Track & Field Vocabulary
Instructions: Sprint through this quiz about track and field terminology!
- 1.
In track and field, what is a 'false start'?
AStarting from the wrong laneBStarting without proper shoesCTripping at the start lineDBeginning to run before the starting signal - 2.
What is the 'decathlon' in track and field?
AA combined event of ten different disciplines over two daysBA competition with ten teamsCA race covering ten milesDTen laps around the track - 3.
In track and field, what is the 'baton' in relay races?
AA timing device attached to the runnerBA conductor's wand used to start the raceCA marker placed on the trackDA hollow tube passed between runners during a relay - 4.
What does 'PB' stand for in track and field?
APersonal BestBPerformance BracketCProfessional BodyDPoint Balance - 5.
In the high jump, what is the 'Fosbury Flop'?
AA technique of going over the bar backward and headfirstBA failed attempt at clearing the barCA celebration after clearing a heightDA type of running approach - 6.
What is the 'steeple' in steeplechase?
AThe finish line structureBA tall timing poleCA solid barrier that runners must jump overDA church tower near the track - 7.
In track and field, what is 'wind-aided' (or 'wind-assisted')?
AA performance achieved with a tailwind exceeding the legal limitBUsing a fan for coolingCRunning in circles to create windDRunning in a wind tunnel for training - 8.
What is the 'hammer throw' in track and field?
AHitting a target with a malletBThrowing a carpenter's hammerCA relay where teams throw objectsDAn event where athletes spin and throw a heavy ball attached to a wire and handle - 9.
In sprinting, what are 'starting blocks'?
ABlocks of time reserved for practiceBBuilding blocks used in trainingCDevices anchored to the track providing a rigid surface for sprinters to push against at the startDWooden blocks placed as obstacles - 10.
What is a 'photo finish' in track and field?
ATaking photographs during the raceBWhen the finish is so close that a high-speed camera image determines the winnerCThe final lap of a long-distance raceDPosing for pictures after the race - 11.
In track and field, what is the 'triple jump'?
AThree attempts at the high jumpBJumping three hurdles in successionCAn event with a hop, step (bound), and jump into a sandpitDA jump using three springboards - 12.
What does 'DQ' mean in track and field results?
ADisqualifiedBDistance QualifiedCDistance QuotaDDouble Qualifying - 13.
In the pole vault, what is the 'plant'?
AThe pole standing uprightBThe moment the vaulter drives the pole tip into the box to begin the vaultCA flower placed at the pitDThe landing area - 14.
What is a 'scratch' in field events?
AA foul attempt that does not countBWithdrawing from the eventCAn injury from fallingDA mark on the runway - 15.
In track and field, what is the 'exchange zone' in relay races?
AA cooling station between eventsBThe area where coaches communicate with athletesCAn area where athletes trade equipmentDThe designated area within which the baton must be passed between runners
Answer Key
A false start occurs when an athlete begins their running motion before the starting signal (gun). Under current rules, a single false start results in disqualification.
The decathlon is a combined event consisting of ten track and field disciplines (100m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m, 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, 1500m) contested over two days.
The baton is a smooth, hollow tube that must be carried and passed hand-to-hand between teammates in a relay race within a designated exchange zone.
PB stands for Personal Best, the best performance (fastest time, longest distance, or highest height) an athlete has achieved in their career in a particular event.
The Fosbury Flop, pioneered by Dick Fosbury at the 1968 Olympics, is a high jump technique where the athlete goes over the bar backward and headfirst, arching the back.
In the steeplechase, runners must clear solid barriers (unlike hurdles, they do not fall if hit) and water jumps. The event's name comes from the original cross-country races between church steeples.
A performance is wind-aided when the tailwind exceeds 2.0 meters per second, meaning the result cannot count as a record because the wind provided an unfair advantage.
The hammer throw involves spinning in a circle and releasing a heavy metal ball (16 lb for men, 8.8 lb for women) attached to a steel wire and handle for maximum distance.
Starting blocks are adjustable metal devices fixed to the track surface that sprinters push against to generate maximum force at the start of a race.
A photo finish occurs when competitors cross the finish line so closely together that a high-speed electronic timing camera is needed to determine the order and exact times.
The triple jump is a field event where the athlete performs a hop (landing on the takeoff foot), a step (landing on the opposite foot), and a jump (landing in the sandpit).
DQ stands for disqualified, meaning an athlete has been removed from the results for a rule violation such as a false start, lane infringement, or illegal technique.
The plant is the critical phase where the pole vaulter drives the end of the pole into the box (a metal-lined trough) while transitioning from the approach run into the vault.
A scratch (or foul) in field events such as long jump or javelin is an invalid attempt, typically because the athlete stepped past the foul line, and the attempt does not count.
The exchange zone (or changeover zone) is a marked 30-meter section of the track within which relay runners must complete the baton handoff; passing outside this zone results in disqualification.