Track for dummies

If you think Track is just about crazy people who run in circles, all for the fastest time, then you are pretty close to knowing everything there is to know about Track.

However, that would be a false statement considering that is the least of a Track runners worries. Yes, it is true that a track is in the shape of an oval and that the runners are competing for the fastest time - there is just more to it than meets the spectators' eye.

There are many rules and regulations when it comes to competing in a track meet. Not only
do these athletes run, they also jump and throw. Not every track athlete runs, jumps and throws; some just run, some run and jump and some just throw. Some members of the track team just do solo races, while others compete in a relay race with fellow team members.

Each athlete is allowed to participate in three different events; again which events the athlete particaptes in is up to the coach and the athlete. The athlete's hands must be behind their start line and the race will not begin until all the competitors are steady and in the correct starting position. If a runner false starts - meaning if they step or make a move before the start gun is fired, the athlete is disqualified from the race.

Each runner must also stay in their given lane for the entire race. Too bad the rules of the road are not the same. Also, a runner may not run off the track or obstruct another runner. If they do, they will be disqualified. Like every rule, there is an exception; if a runner is forced off the track by another runner, they will not be punished.

For those athletic track-sters who jump over hurdles, they are not allowed to go around them, nor purposely knock one down. This will lead to a disqualification, because the main reason for the hurdle jump race is to hint, hint: jump over the hurdles. Simple rule now explained.

Lastly, those who have the arm strength of a WWE fighter, compete in a throwing competition. Regardless of what they are throwing, they are only allowed to use one arm. They are not allowed to cross the white line they are allowed to step up to; again, disregarding any of these rules results in a disqualification.

Track is not just about running faster than the person next to you, it is about running faster and throwing farther and jumping higher than anyone. So next time you attend a track meet, just watch at how technical the athletes and judges are when it comes the tiniest details. You just might be able to spot a little pinkie finger over the white line.

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