High School Track Discus Cage Instructions

The discus is one of the most iconic disciplines for the sport of track and field. Even in high school track and field competitions, the top discus throwers can hurl the discus well over 200 feet. In high school, the discus cage must conform to certain standards outlined by the National Federation of State High School Associations. Violations of discus cage rules can result in disqualifications, records not being certified and might increase the risk of discus-related injuries.

Discus Cage Dimensions

The typical high school discus cage is attached to aluminium poles. High school cage requirements state that each cage must contain six poles. Each aluminium pole curves at the tip. Each pole is made up two segments. The base segment is 2 feet and 6 inches and the upper pole is 14 feet (from the pole's tip down). Attached to each pole is a hook onto which the net loops. The hook is part of a pulley-and-tether system that allows coaches or officials to raise and lower the cage net as necessary. Poles maintain a 4 inch outer diameter throughout. Standard discus cage nets are made of mesh and are 14 feet high by 54 feet long.

Pole and Net Configuration

According to National High School Federation rules, the cage forms 5/6 of a hexagon. The front side of this hexagon is kept open so the throw can escape the cage. Back poles are configured 10 feet and 6 inches from the centre of the throwing circle. Poles are separated from each other by a distance of 10 feet and 6 inches. Net anchors are placed approximately 3 feet from each pole. Interior angles formed by the intersection of central "sides" (the intersection to the right and left of the throwing circle) are approximately 146 degrees each.

Rules Involving the Discus Cage

According to federation instructions, any throw that hits the cage and lands within the discus circle is considered a foul and will not count as a measured throw. Furthermore, if the discus hits the cage and bounces into the recognised field of play (the discus sector), it does not count as a legitimate throw. Additional rules prohibit certain actions once the thrower enters the discus circle/cage space. Throwers may not throw as soon as they enter the cage, rather a thrower must pause before the throw. After releases the throw, the competitor may not step out of the throwing circle into another area of the cage sector until the discus lands on the ground.