Track and field is one of a few sports that is made up of a collection of different events. Track events include sprint, distance, hurdle and relay runs. Field events include jumps, throws and the pole vault. These many events require the use of many pieces of equipment. All of which must be of a specific size, shape and weight to allow for fair competition.
Starting Blocks
Starting blocks are used by print athletes to aid the sprint start. Blocks are adjustable to allow for optimal positioning for athletes of various statures. Blocks are made of rigid material and affix to the track with pins or spikes that cause minimal damage to the track surface.
Baton
Relay batons are smooth, hollow tubes that are made of wood, metal or other suitable material such as plastic. Batons are to 28 to 30 cm in length, with a circumference of 12 to 13 cm, and a weight no less than 50 g.
Hurdles
Hurdles are made of wood, metal and other suitable materials such as rigid plastic. Hurdles are made up of a base two upright supports and one crossbar. Hurdles may be 1.03 meters to 1.2 meters in width. Hurdle height varies from event to event and range from 30 inches to 42 inches.
Shot
The shot is a heavy, smooth, round ball that is a field event object. Shots are made of solid iron, brass or other material no softer than brass. Shots may also have a metal shell filled with lead or other material. The diameter and weight of a shot varies with the age, skill and sex of the athlete. Young athletes will use a shot weighing only 4 lbs. while adult females will use a 4 kg shot and adult men will use a 7.26 kg shot.
Discus
The discus is round and relatively flat object that is a field event object. The discus has a smooth metal ring around a wood or synthetic body. The sides of the discus will taper from the rim to a circle that is 25 mm from the center of the discus. The size and weight of the discus vary by age, skill and sex with young athletes throwing a 1 kg discus to senior men who throw a 2 kg discus.
Hammer
The hammer is made up of a head which is a weighted ball attached to a handle by a wire. The hammer head should be made of a solid material or a metal shell filled with solid material. The weight of the hammer varies. All females will use a 4 kg hammer while young men begin at 5 kg and senior men using 7.26 kg. The wire holding the hammer head to the handle must be a single length of spring steel wire. The handle must be a rigid in construction. It is triangle in shape, although the handle grip may be straight or slightly curved.
Javelin
The javelin in a long spear like field event object. The javelin has a metal head and a long shaft with a grip. The head is tapered to a sharp point. Construction of the javelin varies from one model to another. Total weight of the object must be 800 g for men and 600 g for women and young athletes.
References
- USA Track and Field Coaching Education Manual, USA Track and Field, 2006
- NCAA-Cross Country and Track and Field
- IAAF-Competition Rules
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