Also widely referred to as athletics, track and field sports make up the biggest sports at the Olympics – so it’s no wonder that many people feel inspired to train and compete in them!
In total, there are 44 separate sports that make up track and field events. As you can imagine, then, a lot of equipment is required to accommodate the adequate set up for each of these sports, so that training and competing can be carried out both professionally and safely.
Whilst no piece of equipment is more important than the other, since all serve a dedicated purpose, we’ve put together a list of those that we would consider especially essential. Read on to see what these are.
What Are Track and Field Sports?
Track and field sports encompass all sports that involve running, jumping and throwing as the main abilities that are being judged on.
Examples of such sports that this entails, then, includes (but isn’t limited to):
- 100m sprint
- 400m relay
- Hurdles
- Long jump
- High jump
- Pole vault
- Javelin
- Shot put
As with any sport, extensive training goes into all of these, as they each test an athlete’s strength and endurance. Training, that is, which is supported by the use of the appropriate equipment.
Our Top 10 List of Athletic Training Equipment
1 | Athletics Scoreboard
As a piece of equipment that can be utilised across a range of athletics events – whether they take place on the track or on the field – we think an athletics scoreboard deserves a rightful spot on this list.
Scoring is key not only during competitions, but in training as well, as athletes can keep track of their performance in order to identify where improvements can be made.
2 | Landing Area Matts
Designed specifically for high jump and pole vault, the landing area matt plays a vital role in these sports.
Landing areas offer a safe and comfortable area for athletes to land after they make it over the designated bar. As sports where athletes can reach great heights and are at risk of dangerous landings, it’s important to have a large, cushioned area for them to land to minimise the risk of injury.
3 | Plasticine
If you’re not familiar with long jump or triple jump, then this one may take you by surprise, but plasticine is a material that has long been used in this sport.
It’s used on take-off boards to help determine whether a take-off foul (whereby the athlete has stepped beyond the take-off line before jumping) has occurred, which is shown by an imprint of their shoe in the plasticine. This is a clear and fair method of judgement that is used in both training and competitions.
4 | Cage Netting
In events such as discus, shot put and hammer throw, cage netting is an essential safety feature. This netting acts as a barrier that protects athletes, fans and coaches from being hit if a discus, shot or hammer is accidentally released within the throwing area.
5 | Flexibar
For high jump and pole vault, a flexibar is often used in training – especially for beginners who are still building their confidence and technique in the sport. Flexibars bend and stretch when knocked or landed on, making them a safer alternative than a rigid bar.
6 | Arena Layout Chart
Some vital equipment that is often forgotten but plays an equally important role is groundskeeping equipment. One such example that is arguably essential for all track and field events is an arena layout chart.
This chart gives all the key information required for how an athletics arenas and tracks should be laid out, including the position of all field events.
7 | Line Marker
Another key piece of groundskeeping equipment for athletics events is a line marker machine this is used to clearly mark the grass in field which is important for various field events.
Your Reliable Sports Equipment Supplier
So, do you see anything on our list that you’d benefit from having at your establishment? Whether you run an educational institution or a local sports club, our comprehensive range of track and field equipment can support the quality of training for your budding and experienced athletes.
From long jump equipment to hammer throw equipment, we’re proud to supply equipment that supports all track and field events. If you have any questions regarding the suitability of our products for your needs, then don’t hesitate to get in touch – as industry experts, you can rest assured that we have the knowledge to assist you.
For more information on The Top 7 Track and Field Equipment Must-Haves for Every Sport talk to Sportsmark Group Ltd