Saftey Concerns & Legal Issue

[rungirl]

I am a graduate student doing a paper and presentation on pole vault safety and need your input. It could be about the safety of pits, helmets, box, mats....I would like input from medical and emergency personnel, attorneys, administrators, coaches, and athletic trainers. What injuries do you see most? Have you had to deal with any legal issues. What are your thoughts on helmets? Please share your experiences that you may have regarding safety.

[rainbowgirl28]

That's an incredibly vague question, it would help if you narrowed it down.

[rungirl]

Okay. As a coach, do you feel that helmets should be used? Have you ever had to deal with any legal issues regarding safety?

[VTGuy]

Check out this website: http://www.pvsafe.com/

It should help you with your paper.

[rungirl]

Thanks, this is a great website; however, I need to have interviews with hands on people which is why I made this post. Any comments would be helpful.

[birdi_gurlie]

When you look up safety of the helmets, be sure you look at the pros and cons. While they can decrease some injuries, they also have the potential to make some worse. Also, it can give a false-confidence. I found an article when I did a project on pole vault a few years ago but I cannot find it now. If I find the link, I'll send it to you.

Also realize that at a certain point, a helmet may help but there's only so much it can do if you fall 12'+feet.