Javelin Throwing Weight Rules
Javelin combines runway speed with technical release mechanics, making correct implement selection vital.
Under World Athletics regulations, senior men compete with an 800g javelin and senior women with a 600g implement. Age groups include 700g (U18 boys), 500g (U18 girls), 600g (U15 boys) and 400g (U15 girls).
Javelins must meet precise length, centre-of-gravity and tip specifications, and must land tip-first within the sector to record a valid throw. Using certified competition models is essential for league and championship compliance.
At Athletics Direct, we stock a comprehensive range of Polanik competition javelins, performance training models, and school-safe foam or turbo javelins for younger athletes.
Whether equipping a primary school or preparing athletes for national competition, selecting the correct weight ensures safe progression and eligibility.
Throwing Weight Rules for Javelin
And finally we have javelins. All there is to know for javelins is the weight, making your decision pretty straightforward.
| Age Group | Implement Weight (grams) | Length of Javelin (mm)min – max | Lenght of Metal Head (mm)min – max | Distance from Tip of Metal Head to CoG (mm)min – max | Diameter of Thickest Point (mm)min – max | Whipcord Width (mm)min – max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | ||||||
| Senior (and U23s) | 800g | 2600 – 2700 | 250 – 330 | 900 – 1060 | 25 – 30 | 150 – 160 |
| U20 Junior Men | 800g | 2600 – 2700 | 250 – 330 | 900 – 1060 | 25 – 30 | 150 – 160 |
| U18 Youth | 700g | 2400 – 2500 | 250 – 330 | 850 – 990 | 23 – 28 | 150 – 160 |
| U16 Boys | 600g | 2200 – 2300 | 220 – 270 | 800 – 920 | 20 – 25 | 140 – 150 |
| U14 Boys | 500g | 2000 – 2100 | 220 – 270 | 780 – 880 | 20 – 24 | 135 – 145 |
| U12 Boys | 400g | 1700 – 1950 | 200 – 300 | 700 – 850 | 19 – 24 | 130 – 140 |
| Women | ||||||
| Seniors / U23s / U20s | 600g | 2200 – 2300 | 250 – 330 | 800 – 920 | 20 – 25 | 140 – 150 |
| U18 Youth | 500g | 2000 – 2100 | 220 – 270 | 780 – 880 | 20 – 24 | 135 – 145 |
| U16 Girls | 500g | 2000 – 2100 | 220 – 270 | 780 – 880 | 20 – 24 | 135 – 145 |
| U14 Girls | 400g | 1700 – 1950 | 200 – 300 | 700 – 850 | 19 – 24 | 130 – 140 |
| U12 Girls | 400g | 1700 – 1950 | 200 – 300 | 700 – 850 | 19 – 24 | 130 – 140 |
Men
Senior (and U23s)
Implement Weight (grams)
- Length of Javelin (mm)
- 2600 – 2700
- Lenght of Metal Head (mm)
- 250 – 330
- Distance from Tip of Metal Head to CoG (mm)
- 900 – 1060
- Diameter of Thickest Point (mm)
- 25 – 30
- Whipcord Width (mm)
- 150 – 160
U20 Junior Men
Implement Weight (grams)
- Length of Javelin (mm)
- 2600 – 2700
- Lenght of Metal Head (mm)
- 250 – 330
- Distance from Tip of Metal Head to CoG (mm)
- 900 – 1060
- Diameter of Thickest Point (mm)
- 25 – 30
- Whipcord Width (mm)
- 150 – 160
U18 Youth
Implement Weight (grams)
- Length of Javelin (mm)
- 2400 – 2500
- Lenght of Metal Head (mm)
- 250 – 330
- Distance from Tip of Metal Head to CoG (mm)
- 850 – 990
- Diameter of Thickest Point (mm)
- 23 – 28
- Whipcord Width (mm)
- 150 – 160
U16 Boys
Implement Weight (grams)
- Length of Javelin (mm)
- 2200 – 2300
- Lenght of Metal Head (mm)
- 220 – 270
- Distance from Tip of Metal Head to CoG (mm)
- 800 – 920
- Diameter of Thickest Point (mm)
- 20 – 25
- Whipcord Width (mm)
- 140 – 150
U14 Boys
Implement Weight (grams)
- Length of Javelin (mm)
- 2000 – 2100
- Lenght of Metal Head (mm)
- 220 – 270
- Distance from Tip of Metal Head to CoG (mm)
- 780 – 880
- Diameter of Thickest Point (mm)
- 20 – 24
- Whipcord Width (mm)
- 135 – 145
U12 Boys
Implement Weight (grams)
- Length of Javelin (mm)
- 1700 – 1950
- Lenght of Metal Head (mm)
- 200 – 300
- Distance from Tip of Metal Head to CoG (mm)
- 700 – 850
- Diameter of Thickest Point (mm)
- 19 – 24
- Whipcord Width (mm)
- 130 – 140
Women
Seniors / U23s / U20s
Implement Weight (grams)
- Length of Javelin (mm)
- 2200 – 2300
- Lenght of Metal Head (mm)
- 250 – 330
- Distance from Tip of Metal Head to CoG (mm)
- 800 – 920
- Diameter of Thickest Point (mm)
- 20 – 25
- Whipcord Width (mm)
- 140 – 150
U18 Youth
Implement Weight (grams)
- Length of Javelin (mm)
- 2000 – 2100
- Lenght of Metal Head (mm)
- 220 – 270
- Distance from Tip of Metal Head to CoG (mm)
- 780 – 880
- Diameter of Thickest Point (mm)
- 20 – 24
- Whipcord Width (mm)
- 135 – 145
U16 Girls
Implement Weight (grams)
- Length of Javelin (mm)
- 2000 – 2100
- Lenght of Metal Head (mm)
- 220 – 270
- Distance from Tip of Metal Head to CoG (mm)
- 780 – 880
- Diameter of Thickest Point (mm)
- 20 – 24
- Whipcord Width (mm)
- 135 – 145
U14 Girls
Implement Weight (grams)
- Length of Javelin (mm)
- 1700 – 1950
- Lenght of Metal Head (mm)
- 200 – 300
- Distance from Tip of Metal Head to CoG (mm)
- 700 – 850
- Diameter of Thickest Point (mm)
- 19 – 24
- Whipcord Width (mm)
- 130 – 140
U12 Girls
Implement Weight (grams)
- Length of Javelin (mm)
- 1700 – 1950
- Lenght of Metal Head (mm)
- 200 – 300
- Distance from Tip of Metal Head to CoG (mm)
- 700 – 850
- Diameter of Thickest Point (mm)
- 19 – 24
- Whipcord Width (mm)
- 130 – 140
