Myth: If a vaulter bobbles a crossbar and runs off the pit, it counts as a clearance as long as the vaulter has exited the pit before the bar falls down.Attention pole vaulters, coaches, and parents: If you run off the pit and the bar falls down – IT’S A MISS! I can’t count the number of times that I attend high school meets and inevitably, a vaulter scrambles to run off the pit because they heard that it would count as long as they were off the pit. All this does is put the vaulter at risk of rolling their ankle or possibly even worse. The rule states that the crossbar must steady itself. If a vaulter or their pole comes into contact with the bar and the bar is wobbling, the best thing to do is lay down in the pit and wait for the official to declare a make. If the bar falls down, then you know you have a miss on the scorecard. This myth is definitely BUSTED!
Categories: Rules, Safety and Technique
This is a very confusing rule for vaulters, coaches, and parents due to the fact that the rule was revised in both 2008 and again in 2009. Please see my post regarding rule 7-5-29.
Yes, this has ALWAYS been the case in regard to the bar falling.
What is the status of the rule instituted last season concerning leaving the ground and not breaking the plane of the back of the box? I have heard that it has been rescended.
always thought that was the case. apparently not.