The Importance of Proper Set-up in the High Jump Mike Armstrong, Arkansas Association

A proper set-up helps produce … A safe competition A legal competition A fair competition A proper set-up helps produce:   A safe competition A legal competition  A fair competition Disclaimers: Though most high jump officials will agree with what needs to be done to set up for competition, there are many ways to do the things we are going to talk about. Each situation is different and the order of how you do these things may vary. In fact, some of things will be going on simultaneously as officials divide responsibilities.

NFHS: 16 ft. by 8 ft. by 18-24 inches. (NFHS 7.4.3) Setting up the Pit Size IAAF & USATF: 6.00m long by 4.00m wide by 0.712m high. (IAAF 182.10; USATF 181.20) NCAA: 4.88m wide by 2.44m deep by 0.66m. The landing-pad sections must be fastened together and covered with a common top cover. (NCAA 2.5.1) NFHS: 16 ft. by 8 ft. by 18-24 inches. (NFHS 7.4.3) The landing area should measure not less than 6.00m long (parallel to the crossbar) by 4.00m wide by 0.712m high. (IAAF 182.10; USATF 181.20) The high-jump pad shall have a minimum dimension of 4.88m wide by 2.44m deep. It should be high enough and of a composition that will provide a safe and comfortable landing. A minimum height of 0.66m, including the top pad unit, is preferred. The landing-pad sections must be fastened together and covered with a common top cover. The landing pit may not extend into the plane of the crossbar. (NCAA 2.5.1) The pad should be at least 16 ft. by 8 ft. with a height of 18-24 inches, depending on the quality of the padding. (NFHS 7.4.3)

Setting up the Pit Position Wind Width & Length Surfaces Traffic “Reference Points” Sight Lines Wind and weather – jumping with the wind if possible Width and length 5m semicircle around the standards and at least 20m in length (USATF 180.16.a) At least 15m, but 20m for major meets and recommends 25m. (IAAF 182.3) At least 15m, but recommends 21M (NCAA 1.4.1) A minimum for 50 feet for NFHS (NFHS 7.4.2)   3. Athlete requirements – How wide and how far? Typically at least 19 feet out from standard and at least 70 feet back 4. Surfaces – grass, turf, synthetic, drains, metal panels, goal post 5. Traffic – track & other events 6. “Reference” points – lines, posts, etc. to help you keep things square 7. Sight lines – coaches, fans, media

Setting up the Pit Safety Issues Change of surface Condition of surface Curbing Obstacles Traffic Condition of Pad Signage Media Change of surface Condition of surface Curbing Traffic Thickness of pad Obstacles Signage Media

Indicator Line A white line 50mm wide shall be drawn on the ground (usually with adhesive tape or similar material). The edge of the line nearest to the take-off area is drawn along the vertical plane through the edge of the crossbar nearest to the take-off area, and extends for 3 meters on either side of the uprights. (IAAF 182.2.b; USATF 181.15.a) The rule applies to USATF and IAAF meets only.  

The procedure: 1. Find a reference point to measure from – a seam in the surface, the edge of the “D”, etc. 2. Lay at several points to line the tape with 3. It is ideal to lay the indicator line before setting the standards so that you can use it to line things up

Standards Spacing Positioned so that there is clearance of at least 10cm between them and the landing area. (IAAF 182.10; USATF 181.10) IAAF and USATF rule books specify about 10cm (4 in.) between the standards and the pad. This should also give you about the same distance between the place of the crossbar and the pad.

Make sure the standards are even with each other. Spacing The distance between the uprights shall be 4.00-4.04m. (IAAF 182.6; USATF 181.13; NCAA 2.5.2) For NFHS, at least 12 feet. (NFHS 7.4.5) A space of at least 1cm between the ends of the crossbar and the uprights. (IAAF 182.9; USATF 181.17; NCAA 2.5.3) Make sure the standards are even with each other. A space of 1cm = about the width of one finger

Standards Verticality Screw all of the adjusters all of the way in. Using a level, make sure standards are vertical. Begin by screwing all of the adjusters all of the way in. Using a level, make sure standards are vertical. Check verticality on both front/back and side. Make sure the standards are firm and without “wiggle”. You made need to tighten standards, usually using an “allen wrench”.

Crossbar Specifications Fiberglass or other suitable material, circular, diameter at 3cm (± 1mm). (IAAF 181.7; USATF 181.11; NCAA 2.5.5; 2.5.6) The end pieces shall be hard & smooth, circular or semicircular with one flat surface. (IAAF 181.7; USATF 181.12; NCAA 2.5.6) Note that currently, NFHS crossbars can be other materials and shapes. But, as of 2013, they will have to be fiberglass and round.

Crossbar Specifications The bar shall be 3.98- 4.02m in length. (IAAF 181.7; USATF 181.13; NCAA 2.5.6) NFHS, 12’ to 14’10”. (NFHS 7.4.6) The crossbar shall have no bias & shall sag a maximum of 2cm. (IAAF 181.7; USATF 181.12; NCAA 2.5.6)   Little known facts about crossbars: They are not always exactly 4m! You need to measure and mark the center point. Crossbars never arrive straight! You are going to have sag, so you have to manage it as best you can.

Determine the direction & amount of the “sag” Crossbar Sag Determine the direction & amount of the “sag” Procedures for determining sag: Rest bar over two objects – hurdles, chairs, garbage cans, officials’ hands – that are (preferably) the same height. Let the bar settle so that its natural sag reveals itself. Adjust the ends so that there is no bias.

Crossbar Sag The value of sag “up”   More uniform height across the length of the crossbar Slightly more “rubber” on the supports The value of sag “up”   More uniform height across the length of the crossbar Slightly more “rubber” on the supports

Crossbar Sag The value of sag “down”   Slightly more stable crossbar when hit Fewer complaints and less frustration among athletes and coaches. The value of sag “down”   Slightly more stable crossbar when hit Fewer complaints and less frustration among athletes and coaches. My recommendation – sag “down” as long as it meets specifications. A crossbar with 1.9cm sag is just as legal as a crossbar with 1.0cm sag, and you will have more satisfied athletes and coaches.

Number bars in order of preference Crossbar Label Record the sag Number bars in order of preference At a championship with several crossbars, set and record the sag of several. If the sag exceeds 2cm, set the bar sag up – but it becomes a “B” level bar. Record the amount of sag on the inside of each crossbar. Realize that sag will increase the longer a crossbar sits in the hot sun. Determine your order of preference.

Crossbar Midpoint Determine the midpoint of the crossbar. Measure and mark!

Align and mark end pieces (NCAA 6.5.2) Crossbar Ends Align and mark end pieces (NCAA 6.5.2)   To insure that the bar always goes on in the same direction. To insure that the sag doesn’t shift.

Securing the end pieces (if needed) Crossbar Ends Securing the end pieces (if needed) Have Extras Why secure ends? Too much movement. Methods: A layer of athletic tape under the end piece. Slide a toothpick under the edge of the end piece and break it off.

Standards Calibration Measure ends to make sure even. But don’t do this at every height change! Measure middle to determine height. Calibrate indicator.

Standards Mark Once the standards are adjusted and properly spaced mark their position on the ground. Once the standards are adjusted, calibrated, and properly spaced mark them on the ground. You can use thumb tacks, which are less obvious, or tape. The uprights or posts shall not be moved during the competition unless the Referee considers that either the take-off or landing area has become unsuitable. In such a case, the change shall be made only after a round of trials has been completed. (IAAF 182.7; USATF 182.1) The uprights shall not be moved once the competition has started. (NCAA 6.5.2)

Standards Mark Put down a center point to aid in measuring and in identifying the plane of the crossbar. Put down a center point to aid in measuring and in identifying the plane of the crossbar. You can use either a marker or a thumb tack. You can use a plumb line, hung over the front of the crossbar at the center point. Lay the crossbar down between the standards, evenly spaced, and use the center point on the crossbar to set your midpoint.

Runway Make sure it is clean, dry, and free from obstacles    Wind indicator  Markers Athletes may use one or two markers. (IAAF 180.3.a; USATF 180.19; NCAA 6.1.9.c) For NFHS, games committee decision. (NFHS 7.4.7)

Shoes are not acceptable markers. (NCAA 6.1.9.e) Runway NCAA Specific: Approved by meet management & cover an area not greater than 7cm x 15 cm. (NCAA 6.1.9.e) Shoes are not acceptable markers. (NCAA 6.1.9.e) The use of unacceptable material, after warning, shall lead to disqualification. (NCAA 6.1.9.e)

No mark within 2m of standards. (NCAA 6.5.5) Runway NCAA Specific No mark within 2m of standards. (NCAA 6.5.5) After warm-ups but before the competition begins, ask competitors to identify their two marks and then remove all others. (NCAA 6.5.5) This restriction applies to practice, warm-up and competition. (NCAA 6.1.9.e)