Measurement procedures by Artificial Intelligence

We'll make sure NOT to use this in the next update of the Procedures Manual.

Well, that's good. It's been keeping me awake that you might use it.

I asked ChatGPT a very similar question:  What are the USA Track & Field requirements for measuring the length of race?

Here's the A.I. generated response:

USA Track & Field (USATF), the national governing body for track and field athletics in the United States, has established specific requirements for measuring the length of race courses. These requirements are outlined in the USATF Rule Book.

According to USATF Rule 240.4, race courses must be accurately measured and certified by a USATF-certified course measurer. The measurement must be made using a Jones Counter, which is a mechanical device that measures distance by recording the number of revolutions of a wheel. The Jones Counter must be calibrated and properly maintained to ensure accurate measurements.

In addition, USATF Rule 240.5 specifies that race courses must be marked at every mile or kilometer, and the markings must be clearly visible to competitors. The markings must also be placed in a location that allows competitors to accurately gauge their progress and pace.

USATF Rule 240.6 requires that race courses be measured in both directions (out and back) to verify the accuracy of the measurement. If the measurement of the course in one direction differs from the measurement in the other direction by more than 0.1%, the course must be remeasured.

Finally, USATF Rule 240.7 requires that race organizers submit a certified course map to the USATF for review and approval before the race. The map must show the location of the start and finish lines, as well as all turns and other features of the course.

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The ChatGPT may become useful someday. For now, it's just for fun. For example, USATF Rules of Competition, Rule 240 Course Certification,  includes just three paragraphs. There is no USATF Rule 240.4, 240.5, 240.6, or 240.7.

Here's a fun example. I asked the A.I. to: Write a news article recapping the Boston Marathon, but all the runners are ducks.

Here's the A.I. generated response:

"Quackers Across the Finish Line: Ducks Take on the Boston Marathon"

Yesterday, the streets of Boston were filled with flapping wings and webbed feet as a group of determined ducks tackled the city's annual marathon.

Leading the pack was a plucky young mallard named Mary, who waddled her way to a first place finish with a time of 2 hours and 45 minutes. Close behind her was a team of four scaup, who crossed the finish line in a tight formation, quacking triumphantly as they earned second place.

But the true heroes of the race were the dozens of amateur ducks who took on the 26.2 mile course, some with the help of tiny wagons to carry their supplies. Spectators cheered and tossed bits of bread as the feathered athletes braved the heat and the hills, determined to reach the finish line.

In the end, all of the ducks were winners, as they proved that with a little determination and a lot of paddling, anything is possible. The Boston Marathon will never be the same without these quackers on the course.

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Enjoy!  -- Justin

I decided to respond to ChatGPT and point out that the World Athletics measurement rule about measuring on a straight line is wrong. He/She/It took it very well. (My text is bolded) It still doesn't mention the rule to stay 30 cm from a curb.

What are the World Athletics requirements for measuring the length of race?

World Athletics, formerly known as the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), has established specific requirements for accurately measuring the length of a race. These requirements apply to all races that are recognized by World Athletics and include:

1. The use of a calibrated measuring wheel: The measuring wheel must be calibrated and properly maintained, and it must be used to measure the entire course.
2. The use of multiple measurements: The course must be measured multiple times to ensure accuracy, and the measurements must be averaged to determine the final course length.
3. The use of a straight line: The course must be measured in a straight line, regardless of the actual shape of the course. Any deviations from a straight line must be accounted for in the measurement process.
4. The use of a continuous path: The course must be measured along a continuous path, without any interruptions or gaps.
5. The use of marked courses: All courses must be clearly marked with visible and distinctive markings to indicate the exact route that must be followed.

By following these requirements, World Athletics ensures that all races are accurately and consistently measured, providing a fair and equal playing field for all competitors.

Number 3, the use of a straight line is wrong. It is impossible to measure a road course in a straight line. The measurement must follow the shortest possible route.

2 / 2

You are correct that the measurement of a road race course must follow the shortest possible route, rather than a straight line. I apologize for the error in my previous response.

To accurately measure a road race course, the following guidelines should be followed:

1. Use a calibrated measuring wheel: The measuring wheel must be properly calibrated and maintained to ensure accuracy.
2. Use multiple measurements: The course should be measured multiple times to ensure accuracy, and the measurements should be averaged to determine the final course length.
3. Follow the shortest possible route: The measurement should follow the shortest possible route along the course, taking into account any turns or deviations from a straight line.
4. Use a continuous path: The measurement should follow a continuous path, without any interruptions or gaps.
5. Mark the course: The course should be clearly marked with visible and distinctive markings to indicate the exact route that must be followed.

I apologize for any confusion caused by my previous response. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Justin, why did the ChatGPT response say that a course must be measured in both directions? That's never been a rule. Did ChatGPT make that up?

Alan,

Then I asked:  Why not measure twice in the same direction.  The AI responded with:

"Here's a fun example. I asked the A.I. to: Write a news article recapping the Boston Marathon, but all the runners are ducks."

Precious! 😅