A method, a false start detection system, and a false start detection sensor for determining whether an athlete has performed a false start in an event. Force data is received representing the force exerted by at least one upper appendage of the athlete on a surface when in a starting position (S701). The force data is processed to determine an athlete start time (S702), and the athlete start time is compared to an event start time to determine whether a false start has occurred (S703).