Track and field terms for new parents

How to use this glossary

Track and field has its own vocabulary, and a meet can sound like a different language the first time you attend. This glossary covers the words you will hear most often. Terms are listed in rough order from the track to the field. For how events work, read track and field rules for beginners.

Track and race words

Meet

A track and field competition with many events and athletes from different teams.

Event

A single competition, such as the 100-meter dash or the long jump.

Heat

One of several groups of runners in the same race, used when there are too many athletes to run together.

Lane

The marked path an athlete runs in during races where runners must stay apart.

Sprint

A short, fast race.

Distance

Longer races that test endurance and pacing.

Hurdles

A race where athletes jump over barriers placed on the track.

Relay

A team race in which runners pass a baton to the next teammate.

Baton

The handheld tube passed between runners in a relay.

Exchange zone

The marked area where the baton must be handed over in a relay.

Starting blocks

Adjustable foot supports that sprinters push against at the start.

False start

Leaving the blocks or starting line before the start signal.

Disqualification (DQ)

Removal of an athlete or team from an event for breaking a rule.

Personal best (PB or PR)

An athlete's own best time, distance, or height so far.

Split

A time recorded for part of a race, such as one lap.

Pace

The speed an athlete maintains during a race.

Spikes

Lightweight racing shoes with pins in the sole for grip.

Field event words

Takeoff board

The line or board a jumper must take off from in the long jump or triple jump.

Foul

An attempt that does not count because a rule was broken, such as stepping over the line.

Attempt

One try in a jump or throw event.

Bar

The crossbar that jumpers clear in the high jump and pole vault.

Implement

The object thrown in a throwing event, like a shot or discus.

Meet and official words

Warm-up

Easy movement and stretching before competing to prepare the body.

Cool-down

Easy movement after competing to help the body settle.

Qualifying round

An early round that decides who moves on to the final.

Final

The last round of an event, which decides the top places.

Marshal / clerk

An official who checks athletes in and sends them to events.

Reading a meet schedule

Most meets post an order of events, which lists each event in the order it will be run, often with the age groups and heats. Events move along at different speeds, so times on the schedule are estimates. Field events run at the same time as track races, which is why a child may be called to the long jump pit while a race is starting. Check in with the clerk when asked, and keep an ear out for your child's event, heat and lane. If you cannot find something, ask a volunteer or an official.

Tips for sounding like a regular

• Ask your child for their personal best and cheer for improvement, not only for first place.
• Listen for the heat and lane number when your child's race is called, since schedules can change during the day.
• If you are unsure of a rule, ask a coach or an official, who will be glad to explain.
• Keep the events explained guide handy to match each event to its words.

When the season is approaching, see how to prepare for track and field season. You can also browse the track and field hub.