PoleVaultPower.com

POSTED BY THE President and CEO of ESSXsport Corp.
Reference: ESSX Vaulting Poles
Notice to the public

ESSX vaulting poles meet and exceed the current rules stated in the 2003 NFHS rulebook and the NCAA rule specification.

The bright yellow ring at the top of the ESSX pole is the designation as to the maximum handgrip for this pole and shall not be exceeded. It does not have to have the words “ this is the maximum gripâ€Â

"The manufacturers must include on each pole: the pole rating that shall be a minimum of 3/4 inch in a constrasting color located within or above the top hand hold position; a 1-inch circular band indicating the maximum top hand-hold position with the position being determined by the manufacturer." - if the one each wide band is there and the 3/4" wgt rating - itis legal - period - both must be there - does not require any specific wording -

Ok I just got another judgment call!!

I was asked if the ring on the Pacer pole could be considered illegal, as it does not go all the way around the pole?

Here is my opinion! We need to focus on vaulting and safety.
We need to stop creating anxiety with the coaches, vaulters, and the parents!!!

The Pacer ring is more efficient, as it is placed inside the molding of the pole a specific distance from the pattern design and the top of the pole.

The Pacer ring method is more accurate than a non-removable ring on the outside of the pole.

In order to accomplish this, the ring fits various size vaulting poles and may or may not connect to itself to form a closed end ring. The intent of the rule is to provide a visual ring around the pole that can be seen from a distance when the vaulter is coming down the runway or being held by the vaulter to show they are holding below this manufacturer’s recommended maximum handgrip.

This PACER ring in my opinion accomplishes the intent of the NFHS rule

If you cut your vaulting pole more than 2 " and go to a meet with that pole, an official can deem that pole illegal under NFHS rules as an altered pole!
Cutting the pole changes the flex and renders the pole unusable; the pole will bend easier and will not have any return characteristics. It will be nothing but a noodle. It can throw you the distance of the pit , out the back and provide absolutely no lift.
The pole is ruined.

A cut-off pole forces stress into a weaker area of the shorter pole and alters the position the manufacture estimates to be the focus of the most stress. Raising that point will place energy in a less reinforced area that will cause your pole to break.

You gain nothing and you ruin a perfectly good pole and you risk the possibility of breaking the pole and getting injured!!