How many points are awarded for a perfect score in a decathlon?

In the decathlon, points are awarded based on an athlete's performance in each of the ten events. The scoring system used in the decathlon is called the "Scoring Tables for Combined Events" or the "Scoring Tables for Athletics." These tables assign a specific number of points to different performances in each event, and the total points earned across all events determine an athlete's overall score.

The scoring system is designed in a way that allows for comparisons between athletes' performances across different events. It takes into account factors such as the world record in each event, the average performance of athletes, and the distribution of performances across the event. Consequently, the points awarded for each event are not fixed and may vary based on these factors.

To achieve a perfect score in the decathlon, an athlete would need to perform exceptionally well in each of the ten events. While the specific point totals required for a perfect score can vary based on factors mentioned earlier, reaching a total of 10,000 points is generally considered a benchmark for an outstanding performance in the decathlon.

It is worth noting that achieving a perfect score of 10,000 points is extremely rare in practice, and only a few athletes have ever accomplished this feat. However, it is the ultimate goal for many decathletes to strive for excellence in all disciplines and maximize their point totals. 

In conclusion, a perfect score in the decathlon would generally be around 10,000 points, although the actual number may vary based on factors such as the scoring tables and current world records. The scoring system is designed to reward athletes based on their performances relative to established standards and provides a means to compare performances across different events.