Runway Marker Problem Solved

[superpipe]

Here is the solution to all runway marker problems for the Pole Vault:

http://www.mansfieldathletics.com/images/runway_marks.jpg
http://www.mansfieldathletics.com/images/runway_marks2.jpg

It took me a heck of a long time to do, but these marks run out to 150' on our runway. Yup, every inch is marked. It saves an unreal amount of time not having to measure approach-run lengths every time they change. No worries about a kicked marker either. Just put it back right where you had it.

I'm trying to sell my idea ( not that it's a new idea ) and service to all schools with the pole vault. In case you're wondering, the marks are all "dead on". A visiting coach at one of our home meets didn't trust me and double checked himself. He was amazed to say the least.

[powerplant42]

"Sell" in a figurative sense, or literal sense?

[superpipe]

Didn't mean to sound complicated. If schools like what I've done, they could pay me to mark their runway.

[rainbowgirl28]

Looks awesome

[drcurran]

Great job. I'm sure visiting athletes will appreciate your efforts.

Dan

[vcpvcoach]

Better read the rule book. It says,"Meet management may provide check marks, not more than three inches long, on the runway. Starting at the back of the planting box, mark intervals in the following manner: 6', 7', 8', 9', 10', 11', 12', 13', 20', 30', 40', etc.....".

The blod part is what might get you in trouble. Your runway has way too many marks.

Now, let me say, no pole vault coach will ever give you crap. They will thank you. But, if you get a starter with an authority complex and knows the rules, he could disqualify your runway.

[master]

vcpvcoach you are certainly correct about the rules. However, in my opinion that rule is one of the most bizarre on the books. What possible reason is there for not having marks along the whole runway? Especially when they are of the quality of those shown in the photos. Kudos for your work superpipe. I sure hope no anal retentive official gives you a hard time.

- master

PS As I have said for many years, "I reserve the right to be smarter tomorrow than I am today." So, if someone can provide a good explanation for this rule, I'll certainly listen.

[vcpvcoach]

Hey Master, you are so right. I think this marking system is superior to what the rules allow. I just was pointing out the rule.

Hey, here in Illinois, I got thrown out of a meet for reviewing film of my athletes during a meet. Mind you, all of my athletes know that they cannot view video during the meet and know that when I'm looking at video that they have to stand ten meters in front of me.

[rainbowgirl28]

I've never heard of an official questioning permanent markings on the outside of the runway. What would they do, cancel the whole pole vault? As if the games committee would let that happen!

The rule says "on" the runway. I would argue that markings like these are "off" the runway.

[birdi_gurlie]

,"Meet management may provide check marks, not more than three inches long, on the runway. Starting at the back of the planting box, mark intervals in the following manner: 6', 7', 8', 9', 10', 11', 12', 13', 20', 30', 40', etc.....".

Also, it says long, not between each marker...so in THEORY, how it's described, it cant be more than 3 inches in length, not between the markers.

And it is TECHNICALLY off the runway.

[superpipe]

The rule says "on" the runway. I would argue that markings like these are "off" the runway.

This is exactly how I read it and why I created the runway lines. I would agree if I didn't create runway lines, my marks would be considered "on" the runway. Note, my runway width is also 42", the recommended runway width for HS.

[vcpvcoach]

I was just pointing out the rule. In the case of this runway, you might be able to argue that it is off the runway. I have a poured mondo runway that covers the cement on both side like many schools that we compete. This superior marking system could be illegal on my runway because my surface is solid not the roll out runway like in the pictures.

But, superpipe, is trying to sell this marking system to other schools. It could come back and bite him in the butt if he installs it a school like mine.

Just imagine in an other case, a rival head coach realizes that he will lose a meet by five point and knows this rule. He grabs the starter and point out the runway is mark illegally to erase the point in the pole vault because his vaulters are not very good. Maybe I'm stretching here but I have a coach in my conference who would do this just to win a dual meet.

Again, I think this is the best marking system that I have ever seen. It would be great to have but I would hesitate to install it at my school because of this stupid rule.