How long does an athlete have to take their vault?
I · Intermediate · The competition · 4 of 4An athlete normally has one minute to start a trial once the bar has been set as they asked. With two or three athletes left the time is two minutes, and the last athlete has five minutes. For two trials in a row the time is three minutes. Running out of time counts as a failure.
How it works
- When the clock starts: "The official responsible shall indicate to an athlete that all is ready for the trial to begin, and the period allowed for this trial shall commence from that moment." In the pole vault the time begins "when the crossbar has been adjusted according to the previous wishes of the athlete".
- More than three athletes left: 1 minute.
- Two or three left: 2 minutes.
- One left: 5 minutes.
- Consecutive trials: 3 minutes.
- The very first trial: one minute for each athlete, whatever the numbers.
- Out of time: if the time is exceeded the trial is recorded as a failure.
- Already started: "If the time allowed elapses after an athlete has started their trial, that trial should not be disallowed."
- Choosing not to go: an athlete who decides not to attempt the trial is given a failure once the time has run out.
- The clock and the flag: a clock showing the time left should be visible, and an official raises a yellow flag for the last 15 seconds.
- When the count changes: the number of athletes left is counted when the bar goes up to a new height, and the longer time applies from then.
- A record attempt: when one athlete is left and is attempting a world record or another relevant record, one more minute is added.
- Absent: an athlete who is not there for a trial is given a failure once the time has run out.
Tricky cases
The clock reaches zero while the athlete is in the middle of their run-up. Is the trial lost?
No. If the time runs out after the athlete has started the trial, the trial is not disallowed.
An athlete stands at the end of the runway and lets the clock run out. What is recorded?
A failure.
Does the clock start when the athlete's name is called?
No. It starts when the official indicates that all is ready for the trial.
Four athletes are left at the start of a height and two go out during it. Does the time get longer straight away?
No. The longer time applies only once the bar has been raised to a new height.
Why the rule exists
Without a clock an athlete could wait as long as they liked for the wind to drop or for a rival to cool down. The time grows as the field shrinks because the same few athletes are vaulting again and again with little rest.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 25.17 |
| Combined events | The last athlete has 3 minutes | TR 25.17 |
| Something outside the athlete's control | The referee may award a replacement trial or reset the clock | TR 25.18 |
| Competition formats | Organisers may shorten the time. They may not lengthen it | TR 1 commentary |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 25.17 to 25.19 with the commentary printed under them. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).