2007 NFHS Track and Field Rules Interpretation Meeting A Brief Overview of The Discus Throw Event

The Venue The Basics: 1. The circle is 8’2½” in diameter. 2. The circle is marked by a band made of metal, wood or plastic, not more than ¾” above the surface of the circle. 3. If the circle has a hard surface, a painted line 2” wide may be substituted for the band. 4. Projecting lines 2” wide and 8” long indicate the front and back halves of the circle. 5. The throwing sector is 34.92°, marked by the inside edge of the sector lines.

The Venue (cont.) The Cage: 1. A protective cage is required. 2. It must surround the circle and extend forward at least to the front of the circle. 3. It is recommended that the cage netting be made of heavy nylon or other energy absorbing material to prevent bounce-back. 4. It is recommended that the sides of the cage extend at least far forward enough for the ends to be moved within 4’-5’ of the sector lines.

The Venue (cont.) The Recommended Cage 1. From the midpoint of the circle forward, the cage wings should extend roughly 17’ to 18’ perpendicular to the diameter. 2. The ends of the wings should come to within 4’ to 5’ of the sector lines. 3. The height of the cage should be 10’ to 14’ or higher.

The Venue (cont.) Safety: The discus throw is, perhaps, one of the few events that has more risk for the officials and spectators than it has for the participants. In view of this, the following precautions are recommended: 1. The throwing area should be cordoned off by rope, flags, or fencing well outside of the throwing sector. 2. Warm-ups should not be allowed unless under the direct supervision of an official or coach. 3. If possible, marshals should be assigned to prevent anyone from wandering through the area. 4. Officials should keep a watchful eye on all participants to insure that none behave in a hazardous manner.

The Discus 1. The discus may be constructed of wood, plastic, metal or rubber, provided it meets all specifications for weight, size and shape. 2. The boy’s discus must weigh at least 3.53 lbs., be between 8.23” and 8.31” in diameter and be symmetrical. 3. The girl’s discus must weigh at least 2.2 lbs., be between ” and ” in diameter and be symmetrical. 4. The discus shall have no indentations, projecting edges or sharp edges. The edge at the outer circumference must be smooth.

The Throw 1. The throw must be made from within the circle. 2. The athlete must pause after entering the circle. 3. Following the throw the athlete must become under control before exiting the circle. 4. The athlete must exit the back half of the circle. 5. The discus must land within the the sector lines without first touching anything outside the sector. 6. Taping is not permitted beyond the wrist unless there is an open wound that must be protected. 7. Gloves are not permitted. 8. A support belt may be worn. 9. No mechanical aids may be worn.

The Measurement 1. Measurement of the throw is made along an extended radius of the circle. 2 The measurement is made with either a non-stretchable tape made of fiberglass, nylon or steel or a certified electronic measuring device. 3. The “zero” end of the measuring tape is held at the nearest edge of the first mark made by the landing discus. The measurement is taken at the point that the tape intersects the inside edge of the throwing circle. 4. The measurement shall be recorded to the nearest lesser inch or even centimeter.

Penalties In addition to the usual participation, uniform and sportsmanship rules and penalties, the following fouls particularly apply to the discus:(Rule 6-4-9) 1. Failure to initiate a trial that is carried to completion within 1 minute after being called up. 2. After stepping into the circle, fails to pause before starting the throw. 3. After stepping into the circle, touches the circle, not including the inner face of the band, if one is used, or the ground outside the circle. 4. Throws the discus so it does not fall within the sector lines. 5. Throws a discus which hits the cage and/or an object outside the sector before landing within the sector. 6. Is not under control before exiting the back half of the circle. 7. Leaves the circle before the implement has landed and the judge calls “mark” 8. Does not exit the back half of the circle. Penalty: The throw is not measured but counts as a trial.