weight rule procedures and enforcement

[wacky274]

ok, my understanding of the 2 layer of tape rule is that it developed from asian acrobats who use to make rings around the pole (back when they planted into grass and jumped on bamboo, etc.....they would run up, stick the pole in the ground, and use those rings to climb up the pole, then hurl themselves over high heights.....that is my understanding of the history of it, but i am not sure to tell you the truth.

[Vaultref]

Personally, I don't like a lot of tape on the pole, but I could care less if someone taped knots on the pole because I fail to see how it could create an unfair advantage.

Your kidding? Why not just put handles on the poles.
Knots, rings, rolled layers of tape provide a distinct advantage for those with weak grips or when vaulting in lousy weather.
I'd favor NO tape at all and the use of only rosin or chalk, but that will probably never happen in my lifetime.
Vaulters with stong hands fair far better even without any other (legal) means of assistance.

[zack]

I couldn't care either way. I just use a single layer of tape and chalk and it works great. I think a single layer of tape is necessary for just a little more friction then bare carbon or fiberglass gives you. Interesting to note that Galfione used to use only chalk and no tape on his poles.

[lonestar]

Your kidding? Why not just put handles on the poles.
Knots, rings, rolled layers of tape provide a distinct advantage for those with weak grips or when vaulting in lousy weather.
I'd favor NO tape at all and the use of only rosin or chalk, but that will probably never happen in my lifetime.
Vaulters with stong hands fair far better even without any other (legal) means of assistance.

Whatever! How many vaulters actually work on their grip strength? None that I've ever heard of! Most people lose their grips because of fear, not hand strength. I've coached beginner middle school girls that can hold on better than big strong college guys who could fracture your metacarpals in a handshake. Hell, I've even seen people jump with their bottom hand open and not slip. It's confidence. There is no advantage if anyone and everyone has the option of using whatever they need to to hang on. How is spraying on 3M Super 77 any different than having rolled down tape on the pole? Put handles on them for all I care - in the end, it's who can pole vault better, not hold on better.

I can't believe that officials actually take that rule that seriously and don't push for rules that require vaulters to land in the center of the pit to prevent catastrophic injuries. Let's care about the athlete first and the rulebook second.

[Vaultref]

Whatever! How many vaulters actually work on their grip strength? None that I've ever heard of! Most people lose their grips because of fear, not hand strength. I've coached beginner middle school girls that can hold on better than big strong college guys who could fracture your metacarpals in a handshake. Hell, I've even seen people jump with their bottom hand open and not slip. It's confidence. There is no advantage if anyone and everyone has the option of using whatever they need to to hang on. How is spraying on 3M Super 77 any different than having rolled down tape on the pole? Put handles on them for all I care - in the end, it's who can pole vault better, not hold on better.

Then vault better within the guidelines of the current rule codes. They say have specific dos and don'ts. I wouldn't have a problem with using super glue because the codes don't ban it. But if it says smooth tape, etc, then that's what its got to be until the rule is changed. If you don't like it, get it changed!

I can't believe that officials actually take that rule that seriously and don't push for rules that require vaulters to land in the center of the pit to prevent catastrophic injuries. Let's care about the athlete first and the rulebook second.

Officals don't make rules and usually have no input on rule changes. Coaches, ADs conerned parents, track club officers input to the rules committees for changes.
You just might get your wish on the landing in the center of the pit, or the so called coaching box. I know of one state that may require it next year. At the current time, the NF has not considered it and certainly, the NCAA nor USATF has either. That will be real interesting how the rule people word it. Ah lets see, one foot in, both feet in, total body in. Whatever it will be, someone is going to clear the bar but be marked with a missed attempt because of just where he/she landed.

[theflyingkorean]

Geez. Back off of lonestar. Lonestart knows what they're talking about. You're more concerned with the rules while lonestar is more concerned with saftey. I don't know which one you value more, but you sure seem more partial towards doing everything by the book.

[lonestar]

[quote="Vaultref"
Then vault better within the guidelines of the current rule codes. They say have specific dos and don'ts. I wouldn't have a problem with using super glue because the codes don't ban it. But if it says smooth tape, etc, then that's what its got to be until the rule is changed. If you don't like it, get it changed!
Officals don't make rules and usually have no input on rule changes. Coaches, ADs conerned parents, track club officers input to the rules committees for changes.
[/quote]

First of all, I am a Coach AND a certified Official. I have tried to get rules changes passed, but it's a difficult process of bureaucracy and red tape. When I officiate, I uphold the rulebook without interfering with the athlete's welfare. The official should be, for the most part, invisible to the crowd. Many meets I attend as a coach are poorly officiated by other coaches or non-certified officials, and I make an effort to educate them. I don't feel it necessary to make an athlete retape his/her pole if there's a section of tape that is rolled down, but if that athlete is holding too high and vaulting dangerously, you can be damn sure I'll find his coach and say something about it. Is that in the rule book? NO, but it outta be because it's taking the athlete's safety and welfare into consideration. We're not lawyers here to interpret a poorly written book, we're here to guide young people through a safe and fair competition.

[quote="Vaultref"You just might get your wish on the landing in the center of the pit, or the so called coaching box. I know of one state that may require it next year. At the current time, the NF has not considered it and certainly, the NCAA nor USATF has either. That will be real interesting how the rule people word it. Ah lets see, one foot in, both feet in, total body in. Whatever it will be, someone is going to clear the bar but be marked with a missed attempt because of just where he/she landed.[/quote]

Good. It doesn't have to be complicated. Don't charge misses. If the torso lands outside the box 3 times, you're out of the meet, simple as that. Seems a lot easier to call than steadying the bar/volzing. And if they're clearing bars landing outside the box, then they don't need to be putting our sport in danger until they can learn to clear them down the middle. One out-of-control kid's clearance isn't worth risking his/her safety.