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Are you not allowed to tape your pole downwards because it makes your grip better? i was told tat and had to totally retape y pole real quick.

That is not what the Rule says - even though some enforce it that way - the rule says "Not more than two layers of adhesive tape of uniform thickness". If you tap downwards and the edge rolls up when you vault - it then is an illegal tape job and would have to be re-taped

It used to be an NCAA requirement to tape it that way. Many of us officials recommend it still be done that way at all levels just to save you the time and aggravation in having to retape your pole(s) in follow on meets.
Until the rule is changed, if there are rolled downs and prominent ridges, that pole will not be permitted assuming an official actually checks the poles.

vaultref-
while weve got you here on the tape issue ive got a question

what is the rationale behind this rule? is there actually a reason for it? just curious.

i think i remember reading something on this somewhere on the forum...

something about people making large ridges so their hands wouldn't slide down the pole...

the person who made me retape mine said it can give you an advantage over the other vaulters bc you have a better grip or something gay like that

hmm, weird he says that because then chalk and sticky grip would have rules against them also. The reason that i remember hearing is that the chinese used to make huge bunches of tape on their poles (way back when) and they would come stick them in the ground (like i said, way back when) and they would balance and climb up them. i'm not sure to the validity of this, but just what i have been told.

wacky274 wrote:hmm, weird he says that because then chalk and sticky grip would have rules against them also. The reason that i remember hearing is that the chinese used to make huge bunches of tape on their poles (way back when) and they would come stick them in the ground (like i said, way back when) and they would balance and climb up them. i'm not sure to the validity of this, but just what i have been told.

There is an actual rule against climbing the pole now.

vaultgirl1028 wrote:the person who made me retape mine said it can give you an advantage over the other vaulters bc you have a better grip or something gay like that

i've actaully once taped my pole wrong for a whole season and the tape would role down. but around here, the tape rule isn't strictly enforced.

rainbowgirl28 wrote:

wacky274 wrote:hmm, weird he says that because then chalk and sticky grip would have rules against them also. The reason that i remember hearing is that the chinese used to make huge bunches of tape on their poles (way back when) and they would come stick them in the ground (like i said, way back when) and they would balance and climb up them. i'm not sure to the validity of this, but just what i have been told.

There is an actual rule against climbing the pole now.

You referring to the rule about moving your top hand above your bottom after takeoff?

wacky274 wrote:You referring to the rule about moving your top hand above your bottom after takeoff?

Yup

do people actually move their hands like that when vaulting