NFHS introduces rules change in shot put, discus to reduce risk of injury
The National Federation of State High School Associations is introducing a shot put and discus rule change to reduce the risk of injury, the NFHS announced Thursday.
All adjustments were approved by the NFHS rules review committee and NFHS board of directors for the 2027 track and field season.
In shot put and discus warmups, all attempts must be made from inside the circle and facing the sector, the area in which a projectile must land for a legal shot. No backward, over-the-head attempts will be allowed.
The rules committee noted that “warm-up attempts by athletes standing on the toe board with their backs to the sector are dangerous because competitors cannot see if the area is clear before throwing the implement.”
Now, a “clear line of sight” will be required to ensure the landing area is safe prior to a throw.
“Overall, the top priority for the rules committee is always the safety and well-being of the student-athletes, and this year’s committee meeting reflected that continued commitment,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and middle schools and liaison to the track and field rules committee. “The rules committee continues to focus on minimizing risk in throws events and warm-ups to ensure a safer competitive environment. Overall, this was a highly productive meeting where the committee successfully balanced safety with practical rules revisions.”
Ponder ISD coach Blake Crutsinger recently went home to continue his recovery after being hit in the head with a shot put at a meet in May. He spent two months in the intensive care unit.
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