How is bar hight measured?

[kornbread]

Is the measurement taken from the bottom of the box or the top of the runway?

[RidinHigh]

top of the runway

[ashcraftpv]

official measurements are taken with the standards at zero from the top edge of the back of the box

[drcurran]

Measurement is made with the standards set to "0", and of curse, the measurement is made to the top of the bar, but the measurement is made from the level of the runway - this is usually the top edge of the box, but not always. The measurement can be made with the standards not at "0" ( some standards can't be moved up to "0") but you need the right equipment.

[CHC04Vault]

Are u talking about that L looking thing that telescopes, they use that at PG County (where Nike is run) and its annoying cause its the officals take forever with it.

[drcurran]

Well it could be that "L" looking thing. I have a laser measuring device which is very fast an very accurate, it can also measure the bar when it is not at "0". At some of the "big meets" some of the officials get their "nose out of joint" and want to know if my laser has been certified. I usually just put the laser away and tell them it is probably not certified like that bent up piece of aluminum you have to measure with. Truth is the laser is very good indoors, but on very sunny days sometimes difficult to see outdoors.

Dan

[mjaubbs40]

What is the best device for measuring bar height so that marks are accepted as records (USATF, NFHS, age group records)? They seem very expensive (UCS 8'-21' is $585 or 4'-16'6" for $400 plus online). I could make my own, but am worried that officials won't certify marks if it's not made by a manufacturer. Any thoughts?

[vaultmd]

Painter poles work well if you don't have to go above 18' or so. Then you have to use an extension handle or tape another pole to the butt end of it.

If you live near an Expo by Home Depot (the outfit that is going out of business) they have aluminum ceiling fan cleaners that have the same threads as painter poles but extend to greater than 20'. The bad news is that they look relatively fragile compared to a painter pole. Full price on those was about $75. I don't know what the liquidation price is.

My opinion is that the height should be measured from the top of the back of the box and if that is different from the top of the runway there should be no measurement for a record because the facility is not legal. High runway = deep box. I have heard of records in Europe being denied for a 1 cm difference.

Also, if one has a post leveler there shouldn't be any problem with the bar not being at zero if the bar at the top of the measuring device is long enough and if the measuring device is verified as being totally vertical by the post leveler.

[superpipe]

My opinion is that the height should be measured from the top of the back of the box and if that is different from the top of the runway there should be no measurement for a record because the facility is not legal. High runway = deep box.

That's the way I read the rules as well, but there are apparently alot of facilities, including professional ones, that installed the plant box below the surface or the final rubber runway. I have seen others post on this site that the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston has this issue and they obviously have pro meets. Amazed they haven't fixed that, or maybe they did and I have old info.

[1yeldud1]

Bring the standards to what is marked as "zero" on the slides. Put a crossbar at the LOWEST peg on the standards. Take a carpenters plumb bob (cost about $6.00) and throw it over the bar - from the mats TOWARD the runnway. The plumb bob should be in a direct line with the top of the back of the box. If it is not either adjust the slides or "re-number" the adjustment marks so as to have movement from 15 1/2 inches to 31 1/2 inches travel. Now measure the height of the TOP of the crossbar with it set at the lowest peg using a tape measure held at the top of the back of the box by hand. NOTE any discrepancy from the factory marks on the uprights and adjust your reference points accordingly. Now move the crossbar to the HEIGHEST peg on the standards. Adjust the "Painting" tool using a STEEL tape measure - establish a height from the end of the tool to the INSIDE of the "HOOK". Place the tool on the top of the box and the tool should just touch the TOP of the crossbar. You would be supprised how many high school standards are not set with "ZERO" at "ZERO" - I have seem as much as a 8 inch variance !!!!! If a pole vault official gives you any grief for wanting to check this dimension - STOP - and go get the OFFICIAL STARTER. Explain in a adult manner how this setup POSSIBLY doesnt meet NFHS standards and ask him to ASSIST you in checking this setup. You will be suprised how many officals will listen to you and welcome your assistance - Just be NICE.