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There is something comforting about watching an airplane pilot walk around the outside of an airplane for a visual inspection prior to takeoff. Even though there are mechanics that work on the planes, the pilot who knows it is his or her ultimate responsibility for everyone’s safety onboard takes his or her due diligence seriously. It should be no different for athletes, and especially coaches, to inspect sporting equipment prior to each use. When I coached pole vaulters, I took seriously the responsibility of regularly inspecting the equipment. Part of my inspection process included checking the pole vault pit. A pole vault pit is comprised of several dense mats pushed up next to each other and fastened together with a thinner, singular top mat. Despite the top mat, athletes landing on the pit cause the mats, over time, to shift and sometimes separate, creating a gap can between the pads. These pads need to periodically be pushed back together. A moving pit can create several problems.
Ultimately, coaches and pole vaulters should regularly inspect pole vault equipment to ensure the safety and success of all athletes.
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