What Are Field Events In Track and Field

Field events in track and field are the throwing and jumping events that happen on the infield grass and dirt areas of a track. Running events happen on the oval (the track) and are called track events. Below is the plain-English explanation of every field event, who competes in each, and how field events fit alongside track events in a meet.

The Four Throws

The throwing events:

• Shot put. Athletes throw a heavy metal ball (4kg for women high school, 12 pounds for men HS) from a throwing circle. Distance is measured.
• Discus. Athletes throw a circular disc (1kg women HS, 1.6kg men HS) from a throwing circle. Distance measured.
• Javelin. Athletes run up an approach, throw a long spear, distance measured. Some states don't offer javelin at the high school level.
• Hammer throw. Athletes spin and release a wire-and-handle weighted ball. Common at college and elite levels, less common in US high school.

The Four Jumps

The jumping events:

• Long jump. Athletes sprint down a runway, jump from a board, land in a sand pit. Distance measured.
• Triple jump. Hop-step-jump combination from the runway. Distance measured.
• High jump. Athletes approach a bar, jump backwards over it (Fosbury flop), land on a pad. Height measured.
• Pole vault. Athletes use a flexible pole to vault over a bar at significant height. Height measured.

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Combined Events

Decathlon (men) and heptathlon (women) are combined events that include both track and field. Decathlon = 10 events over 2 days. Heptathlon = 7 events over 2 days. Athletes compete in sprints, distance, hurdles, throws, and jumps and accumulate points.

Why The Distinction Matters For Apparel

Field events athletes (especially throwers) often have different uniform and apparel needs than track athletes. Throwers want upper-body freedom for the throwing motion. Jumpers want clean runway access without flapping pockets. Pole vaulters need flexibility for the inversion. See field events team apparel for the apparel structure.

Field Events At Major Meets

Field events run on the infield while track events run on the oval, often simultaneously. At a typical high school meet, throws happen on one corner, jumps on another, and the track events run on the track. Each event group has its own coaches, athletes, and warmup area. The visible distinction means field events apparel that calls out "THROWS" or "JUMPS" lets families and coaches find each other across the venue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hurdles a field event?

No. Hurdles are a track event because they run on the oval. Hurdles are a sprint variation (100mH, 110mH, 300mH, 400mH).

Is the steeplechase a field event?

No. Steeplechase is a distance track event (typically 3000m) that includes barriers and a water jump on the oval.

Do throwers and jumpers wear the same uniforms?

They wear the same school uniform (school name, school logo) but often have event-specific tees and hoodies for around-school identity. See field events apparel.

How many field events does a typical high school program offer?

Most US high school programs offer shot, discus, long jump, triple jump, and high jump. Javelin is offered in some states, hammer in fewer. Pole vault is offered in most programs.