Running to music has real benefits

For some runners it is the familiarity of the sources of motivation they have used in training, for others the raw energy provided, and even more it allows them to distance themselves from the pain they are experiencing. In many cases, it can genuinely improve the entire experience.

Why regulate against this simply because of the theoretical possibility of abuse?

I’m simply proposing that, at the very least, the lower-seeded and back-of-the-pack runners should have the rule waived in their favor.

Unfortunately, this will not happen for two reasons. One is that there is no official advocate for the casual runner, and second, for the simple reason that regulations, once added, are rarely lowered.

Therefore, I am afraid that the harmless and pleasurable practice of running to music is unlikely to be allowed in races and, in my opinion, running is made worse for it.

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