Javelin

What is a Javelin?
A javelin is a metal or fibreglass implement in the shape of a spear, which the athlete has to throw as far as they can. 
Who is allowed to do Javelin?

• Only U11-U17 athletes can do javelin.
• Younger age groups will do Turbojav or Vortex

How heavy is the javelin?

U8, U9, U10                     TurboJav 300g
U11, U12, U13G               400g
U13B, U14, U15, U17G   600g
U17B                                700g 
How do you hold the javelin?
There are three types of grip(applys to both turbojav and javelin):

• Claw / V grip - gripped in the “v” between the index and middle finger
• 1st finger grip - gripped between the first finger and the thumb
• 2nd finger grip - gripped between the second finger and the thumb

​Regardless of the type of grip used, the javelin should be held diagonally across the palm. 

How do you throw the javelin?

• Stand side-on with the opposite foot to the throwing arm in front, with feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart.
• The javelin is drawn back until the arm is close to being straight (without the elbow being locked). The javelin should be parallel to the shoulders with the tip pointing forward at eye level.
• To begin the throw, turn the chest to the front and bring the throwing arm through, leading with the elbow (as if throwing a ball over the shoulder, NOT sidearm). At all times the javelin is above shoulder height, with the tip pointing forward.
• The run-up for beginners should be a controlled 3-5 steps.

When is a foul recorded?

• If the javelin is thrown underarm, slung or hurled.
• If the javelin lands on or outside the sector lines.
• If the athlete touches the lines marking the runway during their throw.
• If the athlete crosses the throwing arc, marking the end of the runway, during their throw.
• If the athlete leaves the runway before the javelin has landed.
• If the athlete turns their back to the landing area during the throw.
• If the javelin does not land point first.
• If the athlete leaves the runway on or in front of the extension lines from the arc.

How do I measure?

• Measurement is from where the tip of the javelin first strikes the ground to the inside edge of the runway arc.
• The zero end of the tape goes out to where the javelin lands.
• The measuring tape is pulled straight back through the 8m point on the runway.  See image below
• 

What are some basic rules?

• The javelin must be released from over the shoulder. 
• The tip of the javelin must strike the ground first. 
• The javelin does not need to stick in the ground to be a valid throw. 
• It is not a foul if the javelin touches the ground during the run up. 
• The athlete must leave the throwing area from behind the throwing arc. 

What are the safety considerations?

• Keep participants who are waiting their turn, well back from the throwing area. 
• Judges should stand on the outside of the sector lines and be fully alert at all times. 
• Make sure the sector lines extend well past the largest throw you are expecting and mark these with a red flag. Carry the javelin back vertically after each throw. 
• Athletes must not throw until told to do so. 
• Never run to collect a javelin. 
• Stand the javelins upright with the tip in the ground - never at an angle. 
• The correct procedure for removing the javelin from the ground is to place your thumb over the end tip and pull back. Be aware of who is behind you. 

What are some “Handy Tips” for conducting javelin?

• Teach the athletes the different grips prior to commencing their throws. 
• Peg an athlete’s best throw and measure it at the end of the competition. 
• Mark out sector lines before the competition for the day/night starts. 
• Have the next athlete ready to throw. 
• Move any javelins that are not being used, away from the immediate area. 
• Allow the athletes a short approach only on the runway (3-5 steps).