Scribd
Upload
5 views2 pages

Track and Field Athletics Overview

Uploaded by

Bekalu Shibeshigmail.com Alem0920853890
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views2 pages

Track and Field Athletics Overview

Uploaded by

Bekalu Shibeshigmail.com Alem0920853890
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Introduction to the Track and Field Athletics Module

Track and Field Athletics is a sport which has something to offer everyone. The range
and variety of the individual events offers scope to students of different body types and
different levels of physical and mental ability.
At the highest level of performance individuals tend to specialise in the specific event(s)
for which they are best suited. They undertake long and arduous training in order to be
able to compete, often throughout the whole year.
At school level this is generally not the case, and for the most part athletics will take
place in a unit of time, usually during the summer term, a term which in itself is often cut
short by public examinations and holidays. Given the short time, and the fact that within
the curriculum athletics is being used as a means of educating students, and not as a
vehicle for competition, it is important that students should be provided with a range of
experiences covering the full diet of athletic events. Students’ enjoyment of the sport
should be encouraged by placing the emphasis on activity, variety and enjoyment rather
than on competition per se. This is not to deny the place and importance of competition,
but to ensure that it is kept in perspective. Competition in athletics is not only against
others, but against self. The concept of the “personal best” can be used to measure self
against self across a period of time. This idea of recording performance gives athletics
another advantage within the curriculum, in that data collected on the athletics field can
be used to inform and support other areas of the curriculum, and can also be used as a
part of project work for the GCSE examination.
Most athletics covered by the media relates to able-bodied sport, but athletics as a sport
lends itself very well to participation by disabled students. The rise of events such as the
Paralympics and Special Olympics shows the levels of excellence which can be achieved
by disabled athletes. While it is acknowledged that incorporating disabled students into
mainstream class teaching is not easy, the benefits which can be gained by all students
is well worth the additional effort.
Module Aim:
To provide a framework in which the sport of athletics may be taught
safely, and to a level required for the GCSE examination.
Module Objectives:
Students will:
• be able to perform the skills and techniques of the different events
safely.
• understand the rules which govern these events.
• understand and appreciate the competitive nature of the sport, and
to apply this at their own level of performance.
• be able to carry out simple officiating duties.
• be aware of the structure and function of the sport’s governing
bodies nationally and internationally.
• understand the theoretical concepts related to the sport.
Safety and Injury Prevention
Before staff commence use of this resource pack the authors wish to
remind them of the importance of health and safety in the teaching of
athletics. All sport can be intrinsically dangerous, and therefore it is
important to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent
accidents and injury. This text does not deal specifically with the
treatment of injuries, and staff are advised to make reference to their own
school and local authority regulations regarding this matter.
Injuries
There are 2 main types:
• self inflicted
• external.
Self inflicted:
(1) damage to soft tissues which include:
• muscle and tendon tears
• sprains and strains
• deep bruising.
These result from:
• overuse
• stress for which the body was not prepared.
Treatment: Such injuries readily respond to physiotherapy treatment.
(2) injury to the bone structure, particularly joints; for example, stress
fractures (hairline splits running the length of the bone).
These result from:
• too much training on hard surfaces
• poorly designed training shoes with a poor cushioning effect
• moving too quickly into speed work.
Training too much at a young age can cause injury which, at worst, can
result in serious long term injury and arthritic conditions in middle age.
Treatment: Prompt reduction in training.
External Injuries result from accidents involving:
• equipment (hurdles, throwing implements)
• collisions with other athletes
• spiking by other runners.
Safety must never be neglected
Full details on safety are to be found in the AA of E pamphlet “Athletics

Common questions

Powered by AI

Understanding the rules governing athletic events is important for students as it ensures they can participate safely and fairly. It also enhances their ability to develop officiating skills, which adds an educational component to athletics, helping them appreciate the sport's structure and fostering a comprehensive learning environment .

Athletics data can be integrated into other areas of the school curriculum by using it for project work, such as in mathematics for statistical analysis, in science for studying biomechanics, and in physical education for tracking fitness progress. This interdisciplinary approach helps students see the relevance of athletics beyond the sport itself, providing practical applications of academic concepts .

Incorporating disabled students into mainstream athletics classes offers several benefits, such as promoting inclusivity, fostering understanding and empathy among all students, and providing varied perspectives on competition and achievement. However, challenges include ensuring accessibility, meeting diverse needs, and potentially adjusting instructional techniques to accommodate all learners. Despite these challenges, the benefits of mutual learning and enhanced experience justify the effort .

Emphasizing the 'personal best' concept in athletics shifts the focus from competing against others to self-improvement. This approach encourages students to measure their progress over time, which can increase motivation and engagement in the sport. It allows students of different abilities to participate in athletics without the pressure of direct competition, thereby enhancing enjoyment and commitment to the sport .

Common types of self-inflicted injuries in track and field athletics include damage to soft tissues like muscle and tendon tears, sprains, and strains, often resulting from overuse or stress for which the body was unprepared. Injuries to the bone structure, such as stress fractures, can occur due to excessive training on hard surfaces or inadequate cushioning in training shoes .

The key objectives of the athletics module include enabling students to perform skills safely, understanding event rules, appreciating competition at their performance level, carrying out officiating duties, and being aware of the sport's governing bodies. These objectives ensure students receive comprehensive education in athletics while prioritizing safety and understanding .

The rise of events like the Paralympics can influence able-bodied participants by broadening their understanding of athletic achievement, demonstrating that excellence is achievable regardless of physical ability. It can foster inclusivity and respect across athletic communities by highlighting the dedication and talent required for all athletes, ultimately enriching the broader understanding of sporting diversity and tenacity .

At the school level, athletics is primarily used as a means to educate students, emphasizing activity, variety, and enjoyment rather than strict competition. In contrast, at higher levels, individuals specialize in specific events and engage in extensive training to compete, focusing significantly on performance against others. The educational approach promotes a broader experience and personal growth, while the competitive approach prioritizes specialization and excellence in specific disciplines .

Overtraining in young athletes can lead to long-term effects such as serious injuries and conditions like arthritis in middle age. Contributing factors include excessive training on hard surfaces, rapid progression to speed work without adequate preparation, and inadequate equipment. These conditions can cause stress fractures and other joint-related issues, emphasizing the need for balanced training programs that prioritize long-term health over immediate performance .

Essential safety precautions in athletics include ensuring proper preparation and conditioning to avoid overuse injuries, using appropriate and well-maintained equipment, wearing suitable footwear to prevent stress-related injuries, and promoting awareness among participants about avoiding collisions. Adhering to these precautions helps prevent both self-inflicted injuries and external injuries from accidents .

You might also like