Pole Taping Rules

[Mike Ritter]

My right hand tends to slip down at times when vaulting. I bought some stickum spray and that helps. But, I was wondering what the rules say about building up a little extra tape near the top (a bump so to speak) to help prevent my hand from slipping. Thanks. Mike

[ClintonMagus]

NFHS rules state:

"ART. 2… The vaulting pole may be of any material and of any length and diameter. It may have a binding of not more than two layers of adhesive tape of uniform thickness. However, the bottom of the pole may be protected by several layers of tape, PVC, metal, sponge rubber or other suitable material to protect it when placed in the planting box."

"ART. 5… Prior to warm-up, the field referee, head field judge or assigned inspector of implements shall inspect each pole to be used in the competition to verify that the poles are legal equipment, per Rule 7-5-3. This includes checking the placement of a top hand-hold band, numerical pole ratings a minimum of ¾ inches in a contrasting color located within or above the top hand-hold band, and the proper binding of not more than two layers of adhesive tape of uniform thickness. The binding shall not be on or above the top hand-hold band."

USATF Section 5, Article 2 is the same as NFHS:

"The vaulting pole may be of any material and of any length and
diameter. It may have a binding of layers of adhesive tape of uniform thickness
on the grip end. The plant end of the pole may be protected by layers of tape,
PVC, metal, sponge rubber or other suitable material to protect it when placed in
the planting box."

I think the key here is "uniform thickness"...

We use this: http://www.findtape.com/product245/Jayb ... 7AodakEABg

it has a great texture and is the best we have found.

[Mike Ritter]

Thanks, I figured it might be something like that. Mike

[grandevaulter]

The USATF rules appear to be less specific regarding the number of layers as long as they are uniform. Those are the rules that typically govern the masters events.

[Vaultref]

The USATF rules appear to be less specific regarding the number of layers as long as they are uniform. Those are the rules that typically govern the masters events.

Actually, USATF is pretty specific because there is no limit on the number of layers you can use. Just keep the binding uniform from top to bottom and no official will ding you.

ClintonMagus is using an old NFHS rule book because there is no limit to the number of layers of binding
and more. That was changed in 2012.

[ClintonMagus]

The USATF rules appear to be less specific regarding the number of layers as long as they are uniform. Those are the rules that typically govern the masters events.

Actually, USATF is pretty specific because there is no limit on the number of layers you can use. Just keep the binding uniform from top to bottom and no official will ding you.

ClintonMagus is using an old NFHS rule book because there is no limit to the number of layers of binding
and more. That was changed in 2012.

You are correct. I was looking at an older version. Here is the current one:

"The vaulting pole may be of any material and of any length and
diameter. It may have a binding of layers of adhesive tape of uniform thickness
on the grip end. The plant end of the pole may be protected by layers of tape,
PVC, metal, sponge rubber or other suitable material to protect it when placed in
the planting box."