Effect of age category and norms on results and scores in combined events

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to assess how the results and scores in combined events in track and field vary with regard to the norms (events and scoring tables) and age group. The sample included 1650 combined-event results (790 from the men's competition and 860 from the women's competition) by the 15 best-ranked athletes from the 1998-1999 season through the 2008-2009 season of the under-14 to over-23 age groups. The variables of the study were: results, points, averages by groups of events (race, resistance, jumps, and throws), and percentage differences compared to specialists. Regardless of gender and age group, the results and scores that were obtained in running events are proportionately better than those obtained in throwing events. Combined events athletes for all age categories were closer to specialist athletes in speed and hurdles races in male and in speed races, hurdles, and high jump in females. The results demonstrate an imbalance in the scoring of the different events in favor of running events for all age categories and for both genders.