by George Kleeman

April 7, 2005

Hammer Handle: Note that the new IAAF hammer handle rule concerning the handle being one piece and meeting a breaking strength has been suspended for 2005, i.e. there is no change for this year for USATF or IAAF. I expect finalization of the rule to occur at this summer's meeting in Helsinki with an implementation date in 2006. USATF will adopt any changes at its the December meeting. The NCAA did make a modification for this year (see page 42 Figures 20 and Rule 2-10-3) to comply with the proposed IAAF rule. In discussion with the NCAA Rules Committee's Secretary and Rules editor, it was decided that for 2005 we should enforce the new dimensions for the handle, namely a maximum length of 110 mm from underside of hammer handle to inside of loop on handle where wire connects and a maximum of 130 mm for handle width, i.e. from inside to inside of wire sides. However we should not at this point enforce the requirement that the sides must be straight. In other words those handles that are manufactured with wires sides with a slight curvature will be allowed this year until the final IAAF specifications are set. Note most existing handles should be legal if they meet these overall dimension requirements. If sides have been bent in to make the handle meet the 110 mm length versus being manufactured that way, the hammer should not be certified. This is a transition year so if you would have allowed the handle last year and it meets the overall dimensions then allow it this year.

NCAA Rules Submissions Deadline: The submission deadline is May 1. There is a new procedure for submitting NCAA rule changes. Details of the procedure and whom and where to send any proposals are listed on Page 13 of the 2005 Rulebook.