Require them to know how many lefts or T.O feet they take down the
runway during an approach.
Don't allow beginners to vault from more than 4 lefts until they have
mastered the fundamental basics of run and plant
Keep in mind that the aver:age snide length of a high school vaulter
is 6 feet, so when a vaulter moves his run up or back one left (2 strides) the approximate
distance in 12 feet.
Landing Pad Considerations and Care
Make sure the weather cover you purchase/use protects pads against
ultraviolet damage.
Keep your pits covered and/or inside when they're not in use.
Turn pits upside down to drain if they get wet.
Raise pits slightly off the ground to avoid having the bottom rot due
to constant moisture and lack of air circulation. You can achieve this by placing the pads
on top of old tires laid on their sides.
Always strap and tie pits to according to the manufacturer's
specifications.
Prior to the season, inspect the landing pad "bags" for
rips or tears. Mark any that you find with tape, remove the "bags" from foam and
have an awning or upholstery shop repair them. This is very cheap and will add years of
life to your pads.
Make sure your pit meets the standards recommended by your governing
agency.
Make sure the pit is the proper distance from the back of box
(6-12" for most pits). National high school rules allow up to 14" back.
Make sure the top pad is fastened to the base units in all locations
and that all ties and buckles are fastened.
Where asphalt, concrete or other hard surfaces exist within 5 feet of
the pad, cover them with additional padding.
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Vaulting Pole Care
Always carry your poles in some kind of protective case, e.g.
cardboard tubing or PVC tubing.
- Training and technique poles are cost effective for beginners, but should only be used
from short runs and with low grips. The CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) will
not allow training poles to be used in competition.
Always inspect your poles for nicks and scratches prior to using
them. Do not use poles that are badly scratched.
Immediately move your athletes to a bigger pole when they begin
overbending (flexing the pole more than 90).
If a bigger pole is not available, shorten their run by two strides
(one left) and lower their grip 2-3".
Find good price point poles that will service the most vaulters.
Teach proper technique: jumping up at take off with early, high
hands.
Trim or glass poles with cracks on the bottom and/ or top develop.
Always catch poles so they don't fall onto the runway or standards.
Make this mandatory!
Pad all standard handles. Many poles are damaged from falling onto
unprotected standard handles.
Do not allow vaulters to lay poles around landing pit area,
especially in front of the pit where a lot of traffic occurs.
Suggested High School Pole Size Series
11' 110,11' 120, 11' 130, 12' 130, 12140,13' 140, 13' 150, 13' 160,
14' 150, 14' 160.
Note: One foot in pole length equals approximately ten pounds in
pole stiffness.
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General Safety Issues
Vaulting practice should always be supervised by a coach.
- Vaulting practice should involve skill progressions.
- Always check poles and pits prior to practice or competition.
- Gripping too high on too soft can
cause a variety of accidents.
- Do not allow your athletes to vault when conditions are substandard, i.e. rain, too
windy, poor runway or pit, etc.
- Teach your vaulters to plant early, high and straight, prior to raising grip.
- Teach your vaulters to land in the center of the pit on every jump.
- Teach your vaulters to land or' their feet by vaulting into the long jump pit from a
short run.
- It is not necessary to bend the pole to Pole Vault.
- Teach your vaulters to help each other by catching poles and (counting) steps.
- Don't allow "accidents waiting to happen" to vault in your program. "Goofball's"
and those who won't follow instructions should not participate.
- To be a good vaulter, one must become a student of the event.
- Your athletes should understand that vaulting can be somewhat dangerous and that
accidents are possible.
Jan Johnson is the USA Track & Field Pole Vault Safety Chairman and the founder of
the Sky Jumpers Vertical Sports Club. lie puts 0n the Sky Jumpers Pole Vault camps
approximately nine times a year. He also runs a camp for coaches. You may reach Sky
Jumpers at 1-800-
652-5201.
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