The official 2009 USATF rule book does not come out until next month but I found this on
http://virginia.usatf.org/Bill's%20Virg ... 1-2009.pdf which seems to be an officials notes from the 2009 conference.
Here are some highlights from the website:
See (2) D (1) The common ground within all four rules books when calling a foul or enforcing a competition procedure are:
A. It is a failed attempt, after the vault, the bar does not remain supported by the pegs because of any direct action of the competitor
while vaulting.
B. It is a failed attempt if the competitor steadies the bar (pushes it back) on the pegs during the attempt.
C. It is a failed attempt that the competitor without clearing the bar, any part of the competitor’s body or the pole touches the ground, the landing area beyond the vertical plane of the inside edge (the zero line) of the box.
D. It is a failed attempt, after leaving the ground places his/her lower hand above the upper one or moves the upper hand higher on the pole.
E. It is a failed attempt if the competitor fails to initiate the trials within the time prescribed.
(2) Let’s look at the rules differences - primarily with the NFHS.
A. The length of the pole is restricted by manufacture’s in the etchings/ serial number / code bar on the pole. Rule 7-5-4 (Note) states
that “any altering of the pole renders it illegal.” If caught during the inspections by the Implement Inspector or the HFJ, the pole is rejected & impounded. It is up to the competitor/coach to find a legal pole in order to compete. If under protest, it is caught during the competition, the competitor is disqualified.
B. The number of layers of tape used on the grip is restricted to not more than two layers. These bindings must not be above the top hand hold. If under protest, disqualification if discovered during the competition.
C. The pole used by a high school competitor must have a 1” circular band in a contrasting color the reflects the pole rating. If under
protest, disqualification of the competitor if discovered during the competition.
D. The competitors shall not use a bungee cord during warm-ups.
E. The competitor must be weighed or his/her weight attested to by his/her head coach at check in..
F. The pins that support the crossbar are longer than the USATF/NCAA - 76mm(3”) for high school.
G. A vault box collar of 2” thickness is required.
H. The standards setting are different - 15.5” (40cm) to 31.5” (80cm).
I. Tape other than that required to cover an open wound and gloves worn by the competitor are illegal.
J. The competitor may not use the pole from another competitor without the weight to pole rating being verified prior to the competition
beginning. If discovered during competition, the competitor is disqualified.
K. Measurements will be made in the Imperial system ( feet & inches) L. The competitor leaves the ground and starts his/her rotation then fails to clear the bar is a failed attempt.
M. The competitor has 1 ½ minutes (90 seconds) to complete their attempt- (30-seconds longer than all the other books.) Additional time is allotted when only 2-3 or 1 competitor remain in the competition.
N. Runway marking other than2-6” pieces of tape may be approved by the games committee ( half tennis balls) prior to the start of competition.
O. In high school competition, they are allowed to have a coaches box. (NCAA & USATF do not allow coaches boxes adjacent to the event and inside the competition area any more.)
P. The delayed entry on a competitor into the competition allow for one run through after the passing of three heights after the start of the competition.
