Throwing Weight Rules for Shot, Discus, Javelin & Hammer Throw

 Athletics throwing events have a number of rules that must be followed regarding the weights and sizes of implements and equipment.  This can be confusing, especially when athletes move up age categories, and the rules also do change occasionally.  

Here is all you need to know for discus, hammer, javelin and shot, along with some frequently asked questions.  

Throwing Weight Rules for Discus

Here are the discus weights for different categories of athletes.

Discus weights for female athletes

Discus weights for Female Masters

Discus Weights for Male Athletes

Discus Weights for Male Masters

As these are minimum weights for discus, all implements should weigh very slightly heavier than the designated weight.  We weigh each discus before sending it out and your new discus will come with a date certificate showing the exact weight.  Of course you can throw a heavier weight than your age minimum if you want to!

For competitions up to UK national standard, all discus should also comply with the UKA rules on the diameter and depth of the discus.  All standard discus purchased from a reputable manufacturer should automatically comply with these rules.  For international competitions, World Athletics certified implements must be used.

See our full range of competition discus here.  To make it easier, we have also grouped our discus by which ones are suitable for Elite Athletes, Top Club and County-Level Athletes, Intermediate Athletes and Beginners. 

You can also see our range of World Athletics Compliant Discus here.

Throwing Weight Rules for Hammer Throw

The rules for Hammer Throw are slightly more complicated as you need to take into account the diameter of the hammer head and the total length of the hammer including wire & handle.  Here is a guide:

Hammer Throw Weights for Female Athletes

Hammer Throw Weights for Female Masters

Hammer Throw Weights for Male Athletes

Hammer Throw Weights for Male Masters

Most manufacturers engineer hammer heads to the minimum diameter to optimise the aerodynamics of the head.  This is why there is rarely a choice of diameters for hammer throwing heads.  

There is no longer a minimum length for the hammer wire.  As a general rule, you want the longest possible wire as the larger the spinning circle, the faster the hammer will release.  However, please take into account the athlete's height.   It is very important that the wire is not too long, as if the athlete has to strain to clear the ground on the turn, it will damage the athlete's technique and could result in shorter throws and even injury.  

You can see our range of competition hammers here.  You can also see our range of World Athletics Compliant Hammers here.

We always make our hammers up and post them to you ready to throw.  This saves you time and effort and more importantly means we can check the optimum legal length of your wire/handle/head combination.  For tips on how to change your hammer wire and handle, see our video blog. 

Throwing Weight Rules for Javelin

The rules for javelin are quite straightforward, with weights and lengths for each age category. 

Javelin Weights for Female Athletes

Javelin Weights for Female Masters

Javelin Weights for Male Athletes

Javelin Weights for Male Masters

When buying a javelin, you should also consider its rating and choose one which suits your throwing ability.  Buying a too-highly rated javelin will reduce your distances and cause injury.  See our 'How to Choose a Javelin' blog for more info!

We weigh and measure each javelin before we send them to you, checking they are perfect to throw.  Keep your javelin in good condition and look after the grip, as there are also rules on the exact location and size of the grip cord.  

See our full range of competition javelins here.  To make it easier, we have also grouped our javelins by which ones are suitable for Elite National and International Athletes, Top Club and County-Level Athletes, Intermediate Athletes and Beginners. 

You can also see our range of World Athletics Compliant Javelins here.

Throwing Weight Rules for Shot Put

The rules for Shot are slightly more complicated as there are also minimum and maximum diameters.

Shot Put Weights for Female Athletes

Shot Put Weights for Female Masters

Shot Put Weights for Male Athletes

Shot Put Weights for Male Masters

As a general rule, you should choose the largest diameter which fits properly in your hand and neck.  See our guide to 'Choosing the Correct Shot Size'. 

All our shot are individually weighed and checked before we send them to you, so you can be confident that they meet these requirements.  It is worth regularly checking your shot as it can lose weight and diameter through use, particularly if it is painted.  If your old shot needs repainting to add that little extra life, see our 'How To Repair a Rust Shot' blog.

We hope this is useful to clarify the weight and size categories for the athletic throws disciplines.  Please contact us or use our Coach Guidance service if you need more information.