The pole vault evolved as a track and field event during the 1800s and was included in the first modern Olympics in 1896. Women's competition was added in 2000. Early poles were made of bamboo or aluminum. Today, the pole used to vault is made of a carbon fiber or fiberglass material. You have to adhere to specific rules governing pole design and use that are intended to ensure safety and fair competition.
Equipment
Prior to the start of competition, the referee and coaches must meet and inspect the poles and competitors. You must use a regulation pole that is rated for a person of your weight or greater. The pole must feature a foot-wide band that marks the position of the top hand grip. You must wear an official school uniform that is free of blood. Taping your body is prohibited except for bandages. You may not wear jewelry unless it is for religious purposes.
Time
For the early rounds of vaulting, you have 90 seconds to make your jump attempt. Once the field is down to two or three competitors, you may take up to 4 minutes to vault. In cases where a single competitor remains but continues to vault to achieve a better performance, 6 minutes are allowed for the vault attempts.
Attempts
If you complete three successive vaults successfully, you may take a practice jump. However, you must follow up with a vault attempt at the same height. Once the crossbar has been set at a given height, it may not be lowered. The only exception is if there is a tie and a jump-off is necessary. Once the event is concluded, high school pole vault rules prohibit practice vaults. Also, practice is permitted before the event only under the supervision of an official or coach.
Performance
A vault must meet several criteria to be considered successful. An unsuccessful attempt occurs when you or your pole dislodges the crossbar. If you stumble and dislodge the crossbar after you vault, it counts as an unsuccessful attempt. Any effort to steady the crossbar also counts as a failed attempt. The same is true if you grip the pole above the top hand marking or if you go over the time allowed to make an attempt.
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