NFHS Adds Javelin Specifications, Approves Safety Changes for 2026
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The National Federation of State High School Associations has approved javelin implement construction specifications for inclusion in the track and field rules book beginning with the 2026 season, responding to the growing number of states incorporating the event into high school competition.
The javelin addition was among 11 rule changes recommended by the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee during its June meeting in Indianapolis and later approved by the organization's Board of Directors.
"Moving the implement construction specifications for the javelin into the rules book provides greater clarity, consistency and accessibility for high school coaches, athletes and meet officials," said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Track and Field Rules Committee.
The committee also approved several changes designed to enhance athlete safety during competition. A significant adjustment allows health-care professionals to assess injured competitors during races without disqualifying the athlete, provided no physical aid is given to advance along the course.
In vertical jumping events, athletes entering competition more than 60 minutes after the first jump will now receive supervised warm-up periods — 1½ minutes for high jump and two minutes for pole vault. The previous rule required athletes to pass three consecutive heights before warming up, sometimes leaving competitors inactive for extended periods at large meets.
Additional safety measures include new padding requirements for "items above ground level," such as raised concrete or wooden surfaces that pose injury risks during falls in vertical jumps.
Other approved changes include granting games committees authority to determine takeoff board distances in horizontal jumps, adding the 200-meter dash as an indoor option to replace the 300-meter dash, and standardizing indoor relay exchange zones at 20 meters.
The rules committee also prohibited athletes from wearing audio or video devices during races, trials or in restricted areas, aligning track and field with other NFHS sports.
A complete listing of changes will be available at nfhs.org. Print and digital versions of the 2026 NFHS Track and Field Rules Book will be released in October.
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