Is this the new sign of the times for running events? As race directors struggle with the Road Runners Club of America guideline against the use of headphones in RRCA insured events along with the USATF ban on headphones at sanctioned events, the RRCA is encouraging them to adopt the new universal NO HEADPHONES symbol on race entry forms and race materials.

The stated goal of this universal symbol is to send the message that event directors are serious about the headphone ban at the events they manage. 

"Race officials don't ban headphones to be mean to runners — it's for their own safety and that of everyone else in the race," says Gerweck, a member of the USATF Long Distance Running sub-committee studying enforcement of the ban. "It's an education effort more than an enforcement issue, as events such as Grandma’s and Twin Cities Marathons have successfully proven. This logo is a simple way to send runners the message that headphones aren't permitted in sanctioned events."

Not every event is embracing the RRCA guielines or the USATF ban. The Portland Marathon, for one, recently announced that the will continue to invite runners to plug in if they choose. See related story.

The RRCA has promoted a guideline against the use of headphones in running events that dates back to the mid-1980's and this guideline has been re-affirmed several times by the RRCA membership since then.

"Banning headphones or advising participants to leave them at home or in the car is part of the risk management responsibility of a race director. Many participants do not understand or respect the awesome responsibility a race director shoulders to ensure the safety of every single participant in an event," explains Jean Knaack, RRCA executive director. "Respecting an event director's choice to ban headphones is the shared responsibility of every participant to ensure the safety of all runners and the future success of the event and the sport as a whole."

The icon was created by veteran race director, Jim Gerweck.

What do you think of the ban, and it will it alter how you run (or manage your event)? We'd like to know - leave a comment!

(A note on comments: your email will not be displayed - enter it and select "notify" if you want to be alerted when others add comments - ed.)

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Runnerman   | | 02.12.2008 I run with my ipod all the time. If I'm in busy traffic I pull out one ear bud so I can hear. I do the same thing at events. I don't see the problem. Reply 0   0

Runnerwoman   | | 02.12.2008 I don't run with music. I like to enjoy nature. When participating in events you would miss the excitement, sounds, and camaraderie. You might as well run alone. Reply 0   0

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