About Weight Labels

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Our top label is unique. easy to see from coaches box or stands. Meets and Exceeds NFHS rule. Label is 2" tall with a colored ring below to show the length as well as a length on the end. Has a serial number so one can rent poles and keep track of inventory.

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 base line 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 location of their max handhold.)  

Prior to 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 the responsibility for their athletes as well as the school. Weighing at the meet, marking ones 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

 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 normal 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 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 with in the guidelines of the pole selection. Many wanted to take the short cut and get a pole rated 10 lbs under the vaulters weight, move to a longer 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 softy and they 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 the time there was an analysis of injuries and it seemed pole selection was not being  understood and was 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. Less poles broke, less 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 still looking for the cheapest, shorter path to buying less 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 to better jumping!