Carmel Middle School

Track & Field 101

Overview of Track & Field

Track and field is a collection of running, jumping, and throwing events that let athletes of all body types and skill sets find a place to shine. Meets are fast‑moving, team‑oriented, and exciting to watch, with athletes competing both for individual marks and for points that contribute to the team score.

At the middle school level, track and field gives athletes a chance to try many events, discover their strengths, and build confidence in a supportive team environment. The focus at Carmel Middle is typically on skill development, confidence, and learning how to compete.

Below is a list of events that are held at the middle school level with a brief description of each event. Additionally, there is a breakdown of how different meets are scored (dual meets, triangular meets, invitationals).

Running Events

Field Events

Meet Scoring

4 x 800m Relay

Four athletes each run two laps. Similar to the 4 x 400 relay, this event rewards consistency, smart pacing, and smooth baton exchanges.

Long Jump

A short, explosive sprint straight down the track. Athletes focus on quick acceleration and top-end speed. The shortest event in middle school track and field.

Dual Meets

1st Place - 5 points

2nd Place - 3 points

3rd Place - 1 point

Relays

1st Place - 5 points

100m/110m Hurdles

A sprint with evenly spaced hurdles to clear. Athletes work on timing, coordination, and maintaining speed between hurdles. Girls run 100m with the hurdle height set at 30 inches. Boys run 110m with the hurdle height set at 36".

High Jump

Athletes sprint down a runway and jump as far as possible into a sand pit, combining speed, takeoff power, and landing technique.

Triangular Meets

1st Place - 5 points

2nd Place - 3 points

3rd Place - 2 points

4th Place - 1 point

Relays

1st Place - 5 points
2nd Place - 3 points

100m Dash

A short, explosive sprint straight down the track. Athletes focus on quick acceleration and top-end speed. The shortest event in middle school track and field.

Shot Put

Athletes “put” (push) a heavy metal ball from their shoulder, aiming for maximum distance using strength and proper form.

Invitationals

1st Place - 10 points

2nd Place - 8 points

3rd Place - 6 points

4th Place - 5 points

5th Place - 4 points

6th Place - 3 points

7th Place - 2 points

8th Place - 1 point

1600m Run

Four laps (roughly a mile). Runners settle into a rhythm and often build speed each lap

Discus

Athletes spin in a circle to throw a flat disc, using balance, timing, and rotational power.

4 x 100m Relay

Four athletes each sprint 100 meters, passing a baton in designated exchange zones. Handoffs in this event are "blind", meaning precision and teamwork are essential for smooth and fast baton exchanges.

400m Dash

One full lap at a fast, controlled pace. It’s often called a “long sprint” and requires both speed and endurance.

800m Run

Two laps that balance strategy and stamina. Athletes must pace themselves while staying ready for a strong finish.

200m Dash

A half‑lap sprint that blends speed with the ability to maintain form around the curve.

2400m Run

Six laps, emphasizing steady pacing, mental focus, and aerobic endurance. The longest event in middle school track and field.

4 x 400m Relay

Four athletes each run a full lap. Baton exchanges, pacing, strategy, and strong finishes all matter in this event. The final event of every track meet, it is often consider the most exciting event in the sport at all levels.

Page updated

Report abuse