What Are The Rules Of Track And Field?

What Are The Rules Of Track And Field?

The rules of track & field are about promoting fair play among all participants. Athletes who are knowledgeable of these rules can create better strategies.

Jul 29, 2022 by FloTrack Staff
What Are The Rules Of Track And Field?

The rules of track and field events are all about promoting fair play among all participants.

Athletes who are knowledgeable of these rules can create better strategies, allowing them to have the highest probability of winning their events.

Have you ever asked "what are the rules of track and field events?" Is so, you've come to the right place. 

Let's take a look at the throwing, jumping and running rules that are enforced in track and field to better appreciate the difficulty of each event.

Throwing Rules Of Track And Field

Whether throwing a discus, shot put, hammer or javelin, the main goal in throwing events is reaching the furthest point.

  • Discus: In discus throwing, athletes aren't allowed to leave the throwing circle until their discus has landed. The thrown discus has to land within an outlined section from the throwing circle to be considered valid.
  • Shot put: For a throw to be considered valid in shot put, the putter needs to pause and set up after entering their designated circle. They also need to complete their shot within 60 seconds to be scored.
  • Hammer throw: When throwing their hammer, athletes need to stay within a circle that has a 7-foot diameter until their hammer lands. The hammer needs to land within an outlined section to qualify.
  • Javelin: In javelin throwing, athletes aren't allowed to turn their backs on the throwing area. They also shouldn't leave their designated spot at any time to avoid being disqualified.

Jumping Rules Of Track And Field

These are the following rules for the various jumping activities of track and field:

  • Long jump: Athletes who jump in front of the takeoff line or land outside the designated landing area are disqualified.
  • High jump: Knocking the crossbar in a high jump attempt is considered a failed attempt. Winners of this event are the ones who can clear the tallest crossbar.

Distance Running Rules Of Track And Field

These are the track and field rules that distance runners should know:

  • Middle distance running: All runners are required to stay within their assigned lanes, but only within their first run. They can always shift lanes afterward. For those doing the 1,500-meter race, there are no designated lane assignments for runners.
  • Sprint and hurdle: In sprint and hurdle events, runners need to stay within their assigned lanes throughout the race. Any runner who goes out of their assigned lane will be disqualified.

Conclusion

These are the basic rules that people who plan to participate in track and field events should know. 

Being knowledgeable about these track and field rules will give you a better understanding of the sport, while reducing the chances of being disqualified.