LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL FOR CHANGE IN NSAA RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title:

Inclusion of the Javelin Throw as an Official NSAA Track and Field Event

Author:Jeff Squier
School:South Sioux City
NSAA District:3
 
Proposal for:Constitution & Bylaws
 
Classes Affected:All
Activities Affected:Boys Track
Girls Track
This proposal:WILL increase costs to the school
WILL increase costs to the NSAA
WILL NOT increase travel for participating schools
WILL NOT decrease a student's or coach's instruction time
Implementation date:2027-08-01
Sections affected in Constitution & Bylaws:Page
59
20 & 22
Article
3
Section
3.14
Field Events
Summary:Section: NSAA Track and Field Manual – Approved Rulings (Official Events)
Official Scoring Events: The official field events recognized in NSAA sanctioned competition shall be: High Jump, Pole Vault, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Shot Put, Discus Throw, and Javelin Throw.

Equipment Specifications: For safety and venue protection, member schools shall use NSAA-approved rubber-tipped javelins for all regular season, district, and state championship competitions.

Scoring & Roster Limits: The addition of the Javelin Throw expands individual event entries in accordance with established NSAA maximum event limits per athlete. Scoring rules for team totals shall remain consistent with established NSAA multi-event guidelines.
Rationale:Alignment with Interscholastic Track Standards
Adopting the javelin throw modernizes the state's athletic program and aligns Nebraska with broader regional high school athletic associations.

Collegiate Opportunities & Recruiting
Javelin is a standard event in collegiate competitions (NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA). Because Nebraska high schools do not currently offer the event, in-state student-athletes are at a disadvantage when pursuing college track and field opportunities or competing in post-season showcase meets.

NSAA Safety Standards & Facility Protection
Historical safety concerns regarding javelin have been resolved by modern equipment guidelines. Establishing an NSAA rubber-tipped javelin requirement significantly increases safety and prevents damage to artificial turf or grass fields.

Athlete Participation & Event Variety
Adding a third throwing event caters to athletes with different physical skill sets (combining speed, agility, and shoulder flexibility rather than purely rotational throwing power), encouraging higher participation rates in NSAA track and field programs.
Pros:Student Impact: Increases multi-event and athletic participation opportunities for student-athletes in all NSAA school classifications.
Cons:Financial Impact: Low to moderate. Schools will acquire NSAA-compliant javelins (approx. $100–$250 each) and mark standard throwing sectors on existing grass field areas.
Administrative Impact: Host schools will follow NSAA event judge guidelines for measuring and officiating the javelin throw.