From
: The starting commands for races or opening relay legs of less than 800 meters shall be:
1. “ON YOUR MARKS” At this signal, the competitors will immediately take their proper positions behind the
starting lines. After they have taken their positions and are steady on their marks, the starter than shall
instruct them:
2. “SET” At this command, all competitors shall at once, and without delay, assume their full and final set
position in a manner that no part of their bodies touch on or over the starting line.
3. When all competitors are set and motionless, the starter shall fire the starting device. The interval between the
SET command and the firing of the starting device is usually one to two seconds. (After a starter gives the
order “SET”, if any competitor is still in motion, the starter shall not fire the starting device)
Perhaps this is just one more difference between US Track and Field and worldwide athletics? Are we still running the 220 on a straightaway?