Athletics Measurements & Weights Guide
Athletics equipment is not one-size-fits-all. The correct discus, shot put, javelin or hurdle setup depends on the athlete’s age group, gender and competition rules. In this guide, Buffalo Sports breaks down common athletics measurements based on the 2025–26 Australian Championship Entry Standards and the Little Athletics Australia Standard Rules for Competition 2025–2026. This includes discus weight by age, shot put weights, javelin requirements and hurdle distances.
2025–26 Australian Championship entry standards
These tables show the official throwing implement weights according to the 2025–26 Australian Championship Entry Standards:
Men’s throwing implement weights
| Age group | Shot put | Discus | Javelin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 7.26kg | 2kg | 800g |
| Under 23 | 7.26kg | 2kg | 800g |
| Under 20 | 6kg | 1.75kg | 800g |
| Under 18 | 5kg | 1.5kg | 700g |
| Under 17 | 5kg | 1.5kg | 700g |
| Under 16 | 4kg | 1kg | 700g |
| Under 15 | 4kg | 1kg | 700g |
| Under 14 | 3kg | 1kg | 600g |
Women’s throwing implement weights
| Age group | Shot put | Discus | Javelin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 4kg | 1kg | 600g |
| Under 23 | 4kg | 1kg | 600g |
| Under 20 | 4kg | 1kg | 500g |
| Under 18 | 3kg | 1kg | 500g |
| Under 17 | 3kg | 1kg | 500g |
| Under 16 | 3kg | 1kg | 500g |
| Under 15 | 3kg | 1kg | 500g |
| Under 14 | 3kg | 1kg | 400g |
Little Athletics Australia standard rules for competition
These tables show the recommended junior event specifications according to the Little Athletics Australia Standard Rules for Competition 2025–2026. Use them to check shot put weight by age, discus weights, modified junior throwing equipment and hurdle layouts.
U6 to U8 recommended standard events
| Age group | Shot put | Discus | Vortex / Turbo Jav | Hurdles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | 1kg | 350g | Vortex 300g | 60m, max height 23cm |
| Under 7 | 1kg | 350g | Vortex 300g | 60m, max height 30cm |
| Under 8 | 1.5kg | 500g | Vortex 300g; Turbo Jav 300g | 60m, max height 45cm |
U9 to U15 Little Athletics implement weights
| Age group | Girls shot put | Girls discus | Girls javelin | Boys shot put | Boys discus | Boys javelin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 9 | 2kg | 500g | N/A | 2kg | 500g | N/A |
| Under 10 | 2kg | 500g | N/A | 2kg | 500g | N/A |
| Under 11 | 2kg | 500g | 400g | 2kg | 500g | 400g |
| Under 12 | 2kg | 750g | 400g | 2kg | 750g | 400g |
| Under 13 | 3kg | 750g | 400g | 3kg | 750g | 600g |
| Under 14 | 3kg | 1kg | 400g | 3kg | 1kg | 600g |
| Under 15 | 3kg | 1kg | 500g | 4kg | 1kg | 700g |
U16 to U17 Little Athletics recommended standard events
| Age group | Girls shot put | Girls discus | Girls javelin | Boys shot put | Boys discus | Boys javelin | Hurdles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 3kg | 1kg | 500g | 4kg | 1kg | 700g | Girls: 90m at 76cm; Boys: 100m at 76cm; Boys and Girls: 200m and 300m at 76cm |
| Under 17 | 3kg | 1kg | 500g | 5kg | 1.5kg | 700g | Boys and Girls: 100m at 76cm, 200m and 300m at 76cm; Boys: 110m at 76cm |
Little Athletics hurdle distances and flights
| Hurdle event | Flights | Run in | Distance between flights | Run out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60m hurdles | 6 | 12m | 7m | 13m |
| 80m hurdles | 9 | 12m | 7m | 12m |
| 90m hurdles | 9 | 13m | 8m | 13m |
| 100m hurdles | 10 | 13m | 8.5m | 10.5m |
| 110m hurdles | 10 | 13.72m | 9.14m | 14.02m |
| 200m hurdles | 5 | 20m | 35m | 40m |
| 300m hurdles | 7 | 50m | 35m | 40m |
What to check before buying athletics training gear
Choosing the right training gear is one of the first steps in setting athletes up for success. Beyond checking event specifications, clubs and coaches should look at how each piece of equipment feels, handles and holds up during regular use. Here are a few equipment features to consider before buying:
Shot put
Look for a smooth, well-finished surface that feels secure in the hand. A good shot put should be easy to grip without sharp seams, chips or uneven areas that could affect the athlete’s release.
Discus
Check the rim, balance and overall finish. The rim should feel clean and consistent, as this can affect how comfortably the athlete holds and releases the discus.
Javelin
Review the grip, shaft finish and overall handling. The javelin should feel balanced when held and should not have rough edges or loose grip areas. For beginners, modified options such as Vortex throwers or Turbo Javs can be useful for learning direction, coordination and basic throwing patterns before moving into more technical training.
Hurdles
Choose hurdles that are stable, easy to move and simple to adjust. For coaching environments, the hurdle should reset quickly between drills and feel reliable when athletes are practising rhythm, clearance and speed.
Measuring and marking gear
Look for tapes, cones, flags and field markers that are easy to see, easy to move and durable enough for outdoor use. Clear markers can help coaches set up drills faster and keep athletes focused on the task.
Discover premium athletics equipment at Buffalo Sports
Safe and high-quality sports gear can make every training session and tournament easier to set up and manage. Buffalo Sports supplies athletics equipment with quick dispatch from our Melbourne warehouse. Shop online and find reliable gear for every sport and event!
