Competitive javelin throwing dates back to early Olympic times and the use of the javelin can be traced to when primitive humans roamed the earth. Once a hunting tool, now the spear-like implement is hurled through the air with the hopes of earning medals, not sustenance.

High school students in Missouri will have the opportunity to compete in the javelin event beginning with the upcoming spring 2015 track and field season. Harvey Richards, associate executive director at the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) said the inquiry about the javelin event came from track and field coaches.

Sophia Rivera of Brentwood High School awaits representing her high school through the MSHSAA experiment.

“Some high school coaches in track and field were wondering why we weren’t doing the event of javelin,” Richards said. “We have actually had some kids cross over into Kansas when they are at the KU relays.”

The MSHSAA conducted a survey of its member schools gauging the statewide interest level. Once the data was in Richards said 25 percent of the schools indicated that they would initiate it the upcoming season resulting in the MSHSAA’s decision to hold a trial period.

Richards acknowledged that there may be some schools that will have limitations in implementing the event based on facility design, but believes there would be few other issues.

“We have some schools whose facility will not allow them to throw the javelin or they will have to do it before or after the other events depending on how their arrangements are for that particular school,” he said.

Once the season has concluded, Richards will reach out the track and field coaches by way of a statewide survey along with personal conversations during the Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Association meeting, to assess the interest and level of success of the javelin throw.

While the level of risk minimization is a concern to some, but Richards believes there should be little concern for the event when conducted properly, the same as any throwing event.

“Nothing any different than I would see with the discus,” he said. “When you are throwing that, people have to be aware of the event going on and stay clear of it. I think schools, especially since it is a new event, will take more precaution in making sure that the competition area is flagged off.”

The Missouri high school track season begins practice March 2, 2015, with meets able to be held starting March 20.