Abstract
With longer distances being thrown the hammer event in track and field there was an increased risk of errant hammers landing on the track. Three deaths in hammer throwing accidents in Europe in 2000 made it imperative for facility safety standards to be increased. The International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) Technical Committee considered proposals to improve event safety. However, the Committee determined to improve the cage design as a first step rather than changing the nature of the event. In August 2003, the IAAF approved rule changes affecting hammer throwing safety cages and the rule standards that came into force January 1, 2004. In the United States, particularly at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) institutions there has been some hesitation to follow the IAAF specifications. The aim of this study is to determine what type of hammer facilities and safety precautions exist on the campuses of NCAA Division I institutions.