Posted by prsport on April 03, 2002 at 10:47:48:
Within 47 days there have been 3 deaths and 1 serious head in the pole vault. The time for debate, excuses, and threats is over. I'm calling for all to actively start working to resolve the Facilites and Equipment, Coaching, and Officiating problems that exist in this event. Please help us by supporting:
HS and USATF should adopt: The revised ASTM on Pole Vault landing systems requiring larger landing surfaces, Standard Base Pads, and Box Collars.
Develop and adopt new ASTM for testing and labeling of Pole Vaulting Poles.
Develop and adopt a new ASTM for Helmets. Require helmets for HS and USATF youth athletes. NCAA, NAIA, and/or conferences should decide if they want to use helmets.
Remove all hard or unyeilding surfaces 14' either side of the box and 20 behind the box. Require the proper padding for surfaces that cannot be moved.
Require a coaching box on pole vault pits. The coaching box gives instant feed back to coach or vaulter that something is wrong and that some corrective action is required immediately if the vaulter lands outside the box.
Require USATF Level I Coaching cerification for at least one coach on every HS staff and for every USATF Club.
Require one USATF Certified Official be in attendence at all track meets to ensure the safety of all athletes in all events.
Update US Tennis Court and Track Builders book to incorporate all the latest safety requirements.
An one have another suggestion I can be reached at prsport1@aol.com, 707 645 8555, FAX 707 645 0550
Submitted,
Eddie Seese
USATF Masters Level Pole Vault Official
USATF Level I and II Certified Coach
USATF Facilties and Equipment Specifications Subcommittee Member
USATF Pole Vault Facilties and Equipment Specifications Task Force Chairman
American Society of Testing and Materials Pole Vault Facilties and Equipment Specifications Task Group Chairman
Pole Vaulter for 39 years
SkyJumpers Certified Coach
Coach for over 30 years