Posted by Geoff Fairbanks on May 16, 2001 at 10:03:58:
In Reply to: Re: guys using girls' poles posted by khan on May 16, 2001 at 03:32:52:
How do you figure that it is an unfair advantage???? There are no quick fixes or advantages in pole vaulting. If I want to cover my pole in super glue for a better grip, I have been given no definite edge. However, according to the NHSF, i cant do that. It gives me an unfar advantage. Horse s--t. I say that whatever gives the athlete confidence, let him do it. As far as I am concerned all those rules do nothing more than give idiot officials the oppurtunity to throw their weight around.
To quote Bruce Caldwell, I will say that the object of pole vaulting is not to bend the pole. Idiots on 16 foot poles in high school jumping 13 are pole benders....Pole vaulters are those who have matched their ability with the proper pole and grip height. Being able to bend the pole has nothing to do with it......bending a pole comes about when you begin to do things right (somewhat.)