Examples:
Actual time run = 14.4 secs ... handicap awarded will be -1.4 secs ... overall time = 13 secs
Actual time run = 19.8 secs ... handicap awarded will be - 6.8 secs ... overall time = 13 secs
Actual time run = 12.5 secs ... handicap awarded will be +0.5 secs ... overall time = 13 secs
(your reaction time will then be added to the handicap time).
Example:
Actual time run = 14.4 secs ... handicap awarded will be -1.4 secs ... overall time = 13 secs + .350 reaction time = 13.350
Breakout rule:
The time of 12.750 is the quickest you can achieve once your handicap has been deducted.
If your time BREAKS OUT by more than 0.250 seconds, you will incur a penalty by the extra amount. If you break out by 0.400 seconds, you will incur a +0.150 penalty added onto the break-out time etc. EG. 12.750 + 0.150 = ET of 12.900 with your reaction time then added onto the 12.900. This rule was introduced to try to prevent advantages being gained by entrants who have the ability to run much faster (more than 0.250 seconds) than their previous best time.