“It’s not Fair!”: Multisensory Reaction Time Differences between D/deaf and Hearing Populations in Athletics Starting Systems

When competing alongside hearing athletes in athletics, D/deaf athletes are typically faced with variable starting systems (e.g., lights, flags, vibrating armbands), which run concurrently with an auditory stimulus to encourage inclusion. However, a lack of consistency with regards to technologies adopted has led to inequitable opportunities for fast reaction times (RTs) between D/deaf and hearing athletes. Given that RT is a critical element of performance in sprint events, the aim of the current series of studies was to determine whether current starting systems present a disadvantage for D/deaf athletes. We tested RT differences between unimodal and bimodal – auditory, visual, and haptic stimuli across D/deaf and hearing populations in lab-based (Study 1) and field-based (Study 2) environments. Analyses for Studies 1 and 2 confirmed RT advantages for individuals able to access bimodal stimuli (e.g., hearing athletes accessing both auditory and visual stimuli). Findings support a visual-haptic configuration as the most equitable (and fastest) stimulus composition between populations. We then used semi-structured interviews (Study 3) to comprehensively explore the insights and experiences of existing starting systems from key personnel (e.g., athletes, coaches, NGBs). Three themes were developed using reflexive thematic analysis: (1) knowing when to go – experiences of starting systems; (2) organisational challenges; and (3) from awareness to action. Across the three studies, we provide insights into the limitations of current practice that culminates in a series of applied recommendations. Findings may be instrumental in informing UK Athletics and World Athletics policy regulations around starting systems to improve equity for D/deaf athletes.