2. Use of Bungee Cord in Pole Vault Memorandum from the National Federation Rules Committee:
To: State Association Track and Field Administrators
From: Becky Oakes
Subject: Use of Bungee Cord in Pole Vault
Date: April 16, 2008
___________________________________________________________________________
The NFHS has received the question of whether or not it is acceptable for a bungee cord to be used for warm-ups in the pole vault at an interscholastic track and field meet.
In 2006 the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee discussed the use of the bungee cord for warm-ups at an interscholastic meet and agreed this would not be acceptable under Rule 7-5-16. This restriction would be in effect during the actual competition as well as the warm-up period prior to the event.
SITUATION: The pole vaulters from Team A want to use a bungee cord to place on the vaulting standards during warm-ups at the visiting school. The event judge for the pole vault informs the vaulters and their coach that this is not acceptable under Rule 7-5-16 during competition, and is not allowed during warm-ups, as the item is not the acceptable crossbar and may not be appropriate to be placed on this vaulting standard system. RULING: Correct procedure. COMMENT: Rule 7-5-16 is clear that a crossbar may not be used in warm-ups once the competition has begun. The field event judge has exercised the correct judgment for the pre-event warm-up, as only the use of a crossbar manufactured for the event should be used. Training devices such as bungee cords shall not be used at interscholastic meets.
This situation is provided to assist you in responding to questions you may receive regarding this matter. Please disseminate this interpretation to your coaches and officials as you deem appropriate. It will also be placed on the NFHS web site.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your attention and consideration.
(comment) That about sums it up for high school competition, don’t allow the bungee at any meet site during war-ups. Note: for USATF and NCAA competition, the bungee is still legal during warm-ups.