Breaking Poles

[Richie]

I have seen on a few broadcast sporting events, where the pole snapped. How common is this-and why does it happen? Is it because it wears out, or because of a misjudged vault causing the pole to bend too far?

[mudskipper]

I think its less of a mis-judged vault than a misjudged pole match. If the person has changed considerably in weight, abiity, technique, etc their needs in a pole could have changed enough to cause the force exerted on the pole to be too much for it resulting in a snapped pole.

[George]

That being the case, you'd think that they would be more careful to either watch their weight or at least weigh in before a competition to make sure they hadn't gained a huge amount.

[centaurtrack]

Poles can be broken for a number of different reasons. If a vaulter is using a pole that is underweight then they can certainly break a pole. However this is not often the case as jumping on a pole that is to small has little benefit. The vaulter would only "crush" the pole and it would have to be severely underweight to break. And in most states vaulters have to certify their weight and poles anyways. The most common reason for poles breaking is the pole has been damaged. Just a small crack in the pole can be enough to shatter or snap the pole when the apporiate amount of energy is applied or when the pole is bent. All it really takes is someone to step on the pole with their spikes and it can ruin a pole.

[jumps coach]

agree completely with centaurtrack. Sometimes another way a pole breaks is if an athlete pulls back during the plant and takeoff with their top hand. That is a definite no no, and an easy way to break a pole!