Throwing Events - Hammer

Hammer throwing is unsuitable for class groups. Students who show promise may be chosen for development in small, specialised groups.

As part of the process of safety self-regulation, all persons engaging in this activity should identify the hazards, assess their significance and manage the potential risks including any additional hazards not mentioned here.

Each of the throwing implements has the potential to cause injury.

The categorisation of these conditions is subjective and offered as a starting point for risk management planning. The actual degree of risk is best ascertained by persons with intimate local knowledge present at the site of the activity.

Hammer throwing events are categorised as Very High Risk (level 4).

One adult present should have knowledge of, and an ability to perform, first aid procedures.

If an adult other than a registered teacher is engaged for instruction, a teacher should be present to take overall responsibility.

The qualifications listed in this section are minimums for each type of situation. Leaders are encouraged to seek training to raise their qualification level above the minimum listed.

For Very High Risk (Level 4) activities, the leader must be:

• a registered teacher with expertise (formal qualifications to undertake the activity) in the hammer event. The teacher must have a certification incorporating all of the requirements of the hammer section of the Level 1 qualifications from the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association; or
• an adult who has Level 1 Accreditation from the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association, if a teacher with these qualifications is not available.

Teaching and/or coaching with actual hammers are to be undertaken only where a proper hammer cage is available.

A protective cage should be used even when teaching with improvised equipment because of the high release velocities and relative unpredictability of the path.

Regular checks should be made on all connections (refer to the Queensland Athletics Association for advice).

A first aid kit should be available at all venues where lessons and competitions are conducted.

Initial introduction of the activity should include:

• appropriate warm-up and warm-down activities;
• rules, safety procedures and prerequisite skills before students play the game;
• progressive and sequential skill development.

Teachers should ensure that students:

• are free of any physical injury which may affect their capacity to throw or which may be aggravated as a result of throwing; and
• have appropriate foot protection when participating on a tartan or similar surface. (It may be deemed safe for them to participate in bare feet on a well-grassed surface free of loose obstacles.)

Activities should be designed to facilitate learning of biomechanically sound throwing techniques.

The throwing area should be of adequate length to contain the implements thrown, given consideration of the ability level of the group.

The throwing sector area and approach and/or launch areas should be marked with highly visible markers to prevent access by non-participants.

The approach and/or launch area should be dry and free of any loose materials.

Equipment should be appropriately sized or modified to match the ability and strength levels of the students.

The teacher should:

• implement strategies for safe athletics activities involving throwing events;
• instruct students about safety rules before equipment is issued;
• supervise the approach/launch area and throwing sector at all times;
• instruct students to check that there is nobody in the sector before they commence preparation for the throw;
• establish a system of commands to signal when students are to retrieve implements;
• not allow 'pair' or return throwing.
• dry implements before each throw if conditions cause dampness; and
• instruct students regarding safety procedures in the use of spikes.

Non-participants should remain outside and behind the cage, well clear of the wire.

Hammers being returned to the throwing area should be carried.

Wire should be changed regularly to avoid metal fatigue.

• Queensland School Sport
• HLS-PR-013: Developing a Sun Safety Strategy
• SCM-PR-002: School Excursions
• HLS-PR-005: Injury, Illness and Dangerous Event Recording and Reporting
• HLS-PR-003: First Aid for Schools and Non-school Locations