 | With effect from 1 January 2003, the arc for the shot, discus and hammer is being reduced from 40 degrees to 34.92 degrees. This page contains information about the specification used for each age group and gender.
Specified competition weights
The circle is 2.135m in diameter (7 feet), and there is no stopboard. The landing area is a 40 degree sector. The thrower must begin the throw from a stationery position within the circle and leave it under control after the implement has landed. The thrower must leave from the rear half of the circle and there is a white line through the circle to show the front and back halves. The hammer consists of a spherical head, similar to a shot, which has a rotating spindle through it or set into it. A steel wire links the spindle to a handle of roughly triangular shape. Its overall length should be between 1.175m and 1.215m. The thrower is permitted to protect the hand in direct contact with the handle. This is usually achieved by either bandaging the hand or by wearing a leather glove - specially made gloves can be purchased (see links) Note that the hammer is not specified for younger age groups although there are a few specialist centres in the UK which teach hammer at younger age groups. For safety, the hammer is thrown from a "cage".
NormsThere are norms concerning the etiquette of hammer and discuss throwing that have to do with safety in and around the "cage". A hooter is sounded once when a thrower is about to throw and twice when they have completed the throw. The next thrower will wait for the present thrower to leave the cage before entering it. Throwers waiting their turn will not stand where the implement could hit them or where they distract the thrower. Officials usually make sure that this is carried out for all throwing events. Young people should not be introduced to hammer throwing without a qualified coach. There is a great danger that one would, otherwise, introduce "bad habits" into the throwers technique which might be extremely difficult to "unlearn". There are some very simple early exercises that novices are shown, such as throwing over the shoulder from a stationery position. One of the best ways for young people to get an early experience of hammer throwing is on a "Star track" course. These are week long courses run by qualified staff throughout the country and usually occur in Easter, Whitsun and Summer holidays. Most large clubs will run them. Find then contact your local club via www.runtrackdir.com. The youngest athletes will use rubber hammers until they reach a suitable age/ability. Standards and Grades for this event
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