INDIANAPOLIS — With more states incorporating the javelin into high school track and field, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has voted to include javelin implement construction specifications in the NFHS Track and Field Rules Book beginning with the 2026 season.
The move was among 11 rule changes recommended by the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee during its June 16-18 meeting in Indianapolis and later approved by the NFHS 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. “This approach maintains appropriate equipment standards while promoting ease of understanding, consistent enforcement and fairness across all levels of high school competition.”
The committee also approved several changes aimed at minimizing risk of injury during competition. One of the most significant adjustments allows a health-care professional to assess a downed competitor during a race without the athlete being disqualified, so long as no physical aid is provided in advancing along the course.
In high jump and pole vault, athletes entering a competition more than 60 minutes after the first jump will now be granted a brief warm-up period—1½ minutes for high jump and two minutes for pole vault—under the supervision of an official. Previously, athletes could only warm up after passing three consecutive heights, a rule that sometimes left competitors inactive for long stretches at large meets.
To further promote safety in vertical jumps, language was added to require padding on “items above ground level,” such as raised concrete or wooden surfaces, which pose a greater risk of injury during falls.
Other approved changes include:
- Rule 3-2-3: Games committees now have the authority to determine the distance of takeoff boards in horizontal jumps, similar to their role in setting starting heights for vertical jumps.
- Indoor Events: The 200-meter dash has been added as an option to replace the 300-meter dash in indoor meets (Rule 9-1-1), and all indoor relay exchange zones will now follow a uniform 20-meter standard (Rule 9-6-1).
- Rule 4-6-6c: Athletes are prohibited from wearing audio or video devices during races, trials, or in restricted areas—aligning track and field with other NFHS sport rules.
- Rule 6-2-2 Notes: A new note clarifies that the time limit for consecutive attempts applies both within a height and at height changes in field events.
- Rule 6-3-2b4(a): Metric measurements for breaking ties have been revised for clarity and consistency in meet management.
A full 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.