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Just a quick question with hopefully a simple answer...

Is it legal for a coach to perform what I've always called a "Push Plant" with his vaulter during the pre-competition warm-ups? I am not describing a "Tap" by pushing the vaulter through on a full run. This (the "Push Plant") is the 3-4 step drill where the coach applies lift to the vaulter and a bending pole and then spots them to an easy landing back on the runway.

I am not asking whether this drill flys in the face of the Petrov Model and I don't wish to hear anything about the "Texas Manifesto" being reborn.

I just want to know if I would be at risk of disqualifying my athlete if I utilized this drill in her warm-up routine? If it is legal during warm-ups, would it still be legal to perform the same drill against a curb or wall in a location separate from the pole vault area once the competition began?

I have not used it all season for fear of it being considered a "Tap" and being disqualified, but it truly makes a large difference for her just to get the arms up higher.

Please respond kindly. Thank you.

"ifavault"

The NFHS does not have a rule forbidding it. That said however, even though its not tapping, thats not the point, its whether or not the opposing coaches want to press the issue, as well as your trust in the head field judge or official in their knowledge of the rules as to what tapping is and your ability to argue your point. I'd say don't do it around the pit, at a wall or other place would be acceptable, but just so you don't risk dq'ing the athlete I wouldn't do it at the pit.

This might be the simple solution. Ask the head judge BEFORE you do it anywhere. This is not a case where it is easier to get forgiveness that to get permission. Just my .02

Dan

TRY AGAIN!!!
In the NFHS in the 2008 Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Book, Page 52, Rule 7, ART. 10, lines 3-5 read, "In addition, illegal aids shall include pushing the vaulter on his/her back at take-off in the pole vault, in the warm-ups or during competition.
PENALTY: (Arts. 10,11) Disqualification from the event.
Go to http://www.nfhs.com/index.asp?cmd=showc ... param_0=73
and buy the rule book.
Read the whole thing over and over again, not just "Section 5 Pole Vault".

It still regards "tapping" as in assisting with putting energy into the vault, go with what curran said and ask an official.

I am the official at the CIF meets in California. I will be one of the pole vault officials at the State Meet. The following does not mention "tap".
No one can PUSH the pole vaulter during warm ups or competition at the take-off. If what you say is done at any of the CIF meets the pole vaulter will be disqualified. The Official's response. Don't ask. Don't argue. Just do NOT do it at competitions.
"In addition, illegal aids shall include pushing the vaulter on his/her back at take-off in the pole vault, in the warm-ups or during competition."

But one could just as easily argue that they aren't necessarily taking off as they are not planting their pole in the box with the intention of clearing a bar. If they practice a run through on the track and jump is that considered a take off as well? Advath, I'm not trying to be a thorn in your side, I'm trying to clarify the rules and play devils advocate. It is great to have an official on this site to help clarify such issues, but if said issues fall in the gray area I think that we should find in the vaulter's favor. I feel that something like this is perfectly safe, available to all competitors, and does not give one vaulter an advantage over another. If a loophole is found so that a jumper can plant safer and more effectively I'm all for it.

OH-IOvaulter wrote:But one could just as easily argue that they aren't necessarily taking off as they are not planting their pole in the box with the intention of clearing a bar. If they practice a run through on the track and jump is that considered a take off as well? Advath, I'm not trying to be a thorn in your side, I'm trying to clarify the rules and play devils advocate. It is great to have an official on this site to help clarify such issues, but if said issues fall in the gray area I think that we should find in the vaulter's favor. I feel that something like this is perfectly safe, available to all competitors, and does not give one vaulter an advantage over another. If a loophole is found so that a jumper can plant safer and more effectively I'm all for it.

I don't see how doing that drill makes an athlete safer.

I think the rule needs to be clarified somewhat. I'm sure that when it was written, the idea was to keep "taps" from going on so the word "push" was used to cover themselves.

It's not even close to a tap and it would be rediculous to disqualify a kid for doing it. A little common sense can go a long way with these interpretations.

If they can learn and emphasize how to properly plant a pole instead of just allowing their speed and position to bend it (which could spit them out in various directions) I see that as a safer vaulter.

Thanks AVC Coach, I agree.