General competitions rules

General competitions rules:

The athletics facility

Any firm, uniform surface, which conforms to the specifications in the IAAF track and field Facilities manual, may be used for athletics.

Track and field competitions under rule 1.1(a) may be held only on synthetic surfaced facilities Conforming to the IAAF performance specifications for synthetic surfaces and which hold a Current valid IAAF class 1 athletics facility certificate.

It is recommended that, when such facilities are available, competitions under rules 

1.1(b) to (j)should also be held on these facilities.

in any case, a class 2 athletics facility certificate attesting to the dimensional accuracy of the track and the field events facilities in the format required under the IAAF certification system shall be required for all facilities intended for use for competitions under rule 1.1 (b) to (j).

note (i): the IAAF track and field facilities manual available from the IAAF office, contains more detailed and defined specifications for the planning and constructions of track and field facilities including further diagrams for track measurement and marking.

master men and women: any athlete who has reached his/her 35 Th birthday.

note(I): all other matters concerning masters' competitions are referred to the IAAF/WMA  handbook approved by the IAAF and WMA councils.

Entries

1.competitions under IAAF rules are restricted to eligible athletes

2.no athlete shall be allowed to compete outside his own country unless his eligibility is guaranteed by his member federation from whom he has permission to compete. in all international competitions, such guarantee of eligibility of an athlete shall be accepted unless an objections as to his status is made to the technical delegate(s) (see also rule 146.1).

failure to participate

At all competitions under rules 1.1 (a), (b), (c) and (f) except as provided below, an athlete shall be excluded from participation in all further events in the competitions, including relax, in cases where.

(a) a final confirmation was given that the athlete would start in an event but then failed to participate.

(b) he qualified in preliminaries or heats for further participation in an event but then failed to participate further.

the provision of a medical certificate, endorsed by a medical officer appointed or approved by the iaaf and/or the organising committee, may be accepted as sufficient reason to accept that the athlete became unable to compete after confirmations closed or after competing in a previous round but will be able to compete in further events on a subsequent day  of the competition. other justifiable reasons (e.g factors independent of the athlete's own actions, such as problems with the official transport system) may, after confirmation, also be accepted by the technical delegates's (s) 

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Track events

Track events:

rules 163.2, 163.6 (except under rules 230.11 and 240.10), 164.2 and 165 also apply to sections vll, vlll, and ix.

track measurements

1.the length of a standard running track shall be 400m. it shall consist of two parallel straights and two bends whose radii shall be equal. the inside of the track shall be bordered by a kerb of suitable material, approximately 5cm in height and minimum 5cm in width.

2.If a section of the kerb has to be temporarily removed for field events, its place shall be marked with a white line 5cm in width and by cons or flags, minimum height 20cm, placed on the white line so that the edge of the base of the cone or flag pole coincides with the edge of the white line closest s to the track, and placed at intervals not exceeding 4m to prevent an y athlete running on the line.(flags shall be placed at an angle of 60 with the ground away from the track.) this shall also apply to the section of the steeplechase track where athletes divert from the main track to negotiate the water jump.

3.The measurement shall be taken 30 cm outward from the kerb exists, 20 cm  from the line marking track measurements (in field view)

4.The distance of the race shall be measured from the edge of the start line farther from the finish to the edge of the finish line nearer to the start.

5.In all races up to and including 400m, each athlete shall have a separate lane, with a width of 1.22m+0.01m marked by white lines 5cm in width. all lanes shall be the same width. the inner lane shall be measured as stated in rule 160.2, but the remaining lanes shall be measured 20cm from the outer edges of the lines.

6.In international competitions under rules 1.1 (a), (b), (c) and (f), the track should allow for eight lanes.

7.The lateral inclination of tracks should not exceed 1:100 and the overall inclination in the running direction shall not exceed 1:1000 downwards.

note: it is recommended that, for new tracks, the lateral inclination should be towards the inside lane.

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Medical delegate

Medical delegate

The medical delegates shall have ultimate authority on all medical matters. He shall ensure that adequate facilities for medical examination, treatment and emergency care will be available at the site of the competition and that medical attention can be provided where athletes are accommodated. The medical delegate shall also have the authority to arrange for the determination of the gender of an athlete should he judge that to be desirable.

International road course measurer

at competitions organised under rule 1.1 an  international road course measurer shall be appointed to verify the courses measurer shall be member of the IAAF AIMS panel of international road course measures (grade a or b) the course should be measured in good time before the competition.

International starter and international photo finish judge

at all competitions under rules 1.1 (a), (b), (c) and (f) held in the stadium, an international starter and an international photo finish judge shall be appointed respectively by IAAF or the relevant area association. the international starter shall start the races (and undertake any other duties) assigned to him by the technical delegate(s). the international photo finish judge shall supervise all photo finish functions.

Jury of appeal

at all competitions organised under rules 1.1 (a), (b), (c) and five or seven persons shall be appointed. one of its members shall be the chairman and another the secretary. if and when considered as appropriate, the secretary may be a person not included in the jury.

Furthermore, a jury should likewise be appointed at other furthermore, a jury should likewise be appointed at other competitions where the organisers deem it desirable or necessary in the interest of the proper conduct of the competitions.

the primary functions of the jury shall be to deal with all appeals under rule 146, and with any matters arising during the course of the competitions which are referred to it for decision. the jury may reconsider a decision if new conclusive evidence is presented, provided the new decision is still applicable.

decisions involving points which are not converted by the rules shall be reported subsequently by the chairman of the jury to the general secretary of the IAAF.

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General technical rules

General technical rules:

General

All international competitions, as defined in rule 1.1(a),(b),(c) and (f), the following officials should be appointed internationally

a. organisational delegates (s)

b.technical delegate(s)

c.medical delegate

d.doping control delegate

e.international technical officials/international cross country, road running and mountain running officials/area technical officials

f.international race walking judges/area race walking judges

h.international starter(s)

i. international photo finish judge

j. jury of appeal

The number of officials appointed in each category shall be indicated in the current iaaf (or area association) technical regulations.

at competitions organised under rule 1.1 (a)

the selection of persons under (a), (b), (c), (d), and (j) is made by the iaaf council.

The selection of persons under(e) is made by the council from members of the iaaf panels of international technical official's or the international cross country, road running and mountains running.

Officials respectively, the selection of persons under (f)is made by the iaaf council from members of the iaaf panel of international race walking judges.

The selection of the person under (g) is made by the of international road course measurer's. the selection of persons under (h)is made by the technical delegates from members of the iaaf panel of international starters.

The selection of the person under (i) is made by the technical delegates from members of the iaaf panel of international photo finish judges.

The iaaf council shall approve criteria of selection,qualification and duties of the above-mentioned official's. IAAF members may suggest suitably qualified persons for selection.

At competitions organised under rules 1.1(c) and (f) these persons will be selected by the relevant area associations. in the case of the area

Technical officials and area race walking judges, the selection is made by the relevant area association from their selection is made by the relevant area association from their own list of area technical officials and area race walking judges.

For competitions organised under rules 1.1 (a), and (e)(i), IAAF may appoint an advertising commissioner. for competitions under rules 1.1(c), (f) and (j), any such appointments will be made by the relevant area association, for competitions under rule 1.1 (b) by the relevant body, and for competition under rules 1.1(d), (h) and (i), by the relevant IAAF member.

note:

The international official's should wear distinctive attire or insignia.

the travelling expenses of each individual appointed by the IAAF or an area association under this rule or  under rule 3.2 shall be paid to the individual by the organisers of the competition not later than  fourteen days prior to his departure to the venue. in cases involving flights over 1500 miles, business class return air travel shall be provided. accommodation expenses shall also be paid by the organisers not later than the final day of the championship or athletics section of the games or on the day of the meeting itself if the competitions is a one-day meeting.

Organisational delegates

The organisational delegates shall maintain close liaison with the organising committee at all times ans report regularly to the IAAF council, and they shall deal as necessary with matters concerning the duties ans financial responsibilities of the organising member's and the organising committee they shall cooperate with the technical delegates(s).

Technical delegates

the technical delegates, in conjunction with the organising committee, which shall afford them all necessary help, are responsible for ensuring that all technical arrangements are in complete conformity with IAAF technical rules and the and the IAAF track and field facilities manual.

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Recovery

Recovery:

The left foot remains grounded and the right leg is brought past it to halt the athlete. the amount of space needed to stop before the scratch line depends on the amount of horizontal momentum. This is typically 1.5 to 2 metres. adjustment of the check mark is required to achieve optimum distance on the runway.

Types of track: tack is classified into two types

1.standard track-400 meters track.

2.non-standard track-200 meters track.

standard track consists of maximum number of lanes are 

8 and minimum 6.

Staggers of 400m race in a standard track, each

lane is is 1.22 m wide

lane     stagger   lane   stagger

1st      0.00m      5th   30.05m

2nd      7.04m      6th    37072m

3rd      14.71m    7th     45.39m

4th       22.38m    8th    53.06m

staggers of 200m race in a stadard track

lane   stagger   lane   stagger

1st    0.00m     5th     15.02m

2nd    3.52m     6th     18.86m

3rd    7.35m     7th     22.69m  

4th    11.19m    8th     26.52m

100 metre hurdle race

1st 0.65m   5th    15.02m

2nd 1.05m   6th    1.65m

3rd 1.35m   7th    1.75m

4th 1.40m   8th    1.70m

9th 1.95m   total  13.00m

110 metre hurdle race

7.athletics terminology

1st  0.6m  5th step   1.65m

2nd  1.10m  6step     1.80m

3rd  1.35m  7th step  1.80m

4th  1.50m  8thstep   13.72

9th  2.20m  total     13.72mts

area

The geographical area comprising all of the countries and territories affiliated to one of the six area associations.

area association

an area association of the iaaf responsible for fostering athletics in one of the six areas into which the members are divided in the constitution.

Athletics:

track and field, road running, race walking, cross-country running and mountain running.

Cas:

court of arbitration for sport in Lausanne.

citizen:

A person who has legal citizenship of a country or, in the case of a territory, legal citizenship of the territory's parent country and appropriate legal status in the territory under applicable laws.

citizenship:

Legal citizenship of a country or, in the case of a territory, legal citizenship of the territory's parent country and appropriate legal status in the territory under applicable laws.

club

a club or society of athletes affiliated to a member in accordance with the rules of the member.

Commission:

A commission of the iaaf that has been appointed by the council under the terms of the constitution.

Constitution

the iaaf constitution

council

the iaaf council.

country

a self governing geographical area of the world recognised as an independent state by international law and international governmental bodies.

iaaf 

the international association of athletics federations.

international invitation meeting

athletics competition in which athletes affiliated to two or more members participate by invitation of the meeting organiser.

international competition

any of the international competitions listed under rule 1.1 of these rules.

ioc

international Olympic committee.

member

a national governing for athletics affiliated to the iaaf 

national federation

the member of the iaaf to which an athlete athlete support personnel or other person under these rules is affiliated

procedural guidelines 

the procedural guidelines for doping control as approved by the council.

regulations 

the regulations of the iaaf as may be passed by the council from time to time.

rules

the rules of competition of the iaaf as set out in this competition rules handbook.

territory

a geographical territory or region which is not a country, but which has certain aspects pf self-government, at least to the extent of being autonomous in the control of its sport and which is thus recognised as such by the iaaf.

world athletics series

the major international competitions in the iaaf's four-yearly official competition programme.

world athletics tour

an annual series of combined events competitions in which athletes participate and can score points in accordance with regulations approved by the council. this series is organised by the iaaf.

world race walking challenge

an annual series of race walking competitions in which athletes participate and CNA score points in accordance with regulations approved by the council. this series is organised by the iaaf.

note 1; the above definitions apply to all rules. there are further definitions in chapter 3 which apply to the anti-droping rules only.

note 2. all reference's in the rules to the masculine gender shall also include references to the feminine and all references to the singular shall also include references to the plural.

note 3: amendments (other than editorial amendments) to the corresponding rules in the iaaf competition rules 2006-2007, approved by the 2007 congress, are marked by double lines in the margin.

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Transition

Transition:

The aim of the transition phase, also known as the cross-over is to place the right foot ahead of the athlete's centre of gravity  as to produce the characteristic lean back. this must be achieved by advancing the right foot forward and not by leaning back.

Right foot remains close to the ground to maintain forward momentum b.right heel makes contact with the ground c. as the right foot is advanced forward the left foot is advanced ahead of the vertical axis so as to be in place ready for a quick plant after the right foot has landed to the forward horizontal direction the cross over phase ends when the right foot makes contact with the ground and the left leg is forward in the air.pre delivery stride

a. the left leg reaches forward

b.shoulders&hips now in line with the direction of throw 

c. the athlete waits for the ground to come up and meet the left foot

c.trunk is upright

d. head facing direction of throw

e. shoulders and javelin parallel

f.throwing hand above the level of the shoulder

Delivery:

Following contact of the left foot with the ground the left side must brace against a thrusting right leg action 

*right leg drives upwards and forwards bringing the hips at 90 to the direction of throw

*hip thrust is followed with the shoulders and chest turning square to the front and lining up with    the hips and bringing the elbow of the throwing arm forward

*the throwing shoulder is brought over the left leg

*the left leg should lift as the athlete rides over it and the throwing arm now comes into play

*arm strikes fast with the elbow high and close to the mid line

*the release angle (angle between the horizontal and the javelin) for the javelin has to take into  consideration aerodynamic lift and drag. the optimum angle for the javelin is about 33 degrees  (baronet,2000)

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Approach run

Approach run:

experienced throwers will use an approach run of 13 to 17 strides-inexperienced throwers will use fewer strides.

a.run on the balls of the feet with hips high

b. free arm to swing more across the body

c. carrying arm to flex to maintain carry position of the javelin

d.speed to match athlete's physical and technical abilities.

Withdrawal:

The aim is to ensure the withdrawal movement does not affect the athlete's momentum. a check mark can be used to indicate start of the withdrawal phase that commences with the right foot and lasts for two strides.

a.at the check mark the athlete accelerates ahead of the javelin rather than physically pushing the shoulders and javelin rather than physically pushing the shoulders and javelin back 

b. head remains facing in the direction of throw

c. maintain hips at right angles to the direction of running

d. drive the right leg forwards and upwards to help maintain the correct position of the hips

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Javelin throw

Javelin throw:

The javelin throw action can be divided in to six parts

1.grip

2.carry

3.run

4.transitional and impulse strides

5.delivery

6.release

Javelin grip:

(a) strong, stable grip is acquired. the grip must remain firm behind the ledge made by the binding (cord), and the javelin must run down the length of the palm and not across it.

(b) The fingers, which are not secured behind the binding, must press firmly on the javelin in order to produce a natural spin at release. 

(c)The v grip  is probably the most efficient for the novice thrower as it emphasises the supporting role of the palm. grip b is the one used by most experienced throwers.

Start and carry:

the aim is to carry the javelin to allow the muscles of the right shoulder, arm and wrist to relax and also to allow an easy running action.

a. stand with right foot forward

b. carry the javelin above the shoulders or head 

c.right elbow points forward

d.palm of the right hand points at the sky so as to provide a platform for the javelin to sit in e. javelin points in the direction of the urn up-point slightly down

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Discuss throw

Discus throw:

a) grip: the thrower holds the discuss on the last crease of the fingers with the fingers spread or the first two fingers placed together.

b). preliminary swings: The thrower begins by standing at the circle with the legs bent slightly and the weight on the balls of the feet, the thrower initiates several preliminary swings, shifting the weight from the right foot in a horizontal plane.

c). turn: at the end of the final swing to the right, with the discuss as far back as the thrower can reach, the thrower prepares to enter the turn, pivoting over the left leg. The right leg is picked up and moves in an arc toward the front of the circle as the left leg drives forward. the legs and hips are kept ahead of the shoulders as the turn is performed.

d).power position: after the right foot lands in the middle of the circle, the thrower keeps pivoting until the left leg lands slightly bent. the thrower is now in a power position with the legs bent and the shoulders and the throwing arm back in a torqued position.

e). follow_through: the right hip drives through as the bent legs drive upward and the weight shifts to she left leg. the throwing arm is whipped through by this powerful leg/trunk action.

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Landing

Landing:

Tech landing techniques are the same as those used in the long jump, except that some jumpers sit out in landing rather than falling forward, as in the long jump.

Shotput:

Today, shot putters are using two styles in throwing. they are 1. the glide (O'Brien) and the spin (discus-turn)

glide style: with the putter facing opposite the direction of the throw, he glides across the circle, lifts the shot with the back, hips, and legs, and then explodes with the arm. technique

a). grip: The weight of the shot is placed where the fingers meet the palm of the hand. The thumb and little finger support and guide the shot. The three middle fingers are used for power.

b). shot placement: the shot is held against the neck under the jaw bone underneath the ear.

c). starting position: the putter stands at the back of the circle with the right foot in the 11 o'clock position. The putter keeps the eyes focused on a focal point in the back of the circle, with the non-throwing arm and shoulder kept square and held back.

d). glide; from the starting position, the body weight drops down over the right leg, raising the left leg. The left leg makes an easy swinging motion toward the throwing direction. at the same time, the right leg begins its pushing action across the circle, this is a ball-to-heel motion that causes a stretching action, not a hopping or jumping movement. as the body weight moves toward the front of the circle, the right leg snaps underneath the thrower to the middle of the circle in the 9 o'clock position. the left leg lands at the same instant in the 5 o'clock position just to the left of the line of direction.

e)  throwing (power) position: this position at the front of the circle is called the power position: it is the key to a successful through. feet and hips are turned  to the left side of the circle, the head faces the back of the circle, body weight is over the right leg, and the right and left legs are bent.

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Triple jump

Triple jump:

Formerly called the hop step, and jump, the triple jump is an event requiring good speed, great leg strength, and excellent coordination. Proper knee action, with thighs parallel with the ground, and equal rhythm are the keys to good performance.

The technique in the triple jump can be broken down in to the approach, plant/take off, flight, and landing.

Approach:

To ensure hitting the take off board with consistency, check marks are established using the same method as in the long jump. however, the approach is slower and more controlled than in the long jump.

Plant/take off:

Since the movement at take off is more forward than upward as compared with the long jump, the jumper does not need to settle or gather at take off . the take off is planted flat, with the centre of gravity directly over the foot.

Flight:

The first phase of the flight is the hop.

The hop, or first jump, is performed by bringing the take off leg forward after it has fully extended from the take off board . The thigh of the hopping leg is held parallel with the ground; the hopping foot lands flat in preparation for the next phase.

The step, or second jump, is performed by bringing the free leg forward and parallel with the ground, riding it forward until there is a good thigh split.

The third phase, or jump, utilizes the same technique as described in the long jump. However, the hand or sail should be used be rather than the hitch kick because there is less time to perform the action.

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Long jump

Long jump:

The long jumper must possess good sprinting speed, a rhythmic, consistent stride pattern and powerful jumping ability. The basic technique of the long jump can be broken down into four phases. They are the run-up, plant/take off, flight and landing.

a) the run-up approach: during the approach, the jumper must get to the take off board with maximum controlled speed and be in a position to lift. Therefore, relaxation and consistency of stride length are important during the approach. To ensure that jumper hits the take off board with consistency, check marks are established in the following manner:

1.The jumper, one stride from the take off board, runs 12 to 16 strides in the opposite direction of the jumping pit until the same foot that is to hit the take off board lands on the tracks.

2.The jumper continues with 4 to 5 run through in this direction until the take off foot hits consistently at the same point.

3.The jumper then places a check mark at that point and, standing one stride away, hits the mark with the take off foot.

4.Now running toward the jumping pit, the jumper makes 4 to 5 run-through until hitting the board consistently.

5.The check mark may be moved forward or backward depending on whether the jumper is over or under the take off board.

plant/take off:

Like in the high jump, the next to last stride is a longer, settling stride preparing for the lift. The last stride is shorter, and the take off hits in a heel-toe action. The free leg comes through as in a normal running stride.

The flight:

After leaving the board, the jumper can use one of three types of techniques in the air: the hitch kick, hand, or soil. The hitch kick is done with a run-in-the-air action.The hang is performed by letting the legs hand down, with the hips froward and the upper body back. IN the sail, the legs are tucked up under the body. The purpose of these flight position is to prevent forward rotation and to get extension in landing.

The landing:

Important in landing is getting good leg extension. This can only be achieved when the flight positions are done correctly. Upon landing impact, the jumper must work through the jump in order not to sit back. This accomplished by dropping the chin to the chest and driving 

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Hurdling

Hurdling:

Hurdling is rhythmical sprinting action and should be done with as little deviation from sprinting as possible. Clearing a hurdle is a run over action, not a jumping movement, and all hurdling is taught with this concept in mind.

The physical attributes of height of height or good leg split, speed, flexibility, and coordination along with the mental qualities of courage, patience, and concentration are important for success in hurdling.

Hurdle start:

The hurdle start differ from the regular sprint start in the hurdler must come up to the running position sooner. A high hurdler will take 7 to 8 steps to the first hurdle; an intermediate hurdler 21,22, 23, or 24 steps. The hurdler who takes an odd number of steps to the first hurdle will have the same leg forward in the blocks as leads over the hurdle. With an even number of steps, the lead leg over the hurdle. With an even number of steps, the lead leg over the hurdle is the back leg in the blocks. the hurdler determines the lead leg by attempting to hurdle with each leg. the one most comfortable should be the lead leg.

Running between the hurdles: In the highs, a hurdler must take 3 steps and in the intermediates 13,15 or 17 steps. The intermediate hurdler can use a 14-stride pattern if the lead leg is alternated.

The hurdler must concentrate on good sprint action between the hurdles, running up on the balls of the feet, with knees high and arms driving hard with relaxation. Good sprint rhythm between the hurdles is important. The hurdler should never gallop or over stride, which often is caused by not getting a good step off the hurdle with the trail leg.

high jump (flop style):

The flop or back layout style of jumping, originated by the 1968 Olympic champion dick fosbury, is currently used by the majority of high jumpers. In this technique high jump can perform into three phases. Tey are approach, plant/ take off and bar clearance.

a)approach:

The j approach is used by most jumpers.This is a run of 3,4, or 5 strides straight ahead, then 3, 4, or 5 strides on a curve. speed is important in the approach, of the jumper must lean to the inside of arc in order to maintain velocity into the bar.

b)plant/take off:

The next-to-last stride is longer to enable the jumper to lower the centre of gravity for the jump. the last stride (take off) is from the outside foot farthest from the bar and is shorter so that the body is in a lean-back position. the free-knee leg is kicked upward and coordinated with an upward swing of the arms (arms/knee drive). the kick combined with the curved approach and the take off foot planted toward the left standard causes the jumper's back to rotate toward the bar at take off. As the take off is being executed, the jumper should look over the inside shoulder.

c)bar clearance (layout position):

During bar clearance,  the lead knee remains up with the plant by catching up to it.The legs are spread, with the knees out in a frog position and the feet together. The hands are placed alongside the body. There is a laying back of the head and an arching of the back until the bar passes along the back to the chest so that the body folds up in an L-position.

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Race finishing techniques

Race finishing techniques:

Athletes uses the following three methods in finishing races:

1. run through technique

2. drop finish technique

3.shoulder shrugging technique

1. run through technique:

In this type of finish the athlete, without keeping the consideration of finishing point, reaches the destination with full speed as it is.

2.drop finish technique or lunge:

In this type of finish the athlete, when the finishing line is just one step ahead the athlete bends both arms backward and tries to touch on the tape on the finishing line with the chest.

3. shoulder shrugging technique: in this type of finishing the athlete shrugs his opposite shoulder to the tape by turning the chest sideways into the tape at the very last movement.

sprint finishing techniques

Middle and long distance races 

middle distance races include the 800mts, 1500 mts, and mile races.

long distance races include the 3000 meter steeplechase, 5000 meter, 10000 meter and marathon races.

running form in these events is not significantly different from the sprinting events except that as the speed of a runner is reduced, the stride length becomes shorter, the body is more erect, and the foot strikes more on the heel in landing.

relays: 

There are two types of relays: sprint relays (400, 800, 1600 meters) and sprint medley (200,400,800 meters) and distances relays (3200,6000) and distance medley (400,800,1200,1600 meters). four runners compete for a team, each running an equal distance (except in medley relays), and pass a baton to the next runner. The baton must be exchanged to the next runner. he baton must be exchanged within a 20 meter exchange zone.

There are two general methods of exchanging the baton. they are 1.the blind pass the visual pass.

Blind pass:
The blind pass is used in sprint relays. In this exchange, the outgoing runner stands in a good sprint position at the back of the 10 meter fly zone located beyond the 20 meter zone.

Visual pass:
The visual pass is used in all distance relay. It enables the outgoing runner to judge the speed and fatigue of the incoming runner.

In this exchange, the outgoing runner, who is turned toward the inside of the track facing the pole lane, stands on the right side of the lane and receives the baton in the left hand, palm up, from the incoming runner's right hand. Upon receiving the baton the outgoing runner should always immediately transfer the baton to the right hand.

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Runs start and finishes

Runs start and finishes:

In short distance races, 3 types of starts recognise:

1.bunch start 

2. medium start

3. elongated start

1. Bunch start:

For this type of start the distance between blocks should be 8 to 10 inches. The next block should be 19 inches away from the starting line. An antlete bends in the block in forward direction so that the toes of his back foot and the heel of the forward foot are in the same line.

This type of start provides high elevetation, a favourable body lean and a faster foot action.

2.Medium start:

In this start the distance between blocks is from 10 to 13 inches and between first block and the starting line is about 15 inches. In this the knee of the rear leg is about opposite the toe of the front foot. This is more common start among athletes.

3. Elongated start:

In this start athlete place the front foot about 13 inches from starting line abd the rear foot about 41 inches from it. The knee of the rear leg is placed opposite the heel of the front foot, while kneeling on the mark. this start is rarely used.

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Skills and techniques

Skills and techniques:

sprinting:

a). the start: the placement of the starting blocks is essential to a good start. In this start, the front block is set in approximately 2-foot lengths from the staring line, and the back 3-to 4-foot lengths. These distances may very according to the sprinter's body structure, height, and length of limbs.

The starting command are on your marks and set and the firing of the gun.In the on-the-mark position, the hands are parallel with the starting line, the are shoulder width apart, the dominant leg is forward in the blocks with the opposite knee resting on the track, and head is relaxed. After assuming this positions, the sprinter will then slider or roll forward until  the shoulders are over or in front of the starting line, with the pressure being on the knee fingertips.

On set the sprinter raise the hips until slightly higher than the shoulders.In this position, the knees are parallel or at a slight angle to the track. The sprinter feels good power in both legs in this position lf the blocks are spaced properly. The head is relaxed with no tension on the neck.

at the gun, the sprinter concentrates on good sprint form: opposite arm/ opposite leg action while keeping the driving angle low  and forward. It is important that the sprinter's movement be forward, not upward, which is the result of the proper set position.

b). lifting:

After coming out of the blocks, the sprinter concentrates on lifting, or shifting gears by driving the knees high, which will continue acceleration. This action continues until the sprinters has reached maximum speed, somewhere between 30 to 40 metres, at which time an upright running position and full running stride length will have been achieved.

c). fee-wheeling:

In this phase, which is also referred to as floating, the sprinting works to sustain speed through total body relaxation. total relaxation is achieved by running tall while keeping the hands, arms, and jaw loose and the shoulders down to reduce tension in the antagonistic muscle groups of the neck.

d). the finish:

The sprinter drivers or runs through the tape at the finish in regular sprint form and does not attempt to jump or lunge.

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Jumping events

Jumping events:

high jump

pole vault

long jump 

triple jump

The following events also take place, but are uncommon: 

standing high jump 

standing long jump

standing triple jump

Multiple event competitions

multiple event competitions include events 

from both the track (running) and field events.

Pentathlon: the outdoor pentathlon includes the following five events:

long jump

javelin

200 meters

discus

1500 metres

the outdoor pentathlon was a national championship event the united states until 1978. It is still contested

in many places throughout the world, but rarely as a championship event. The pentathlon was also contested in several of the early Olympic games, notably in the 1912 Olympics which was won by jim Thorpe, who also won the decathlon. The event was modelled after the original Greek Olympic games, in which the pentathlon was the foremost contest. it consisted of long jump, javelin, a statia run of approximately 180 meters, discus, and greco-Roman style wrestling.

pentathlon: the indoor pentathlon includes  the following five events:

high hurdles ( 110 metres for men, 100 metres for women)

heptathlon: the heptathlon includes the following seven events: outdoors (usually only women): 100 metre high hurdles

high jump

shot put

200 metres

long jump

javelin throw

800 metres

indoors (usually only men)

60 metres 

long jump

shot put

high jump 

60 metres hurdles

pole vault

1000 metres

decathlon: the decathlon includes

the following ten events:

100 metres

long jump

shot put

high jump

400 metres

110 metre high hurdles

disuse

pole vault

javelin

1500 metres

decathlon schedule:

first day                  second day

1. 100 m race               6. 100 m hurdles

2.long jump                7. discuss throw

3. shot put                8. pole vault

4.high jump                9. javelin throw

5. 400 m race               10. 1500 m race

heptathlon schedule:

first day                 second day

1. 100 m hurdles           5. long jump

2. high jump              6. javelin

3.shot put                7. 800 mts

4. 200 mts

list of equipment for the contests:

track events:

stop watch, whistles, falgs , finishing post, thread, p.a. system, lime, tape, score sheet.

field events:

clip board, flags, tape, spade, nails, leveller

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Track and field events

Track and field events:

Running events conducted on a track 

(generally 400 metres, except indoors:

sprints are events up to and including the 400 metres events commonly contested are:

60 metres (indoors only)

100 metres

200 metres

400 metres

middle distance events are events longer than sprints and up to 3000 metres. Events commonly contested are: 

800 metres

1000 metres

1500 metres

one mile

3000 metres

3000 metres steeplechase

long distance events are events over 3000 metres.

Events commonly contested are:

5000 metres

10,000 metres

hurdles events require the runner to run over evenly spaced barriers during the race.

Events commonly contested are:

60 metres hurdles (indoors only)

100 metres hurdles (women)

110 metres hurdles (men)

400 metres hurdles

Relay races are events in which four athletes participate as a team, passing a metal baton in between.

Events commonly contested are:

4 100 metres relay

4 400 metres relay

Some events, such as medley relays, are rarely run except at large relay carnivals.

Typical medley relays include.

Sprint medley relay (SMR): the four legs 

are 400 metres, two 200 metre legs, 800 metres;

or alternately 200 metres,

two 100 metre legs, 400 metres

Distance medley relay (DMR): the four legs are 1200 metres, 400 metres,

800 metres, 1600 metres

Road races are events conducted on open roads, sometimes finishing on a track.

Events commonly contested are;

10km

20km

half marathon (21.0975km)

marathon (42.195km) the marathons the only common road-racing distance run in major

international athletics championships,

such as the Olympics.

race walking may be contested on either the track

or on open roads. Events commonly contested are:

10km

20km

50km

field events 

throwing events

discus throw 

hammer throw

javelin throw

shot put

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Panhellenic games

Panhellenic games:

Annually, from 1796-1798 Olympiad de la republic was held in revolutionary France, and is an early forerunner to the modern summer Olympic games. The premier event of this competition was a footrace, but various ancient Greek disciplines were also on display. The 1796 Olympiad also marks the introduction of the metric system into sport.

In the 19 Th century the formal organization of the modern events accelerated in France, Germany, and great Britain in particular. This included the incorporation of regular sports and exercise into school regimes. The royal military college, sand Hurst has claimed to be the first to adopt this in 1812 and 1825, but without any supporting evidence. The earliest recorded meeting was organised at Shrewsbury, Shropshire in 1840 by the royal Shrewsbury school hunt. There are details of the  meeting in a series of letters written 60 years later by c.t. Robinson,  who was a pupil there form 1838 to 1841. The royal military academy  at woolwich held an organised competition in 1849, but the first regular series of meetings was held by Exeter college, Oxford from 1850.

Modern athletic events are usually organized around a 400 metre running track on which most of the running events take place. Field events(vaulting, jumping, and throwing) often take place  on the infield, inside the track.

Athletics was included in the first modern Olympic games in 1896 and has formed their backbone ever since. women were first allowed to participate in track and field events in the 1928 Olympics.

An international governing body, the international amateur athletics federation (iaaf), was founded in 1912; it adopted its current name, the international association of athletics federations, in 2001. The iaaf established separated outdoor world championships in 1983. there are a number of regional games as well, such as the European championships, the pan-american games, and the commonwealth games. In addition there is a professional golden league circuit, cumulating in the IAAF world athletics final, and indoor championships the sport has a very high profile during major championships, especially the Olympics , but otherwise is less popular.

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