Sports

The major difference between indoor and outdoor is that the track is half the size. A regulation indoor track has a circumference of 200m as opposed to the 400m outdoor track. Due to this, several events are modified and several others are eliminated for the indoor track program. For more information about indoor track & field, click here [link here to Indoor track & Field article which will be forthcoming.]

here are 44 events in the Track & Field competition of an Olympic Games making the sport, by far, the most contested of all Olympic sports. These 44 events can be divided in to their different event areas beginning by separating track events (all of the running and walking events), from field events (all of the throwing and vaulting events). There are also two multi-events, the decathlon and heptathlon, which combine disciplines from both track and field.

To get started in track & field, all one needs is a decent pair of running shoes which can be purchased either at a chain store that sells athletic equipment, or a specialty running store. At track meets and practices with a youth track club, most of the kids will also have a pair of spikes, which, depending on the age level, may or may not be specifically made for that event.

Running injuries are quite common. But they can be reduced if you follow the proper conditioning and training programs; wear the appropriate apparel and footwear; and are aware of your running environment. Follow these guidelines to prevent injuries.

A strain is a twist, pull and/or tear of a muscle and/or tendon. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscles to bone. Strains and sprains are among the most common sports injuries.

Shin splints are an inflammation of the tendons attaching the shin muscles to the tibia (shin bone) and a warning sign that, for whatever reason, the muscles are unable to handle the stress being placed on them. They are the number one overuse injury in track and field. If you suspect your child has shin splints, he should be seen by his doctor because sometimes what looks like shin splints are actually tibia stress fractures.

Indoor track isn't just outdoor track under a roof or in a bubble. Not only are the track and events different from those contested outdoors, but these differences make indoor track attractive to track and field athletes for a number of reasons.

Indoor track isn't just outdoor track under a roof or in a bubble. Not only are the track and events different from those contested outdoors, but these differences make indoor track attractive to track and field athletes for a number of reasons.

The American Society For Testing And Materials (ASTM) has established a new task force to establish voluntary safety standards for pole vaulting.

Friends and acquaintances who know my track background frequently ask me, "How do I get my child started in track & field?" Because track & field programs are not as ubiquitous as soccer or basketball programs, it may not be as easy as going to the nearest recreation center or Boys & Girls club. Yet youth track & field, or age group track & field, as it is called in the sport, is a thriving activity nationwide and most communities have track clubs for kids. It's just a matter of knowing how to find them.