New Padding For Pole Vault Is Permitted

INDIANAPOLIS — Padding for pole vault planting boxes that meets the new ASTM specification standard is now permitted for use in high school track and field competition.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Track and Field Rules Committee recommended the permissive use of the ASTM-approved padding, and the NFHS Board of Directors subsequently approved recommendation.

Although optional for the current 2013 high school outdoor track season, padding that meets the ASTM standard can be incorporated into the design of the planting box or the padding can be added to an existing planting box. Schools may use the ASTM-approved padding immediately unless directed otherwise by their respective NFHS-member state high school association.

“With new product availability that meets the ASTM standard, the Track and Field Rules Committee recommended this potential use,” said Becky Oakes, NFHS director of sports. “With the NCAA requiring the planting box padding by December 1, more and more facilities are using the padding this outdoor season. As a result, high schools that use these facilities may encounter this padding in pole vault planting boxes.”

Oakes said that all other current rules requirements for padding (Rule 7-5 in the NFHS Track and Field Rules Book) remain in effect.