High School Pole Vault Safety Guidelines/Contract

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      * Pole Vault instruction MUST  BE SUPERVISED by a qualified member of each schools coaching staff. These instructors should be certified and School Board  approved.

      * Pole Vault instruction  must be a progressive instruction....starting with small drills and small hand grips and stiff pole learning drills. As each athlete becomes proficient at stiff pole  vaulting...the flexible pole techniques can be introduced

      * A specific and proper warm up routine must preceed  all Vaulting or vaulting drills.

      * Care for all pole vault equipment is mandatory for safety. Handle all  poles,pits and standards with care. Damanage to equipment creates UNSAFE SITUATIONS for the pole vaulter.Cover Pits securely after each practice(lock down cover)

      * Athletes MUST SHOW  SAFETY RESPECT for this event. NO Horseplay allowed ever. Coaches must set the parameters for safety and what will be allowed. This is the responsibility of the coach. Remove any athlete from the pole vault event that can not follow your guidelines for safety.

       * Check the pole vault area before practice everyday...include...pit top pad...PV Box Collar...standards..poles...runway and additional ground mats around the pit.  Provide a safe environment for your athletes.

       * Athletes should be dressed properly for this event. NO Jewelry allowed at any time on any pole vault athlete.

       * Athletes must STAY ALERT in all activities  pertaining to the pole vault. Team benches/tables/hurdles/ etc should be far removed from the PV runway and Pit.

       * Athletes MUST NOT Vault on  pole vaulting poles rated below their body weight.  Coaches should weigh in there athletes each week to maintain this safety point

       * Coaches should  assist in some spotting on certain pole vault drills.

       * Coaches and athletes  should assist in providing a TEAM POLE VAULTING ATMOSPHERE  in all practices and meets.This will help  keep the pole vault event safe. (Checking runway marks,standards placement,pole selection consultation,pit security..)

       * This Safety Guildeline/Contract for Pole Vault  should be on file in Athletic Directors Office and all athletes and coaches must sign this safety contract and file in school athletic office.

      Signature of Athlete/Coach  _________________________________________________ Date

SAFETY GUILELINES/CONTRACT for H.S.  POLE VAULTERS

                  Tim St.Lawrence/Hugh Cauthers ... HV Flying Circus Pole Vault