USATF now requires certification of home-based facilities

[strato]

I just saw this today. I took pics and sent information to USATF. Can't wait to see what the response is. Our pit is a Porta Pit, base pads, box collar, and mondo runway. The set up came from Texas Pole Vault Round Up in 2005(BRAND NEW). It just happens to be in my backyard.

[mjaubbs40]

All my info is in and my association officer has told me that I'm all set locally, by which he means at the association level. Still haven't heard back from USATF, but considering I usually don't get my membership card for 2-3 months, I'm not holding my breath for a quick response. Has anyone heard anything else on this matter?

[rainbowgirl28]

I was actually just getting on here myself to ask if anyone had heard back from the National Office yet?

[AVC Coach]

No reply yet.

[rainbowgirl28]

Any word yet?

[mjaubbs40]

Any word yet?

My association secretary sent Kristina Hervey, Andy Martin, and Sherry Quack of the USATF an email about my club's status on Jan. 18th. I have still not heard anything.
I'm taking a wild guess that this home based practice facility certification sounded like a great idea to the USATF at the time, but they had no idea how many people would be applying for approval and no real guidelines/standards already established as to what they were looking for other than "a safe facility". OR, they're just behind in paperwork/not getting around to it.

[lonestar]

I also sent an email about 3 weeks ago to Kristina Hervey that has gone unanswered.

Since it usually takes us about 3-6 months to get a membership card sent to us though, I'm not surprised.

[mjaubbs40]

Just got the following email. I will reply after I take my daughter to basketball practice.
Hi Michael,
As you know, USATF is starting to require that home-based practice facilities provide us with additional information. Can you please answer the following 5 questions as well as e-mail me a copy of your waiver? I do currently have the pictures of your mats as well as the detailed drawing that you sent which answer several of the questions.

1. Dimensions of the landing pad(s)- height, width, depth
2. Age of landing pad
3. Describe uprights, specifically the type and amount of padding used
4. Describe the plant box (model, age) and how installed. Does it have any lips?
5. Describe surface and age of runway. Note area deformities (cracks, etc.)
6. Provide a copy of waiver signed by all participants including coaches. Note, insurance may not respond if a waiver is not obtained for every participant.

Please keep in mind:

Standard bases should be completely covered with a minimum of 8â€

[mjaubbs40]

Just got an email from Ashley Huxon. My facility is approved. She asks for our patience as this is a new process for the USATF and it will continue to evolve as time goes on. She is also new to her position and working hard to get used to this new process.

[rainbowgirl28]

She also promptly took care of a problem my track club had with its renewal, so I like her already!

[fdavaulter]

"No vaulting in precipitation and especially in snow or sleet. Vaulting should never take place with snow accumulation on the ground. "



I just want to point out that it snow and sleet during the first month of our track season in Minnesota, and if its not doing that is raining. Some time we have to shovel the runway off so we can vault!

If we played by these rules we really would not have much out a outdoor H.S season

[mjaubbs40]

I inquired about this because we're in a similar situation. They clarified that runways need to clear, and that it needs to be safe conditions.