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The problem of objectivity in judging

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2011

Abstract

The problem of objectivity in judging of race walking competitions has its roots in the judging technique of the moving of walkers. It is absolutely exceptional in the family of athletics: in other disciplines judges are obliged to control moving in delineated space (between the Iines on the track, in circles for discus and hammer throw etc.).

A kind of control of technique is required for example in shot put and triple jump, but in any case not controlled by eight judges all the time like it is in race walking. It seems to be so strange that there are some old fashioned beliefs that race walking does not belong to the athletics.

These arguments are not familiar with the long-Iasting history of race walking in the Olympics Games, of course with all the failures caused by the temporary exclusion of race walking from the OG program during several periods.