Category Archives: Uncategorized

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, thenContinue reading “Old Poles, New Labels”

I am a track official, but I was a track coach too.  As an official I take each attempt in a field event as it comes.  There aren’t any “mitigating” factors:  first attempt or last, to win, place or go out, just one more ½ inch in the jump; none of it matters.  Either the jump or throw isContinue reading “The Last Attempt”

Assumed Risk Let’s start with the basics.  Every track and field event, pole vault included, needs to be conducted safely.  Weather conditions might change the focus from “citius, altius, fortius” (faster, higher, stronger) to “survival mode”, but the event still needs to be safe.  With every event in track and field there is also an “assumed risk”.  AContinue reading “Too Bad to Vault”

The Process of Getting a Measured Approach Working with brand new vaulters Vaulters hold at the “reach grip”.  They “know” what foot they want to jump from Vaulters on the Track Coach will mark a chalk runway and box on the track Chalk runway will have takeoff marks and starting marks from 40 to 60 feetContinue reading “Getting Steps for the New Vaulter”

One of the questions that came up at the OAT-CCC Pole Vault Safety Clinic, is what are the “basics “ of pole vault poles.  So here goes. All Pole Vault Poles work.  While there are varying reason for liking one brand of pole vault pole over another, in general, all brands of pole vault pole work.  They areContinue reading “The Basics of Poles”