Youth Multi-Event Development

This section of our e-zine has an objective, to promote youth multi-event competitions and to provide a mechanism for coaches and parents to evaluate the potential of their athletes in multi-events even if they do not have an opportunity to compete in one. The ultimate in multi-event competitions is the decathlon (men) and heptathlon (women) It has been a tradition that Olympic champions in these events are given the unofficial title of the world’s greatest athletes.

We will focus on young athletes (born 1989 or later). We will utilize a composite multi-event score as a basis for comparison of a large number of athletes who could possibly be future decathletes or heptathletes.  Multi-event athletes must first of all be good athletes, but the multi-events provide an opportunity for individuals to be superior if they possess multiple athletic skills and are willing to work hard mastering techniques of events that they do not regularly participate in.

We will determine and publish composite scores for any athletes who’s performance data is submitted to us and we will compile listings by date of birth for athletes born 1989 and later. Athletes born 1989 to 1992 compete in the pentathlon (5 events) while athletes born 1993 and later participate in the triathlon (3 events).

Event scoring will be from the men’s decathlon tables for boys and from the women’s heptathlon tables for girls with appropriate conversions for hurdle events as specified in youth athletics by USATF.

Listed below awe the events contested for the decathlon (men) and heptathlon (women). The events that comprise the official triathlon and pentathlon are specified in the table.

For the purpose of our composite score system, triathlete’s must compete in the HJ, SP, and 400m (B)/200m (G) but the marks do not have to be made in the same meet. Pentathlete’s composite scores will be based on their highest scoring running, throwing, and jumping events plus the two highest scoring events for the gender besides the first three. You can submit performance data on any events and we will compute the points. Remember, the only qualifing events for boys must come from the decathlon list and must be events specified by USATF for the division. As an example, boys (89-90) would be able to use pole vault marks. Qualifying events for girls must come from the heptathlon list and likewise must be events specified by USATF. Thus girls (89-90) can not use the pole vault because it is not a heptathlon event.

Hurdle heights and distances and throwing implement weights and dimensions must be as specified for the age by USATF.  Do not submit your data until you have competed in the three qualifying events triathlon) or five or more qualifying events (pentathlon). You may update your file at anytime by submitting an update form. When you submit an update, you only need to submit data for events that have improved.

Performance data is utilized only for events specified by USATF youth athletics for the age and implement specifications must be consistent with the same.

Throwing implements for different ages are as follows:

SP (6#) for all girl born 1989 or later and boys born 1991 or later.

SP (4kg) for boys born 1989-1990

DT (1kg) for boys born 1989-1992 (note no discus in heptathlon)

JT (600g) for boys & girls born 1989-1990 (no turbo jav)