The Javelin

Introduction

The javelin is a steel-tipped metal spear with a minimum length of 260 cm (8 ft 6.25 in) for men and 220 cm (7 ft 2.5 in) for women; and a minimum weight of 800 g (1.75 lb) for men and about 600 g (1.5 lb) for women. The javelin has a whipcord grip about 15 cm (about 6 in) long, which is located at the center of gravity. Two parallel lines, 4 m (13 ft 1.5 in) apart, mark the javelin runway. The scratch (throwing) line is a 7-cm (2.75-in) wide strip, which is sunk flush to the ground and touches the front ends of the runway lines. The center of this strip is equidistant from and located between the runway lines. From this center point, two straight lines extend through the ends of the scratch line for a distance of 90 m (295 ft). All throws must land between these lines. Throws are measured on a direct line from point of impact to the center point, but only the distance to the inner edge of the arc is recorded. Throwers must stay within the runway and not touch or cross the scratch line. The javelin tip must land tip first. In USA Track & Field meets, contestants get three throws, and the seven best throwers are given three more. Competitors are placed according to their best throw. As a prelude to the throw, the contestants grasp the javelin near its center of gravity and sprint toward a check line. As they near the line they twist to one side, draw back the javelin, and prepare to throw. Meanwhile, in order to maintain running speed while leaning back for the throw, they execute a hop or fast cross step. At the check line they pivot forward abruptly and hurl the javelin into the air. The throw is disallowed if they step across the line or if the javelin does not fall to earth point first.