To say that I am exhilirated would be an exaggeration, but I am very pleased that the IAAF has finally adjusted at least some of the throwing weights for some youth age groups for some female events, and these recently announced changes will apply to Australian competitors from 1 October 2011, in time for the start of next season.
Girls in the U14, U16, and U18 age groups will now use the 3kg shots and hammer, and the U18 and U16 female javelin throwers will use a 500g implement.
We can only hope that Little Athletics and the schools sports associations will do the sensible and right thing and adjust their weights accordingly in time for the next season.
Although this step in the right direction is to be applauded, unfortunately for some reason the weight for the discus event has not been adjusted. I would see the girls throw the 750g discus at least in the U14 and U16 age groups. There also needs to be a better coordination of the throwing implements for young males across senior athletics, Little Athletics and school athletics.