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Stuff Every Track Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Athletics merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Track Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Running

What is a relay race?

Short answer: A team race where runners pass a baton

Relay races are team events where runners pass a baton to teammates at the end of a distance.

Groan of the day: Pass the baton, carry on.

Sources: Track and field

What is the long jump measured from?

Short answer: The nearest point of sand disturbed by the athlete

Long jump distance is measured from the nearest point of sand disturbed by the athlete's body.

Groan of the day: Sand shows where you land.

Sources: Track and field

What is the discus throw?

Short answer: Throwing a heavy disc the farthest

In the discus throw, athletes compete to throw a heavy disc the farthest from a set circular arc.

Groan of the day: Spin the disc, don't miss.

Sources: Track and field

What is the decathlon?

Short answer: A combined event with ten events

The decathlon is a combined event where athletes compete in ten events and earn points.

Groan of the day: Ten events, one champion.

Sources: Track and field

What is a waterfall start?

Short answer: Runners start along a curved line and cut inward

In a waterfall start, runners begin along a curved line and move toward the innermost track.

Groan of the day: Curve to the inside, enjoy the ride.

Sources: Track and field

What does the hammer throw involve?

Short answer: Throwing a metal ball attached to a wire

The hammer throw uses a metal ball attached to a wire, with athletes judged on distance.

Groan of the day: Swing and fling, hear the ring.

Sources: Track and field

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • Anticipating hazards means thinking ahead about what could go wrong and planning prevention with your counselor.
  • RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate, a first aid approach for sprains and strains.
  • A physical covers overall health, immunizations, medications, allergies, and medical history so you can train safely.
  • Harmful substances can hurt both your health and your athletic performance, so avoiding them supports training.
  • A balanced diet includes varied foods that give your body the energy and nutrients it needs.
  • Warming up prepares your body for exercise and is part of safe training habits.
  • An amateur athlete competes without professional pay, unlike a professional athlete.
  • Good sportsmanship builds respect and positive attitudes in both individual and group activities.
  • A chart or tracking method helps you monitor progress during your training program.
  • Reviewing records helps you discuss progress and how your development affected you mentally and physically.
  • You should explain the necessary equipment and appropriate clothing for the activity and time of year.
  • A sports meet plan includes 10 activities and outlines officials' duties and needed equipment.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What should you do first to anticipate hazards during athletics activities?
    • Identify likely hazards and plan how to prevent them
    • Wait until someone gets hurt
    • Ignore them and hope for the best
    Show the answer

    Identify likely hazards and plan how to prevent them. Anticipating hazards means thinking ahead about what could go wrong and planning prevention with your counselor.

  2. What equipment and clothing should you plan for an athletic activity?
    • Whatever is closest
    • Gear suited to the activity and the season
    • Only fancy shoes
    Show the answer

    Gear suited to the activity and the season. You should explain the necessary equipment and appropriate clothing for the activity and time of year.

  3. What is a false start in a sprint race?
    • Finishing too early
    • Tying your shoes
    • Starting before the gun fires
    Show the answer

    Starting before the gun fires. A false start happens when an athlete begins motion before the gun or approved starting apparatus fires.

  4. What is the decathlon?
    • A combined event with ten events
    • A single sprint
    • A throwing event
    Show the answer

    A combined event with ten events. The decathlon is a combined event where athletes compete in ten events and earn points.

  5. Why should you tell your counselor about your medical history before training?
    • It replaces a physical exam
    • It helps plan safe activity with your health in mind
    • It is not important
    Show the answer

    It helps plan safe activity with your health in mind. Medical history is covered in a physical exam and helps ensure safe training with your counselor.

Now make it stick

Read a chapter, then play the deck and see how much stuck.

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