What are the rules about the pole?
Officials' detail · The jump · 1 of 3A vaulting pole may be of any material, length or thickness, as long as its surface is smooth. Athletes use their own poles and may not use anyone else's without the owner's consent. Grip aids and gloves are allowed. After the pole is let go, nobody may touch it unless it is falling away from the bar.
How it works
- Any pole: "The pole may be of any material or combination of materials and of any length or diameter, but the basic surface must be smooth."
- Whose pole: "Athletes may use their own poles. No athlete shall use any other athlete's pole except with the consent of the owner."
- Tape: layers of tape are allowed at the grip end to protect the hand and at the bottom end to protect the pole. Tape at the grip end must be even, with no sudden change in thickness such as a ring.
- Grip: athletes "may, during the competition, place a substance on their hands or on the pole, in order to obtain a better grip. The use of gloves is permitted."
- Hands in the air: after leaving the ground the athlete may not move the lower hand above the upper one or slide the upper hand higher.
- After release: nobody, the athlete included, may touch the pole unless it is falling away from the bar or uprights.
- A broken pole: not a failure. The athlete has a replacement trial.
- Practice: once the competition has begun, poles may not be used for practice.
- Getting ready: the commentary says an athlete may still handle, prepare or tape a pole while waiting, if that does not delay or endanger anyone.
Tricky cases
Can a vaulter borrow a rival's pole?
Yes, if the owner agrees. Without consent the trial is a failure.
Can a vaulter wear gloves?
Yes. Gloves and grip substances are both permitted.
Can a ring of tape be built up on the pole to stop the hand slipping?
No. Tape at the grip end must be uniform and may not create a ring.
Can an official catch the pole to stop it hitting the bar?
No. If the pole is touched when it is not falling away from the bar, and the referee thinks the bar would otherwise have come off, the vault is a failure.
Why the rule exists
Vaulters differ in height, weight and speed. A pole has to match the athlete, so the rules leave it free. What they control is the grip, where a ring or loop could hold the hand in place and do the athlete's work for them.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 28.3; TR 28.4; TR 28.5; TR 28.11; TR 25.2 |
| Relay batons | The opposite rule: no gloves and no grip substances | TR 24.5 |
| Serious cases | Using another athlete's pole without consent may also be treated as improper conduct | TR 28.11 (note) |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 25.2, 28.2 to 28.5 and 28.11 with the commentary printed under them. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).