About Weight Labels

---

Our top label is unique. easy to see from coaches box or stands. Meets and Exceeds NFHS rule. The label is 1 1/2" tall with a colored ring. The size and flex # are engraved permanently above the label to show the length as well as a flex number from our own private scale. It also has the warning to hold below the label, as required by NFHS rules. We are the easiest Pole on the market to bend due to our special design. We are the same max load as others, but one can use a stiffer pole than the others. We suggest, for beginners match your weight, very good jumpers select 5 lbs more and jumpers jumping over their handgrips now, should get 10 to 15 lbs over their weight.

NFHS RULE Section 5 Pole Vault Art. 3;

The competitor's weight shall be at or below the manufacturer's pole rating.  

(This is what your manufacturer recommends for a start baseline for your beginning jumpers .)

The Manufacturer must include on each pole: the pole rating that shall be a Minimum 3/4" in a contrasting color located within or above the top handhold position; a 1-inch circular band indicating the maximum top handhold position being determined by the manufacturer 

(Manufacturer selects the location of their max handhold.)  

Prior to the competition, the COACH must verify that the school's pole vaulters and poles meet these requirements. 

(Wise to adhere to in practice for safety reasons at the discretion of the coach.)  

1. Other marks or etchings are not a substitute of the 3/4" weight rating.

2. Each State association shall determine it own procedure regarding coaches verification.

(A qualified Coach takes responsibility for their athletes as well as the school. Weighing at the meet, marking one's weight on their hand is solely up to the State Association select requirements!)

Hold below this label" is clearly marked.   (Study Resistance chart in this website to mark other brands.) A waterproof label that's resistant to smudging, tears, and light scuffing. 

with a clear permanent sheet on top to prevent removal and secondary usage. Replacement labels require proof of size or photo of old label. Costs to replace label $30.00 each this includes the postage 

The weight rule is a guide to placing a vaulter on a pole that has the ability to support the weight of an athlete with a regular run. Keeping in mind that athletes of better form and speed require a stiffer weight rated pole. The success of jumping over your hand-grip is accomplished more efficiently if one uses a pole 10 lbs. To 25 lbs. Rated over their weight.  But before we get ahead of ourselves.
WHY A WEIGHT RULE?
In 2003, the pole vault event was on the verge of being eliminated from the high school sports curriculum, because of so many injuries. Many reports stated the vaulters flew out the back of the landing system, to the sides, and some in the box.  Many poles broke at that time period of the event, and pole makers struggled to keep coaches within the guidelines of the pole selection. Many wanted to take the short cut and get a pole rated 10 lbs under the vaulter's weight, move to a long pole at least 24" over their best jump and force the hand-grip upward to the top of the pole. Results were as follows, the vaulter fell in the box due to not enough pole swing, or they cranked on the pole and went straight up and into the box. The pole at a higher grip was very soft, and they sometimes went flying out the back of the landing system. Many vaulters struggled and went to the side, landing on the standards. NFHS put their foot down and asked for solutions, or the sport was over.
At that time, there was an analysis of injuries, and it seemed pole selection was not being understood or acknowledged as the key to reducing injuries! It also was the secret to jumping higher at least in the beginning till one could move vaulters to stiffer poles as they progressed. The rule mandate was a hard pill to swallow, but the best medicine. Fewer poles broke, fewer athletes were injured, and the sport had new life. And Women started jumping, boosting participation. Before this, the NFHS was not going to encourage women vaulting. The ASTM and the NFHS also took notice of the size of landing systems and requested a mandate to bring those to a safer minimum size. While many still do not understand how to fit their athletes, and many are always looking for the cheapest, shorter path to buying fewer poles. Buying in 10 lbs increments is the answer and moving hand-grips and the approach length to accommodate those bigger spans of weight ratings.  To better understand poles and selection, study our ideas for better jumping!