Safety Instructions: Pole Vault Education.org

When it comes to Pole Vaulting - the key is SAFETY FIRST - regardless of the vaulter's age or level of expertise. Here are a few tips that will help create the safest conditions possible...

Landing Area:
1. Check that the landing area is secure, and that all sections are properly fastened with the 2" top pad in place.
2. Make sure there is nothing in the landing area, e.g. crossbar, rake or trash.
3. Take a quick walk around the pit to make sure all hard surfaces or concrete areas are padded.
4. All hard surfaces around the box should be covered.
5. If a runway extends from the back of the pit box, or there is exposed concrete, these areas must be covered.
6. The standards should be steady and stable with the rail and base units fully protected with foam covers.

Vaulting Pole:
1. Only the correct pole for your body weight and length for you ability should be used.
2. NEVER use a pole rated below your body weight.
3. Inspect each pole carefully – do not use if you see damage to the fibers from spike marks, or if there is evidence of scrapes or bruises.

Mentally: The vaulter should be rested, alert and in a serious mindset – ready to concentrate and focus.
Physically: A sequential and progressive warm-up should be completed previous to vaulting – including some simple pole carries, plants and take-off actions.
Technical Base: For every vault the objective is to land safely in the middle of the pit on the hips and back. Landing on the feet can be extremely hazardous with injuries to the ankles or knees. Feet first landings can cause the vaulter to fall off of the pit.

The pole is a pendulum, a chord, an axis – it must be moved to reach a full, vertical, 90 degree position to the runway. The vaulter is a second pendulum and will swing around their shoulders and hands. Release from the pole should only occur when the athlete is safely over the pit.

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When it comes to Pole Vaulting - the key is SAFETY FIRST - regardless of the vaulter's age or level of expertise. Here are a few tips that will help create the safest conditions possible... Landing Area: 1. Check that the landing area is secure, and that all sections are properly fastened with the 2" top pad in place. 2. Make sure there is nothing in the landing area, e.g. crossbar, rake or trash. 3. Take a quick walk around the pit to make sure all hard surfaces or concrete areas are padded. 4. All hard surfaces around the box should be covered. 5. If a runway extends from the back of the pit box, or there is exposed concrete, these areas must be covered. 6. The standards should be steady and stable with the rail and base units fully protected with foam covers. Vaulting Pole: 1. Only the correct pole for your body weight and length for you ability should be used. 2. NEVER use a pole rated below your body weight. 3. Inspect each pole carefully – do not use if you see damage to the fibers from spike marks, or if there is evidence of scrapes or bruises. Mentally: The vaulter should be rested, alert and in a serious mindset – ready to concentrate and focus. Physically: A sequential and progressive warm-up should be completed previous to vaulting – including some simple pole carries, plants and take-off actions. Technical Base: For every vault the objective is to land safely in the middle of the pit on the hips and back. Landing on the feet can be extremely hazardous with injuries to the ankles or knees. Feet first landings can cause the vaulter to fall off of the pit. The pole is a pendulum, a chord, an axis – it must be moved to reach a full, vertical, 90 degree position to the runway. The vaulter is a second pendulum and will swing around their shoulders and hands. Release from the pole should only occur when the athlete is safely over the pit. • Back to Top.
FAQ's • Register • Email Coaches • Coaches Special • Tools • Home NOTE: Pole Vault Education.org LLC is a non-commercial, information-only Web site created for superintendents, principals, athletic directors, coaches, and athletes as a resource to promote improved safety and performance in the sport of pole vaulting. The materials presented on this site represent the best current knowledge about this sport, but should not be considered as a substitute for proper personal coaching by trained professionals. © 2002 Pole Vault Education.org LLC. (Photos: courtesy of the 2001 UCS Spirit/West Point/USATF Pole Vaulting Camp at West Point, NY)