We get asked this question so much, we decided to put it on the Web page.

1. Check with your local college or University Track program.  That is your best bet.  Even if the track program doesn't have vaulters, they will know who does.  For High School athletes, we firmly believe that we should band together and practice at whatever school has a safe facility.  We want all the vaulters to go higher and are not as concerned with how various schools place in Districts, Regionals, and State.
2. When you go to track meets (like invitationals), talk to the other vaulters and coaches and ask them about where PV camps, facilities, and coaches are.
3. Ask any of the PV coaches that you encounter if you can come and jump with them.
4. Talk to college vaulters (if you are in HS) and ask them if they can run a PV camp for you over the summer. This is legal and done all over the country, but the college/university must agree to it.

Note to COACHES: A common problem we see is petty rivalry between schools (really between coaches).  Coaches please remember that we are here for the KIDS, the athletes.  If you put the athletes FIRST, then your career and recognition will follow.  All too often we see coaches become indignant when it comes to help in the pole vault.  They take an attitude of "No, you can't come help my vaulter.  They will only be as good as I can make them.  I don't want them going to anyone else for help."  If this attitude persists, many young athletes will suffer due to the mis-placed ego's of their coaches.  We all can (and should) learn from each other.  If someone else has better skills, a good coach will have that person help his athletes.  We have encountered this problem at High School, College, and Open levels of competition.  In our opinion, a coach serves to improve the athletes, not to become a self-serving egotistical entity.  Lets please focus on what is important.

Where can I find a place to Vault?

If you are a former vaulter who is looking for a facility, my best recommendation is to please go to your local High School and become a volunteer coach.  This achieves 2 objectives: 1) Provides a knowledgeable coach for new vaulters; and 2) Provides you a place to jump with the kids.  The best coaches I've seen will pick up a pole and show the new vaulter how it is to be done properly. If you are a school-age vaulter, check the numeric list at the top of this page.