startschusses

Startschuss, plural Startschüsse, is the signal that marks the start of a race or timed event. In German-language sports reporting, the term denotes the moment when competitors are released or when timing starts. The concept is used across a range of disciplines, including track and field, swimming, skiing, biathlon, and motorsport, and is often described as the starting gun or starting signal in English.

Traditionally the start signal was produced by a starter pistol fired with blanks. Today, many competitions use electronic starting devices that provide an audible signal, a visual cue, or both, to ensure a consistent and safe start. The exact method can vary by sport and competition, but the purpose remains the same: to synchronize the beginnings of all competitors and activate the timing system.

Regulations surrounding the Startschuss govern how the signal is delivered and how athletes respond. A premature start, or false start, typically leads to penalties such as disqualification, depending on the sport and the governing body. In track events, reaction time is measured to assess whether an athlete moved before the signal and to enforce rules fairly. Starting blocks or platforms are used in track events to optimize the initial push-off.

Beyond sport, Startschuss is also used metaphorically to indicate the launch of a project or event, equivalent to a kick-off. While the term is rooted in German, it is commonly understood in related contexts and often translated as the starting gun or starting signal in other languages.