Athletics - Javelin Throw
Javelin throwing is a track and field event that consists of throwing a device called a javelin made of metal, fibreglass or carbon fibre. This event is not always present at athletics meetings, usually out of safety considerations. The rules for the javelin throw are equivalent to the other types of throws (discus, hammer or shot put). Competitors are all allowed six attempts. In competitions leading to a title, or a bonus requiring a ranking, javelin throwers are allowed three attempts, then the best eight after these three throws have the opportunity to throw three more attempts, the winner being the one who has thrown the javelin as far as possible, a distance measured to the nearest centimetre. The tip of the javelin must first touch the ground at the time of impact for the attempt to be valid. Unlike the discus, hammer and shot put throw, the javelin thrower performs a straight run-up before the throw, which is done in two stages on the same surface used for the run-up (the tartan track).