Ask The FHSAA: Will Javelin Be Coming Back To FHSAA Track & Field?


Javelin is one of the most exciting events track & field has to offer. The state of Florida hasn't contested the javelin officially since 1950 according to the record book. To date, 19 states contest the event in their high school state events. For this edition of Ask The FHSAA, we ask  Ed Thompson, FHSAA Director of Athletics, Track & Field Administrator, will the javelin be coming back to FHSAA Track & Field?

The Florida plan is simple.  Currently, regular season meets contest events not offered in the state series-4x200m Relay, Steeple Chase, etc.  Javelin, like those events has never been specifically prohibited at any meets in Florida.  For the next two years, as the item moves through the approval process to be added to the state series, schools will be permitted to offer it as a provisional event.  FHSAA will provide guidance on the parameters for javelin competition at high school meets and monitor its implementation across the state within NFHS rules.  Depending on how it goes around the state, a showcase for javelin might be considered at the state championships.

The first thing that probably comes to mind, though, with the javelin throw is safety.  High schoolers throwing long pointy spears around a field during practice could be a frightening thought for some administrators and coaches when they look at the makeup of their teams.  Fortunately, innovation has come to the javelin throw and now it can be done safely without the risk of impalement.  FHSAA will permit use of rubber-tipped javelins only.  According to Duncan Atwood, a former US Javelin Olympian who presented at this year's Track & Field Advisory Committee, heat treated rubber-tipped javelins are ideal for competition and the Finnflier:registered: training javelin is preferred for practices because of its obvious safety features and simulates the flight of a competition javelin as well as any.  

Most schools around the state are already equipped to administer the event safely, too.  New runways will not have to be built since the sectors can be painted onto any grass practice field.  Grass is preferable anyway because of its forgiving nature as opposed to a rubberized or turf surface. 

Another consideration is cost.  The cost of competition and practice javelins are on par with the other throws already administered in the state series. Coaches who do their due diligence and do the fundraising activities necessary to function in any interscholastic sport these days will have no issues providing this opportunity to the students wishing to participate.

Coaches currently have tremendous access to training materials and professional development, too.  With Florida considering adding the javelin throw, USATF has also committed to providing javelin coaching clinics across the state to teach coaches the proper techniques for training, practice, and competition.

Finally, the javelin throw opens up doors to Florida collegiate track programs that often fill their javelin throwing ranks with out-of-state kids.  Those roster spots should be occupied by Floridians.  Additional access and scholarship opportunities at Florida's top-flight collegiate institutions are among the biggest reasons that adding javelin is a win-win for Florida's high school student-athletes.   

We want your thoughts? Do you think we should bring the javelin back?