Brianna Mitchell USATF Association Official Pole vault Brianna Mitchell USATF Association Official

overview The Set Up Officials Responsibilities

POLE VAULT – the set up

Setting Up the Pit Size Pit dimensions will differ depending on what rules the completion is under; IAAF, USATF, NCAA or NFHS Inspect around the Pit Cover hard surfaces, remove any movable objects Observe the surroundings and look for any problems you may encounter Is the approach apron and track surface considered hard and unyielding service and need to be covered? Inspect the Box and the Landing Area Check the box for water and make sure there is a box collar Check to see that the top cover is properly placed

Aligning and Zeroing standards Your Goal here is that the.. Standards are parallel to each other Standards are parallel to the runway There are two methods 2 Point Method Parallelogram Method

2 Point Method Put crossbar up Measure distance between standards at “0” Move standards to 80 and measure distance between the standards again Measurements should be the same. If the measurements are not the same adjust the standards and measure again.

Parallelogram methods Place 2 tacks 80 cm apart in center of runway (A & B) Measure distance from 1st tack to both standards at “0” Move standard to 80 & measure distance to 2nd tack Repeat measurements for other standard

Check standards to make sure they are level Make sure you have your 0-80 marks on the standards Mark the edge of the standard base so if they get move you have marks to repositions them.

crossbars Have at least 3 crossbars the more the better Check for “sag” The type of cross bar ends will differ depending on what rules the completion is under; IAAF, USATF, NCAA or NFHS Number your bars in order of preference best to worst Mark the mid point of the bar and the right side and left side Align and mark the end pieces and make sure the ends are secured

Verify crossbar is level, measure height make adjustment to standards as necessary. Make sure the pins are good and the proper length 55mm for USATF and NCAA 76mm for High School

You as the official

In Pole Vault Your Goal as an Official is to have… A SAFE Competition A Legal Competition A Fair Competition

Basic equipment for pole vault Steel Tape Plumb Bob Wedges Boat Level Fabric Tape Thumb Tacks Tape ( painter, duct or athletic) Staple Gun Sharpies Clip Board Writing Utensils Stop Watch Rules for Event

When you’re Officiating Always Think Safety First! If there is more than 1 Official at the event make sure you know what your job is. Administer an organized event Review rules prior to competition Provide clear and complete instructions Assure accurate measurements Provide adequate time for warm-up Provide consistent calls: “Up”, “On Deck”, “On Hold” Time Limits vary depending on level of competition ( NCAA,IAAF, USATF, NFHS) Always leave the venue looking good!!

If there is just ONE thing you take away from this presentation about Pole Vault. I hope it is that you always need to be concerned about……

safety