The project wanted - to determine how starting position influences finishing position in 500m World Cup Short Track Speed Skating, by sex (M/F), season (1999-2004) and qualifying round (prelim/heat/quarter, semi/final) and - to see if there is any improvement that can be made to the start procedure to make starts more fair, if need be Conclusions and Recommendations: - The current start system is unfair, especially at the worst times (finals and semi-finals), for both men and women. - Those starting in the 1st lane have a significantly greater chance of finishing 1st, and those starting last on the line have a significantly greater chance of finishing last. - The later the round, the stronger this effect. - No strong effects were found across seasons. - A curved starting line should be considered and/or the techniques of those who beat the odds should be studied for tactical training.
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