From where to where is a throw measured?
I · Intermediate · The throw · 2 of 5A valid throw is measured from the nearest mark the shot made when it first landed, back to the inside edge of the circle's rim. The tape is pulled along a line that runs to the centre of the circle. The distance is recorded in whole centimetres, rounded down. Every valid throw is measured.
How it works
- When: "immediately after each valid trial".
- From: "the nearest mark made in contacting the ground when it first lands" by the shot.
- To: "the inside of the circumference of the circle along a line to the centre of the circle".
- The nearest mark: the edge of the mark closest to the circle. A judge puts a marker there straight after the landing.
- Rounding: "distances shall be recorded to the nearest 0.01m below the distance measured if the distance measured is not a whole centimetre".
- Every valid throw: the commentary says each trial must be measured "whatever the distance reached", because any of them may decide a tie or a place in the later rounds.
- A failure: a throw with a red flag is not normally measured. The exception is an immediate protest that leaves the referee in doubt.
- The tools: a steel tape with its zero at the mark, or an electronic or video measuring system.
- Bringing it back: "implements shall be carried back to the area next to the circle or runway and never thrown back".
Tricky cases
A throw measures 20.357 m. What is recorded?
20.35 m. A distance that is not a whole centimetre is rounded down.
Is the throw measured to where the athlete was standing?
No. It is measured to the inside edge of the rim, wherever the athlete let go.
An athlete's second throw is far shorter than their first. Is it still measured?
Yes. Every valid trial is measured.
A throw is given a red flag and the athlete objects at once. Is it measured?
It depends on the referee. If the referee is in any doubt, the throw is measured and recorded so that nothing is lost while the protest is decided.
Why the rule exists
Pulling the tape towards the centre of the circle means a throw to the left, the right or the middle of the sector is measured in the same way. Rounding down means nobody is credited with a centimetre they did not reach.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 32.19; TR 32.20 |
| Javelin | Measured to the arc, along a line to the centre of the arc's circle | TR 32.20.2 |
| Long jump and triple jump | Measured at right angles to the take-off line | TR 29.9 |
| A protested failure | Measured if the referee is in doubt | TR 8.5 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 8.5, 32.18, 32.19 and 32.20 with the commentary printed under them. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).