What is Track and Field?
Competition in track and field events, also known as athletics, is considered to be the oldest of organized sports. Track events include running and walking whereas field events include jumping and throwing. These are among the earliest and most basic forms of testing speed, strength, agility, and stamina, and can be traced back directly to the ancient Greek games, some 4,000 years ago. Most athletes only do one to two events, but a few choose to compete in a range of track and field events.
The fundamental skill of running is the basis of all track events and is used also as a preliminary movement to build momentum for many of the field events. Thus, a beginner in track and field should concentrate first on developing an efficient running style. The main consideration in learning to run efficiently is to develop a powerful stride with all body parts complementing the action of the legs.
When running, jogging, or sprinting the heel should touch the ground first then push with the toes.
The object of the games is for competitors to try to run faster, jump higher, and/or throw objects farther than their opponents. The first person to the finish line wins track events; the best height or distance wins field events.
Starts for Races:
1. Standing Start – feet are in a half stride position. Your body leans forward, knees are flexed. Hands are down at sides or slightly back. Front foot toe is right up to the start line.
2. Sprinter’s Start – “”On Your Mark” – Front toe is 4-12 inches behind the start line. Thumb and first finger are right behind the start line. Knee of back leg is on the ground next to the ankle of the front foot. “Get Set” – seat is raised so that it is slightly higher than the shoulders. The knee of the rear leg is raised off the ground. Shoulders move over the hands. “Go” – push off with both feet. Front leg is straightening as the back leg comes forward for a step. Body should rise gradually.
Regulations for Races:
1. All races are run in a counterclockwise direction.
2. No part of the runner’s body may touch the ground beyond the starting line after his/her mark.
3. Two false starts disqualify a runner. A false start is any motion after “Get Set” and before the signal “Go”.
4. Competitions are timed (end finishes determined) according to when the upper body crosses the finish line.
5. All races in the straightaway are run in lanes and all competitors must stay within their lanes.
Relays combine the efforts of four runners as they attempt to move the baton over some specified distance at the fastest possible speed.
Types of Relays:
1. Shuttle Relay – run back and forth between two parallel lines. The baton is passed from right hand of the passer to the right hand of the receiver in a vertical position.
2. Pursuit Relay – the runners travel in the same direction around an oval track. The contestants run a specific distance or leg.
3. Medley – the legs are of different lengths.
Passing the Baton:
Many relays are won or lost in the passing lane.
1. Visual Pass – both the receiver and passer see the pass take place.
2. Blind Pass – Only the passer views the procedure.
Regulations for Relays:
1. No competitor may run more than one leg of a relay.
2. The baton must be passed in the twenty meter passing zone.
3. If the baton is dropped during the exchange the passer must pick it up.
4. baton dropped outside the passing zone is picked up by the runner who dropped it.
5. In the shuttle relay, all parts of the runner’s body must be behind the restraining line until he/she is tagged or receives the baton.
6. All rules listed for running events also apply to the relay
Sprinting the Hurdles:
1. A good hurdler needs speed, flexibility, and courage.
2. Tall, long-legged individuals make the best hurdlers.
3. The length of the stride determines the number of strides between the hurdles.
4. Always have the same lead leg and the same trail leg. Do not alternate legs.
Regulations for Hurdles:
1. The hurdles are placed on the track with the base extended in the direction from which the runner will approach. In this position they will fall in the direction of the run if bumped by the runner and possibly avert an injury.
2. There is no penalty for knocking down any number of hurdles.
3. The legs must pass over and not alongside or around the hurdle.
4. The rules for running events also apply to hurdling races.
Field Events:
The order of jumping or throwing is drawn by lot. No practice is allowed after the competition has started in an event. A performance in any qualifying competition is not counted as part of the final competition. Competitors are awarded the best of all jumps and throws, including tiebreakers in the high jump and pole vault.
· High Jump~the competitor attempts to leap over a bar resting on two uprights. The bar is raised after each round.
· Pole Vault~contestants use a flexible pole to vault (leap) over a crossbar resting on two uprights. The bar is raised between rounds.
· Long Jump~contestants sprint down a runway, then jump from a board in the ground into a sandpit.
· Triple Jump~contestants sprint down the runway to a take-off board, then hop, step and jump into a landing area.
· Discus~A heavy disc is thrown from inside a circled area out to a wedged-shaped marked section of the field.
· Hammer~A ball on a handled chain is thrown from a caged circle out to a marked area.
· Shot Put~A shot (heavy ball) is put (thrown) from inside a circled area out to a marked area.
· Javelin~A slender metal shaft is thrown from behind a curved line at the end of a runway to land within a marked section.
