Combined events are athletic competitions where each athlete participates in several different events, not just one.

All their performances in each event are scored using a points system. At the end, the scores are added together and the athlete with the highest total is the winner.

Think of it as a test of who is the most complete athlete — not just fast or strong, but someone who can jump, run, throw, and endure.

• Pentathlon – made up of 5 events.


• Heptathlon – made up of 7 events.


• Decathlon – made up of 10 events.

These events are sometimes grouped based on gender and competition level. For example, the heptathlon is common for women, while the decathlon is common for men.

1. Pentathlon Events (5 events usually completed in one day): Long jump, javelin throw, 200m race, discus throw, 1,500m race.


2. Heptathlon Events (7 events over 2 days, mostly for women): 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m race, long jump, javelin throw, 800m race


3. Decathlon Events (10 events over 2 days, mostly for men):
   
   Day 1 : 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m
   
   
   Day 2 : 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, 1,500m race

Each performance is converted into points using standard formulas:

• Track events : Points = A × (B – P)^C (Faster time → higher score)


• Field events : Points = A × (P – B)^C (Greater distance/height → higher score)

Each event has unique A, B, C values. Example: 100 m uses A=25.4347, B=18, C=1.81; Long Jump uses A=0.14354, B=220, C=1.4

Benchmark tables indicate what performances yield 700, 800, 900, or 1,000 points .

Event	A	B	C	TYPE
100m	25.4347	18	1.81	Track
Long Jump	0.14354	220	1.4	Field (cm)
Shot Put	51.39	1.5	1.05	Field (m)
High Jump	0.8465	75	1.42	1.42
400m	1.53775	82	1.81	Track
110m Hurdles	5.74352	28.5	1.92	Track
Discus Throw	12.91	4	1.1	Field (m)
Pole Vault	0.2797	100	1.35	Field (cm)
| Javelin Throw	10.14	7	1.08	Field (m)
1,500m	0.03768	480	1.85	Track

1. Track lanes for running events


2. Jump pits for long and high jumps


3. Throwing areas for javelin, discus, and shot put


4. Poles and crossbars for pole vault and high jump


5. Stopwatches, measuring tapes, score sheets, and starting blocks

• Starter – The official who begins each race using a pistol, whistle, or command.


• Timekeeper – Records the time each athlete takes to complete a race using a stopwatch or electronic timer.


• Track Judges – Monitor the runners during the race to ensure they stay in their lanes and follow the rules.


• Finish Judge – Decides the position each athlete finishes in by observing the finish line.


• Umpire – Watches for fouls or rule-breaking on the track or field and reports them to the referee.


• Referee – The overall head of the event who settles disputes, interprets rules, and gives final decisions.


• Field Judge – Oversees field events like long jump, shot put, and javelin to ensure proper performance and fair measurement.


• Clerk of the Course – Arranges athletes at the start line and makes sure they are in the correct heat or group.


• Announcer – Uses the public address system to call athletes, announce results, and give important instructions.


• Scorer – Calculates and records points, distances, or heights and keeps official records of all results.


• Measurers – Use measuring tapes or equipment to check and confirm the distance of jumps and throws.


• Marshal – Controls crowd movement and ensures athletes and officials are in the right places at the right time.

1. No false start – Athletes must not begin running before the starter's pistol or whistle goes off.


2. Stay in your lane – Runners must remain in their marked lanes during races like 100m and 200m.


3. Three trials only – Athletes get three attempts in field events like long jump and shot put.


4. No stepping out of bounds – Stepping outside the circle or take-off area makes the attempt invalid.


5. Use proper technique – Each event has a correct method, like pushing the shot put instead of throwing.


6. Do not knock the crossbar – In high jump or pole vault, touching and dropping the bar means failure.


7. Valid throws must land in sector – In javelin or discus, throws must land within the marked area.


8. Wear proper sportswear – Athletes must wear correct kits for performance and safety.


9. Show respect – Athletes must respect referees and fellow competitors during events.


10. Follow the event order – In combined events, athletes must follow the correct sequence of activities.

• Warm up before events – Athletes must stretch and jog lightly to prepare muscles and avoid injury.


• Use good equipment – All items like javelins, poles, and shots must be in good, safe condition.


• Keep track and field clear – The area must be free from obstacles, water, or holes to avoid accidents.


• Have medical help ready – First aid kits and trained personnel must be available nearby.


• Use landing mats for jumps – Soft foam mats must be used in high jump and pole vault to prevent injury.


• Keep spectators off the field – Viewers must stay outside competition zones to avoid accidents.


• Supervise throwing events – Officials must monitor discus, javelin, and shot put to keep everyone safe.


• Stay hydrated – Athletes should drink enough water to avoid cramps and exhaustion.


• Handle sharp objects carefully – Javelins and similar tools should be carried with tips facing down.


• Give time to rest – Athletes should be allowed to rest between events to avoid overexertion.

• Promotes total fitness (speed, strength, stamina, coordination)


• Encourages versatility — athletes can't just be good in one event


• Helps athletes discover their strengths


• Increases discipline and focus, as athletes must stay sharp across many hours or days


• Builds self-confidence as they overcome multiple challenges

Combined events are a beautiful mix of different athletic challenges. They are used in big competitions like the Olympics to crown the “world’s greatest athlete.” By learning about these events, students understand how sports can test many parts of the human body — speed, strength, and spirit .