These competitions are the throwing or jumping events in a track and field meet. They take place on a field, or similar area, as opposed to those on the running track and usually fall into the following categories…
long jump, triple jump, javelin, pole vault, high jump, discus, shot put, hammer throw
long jump – a competition that involves jumping as far as possible from a running start. In long jumping (formerly called broad jumping), the contestant dashes along a runway and springs into the air from a point called the takeoff board, with the aim of covering the greatest possible distance. While still in the air the jumper throws both feet far forward of the body to increase the distance and to prepare to land. Competitors take three jumps for distance, after which all but the best seven performers are eliminated. The best seven then take three more jumps. A jump is measured along a straight line extending from the front edge of the takeoff board to the mark made closest to the takeoff board by any part of the jumper’s body as the jumper lands. The athletes are rated on their longest jump. Long jumping requires strong leg and abdominal muscles, running speed, and leg spring.
triple jump – a jumping event for distance in which a participant leaps on one foot from takeoff point, lands on the same foot, steps forward on the other foot, leaps, and lands on both feet. Also called hop, step, and jump.
javelin– an athletic competition in which a javelin is thrown as far as possible. The javelin is a metal spear, steel tipped, with a minimum length of 260cm (8ft 6.25in) for men and 220cm (7ft 2.5in) for women; and a minimum weight of 800g (1.75 lb) for men and about 600g (1.5lb) for women. The javelin has a grip made of whipcord about 15cm (about 6in) long, which is located at the center of gravity. Two parallel lines, 4m (13ft 1.5in) apart, mark the javelin runway. The throwing line is a 7cm (2.75in) wide strip, which is sunk flush to the ground and touches the front ends of the runway lines. The center of this strip is equidistant from and located between the runway lines. From this center point two straight lines extend through the ends of the scratch line for a distance of 90m (29.5ft). All throws must land between these lines. Throws are measured on a direct line from point of impact to the center point, but only the distance to the inner edge of the arc is recorded. Throwers must stay within the runway and not touch or cross the throwing line. The javelin tip must land tip first. In American Track & Field meets, contestants get three throws, and the seven best throwers are given three more. Competitors are placed according to their best throw. As a preclude to the throw, the contestants grasp the javelin near its center of gravity and sprint towards a check line. As they get near the line they twist to one side, draw back the javelin, and prepare to throw. Meanwhile, in order to maintain running speed while leaning back for the throw, they execute a hop or fast cross step. At the check line they pivot forward abruptly and hurl the javelin into the air. The throw doesn’t count if they step across the line or if the javelin does not fall to the earth tip first.
pole vault – a competition that involves jumping over a high crossbar with the aid of a long pole
high jump – a competition that involves jumping as high as possible over a horizontal bar. The aim in high jumping is to clear (leap over) a crossbar resting at progressively greater heights between two upright standards about 4 m (about 13 ft) apart. The contestant is allowed three attempts to clear each height. Most jumpers today employ the style known as the Fosbury flop to clear the bar. The Fosbury flop was named for its originator, American jumper Dick Fosbury, who used the style to win the event in the 1968 Olympics. To execute the flop, jumpers approach the crossbar nearly straight on; they leap and twist on takeoff, rise above the bar headfirst, clear the bar with their backs oriented toward the ground, and land on the foam pad with their shoulders.
discus – an athletic competition in which a disk-shaped object is thrown as far as possible
shot put– an athletic competition in which a heavy metal ball is hurled as far as possible
hammer throw – an athletic competition in which a heavy metal ball that is attached to a flexible wire is hurled as far as possible
Texas A&M Track and Field Officials Association 