Risk
Minimization in Pole Vaulting Competition
Draws
Attention at Track and Field Rules Committee Meeting
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 21, 2002) — In line with one of the most important goals of
all National Federation of State High School Associations rules committees, the
NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee focused its efforts on minimizing risk in
the pole vaulting competition at its annual meeting on June 10-11 in
Indianapolis, Indiana.
The most important change is
in Rule 7-4-8, which
increases the size of the pit. The landing pad, measured beyond the vertical
plane of the planting box, should be a minimum of 19-feet-8 wide by 16-5 feet
deep, and should be made of material that will decelerate the landing of the
athlete. If the pad is made up of two or more sections, the landing surface
must be covered with a common pad that will extend over all sections. This
minimizes the risk of the seams becoming hazardous to the vaulters.
This change in the landing pad dimension is effective immediately, which
would include the 2002-03 indoor season and 2003
outdoor season.
“If a vault is performed
correctly, the size of the pad now is efficient, but by increasing the size of
the pad, we’ve allowed more room for error,” said Cynthia Doyle, assistant
director of the NFHS and liaison to the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee.
The increased pad size is
consistent with the American Society for Testing and Measurements’ (ASTM)
recommendation.
Due to the increase of the
pad size, Rule 7-4-11
was affected. It states that the upright standards that support the crossbar
should be no less than 13-8 or more than 14-8 feet apart, and that the
standards must include pins or holes for them to support the crossbar. Rule 4-7-12 standardizes the crossbar, stating that the non-metal
crossbar shall be 14-10 feet in length, of uniform thickness, and shall have a
weight of not more than 5 pounds.
In addition, Rule 7-4-9 states that front pads with a vertical cutout cannot
be more than 3 inches from the top of the back of the planting box. A space of
14 inches was formerly permitted. Also dealing with the
planting box, Rule 7-4-14 states that a minimum of 2 inches
of foam padding, or box collar, must be used to pad any hard and unyielding
surfaces, including those between the planting box and all pads. It was also specified that the planting box must be
located midway between the standards, and the front edge of the box cannot
extend above the grade of the runway surface (Rule 7-4-13).
Rule 3-2-4f provides the opportunity
for the games committee to designate a specific area for pole vault coaches. It
does not require the committee to offer a coaching area; it simply gives it the
opportunity to do so. “It is important
that the coaches communicate with their athletes during the event, for
instruction and correction,” Doyle said.
Personal markers for vaulters are still allowed on the side of the runway, but
in addition, Rule 7-4-20
provides meet management with the opportunity to place check marks on the
runway. The check marks can be no longer than 3 inches in length. Starting at
the back of the planting box, check mark intervals may progress in the
following manner: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90,
100, 110 and 120 feet. This rule provides consistency on every runway, and it
also allows athletes and coaches to know if their footing is correct, which
helps minimize the risk of a short or long vault.
Rule changes in other areas
also were passed. Rule 1-2-3
states that combining male and female competitors in events, while scoring them
separately, may occur if the head coaches of the competing teams unanimously
agree or if the referee deems it necessary. “It is important to say that it can
be done,” said Jack Hedlund, chair of the NFHS Track and
Field Rules Committee. “But, it should not be done as a routine practice. It
should be reserved for something out of the ordinary, like threatening
weather.”
Rule 2-1-5 provides a penalty to a host team that does not offer
a standard event, without giving prior notice to the visiting teams. It was
decided that in this situation, the points for each noncontested
event will be totaled and divided equally among the visiting teams. The host
team will receive no points.
Rule 3-4-4 gives the referee the ability to not contest an event
if the venue does not meet the standard set forth in the rules. This rule is an
attempt at minimizing risk when venues do not meet NFHS standards.
Rule 3-4-8 combines two articles concerning the pre-contest
meeting with the referees. Prior to the start of a meet, the referee must,
either by a meeting or written communication, address the following with all
head coaches and team captains:
All team members are expected
to exhibit good sportsmanship.
The head coach shall verify
verbally or in writing that all of his/her competitors are properly equipped
(uniform, equipment and no jewelry) in compliance with these rules.
Any special
circumstances, procedures and information pertaining to the meet.
Under Rule 4-3-2, loose-fitting boxer-type shorts are permitted for
boys and girls and closed-leg briefs/shorts are acceptable for girls. This
change helps officials interpret the uniform rule more consistently.
The Note on Rule 5-8-1 is important, because it changes the way competitors
finish a race in cross country. The rule allows computerized chips, located on
both shoes of a racer, to determine the winner. This changes the recording of
when someone finishes from the torso, to the feet. “This might cause
controversy, because they will watch when the torso crossed the finish line,” Hedlund said. “But, since the chip is so accurate, it
should not be a problem. There was concern that competitors would start sliding
into the finish line, but that has not been the case.”
In triple and long jump
events, two rules were changed. First, Rule 7-5-12b states that meet management
may place markers to the side of the landing pits for the purpose of marking
meet, state and/or national records, as well as minimum qualifying standards.
This allows the athlete to know when he/she has reached a specific point.
Secondly, the Note on Rule 7-5-7 allows competitors to change which scratch line or
takeoff board they choose to use during competition, but only with prior
notification to the judge. “This is a good rule change, because some
competitors can’t reach the pit, and so they might land on an extended runway,”
Doyle said, “which means they would not be landing in sand or even on
polyurethane, but on a harder surface.”
Other rules changes approved
by the committee:
Rule 2-1-5 provides a way for a team to score points on a
forfeited dual meet. If one team forfeits, a score of 9-0 will be awarded to
the other team.
Rule 2-2-2 defines a tie in a field event as, “When two or more
competitors finish with the same height or distance.”
Rule 4-3-7 states that jewelry should not be worn except for religious or
medical medals. A religious medal must
be taped and worn under the uniform. A
medical alert must be taped and may be visible.
Rule
6-2-9 explains that a competitor will be charged
with an unsuccessful attempt if he/she does not initiate a trial that is
carried to completion or pass it within one minute after being called for a
trial.
The
wording “with tape” in the last sentence in Rule 7-3-5 was deleted. This allows
competitors to mark positions by other means, including chalk or even paint.
Rule
8-1-1 was modified to improve training
techniques. The rule declares that the boys decathlon
will consist of 10 events which will be held on two consecutive days in the
following order, unless state association rules apply:
Second
day: 110-meter hurdles
Discus
Pole Vault
Triple Jump or Javelin
Throw
1600-meter run
Rule
9-2-2 states that in cross country, up to seven
team members retain their order of finish. Any team member beyond seven will be
disregarded and will not displace any opposing runners. This may affect the
scoring of the meet, but the placing will stay the same.
Outdoor track and field is
the second-most popular sport for girls at the high school level with 415,666
participants and third-most popular sport for boys at the high school level
with 493,822 participants during the 2000-01 season,
according to the High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the
NFHS. It also ranks second in school sponsorship for both girls and boys with
14,789 schools offering the sport for girls and 15,061 schools offering the
sport for boys.
2003 Track and Field Rule Changes
1-2-3 Combining male and female
competitors in events (while scoring them separately) may occur if the head
coaches of the competing teams unanimously agree or the referee deems it
necessary.
Rationale: When darkness or
threatening weather jeopardizes completion, particularly in the distance events
and the vertical jumps, this may save time.
2-1-5 The score of a forfeited dual meet shall be 9-0.
Rationale:
Most,
if not all sports record scores for forfeited contests including cross country
(15-50). Track & Field should also.
2-1-6 In the absence of prior mutual agreement, a track meet normally
contested under the standard order of events (excluding “specialty” meets), the
host school does not contest one or more of the events, points
for each noncontested event shall be totaled and
divided equally among the visiting teams.
The host team will receive no points.
Rationale:
This
article addresses the situation if a school chooses not to contest an event
(example: pole vault pits).
2-2-2 Delete present wording.
Replace with:
A
tie in a field event occurs when two or more competitors finish with the same
distance or height.
Rationale:
In an
effort to streamline the rules book, the procedure for breaking any ties is in
the sections governing judging those events.
3-2-4c Allow the marking of significant distances
(example: meet, school and national records, qualifying marks) in the throws
and horizontal jumps alongside the landing areas. (7-5-12-b)
Rationale: The placement of record markers is a common
practice at all levels. Markers are fair
to all competitors when meet management places them for all jumpers. This adds to the enjoyment of the event for
the fans and media as well.
3-2-4f The games committee may designate a specific
area for pole vault coaches.
Rationale:
ASTM
recommendation
Upon
determining that the event venue does not meet the criteria set forth in the
rules, the referee can declare the event will not be contested.
Rationale: This change reinforces
minimizing risk when venues do not meet NFHS standards.
3-4-8 Prior to the start of the meet, the referee shall, either by a
meeting or written communication, address the following with all head coaches
and team captains:
All
team members are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship.
The
head coach shall verify verbally or in writing that all of his/her competitors
are properly equipped (uniform, equipment, and no jewelry) in compliance with
these rules.
Any special circumstances, procedures and information
pertaining to the meet.
Rationale:
Combines
two articles concerning the pre-contest meeting into one under the referee.
4-3-2 Loose fitting boxer-type shorts are permitted for boys and girls
and
(old 4-3-7) closed-leg briefs/shorts are acceptable for girls.
Rationale: Officials have
interpreted the definition of a closed-legged brief many different ways. This
change will help officials interpret the rule.
4-3-7 PEN Jewelry shall not be worn except for
religious or medical medals. A religious
medal must be taped and worn under the uniform. A medical alert must be taped
and may be visible.
Rationale: Allowing medical alert to be visual reduces
reaction time in case of emergency.
5-8-1 Note: Allow the use of a
computerized chip to record the finish of a runner in cross country, provided
the chips are attached to both shoes of the runner.
Rationale: The use of modern technology is advancing
methods used for timing and recording cross country events. This timing method reads and records the
finish according to the feet, rather than torso of the participant.
6-2-9 A competitor shall be charged with an unsuccessful attempt if
he/she does not initiate a trial that is carried to completion or pass it
within 1 minute after being called for a trial.
(6-3-9g, 6-4-9h, 6-5-11h)
Rationale:
Other field events have successfully converted
to 1 minute.
7-3-5 Change Present Wording:
Delete
the words “with tape” in the last sentence
Rationale: Marking the position of the standards with
tape holds no advantage over marking the position with chalk or even paint.
7-4-8 Effective immediately season, the landing pad measured beyond the
vertical plane of the planting box shall be a minimum of 19’8” wide and 16’5”
deep. The material in the pad shall be high enough and of a composition
that will decelerate the landing.
When the landing pad is made up of two or more sections, the landing
surface shall include a common cover or pad extending over all sections.
Rationale:
ASTM recommendation
7-4-9 If the edges of the front, or landing
pad, immediately adjacent to the planting box are not tapered, the back of the
cutout may be placed no farther than 3 inches from the vertical plane of
the top of the back of the planting box.
Rationale: Reducing hard and unyielding surfaces,
including between the plant box and the landing pad, helps minimize risk.
7-4-11 The upright standards that support the crossbar shall be not less
than 13’8” (4.16m) or more than 14’8”(4.48m)
apart, and the standards must include pins or holes for them to support the
crossbar.
Rationale: Increasing the span of the crossbar reduces the
chance that participant will hit vault standard.
7-4-12 The non-metal crossbar shall be 14’10” (4.52m) in length, of
uniform thickness, and shall have a weight of not more than 5 pounds.
Rationale: Standardizing the crossbar will reduce variance
in venues, thus bringing greater consistency to the sport.
7-4-13 A planting box shall be located midway between the standards.
This box shall be constructed of concrete, fiberglass, metal, or other hard
surface material into which the vaulting pole is placed. The box shall be of
dimensions indicated in the accompanying Diagrams A and B, and it shall be
placed so the top edges are at ground level. The box in Diagram B shall be
constructed so that the sides slope outward at the end nearest the landing pit.
The end of the planting box shall be placed at an angle of 105 degrees with the
base of the box. The front edge of the box shall not extend above the grade
of the runway surface.
NOTE:
It is recommended the planting box be of a color contrasting to the color of
the runway and landing pad.
Rationale: Planting boxes not made of wood can be placed
on either side of the landing system.
The front edge should not be constructed to interfere with the planting
of the pole.
7-4-14 A minimum of 2” dense foam padding (box collar) shall be used to
pad any hard and unyielding surface including between the planting box and
all pads.
Rationale: Consistent with rules that require all hard and
unyielding surfaces to be padded.
7-4-20 A mark or marker shall not be placed on the runway, but it is
permissible to place markers at the side of the runway. Meet management may provide check marks, not
more than three inches long, on the runway as follows: Starting at the back of the planting box,
mark intervals in the following manner:
6’, 7’, 8’, 9’, 10’, 11’, 12’, 13’, 20’, 30’, 40’, 50’, 60’, 70’, 80’,
90’, 100’, 110’, 120’.
Rationale: Students and coaches can analyze the approach
prior to the takeoff if check marks are used.
If steps are off, a decision can be made to execute or abort attempt.
7-5-7 NOTE: Distance from the scratch line or takeoff board may be
adjusted to accommodate different levels of competition. Competitors may change which scratch line or
takeoff board they are using during competition, but only with the prior
notification of the event judge.
Rationale: This makes it absolutely clear that an attempt
not taken from a takeoff board that was not originally indicated must be
changed prior to the attempt.
7-5-12b Meet management may place markers to the side
of the landing pits for the purpose of marking meet, state and/or national
records, as well as minimum qualifying standards, etc. 3-2-4b
Rationale: The placement of record markers is a common
practice at all levels and these markers are fair to all competitors as meet
management places them for all jumpers.
This adds to the enjoyment of the event for the fans and media as
well.
8-1-1 The boys decathlon shall consist of 10
events which shall be held on two consecutive days in the following order,
unless state association rules apply:
Second Day: 110 Meter HH
Discus
Pole Vault
Triple Jump or
Javelin Throw
1600-Meter Run
Rationale: The order of events for high school, national
and international competition, should be consistent whenever possible to
improve training techniques.
9-2-2 In cross-country, up to seven (7)
team members retain their order of finish.
Any team members beyond seven (7) shall be disregarded and shall not
displace any opposing runners.9-4-1
Rationale: Displacing opposing runners is a commonly
held-truth that is only implied in the rules.