PoleVaultPower.com

So our school is hosting a DI conference meet this year for the first time in 4 years. However, since the last time we hosted, someone brilliantly decided to build a shed at one end of the track, the corner of which is about 8 feet from the pole vault pit. I know there are specific rules regarding hard unyielding surfaces near the pit for high school, but I wasn't sure what the case was for NCAA DI. So what I am asking:

a) is the current situation legal?

b) if not what can be done to create a situation which is legal?

c) can you direct me to the correct section of the rule book so that I can point this out to the head coach?

Thank you very much.

I think it's legal, the rules do not specify how far away hard and unyielding surfaces have to be. This is on purpose because some pits are right next to tracks and we don't want to accidentally make a rule that requires the track to be covered.

If you think there is any chance of someone hitting the shed, I would recommend padding it. Ideally the stuff they use to pad the walls behind basketball hoops.

Becca has the right call. It might be legal, but when in doubt wrap an old mat around the part nearest the pit. Might look a little "trailer parkish", but better safe than sorry.

Dan