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