1. Brianna Mitchell USATF Association Official
Pole vault
Brianna Mitchell
USATF Association Official

2. overview
The Set Up
Officials Responsibilities

3. POLE VAULT – the set up

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. You as the official

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

13. 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

14. 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!!

15. 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……

16. safety