Technique 

• Start at the run up position or enter behind the line. 
• Body position.
  • Stand tall.   
  • Body sideways with javelin side backwards. 
  • Feet shoulder-width apart.  
• Hold javelin.
  • Use the grip with hand under the javelin.  
  • Behind the body, javelin hand back. 
  • Hand and arm at shoulder height. 
  • Javelin parallel to ground. 
• Action – Standing start.
  • Bend back leg so weight on it. 
  • Allow arm to fully straighten.  
  • Turn hip and shoulder forward at the same time.  
  • Release when hand above head, slightly in front of you. 
• Action – Run up.
  • Run up for beginners is a controlled 3-5 steps (run up is not compulsory).  
  • Run on balls of feet. 
  • Feet facing forward but hips and trunk are still sideways. 
  • When close to line, land on throwing side foot and plant opposite foot. 
  • Turn hip and shoulder forward at the same time. 
  • Release when hand above head, slightly in front of you. 
• Exit behind the throwing arc.  

• Adjust size or weight of javelin to match the athlete’s upper body and core strength and control. 
• Use a modified javelin or vortex howler (safety foam javelin). 
• Allow any javelin landing positions ie accept any part of the javelin hitting the ground first. 
• Throw javelin from standing start (remove run up). 
• Offer seated throws for relevant athletes. Seated athletes can complete multiple throws in a row to help with the function of the event.
  • Throwing frame preferred.
    • Ensure the frame is correctly strapped to the ground. 
    • Use appropriate straps / postural anchors such as a pelvic belt and shin belt. 
    • Chair is positioned facing sideways or forward to field. 
    • Can use an upright pole for stability and power. 
    • Techniques to power the movement
      • Lean directly backward then forward movement. 
      • Lean sideways and backward then forward movement. 
      • Lean backward then forward with trunk rotation. 
  • Can use own wheelchair or a heavy everyday chair.
    • Brakes on. 
    • Seat belt and chosen postural supports on. 
    • Chair or wheelchair can be anchored/held by a helper adult to prevent it from tipping/rocking – hold the back of the chair on the opposite side to throwing arm. 
    • Low backrest if available. 
  • Trial different rotational angles for the chair ie forward, sideways, throwing side rotated slightly backwards. 
• Use bright markers for the throwing and sector lines. 
• For blind and low vision athletes, use a guide athlete. See the sensory page for more information.

Before you start  

• Ensure correct weight of javelin for the athletes age or athletes’ ability.  
• Runway is flat and clear of debris. 
• Waiting athletes stand to the side of the runway. 
• Officials in the sector face the foul line. 

Safety  

• Carry javelin vertically, unless throwing. 
• Defined throwing and landing area. 
• Athletes throw when told to go. 
• After throw, Javelin is carried back to the line facing upwards, never thrown back. 

Measuring  

• Zero end of tape is placed on the first landing point of the javelin tip – it does not have to stick in the ground.  
• Pull the tape through to the intersection of sector lines, 8m behind the foul line.  
• Measure to the inside of the foul line.  
• When is the javelin a foul?
  • If the athlete throws underarm, slung or hurled.  
  • If the javelin lands on or outside the sector lines.  
  • If the athlete touches the lines making 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 with the tip of the metal head first. 
  • If the athlete exits on or in front of the extension lines from the arc. 

Recording  

• Record the distance to the nearest whole centimetre below the distance measured.