Organization and implementation of «Cross-country» testing within Russian National GTO Health and Fitness Program

Russian National GTO Health and Fitness Program is the pillar of the state program of physical education of citizens. National GTO program contains testing standards for assessment of the development level of physical qualities, applied motor skills and recommendations for weekly physical activities. The tests are divided into mandatory and optional parts. In modern GTO program «Cross-country» test was introduced as an optional test as an alternative to cross-country skiing for snow-free areas, and initially it had no time limits. Eventually this test has become complicated, and at present it has time limits for every age. The article is focused on actual requirements for organization and implementation of «Cross-country» tests within Russian National GTO Health and Fitness Program. The authors pay attention to the following organizational aspects: venue selection, preparation of routes, procedure, necessary equipment, assigning a team of judges, medical support. When organizing activities of the official testing centers of Russian National GTO Health and Fitness Programs it is advisable to use the methodical recommendations, which has been elaborated on the basis of analysis and comparison of regulating documents, direct experience of holding cross-country competitions and «Cross-country» testing within Russian National GTO Health and Fitness Program.

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