Section 2: Equipment
2.1 Implements – Throws
All throwing implements must be approved by World Athletics and appear on the official Approved Implements List. Specifications are set out in Technical Rule 187 (Shot Put), Technical Rule 188 (Discus), Technical Rule 189 (Hammer), and Technical Rule 190 (Javelin).
Shot Put (Technical Rule 187)
- Men (Senior/U20): Weight 7.260 kg (16 lb), minimum diameter 110 mm, maximum diameter 130 mm.
- Women (Senior/U20): Weight 4.000 kg (8 lb 13 oz), minimum diameter 95 mm, maximum diameter 110 mm.
- U18 Men: 6.000 kg; U18 Women: 3.000 kg.
- The shot shall be made of solid iron, brass, or any metal not softer than brass, or a shell of such metal filled with lead or other material.
- Surface finish shall be smooth (maximum roughness Ra 1.6 µm).
Discus (Technical Rule 188)
- Men (Senior/U20): Weight 2.000 kg, diameter 219–221 mm.
- Women (Senior/U20): Weight 1.000 kg, diameter 180–182 mm.
- U18 Men: 1.500 kg; U18 Women: 1.000 kg.
- The discus shall consist of a metal rim and two identical sides, constructed of wood, plastic, fibreglass, or carbon fibre. Rim edges shall be smooth and rounded.
Hammer (Technical Rule 189)
- Men (Senior/U20): Weight 7.260 kg, overall length 117.5–121.5 cm.
- Women (Senior/U20): Weight 4.000 kg, overall length 116.5–119.5 cm.
- The hammer consists of three parts: a metal head (sphere), a steel wire, and a handle. The head shall be made of solid iron or other metal not softer than brass, or of a shell filled with lead or other material.
- Handle: a single loop of spring steel wire, minimum diameter 3 mm. The grip shall be rigid and without springs.
Javelin (Technical Rule 190)
- Men (Senior/U20): Weight 800 g, overall length 2.600–2.700 m, metal tip minimum 25 mm penetration.
- Women (Senior/U20): Weight 600 g, overall length 2.200–2.300 m.
- U18 Men: 700 g, 2.300–2.400 m; U18 Women: 500 g, 2.000–2.100 m.
- The javelin shall be constructed of metal or other suitable material. The binding grip covers the centre of gravity and must be between 150 mm and 160 mm wide (men), or 140 mm and 150 mm wide (women).
2.2 Hurdles (Technical Rule 168)
Hurdles shall be made of metal or other suitable material with a wooden or plastic top bar. The maximum weight is 10 kg. The hurdle must be constructed so that a force of at least 3.6 kg applied horizontally to the centre of the top edge of the top bar is required to overturn it. Heights by event:
- Men 110m Hurdles (Senior/U20): 1.067 m (3 ft 6 in).
- Men 400m Hurdles (Senior/U20): 0.914 m (3 ft).
- Women 100m Hurdles (Senior/U20): 0.838 m (2 ft 9 in).
- Women 400m Hurdles (Senior/U20): 0.762 m (2 ft 6 in).
- U18 Boys 110m Hurdles: 0.991 m; U18 Girls 100m Hurdles: 0.762 m.
2.3 Vaulting Pole (Technical Rule 183)
The vaulting pole may be made of any material or combination of materials and of any length or diameter. The surface may be smooth or have a wrapping of adhesive tape in a single layer over the entire length or part of the pole.
2.4 Relay Baton (Technical Rule 163)
The baton shall be a smooth hollow tube made of wood, metal, or other rigid material. It must be circular in cross-section; length 28–30 cm, circumference 12–13 cm, weight at least 50 g.
2.5 Steeplechase Barriers and Water Jump (Technical Rule 169)
- Barrier height (men): 0.914 m; (women): 0.762 m.
- Top bar cross-section: 127 mm × 127 mm, rounded corners radius 5–6 mm.
- The water jump pit is 3.66 m × 3.66 m; maximum water depth at the barrier 0.70 m, sloping to 0 m at far end.
2.6 Starting Blocks (Technical Rule 162)
Starting blocks shall be used for all races up to and including 400m (including the first leg of relays). Blocks must be constructed solely of rigid materials and must not provide any undue advantage. They must be fixed to the track surface using two pointed pegs. Starting blocks fitted with sensors for the False Start Detection System must be used in all World Athletics Series competitions.
2.7 Athlete Shoes and Spikes (Technical Rule 5)
Shoes must not give an athlete any unfair assistance or advantage. The construction of shoes must not be altered during competition. From 1 January 2025, World Athletics requires that all athletics shoes used in competition at World Athletics Series events and Area Championships must appear on the World Athletics Approved Shoes List prior to competition. Sole thickness limits (effective 1 January 2025): Track events up to 400m including hurdles — maximum sole thickness 25 mm; 800m and above on track — 25 mm; field events (jumps, throws) — 20 mm (long jump, triple jump run-up shoe 25 mm). Spike pin length: maximum 9 mm for track events; maximum 12 mm for field events (cross country excepted).