AboutRichard 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.
Question I have not run I'm for 4 years. I am a 12 year old boy i don't train. Recently i have ran it 3 times i achieved 3:11, 2:46, 2:56.
Also what are the averages for my age?
Answer Ben:
In order to be a safe runner, you need to practice, be guided and observed by a running coach. It is not a good idea to start vigorous running without relearning the sport at the distance you choose. Running is a dangerous sport and like every other can be done fairly safely or dangerously by wrong motion or overuse.
Your times do not seem very much unlike other athletes your age, but the comparisons can be misleading. At your age your are particularly unique and others of similar age and gender and size may be quite different physically, mentally and ability. I believe that there are many young men who given the desire might run a fair bit faster, but the difference would disappear with good coaching and training.
I suggest that you get a coach or an experienced older runner to observe and advise you on all aspects of the sport. In the USA there are many running clubs in towns and villages or counties and many enjoy the group benefit of several "coaches" giving them different ideas of how to improve. It is also a good way to have companions as you practice.
As far as I know there are no useful averages for your age, gender and event collected publicly although that may be incorrect. However, After officiating a track meet over the weekend for young athletes, the average for both boys and girls were about 8 to 10 seconds faster than the best time you report and faster for the winners by more. I do not think that should be of any concern to you until you focus on training and practice and then compete with young men with similar experience.
