pentathlon and decathlon

Combined events are combination of track and field events. They originated from the ancient Olympic games to test the total fitness of competitors.

Groups or Types of Combined Events

There are two types of combined events, namely

(a) Pentathlon (for men)

(b) Decathlon (for men)

Events Under Each Group/Type of Combined Events

(a) Pentathlon: There are five (5) events done in it, these are

(i) Long Jump

(ii) Javelin throw

(iii) 200m race

(iv) Discus throw and

(v) 1500m race.

These events are held in a day.

(b) Decathlon: There are ten (10) events done in it and they are held in two consecutive days as follows:

		DAY ONE	DAY TWO
	1.	100m race	110m hurdles
	2.	Long jump	Discus throws
	3.	Shot put	Pole vault
	4.	High jump	Javelin throws
	5.	400m race	1500m race

Scoring in Combined Competitions

The scoring is done by calculating the number of medals scored in the order of importance as gold, silver and bronze.

Equipment and Facilities Used in Combined Events

The equipment and facilities used in combined events are:

(i) Starter hearing protector

(ii) Stop watch

(iii) Track and field score sheet

(iv) Whistle

(v) Flag(white for valid throw, red for invalid throw)

(vi) The baton

(vii) Sport wear

(viii) The shot

(ix) The discus

(x) The javelin

(xi) The track

(xii) The field, etc.

Rules and Regulations in Combined Events

The rules and regulations in combined events are as follows:

(i) A competitor must take off from one foot (single take off). – Pole vault

(ii) A competitor is out of the competition when he dislodges the bar three consecutive times at a particular height. Pole vault

(iii) A competitor is allowed three trials. – Long jump

(iv) The foot must not extend beyond the take-off board and must land inside the pit. Otherwise it will be no jump or invalid jump Long jump.

(v) Athletes are disqualified in relay race if they commit offense(s) like pushing or assisting during takeover.

(vi) Throwing of baton instead of passing.

(vii) Picking of a dropped baton by an athlete other than the athlete that dropped it.

Officials in Athletic Events

These are the officials in athletic events:

(1) The Referee

(2) The chief track judge

(3) The track judges

(4) The chief field judge

(5) The field judges

(6) The Starter

(7) The recall starter

(8) The lap recorders

(9) The marksman/assistant starter

(10) The announcer

(11) The umpires

(12) The recorders

(13) The time keepers

(14) The press

(15) The security officers

(16) The stewards

(17) The first aiders

(18) The clerk of the course

EVALUATION:

1. Mention the name of the two groups of combined events for men.
2. How many events are being held on the pentathlon group?