HS Rules

[rainbowgirl28]

OK first, did they change any of the rules for high schoolers this year regarding standards? Or was that just for us college folk?

Second, could someone clarify the contrasting band 6" down rule for me? We had a coach who swore up and down that if the pole was made after 95, he could put the contrasting band wherever he wanted. Well before the judges and him could debate the rule, I pointed out that if they peeled off a little tape from the top, they could see what year the pole was made. Lo and behold, it was made in 93, making his argument moot anyway.

Thanks!

[Decamouse]

Urban Legend - possibly old rule but not included in 2002 or 2003 Rules which state "The manufacturers must include on each pole: the pole rating that shall be a minimum of 3/4" in a constrasting color located within or above the top handlhold position; a 1-inch circular band indicating the maximum top handhold position with the position being determined by the manufacturer." - so if I was the official and being my sometimes annal self - I would examine the pole real carefully - if I could not find the manufacturer's ratings either embedded or etched in - home made markings - would not fly

[Bruce Caldwell]

NFHS in the old rule book allowed a coach (for poles manufactured before 1995) to set the band 6 inches down and mark the pole with a 1" contrasting piece of tape with the size of the pole that is engraved on the pole. If the pole is not engraved it can only be certified by the manufacturer or authorized personnel of that manufacturer.
You may wish to call the NFHS and I believe they will still allow this.
If the manufacturer publishes that it’s pole can allow a grip as high as 3" from the top then the tape may be set at that mark.

Poles that are made from 1996 to date must have the manufacturer or authorized personal mark the pole. It is advised that you get a letter from the manufacturer or authorized person that the manufacturer has altered the serial numbered pole that you own. There have been some people who have remarked poles on their own and are not authorized by the manufacturer.

A label from one manufacturer placed on another pole make will not be legal. An authorized personnel of one manufacturer is not allowed to remark and label other brand poles. These poles will be illegal, so do not allow anyone else to remark your poles. Adding a flex number under another scale is ok. But re-marking the weight by an unauthorized person is not.

If you take your pole to a camp and they remark the weight please call the manufacturer ASAP to report it.

We have seen poles with a new band at the top rated 160 lbs with an engraved area saying 135 lbs. Even though this is the other direction we recommend you get a company letter to protect you on this matter.

We have seen poles with two bands on them one 155 lbs and the other 150 lbs., the engraved portion was 145 lbs and that pole was banned until they got authorization from the company.

We have seen a few poles of this nature in use in the field and do not recommend this!!!