What indicates a fair throw in javelin?
For a throw to be counted, three main criteria must be met. First, the thrower must not step past the line or toeboard and must stay within the lane for the duration of the throw. The throw is considered complete when the athlete has gained control of his motion, at which point the official will say “mark!” or “measure!” However, the throw itself must meet two other criteria; it must land within the vector lines and also must “stick,” meaning the point must land in the ground. If any of the above are not met, the throw is considered a foul and is not counted. It should be noted, however, that in some competitions, such as high school, the throw may not have to “stick.” In this circumstance, the throw is measured from where the handle of the javelin first contacted the ground, or from the tail if that hit the ground first. This can also be the case in some areas where the ground is very hard due to dry weather or cold, making it nigh impossible to stick a throw.
