Help with pit dimensions

[vaultcoach80]

We are in need of a new pole vault pit. Can someone tell me what the dimension need to be. What is the rule? Does the top mat need to be one piece that covers the WHOLE landing system. The reason I ask is because we have an old pit where we bought side and back extension pads, but the top piece does not cover those extenstions. Also, does the pit have to have the pads that extend past the front of the slide box? Thanks for your help.

[KirkB]

This link will tell you everything that you need to know ... http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=nfhs+%22pole+vault%22+rules

This will get you to the National PV Coaches Association website (the top Google entry on the list).

From there, read ART. 7-9 in Section 5 Pole Vault.

To answer your specific question re the top mat, ART. 7 says in part ...

When the landing system is made up of two or more sections, the landing surface shall include a common cover or pad extending over all sections.

... and ART. 8 says in part ...

The front pad shall be attached to the main landing pad or encased in a common cover.

Besides your question about the pit, pay particular attention to ART. 9 ...

ART. 9… Hard or unyielding surfaces, such as but not limited to concrete, metal, wood, or asphalt around the landing pad, or between the planting box and the landing system, shall be padded or cushioned with a minimum of 2 inches (50mm) of dense foam or other suitable material(s).
Note: It is recommended that any excess material such as asphalt or concrete that extends out from beneath the landing pad be removed.

I've seen several pits in both Canada and the US where this rule is broken. It's one of my pet peeves, since adherence to this rule (if it existed back in my vaulting days) would have saved me my two front teeth and a concussion.

It's a FIRM RULE, so it must be complied with!

Kirk

[rainbowgirl28]

You should always check anything you find online with a 2008-2009 NFHS rulebook. I don't think any of the pit rules have changed in the past few years, but most other rules seem to change yearly and it is important to know what the CURRENT rules are.