High school rules-Sticky grip on poles

[rhclark]

This has probably been discussed before but here goes. In a clinic this morning one of my athletes was rubbing a Tiger Stick on her pole grips. A fellow coach, and Maryland official said that it was not legal. I said it was, and that there was no specific language on stickum on pole grips in the rule book. He said there was...a back and forth argument ensued. So we checked and it says that chalk or sticky material may be used on their hands but the rules do not specifically state that it may, or may not be applied to pole grips. He said in a meet he would DQ her. I said he would be open to a hell of a protest as the rules do not state specifically that you can or can't apply the sticky grip to the pole grips. I can't find anything in the rules casebook on this.

Does anyone have a comment on this? Is this indeed how the rule would be interpreted?

Thanks

Coach Clark

[rainbowgirl28]

There is no rule prohibiting it. I've never heard of an official having a problem with it. You could certainly protest a call like that, although there's no telling what the head referee will think, right or wrong.

I would just say that if you are going to a meet with this official, get the poles ready ahead of time, or do it where he can't see.

The case book changes every year, so there may have been something in the past that's not there anymore.

[rhclark]

Thanks! That was my interpretation as well. I told him I thought he would be hard pressed to enforce an interpretation that has no written guideline.

Bob

[Divalent]

Agree with all of the above, and also I'll note that in the case book (2009 version, 7.5.21 situation B) they comment that the tape can be sticky on both sides, so there is nothing per se wrong with a pole that is sticky.

[rhclark]

Thanks all for the replies. The 2010 Casebook in fact says that an adhesive "spray" may be applied to the hands and/or the pole grip.

[Vaultref]

in semi-defense of the official, he/she may be confusing or comparing this application of a sticky substance on the implement (i.e the vaulting pole) with the rule for for the relay baton. There the rule mentions only tape is prohibited, but the case book mentions tape or other substances are prohibited. Same goes for he throws where there are similar restrictions.

However, there really is no excuse to not consult the case book when presented with a rules question where something is not explicitly stated. As pointed out, nothing in the pole vault rules which prohibits this and the case book is rather specific that adhesive (tape or spray) is permitted.

Fortunately, the NCAA rules spell it out as being allowed, so no problems there.

After all, the main purpose is to obtain a better grip. I do think the rule can be improved.. I'll write of a change proposal and get it submitted for next year.