Decametre and measurement in athletics
Our selection Decameter and Measurement brings together measuring equipment for athletics: tapes and decameters to measure jumps and throws, and tools to mark run-up areas and time races, at the stadium, in the gym, or in the school yard.
Measure every performance to the centimetre.
Measuring to Improve
In athletics, every performance is measured: in centimetres for jumps and throws, in hundredths of a second for races. For coaches and teachers, measurement allows them to track athletes’ progress, set goals, and organise competitions. The decametre, a measuring tape rolled up in a case, comes in various lengths depending on the event: short for jumps, long for throws.
The Rest of the Equipment
Athletics also includes:
All athletics is gathered on the athletics page.
Measuring a Jump or a Throw
The measurement follows precise rules. For long jump and triple jump, the measurement is taken from the take-off board to the nearest mark left in the sand, regardless of which part of the body made it. For the throws of shot put, discus, and hammer, the measurement is from the mark left by the implement to the inner edge of the circle, with the tape passing through the centre of the circle. For the javelin, the measurement is to the inner edge of the throwing arc. The tape must remain taut and flat to avoid any errors.
Choosing Your Tape
A fibreglass tape withstands moisture and doesn’t stretch, ensuring measurement accuracy over the years; a steel tape, which is very precise, is suitable for official measurements but is prone to rust and kinks. The closed case protects the tape from sand and dust, while the open frame allows for quicker cleaning and rolling. For clubs, a long tape is also used to mark run-up areas and place hurdle marks. The tape should be wiped down after each session before rolling it up.
Great Deals
Good deals can also be found in great deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and the items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, winter sales, French Days in spring, then summer sales and back to school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What length of decametre is needed for athletics?
A decametre of twenty or thirty metres is sufficient for jumps and shot put. For discus, javelin, or hammer, a tape of fifty to a hundred metres is necessary.
Fibreglass tape or steel tape?
The fibreglass tape, flexible and lightweight, doesn’t rust and holds up well in outdoor stadium conditions. Steel, more precise and rigid, can get damaged if bent and needs to be wiped after use.
How to measure a long jump?
Measure from the edge of the take-off board, on the sand side, to the nearest mark left in the sand by any part of the body. The tape is held taut and perpendicular to the board.
How to maintain a decametre?
Unroll it without twisting, wipe the tape, and remove any sand or dust before rolling it up. A wet tape should dry unrolled, especially if it’s steel, to prevent rust.
What to use to time a training race?
A manual stopwatch with lap memory is sufficient for training and school competitions. Start it when you see the gesture of the starter rather than at the sound, which has a slight delay.
