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After coaching pole vault for a full forty years – I’ve seen an evolution of terminology in the event.  In the mid-1990’s, USATF tried to “standardized” how we talked about pole vault, because so many of the terms were “regional”.  Here in Ohio, there was a whole “school” of pole vault from Eastern Ohio coaches.  They had tremendousContinue reading “Pole Vault Terms (I Don’t Use)”

“Magic Numbers” There are four “magic” numbers pole vault athletes need to know before they are ready for competition.  Where they start their approach run  Where they takeoff from  Where they usually set their standards Where they want to start the competition For example,  Alonzo, a 13’ sophomore boy                   Abigail, a 10’ sophomore girl  – startsContinue reading “Numbers and Pole Vault”

Jpeg versions of the paperwork Officials need to run the Pole Vault. Generic Meet Pole Vault Check-in Card (can be used on a 3×5 Index Card) and a Jump Competition scoring sheet If you want to put them on “Waterproof Paper” (it’s real) click here for Rite in the Rain

Note – I am not a lawyer (though I have advised attorneys on Pole Vault liability cases). This is commonsense advice for officiating the pole vault, but does not substitute for legal advice!! Need a PV Official – call me. Need a lawyer – call them!! In our current society, people bring lawsuits for almostContinue reading “Liability and Officiating the Pole Vault”

So you know all about coaching pole vaulting – but you haven’t coached high school/middle school for a while.  Here’s some things that might have changed – 2022