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About Richard Howland
Expertise
I am a master USATF Track and Field official and can answer questions about officiating high school (NFHS), college (NCAA), National (USATF) and international in field events. I am not a coach except for other officials. My specialties are the Field events except pole vault.

Experience
I delight in meeting athletes from all backgrounds and ages. I have even officiated field events for a one hundred year old long jumper as well as many "Master" and "Senior" athletes. Special olympics is a great event for officials to volunteer and see the essence of good sport on the faces of the athletes. After thirty three years as a trial lawyer in Massachusetts with a focus on sports law, among others, I retired and devote much of my time to officiating. I referee soccer, time football, officiate swimming and diving, and officiate and start all events in track and field. My special focus in field events. In high school and college I played soccer, squash and lacrosse, but track was not available in any depth then. Since I was a lawyer I began officiating and training to officiate sports which I could fit into my schedule. I honestly do not remember when I first started track and field officiating, but estimate that I have been very active for at least fifteen years. I regularly officiate all events and levels.

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Track & Field - mid distance

Expert: Richard Howland - 10/22/2009

Question
i'm starting my freshmen year in high school. last year my times were 5:20 flat in mile. and 2:09 in 800. are these competitive in high school? how much do i need to improve

Answer
Dear Tanner:

The system says that for some reason my answer of last week did not go out. I am sorry as such things are not my custom.

First remember that I am an official and not a coach. Second the questions you raise, and are very reasonable for you to be concerned about, really cannot be answered out of the context of you, physically, mentally, athletic history and size, shape, and configuration.

Athletes are all unique and are only compared in the unique situations man has contrived to measure the differences. As a new high school student, you should probably 1) get your classes and subjects under control and placed in your regular time schedule. Second I suggest that you talk with the high school track coach or an experienced adult distance runner in a local track club or organization. Third with the help of experienced athletes, sketch a training routine and start on it. Try to vary the routine day to day to avoid tiring of it and sparking new directions and new techniques.

Finally I am suggesting that you take a look at this website:

http://www.brianmac.co.uk/siteindx.htm

It is a comprehensive sports compendium with plenty of track material. I think that you will find ideas there for sharing and using with amendments to suit you. Good Luck, and Go For It. Dick Howland

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