What makes a javelin throw legal?
B · Beginner · The throw · 2 of 5The javelin must be held at the cord grip with one hand and thrown over the shoulder or the upper part of the throwing arm. It may not be slung or hurled. Until it has left the hand, the athlete may not turn completely round so that their back faces the arc. A javelin that breaks earns a replacement trial.
How it works
- The grip: "The javelin shall be held at the grip with one hand only."
- Over the shoulder: "It shall be thrown over the shoulder or upper part of the throwing arm and shall not be slung or hurled."
- Other styles: "Non-orthodox styles are not permitted."
- No turning round: "Until the javelin has been thrown, an athlete shall not at any time turn completely around, so that their back is towards the throwing arc."
- What that covers: a note added in 2026 says the rule is about the run-up and the act of throwing. It does not stop an athlete walking back before starting or after interrupting an attempt.
- A broken javelin: if the javelin breaks during a throw or while in the air, it is not a failure, provided the trial was otherwise correct.
- Losing balance: if the athlete loses balance because of the break and so breaks a rule, that is not a failure either.
- The replacement: in both cases the athlete is awarded a replacement trial.
- The penalty: releasing the javelin in any way the rule does not permit is a failure.
Tricky cases
Can a javelin thrower spin like a discus thrower?
No. The athlete may not turn completely round before the javelin is thrown, and the javelin may not be slung.
An athlete stops their run-up, turns and walks back to the start. Is that turning their back on the arc?
No. The rule applies to the run-up and the throw, not to walking back before or after an interrupted attempt.
Can the javelin be held behind the grip to get a longer lever?
No. It must be held at the grip.
The javelin snaps in the air. Does the athlete lose the trial?
No. They are given a replacement trial.
Why the rule exists
A javelin slung round the body in a spin goes a long way and can leave the hand in almost any direction. Throwing over the shoulder while facing the arc keeps the javelin pointed down the sector, where the crowd and the other athletes are not.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 38.1; TR 38.3; TR 38.4; TR 32.14.1 |
| Hammer | A hammer that breaks is treated the same way | TR 36.3 |
| Shot put | Its own rule: from the shoulder, at the neck | TR 33.1 |
| Discus | No rule on technique | TR 34 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 32.14.1, 38.1, 38.3 and 38.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).