Old Poles, New Labels

High School National Federation Rules require that pole vault poles have a manufacturer’s weight label, placed at the top of the “grip range” of the pole. And while pole vault poles, if properly cared for, can last for years (even decades) the labels often don’t. If the Pole Vault Official can’t read the label, then she or he is REQUIRED to disqualify the pole for competition.

(This is a High School and USATF Youth Rule. The NCAA and USATF adult rules do not require weight labels, nor do they require that a vaulter weigh less than the pole rating).

So what can the Vaulter (or Coach, or Parent) do if the label is unreadable? If the pole is still vault-able, it’s a huge waste of money to buy another just because the label is bad. The answer is, to get a new label.

By the way, you aren’t allowed to make your own label. The NFHS rules (6-8-15) require a manufacturer’s label placed at the top of the handhold position.

Every pole vault pole has designated information permanently on the pole. Some of that information is etched into it (Spirit Poles above the weight label), or embedded into the gel coat (newer poles made by Gill with a barcode), and really older poles had it marked on the brand label of the pole itself (in the middle of the pole). 

So as long as you can find that indentifying information, you can get a new label from the manufacturer. It might cost a few bucks ($15 or so) but it’s a lot cheaper than buying a whole new pole. Here’s the link to the manufacturer’s information:  NFHS List.

While different manufacturers have different information, here’s what Spirit Poles have etched into them:

UCS Spirit Etching

• Top Line – Pole Length (in metric)/Pole “Weight” (in Kilos)
• Second Line – Pole Length (in English)/Pole Weight (in Pounds)
• Third Line – Year Made/Actual Flex Number/Month Made/Day Made

So now you know your pole’s birthday too!!!!!

And in black marker near the bottom of the pole is the size of the pole tip (butt plug).

The actual “flex” number is the exact amount the pole bent under a standard weight pressure in a pole “bending machine”. That flex is in centimeters, and determines the weight rating of the pole. Flex numbers can only be compared to poles of the same length, and the weight rating is within a five pound range (the 210 pole in the picture might be as low as a 207 1/2, and as high as 212 1/2). That’s why there can be soft-medium and stiff poles with the same weight rating.

Since all of that information is available, weight label or not, why can’t the official just read the etchings???

1. Often times etchings are hard to read 
2. Different brand poles have different places for that information
3. The NFHS Rules specifically prohibit officials from referring to etchings – they can only use the weight label!! (NFHS 6-8-15 Note 1)

Officials have jurisdiction over the handhold tape, and the weight labels. Officials have no jurisdiction over the pole tip. But if it’s not protecting the end of the pole you’ll damage or destroy the pole – so get a good one!!!!

Summer is a good time for pole maintenance. It’s a good time to re-tape the pole (take the old tape from the 1990’s off!!), check that the pole tip (butt plug) is still in usable condition, and check the labels to make sure they’re readable.