Javelin Rules Should Reward Accuracy

Javelin throwers are among the most adaptable athletes in sports today.

In the last 25 years they have endured and adjusted to more rules changes and amendments than an IRS technical writer.

Two "problems" led to the initial rule changes; first, the javelin's flight was of such aerodynamic excellence that its approach to the landing area was often flat and gradual, much like an airplane making a perfect three-point landing. This caused the shaft to occasionally "skip" on impact, instead of sticking, making an accurate mark difficult.

The second perceived problem was the natural result of athletic excellence; the extreme distances were outgrowing the limits of the infield.

Enter the International Association of Athletics Federations, Track and Field's international governing body. Out of their 1986 Stockholm think sessions came a heavier (800g) and more forward-weighted implement, which resulted  in a steeper descent but a shorter flight.

Javelin manufacturers then jumped into the fray with creative aerodynamic features like dimples and perforations to enhance the spear's performance. The bureaucrats would have none of it, and banned all surface modifications.

Despite the IAAF's repeated revisions to the javelin's flight and distance governance, the athletes have persistently crept closer to Uwe Hohn's 1984 pre-revision record of 343 feet. Jan Zelezny's modern world record is just over 323 feet.

Since javelin throwers have proven to be such an adaptable lot, I'll throw another wrench in the works and propose one more change: a points system based on accuracy as well as distance.

The javelin, after all, has its roots in warfare and hunting. In both undertakings, throwing from a distance was a definite advantage, but throwing with accuracy was a matter of survival.

Centuries ago the original Olympic Games actually included a separate javelin event based on accuracy. The athlete threw at a target...from horseback...at a full gallop.

Currently the event does have a very loose requirement for accuracy. The implement must land within a 29-degree sector to be legal, which, at 100 meters deep is approximately 50 meters wide—hardly confining enough to guarantee a hunter his next meal.

I'm simply proposing either adding or deducting points based on the javelin's proximity to a visible center line. Notice I'm not even suggesting galloping horses. The formula for graduating the points value/distance should be left to those familiar with the sport. Perhaps the athletes themselves should determine this.

Or better yet, get the IAAF involved.

I'm only half serious. Even I know it could be dangerous to suggest tinkering further with a sport populated by trained spearmen.

But just in case my proposal ever sees the light of day, I'll make the following  concession: the adjacent image of Rojo could be enlarged and placed downrange on that center line.

An already frustrated cadre of javelin throwers would no doubt find great motivation in such a gesture.

Rojo Fact: Using the 800g javelin, there have been 83 throws over 90 meters (295' 3") in history. Jan Zelezny of the Czech Republic has 52 of those throws.