Track & Field 101: Getting to Know the Sport for Newcomers

Track and field events are divided into three broad categories: track events, field events, and combined events. The majority of athletes tend to specialize in just one event (or event type) with the aim of perfecting their performances, although the aim of combined events athletes is to become proficient in a number of disciplines.

Track events involve running on a track over specified distances and - in the case of the hurdling and steeplechase events - obstacles may be placed on the track. There are also relay races in which teams of athletes run and pass on a baton to their team members at the end of a certain distance.

There are two types of field events: jumps, and throws. In jumping competitions, athletes are judged on either the length or height of their jumps. The performances of jumping events for distance are measured from a board or marker, and any athlete overstepping this mark is judged to have fouled.

See also: 2022 MSHSL Track and Field State Qualifying Standards

In the jumps for height, an athlete must clear their body over a crossbar without knocking the bar off the supporting standards. The majority of jumping events are unaided, although athletes propel themselves vertically with purpose-built sticks in the pole vault.

The throwing events involve hurling an implement (such as a heavyweight, javelin, or discus) from a set point, with athletes being judged on the distance that the object is thrown. Combined events involve the same group of athletes contesting a number of different track and field events - points are given for their performance in each event and the athlete with the greatest points total at the end of all events is the winner.

Start: Starting blocks are used for all hurdle, relay, and sprint events. The starting blocks consist of two adjustable footplates attached to a rigid frame. Hurdle and sprint races commence with the firing of the starter's gun. The starting commands are "On your marks" and "Set." Once all athletes are in the set position, the starter's gun is fired, officially starting the race. For the 100m, women's 100m hurdles, and men's 110m hurdles, all competitors are lined up side-by-side. For the 200m, 400m, and 300m hurdles, which involve curves, runners are staggered for the start.

False Starts: If a sprinter commences his or her starting motion from the set position before the starter's gun is fired, it is deemed a false start. The first false start of a race results in an automatic disqualification to the offending runner.

Lanes: For all sprint and hurdle events, runners must remain within their pre-assigned lanes from start to finish. The lanes are numbered 1 through 8, starting with the inside lane. Any athlete who runs outside the assigned lane is subject to disqualification. If the athlete is forced to run outside of his or her lane by another person, and no material advantage is gained, there will be no disqualification. Also, a runner who strays from his or her lane in the straightaway, or crosses the outer line of his or her lane on the bend, and gains no advantage by it, will not be disqualified as long as no other runner is obstructed.

The finish: The first athlete whose torso (as distinguished from the head, neck, arms, legs, hands, or feet) reaches the vertical plane of the closest edge of the finish line is the winner.

Distance Rules:

High Jump: Athletes must take off from one foot. A failed attempt occurs when the crossbar does not remain on the supports after the jump because it was touched by the athlete.

Pole Vault: Athletes are allowed to place a substance on their hands or the pole to obtain a better grip, but are not permitted to use tape on their hands or fingers except to cover an open wound. Athletes may use their own poles during competition. The poles may be made of any material and can be of any length and diameter. If the pole is broken during the attempt, it isn't considered a failure and the vaulter gets another attempt. 

A failed attempt occurs when the bar does not remain on the pegs after the vault because it was touched by the athlete.

Long Jump: All jumps are measured from the take-off line to the nearest break in the landing area made by any part of the body. 

A failed attempt occurs when the athlete touches the ground beyond the take-off line upon executing the jump; the take-off line is the edge of the take-off board (roughly 8 inches wide) closest to the landing pit.

Triple Jump: The triple jump consists of a hop, a step, and a jump, in that order. The hop is made so that the athlete lands on the same foot from which he or she has taken off. In the step, the athlete lands on the other foot from which the jump is performed. It is not considered a failure if, while jumping, the athlete touches the ground with the non-jumping or "sleeping" leg. Failed attempts occur as described in "Long Jump" above.

Throwing Rules:

The shot and discus are all thrown from the throwing circle. If the athlete steps out of the throwing circle or runway during the act of throwing, the throw is considered a failed attempt. A valid throw must fall completely within the marked landing area. The athlete must not leave the circle or runway until the implement has touched the ground.

Relay Rules:

There are many different types of relays. In the 4×400 meter relay, each member runs 400 meters. However, in other relays such as the sprint medley, the distances are not all the same. For instance, the first two runners race 200 meters, the third runner races 400 meters, and the anchor, or final leg, finishes the race with 800 meters.

In the relay four runner each run a specified distance while handing off a baton to each runner. Each pass of the baton must be done in a specific 20m exchange zone. Relay teams may be disqualified if they leave their assigned lane, drop the baton, or don't complete the baton exchange in the zone.