![\"TOKYO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2235138228.jpg\" "\\"TOKYO,")
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TOKYO, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 13: A detailed view of a shotput during Men’s Shot Put Qualification day one of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 at National Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Cameron Spencer\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Cameron Spencer<\/p>\n
Getty Images<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
All adjustments were approved by the NFHS rules review committee and NFHS board of directors for the 2027 track and field season.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The rules committee noted that \u201cwarm-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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, a \u201cclear line of sight\u201d will be required to ensure the landing area is safe prior to a throw.<\/p>\n
\u201cOverall, the top priority for the rules committee is always the safety and well-being of the student-athletes, and this year\u2019s committee meeting reflected that continued commitment,\u201d said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and middle schools and liaison to the track and field rules committee. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ponder ISD coach Blake Crutsinger recently went home<\/a> to continue his recovery after being hit in the head<\/a> with a shot put at a meet in May. He spent two months in the intensive care unit.<\/p>\n