(6-17-24) Ohio Mile Split posted on social media that the OHSAA has banned the hammer throw at any sanctioned meet.

According to the article…the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) sent out their monthly email memo to the state’s athletic directors and track & field and cross country coaches and among the updates for track and field was bullet point number one: “Hammer throw is now a prohibited event in Ohio.“

BJ Duckworth, OHSAA Sport Administrator and Director of Officiating Development for Track and Field and Cross Country told Mile Split –

“I will say it was not a decision that was taken lightly. We had to balance giving athletes the ability to compete and possibly continue after high school and the safety issues posed to officials, meet volunteers, athletes and spectators.

“Ultimately after conversations with multiple stakeholders including the NFHS, officials and coaches this was the route we felt was in the best interest of all involved.”

The impact for the hammer throw athletes is where will they now practice and compete and who will coach them during the time-frame of the OHSAA outdoor season. 

The HAMMER Throw in Ohio