Instructions for the Javelin

• This event is run before the start of the normal program for safety reasons.   The Officials do not form part of the normal process, and the event is controlled by a Level 1 coach.
• Officials required
  • "Throwing Arc" Official. Tasks include watching for foul throws, recording measurements and contolling event.
  • "Throwing Sector" Official. Tasks include finding and marking the point of impact of the implement and returning the discus to the circle.
  • "Recording" Official to record performances and write tickets
• A javelin is a form of spear and as such is a lethal weapon, which can be deflected by gusts of wind.  Officials in the field must watch carefully because as the javeli comes toward them it may appear to be a smaller object than it is.
• Runway
  • The length of the runway should be 30-30.5 metre and the width 4 metres with lines 5 centimetres wide. The "arc" line should be 7cm in width. Markers can only be used at the side of the runway.
• Sector
  • The landing sector shall be marked with white lines 5cm wide, such that the inner edge of the lines, if extended, would pass through the two intersections of the inner edges of the arc, and the parallel lines marking the runway and intersect at the centre of the circle at which the arc is part. The sector is thus 28.95 degrees.
• Equipment
  • Measuring Tape (60 metres)
  • Shot
    • 400 gram        Under 11 - 12 Boys & Under 11 - 13 Girls
    • 600 gram        Under 13 - 15 Boys & Under 14 - 15 Girls
  • Spike. To hold zero end of tape at the nearest edge of the mark made by the discus.
  • Place tickets, recording sheets and record sheets.
  • Cloth. to wipe and clean the javelin.
  • Broom. To sweep runway clear.
• Safety
  • Everyone should stand behind the thrower and the sector should be clear.
  • The javelin should be carried back  - never thrown.
• To be a valid throw
  • Each athlete is entitled to 4 trials.
  • The javelin must be held at the grip. It should be thrown over the shoulder or upper part of the throwing arm, and must never be slung or hurled. Non-orthodox styles are not permitted.
  • At no time during the throw, until the javelin has been discharged into the air, may the competitor turn completely around, so that their back is toward the throwing arc.
  • For a valid throw the tip of the javelin must fall within the inner edges of the landing sector.
  • A throw shall be valid only if the tip of the metal head strikes the ground before any other part of the javelin. The javelin does not have to stick in, but marking is easier if it does. When a javelin descends at a very low angle with the ground it may bounce shortly before producing what looked likely to be a fair landing. This must be carefully watched to see if the point impacts first.
  • The competitor must not leave the runway until implement has touched the ground. When leaving the runway the first contact with the parallel lines or the ground outside the runway must be completely behind the white lines of the arc at right angles to the parallel lines.
  • The athlete may, during the course of each trial, stop and place the javelin down inside or outside the runway, leave the runway, then return to begin a fresh trial, providing that this occurs only once in any one trial, and that no other infringement has occurred.
• Method of Measurement
  • The measurement of each throw shall be made from where the tip of the metal head first strikes the ground to the inside edge of the arc along a line from the point of landing to the centre of the circle of which the arc is a part.
  • The tape must be straightened and is drawn tight.
  • The distance is measured at the point where the tape crosses the inner edge of the arc. Each measurement is to the nearest centimetre below the distance thrown unless the reading is a whole centimetre.
• Recording
  • Each athletes performance is read out by the "Throwing Arc" Official, and that performance is recorded.
  • On completion of the athletes trials, the best performances should be circled or highlighted, and a performance ticket issued.
  • NLAC does not record places on performance tickets for this event.