July 11, 2001

In 2002 new manufacturing specifications for the javelin event will take effect. The NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee approved this change in Rule 6-5-2 in 1999. In an effort to help clarify the new rule I have contacted Jeff Gorski (USATF Javelin Development Chairman) and asked him to interpret the implications of the rule change.

Here is a brief section of his reply that is most relevant to our member schools: "Essentially, the HS athletes will be throwing the College/IAAF model javelin that the men switched to in 1986 and the women changed to in 1999. While the NFHS won't state directly that the switch is to the IAAF Javelin, the specs they list as changed - basically moving the center of gravity and grip forward, meets the specs of the IAAF spear'So, to make our life simple, let coaches and AD's know they should buy IAAF approved javelins."

I have also spoken to Dan West (Oregon Track Equipment) and he has re-affirmed that it would be in the best interest of member schools to purchase new javelins rather than try to recondition existing inventory. Dan commented that only 2-5% of boys' javelins and possibly 50% of girls' javelins could be reconditioned but that in his experience this process can lead to an implement that meets the rule but is not aerodynamically sound.

As a general rule, any boy's javelin purchased after 1986 or girl's javelin purchased within the last two years with IAAF stickers attached should meet the current rule. If you are interested in actual specification measurements for the new rule you can access this information through the Internet at the following addresses:

http://www.usatf.org/about/rules/
or
http://www.iaaf.org/InsideIAAF/index.asp

Either of these sites can provide you with information necessary to evaluate the javelins you currently have in your programs.