American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

Issue: February 2010    

Risk  Management in the Original Extreme Sporting Event: The Pole Vault
    Jim Bemiller  & Robin Hardin

Abstract: The  pole vault was considered the ultimate test of physical ability and daring  before the advent of modern extreme sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding,  and mountain biking. The inherent risks of the pole vault have been well  documented. The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research reported  in 2007 that the catastrophic injury rate in high school pole vaulting is  higher than in any other sport, including football. Therefore, despite its  growing popularity, liability concerns and the lack of qualified coaches make  staging the event difficult. Governing bodies at all levels, equipment  suppliers, administrators, and coaches have worked together to continually  revise rules and safety requirements for the athletes’ safety. This article  describes how the  event can be successfully provided by taking the proper risk-management steps. Managing the inherent risk through better understanding of  the proper control of the event environment, equipment, and beginning learning  progressions will allow coaches and administrators to offer this rewarding  event in a safe manner.

Article category: Safety Issues