Three attempts per height
At each new bar height, the vaulter gets up to three attempts to clear. Once cleared, the bar is raised and a new set of three attempts begins. After three consecutive misses (across any heights) the vaulter is eliminated.
Pole vaulters get three attempts at each bar height in standard competition. Three consecutive misses (across any heights) eliminates the vaulter from the competition. Vaulters may pass on any height, accepting the risk of three-strikes elimination at the next height attempted. This rule applies at HS, college, and international meets per NFHS, NCAA, and World Athletics rules.
At each new bar height, the vaulter gets up to three attempts to clear. Once cleared, the bar is raised and a new set of three attempts begins. After three consecutive misses (across any heights) the vaulter is eliminated.
Vaulters may pass any height. Passing carries forward unused attempts to the next height attempted. Strategic passing is common at higher heights to save energy.
Ties are broken by (1) fewest misses at the final cleared height, (2) fewest total misses in the meet, (3) fewest total attempts. If still tied, vaulters are awarded the same place.
Entry height, passing, and saving misses are decisions that often determine the meet. AI form check helps you know which attempts deserve a re-try and which need a technical adjustment before the next attempt.
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