Starting Point

The specific point from which the participants in a race can begin their race is stated as the “Starting Point”. The starting point is required to set the target point and ensure equal distance for all the participants. The participant can determine his approach by looking at the target point from the starting point. The mathematical calculation of the time required to cover a certain distance at a given speed can be done by using the “Time, Speed and Distance” formula.

Meaning of Starting Point

Races and Games fall under the head of “Time, Speed and Distance”. Its mathematical formula can be used to calculate the time required by the contestant to travel the specific distance and at the required speed. The “Starting Point” holds high importance as the calculation done is based on the starting and winning point of the racecourse. Any race or game is given a start based on its starting point.

In a “Race” the participants need to cover a given distance in the least time for winning it. “Starting Point” of a race is the specific point from which a participant will begin the race. The “Starting Point” is important in a race to ensure equal distance for the participants or for keeping a record of the distance covered by the participants.

Races and Games of Skills

In order to understand the Starting Point of a race, the understanding of race is important. A contest that involves high speed and the participants compete based on the primary skill of speed is considered to be a race. There are different types of races such as “Running race”, “Driving race”, “Horse riding race”, “Rowing race” and others.

Different Types of Races Start

There are different types of starting types which include “Mass Start”, “Interval Start”, “Wave Start” and “Variable Start”.

Mass Start– This type of start is applicable in most the common races where all the participants of the race start at the same time. The timer is turned on at the start of the race and the timer is turned off at the participants finish the race. This type of start is followed in running races, driving races, and others.

Interval Start- In this type of start, the participants of the race begin at one particular time. The participants’ time is then separated by a specific time gap such as 30 seconds. This type of start is followed in races and games like Nordic skiing and others. The timer is turned on as the participants begin and the timer is turned off as the participants finish. It has to be noted that the timer is not turned on each time a participant begins. The time gap is adjusted in relevance to the end of the race or game. The adjustments are made based on the delay of the participants in beginning the race with the help of apps such as “RaceSplitter”. The participants have to maintain the starting time of the race to avoid any form of error in time management due to the time “Adjustment” reasons. 

Wave Start- This type of start is similar to that of the “Interval Start” with some differences. In “Wave Start” more than one participant is allowed to start at any interval.

Variable Start- In this type of start, the participants begin at non-fixed gaps. In order to calculate this type of time interval, certain different types of calculations are required.

Example of Starting Point in a Problem

Rahul gives Rajesh a start of 10 meters: In this case, it states that when Rahul begins the race from the specific start point the Rajesh is already 10 meters ahead of Rahul. Therefore to cover a distance of 100 meters in the racecourse Rahul will have to cover 100 meters whereas Rajesh will have to cover (100-10) meters.

Importance of Starting Point

The “Starting Point” in a race is important because the participant can analyze the situation in the racecourse and based on that use his strategic approach. This may help the participant to get his personal best. The participant who can grab an advantageous position at the starting of the race gains more confidence and this can back him to win the race. The importance of starting points is visible during the long races. The participants have to ensure a proper beginning of the race so that the target can be achieved.

Conclusion

Throughout this paper, the researcher has illustrated the various types of the race starts that are in relation to the starting point. The starting point in a race or game plays a vital role as the participant can analyze the strategy that can be implemented to cover the required distance. The mathematical formula of “Time, Speed, and Distance” can be used to calculate the required time and speed to cover the targeted distance. The mindset and determination of the participant and the strategy implemented for the race at the “Starting Point” or game determine the victory of the participant.