USATF Masters Nationals qualifying standards for the pole vault by age group from M35/W35 through M70/W70.
Standards shown by 5-year age group. You compete in the age group matching your age on the first day of competition.
| Age Group | Qualifying Standard | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| M35 | 4.80m | 15'9" |
| M40 | 4.50m | 14'9.25" |
| M45 | 4.10m | 13'5.5" |
| M50 | 3.70m | 12'1.75" |
| M55 | 3.30m | 10'9.75" |
| M60 | 2.90m | 9'6.25" |
| M65 | 2.50m | 8'2.5" |
| M70 | 2.15m | 7'0.75" |
| Age Group | Qualifying Standard | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| W35 | 3.70m | 12'1.75" |
| W40 | 3.40m | 11'1.75" |
| W45 | 3.05m | 10'0" |
| W50 | 2.70m | 8'10.25" |
| W55 | 2.40m | 7'10.5" |
| W60 | 2.10m | 6'10.75" |
| W65 | 1.80m | 5'10.75" |
| W70 | 1.55m | 5'1" |
| Athlete | Age Group | Mark | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sergey Bubka | M45 | 5.40m (17'8.5") | 2009 | Masters World Best |
| Lawrence Johnson | M40 | 5.50m (18'0.5") | 2009 | |
| Stacy Dragila | W45 | 3.96m (12'11.5") | 2013 | WMA World Record |
| Emma George | W40 | 4.10m (13'5.5") | 2014 |
Masters pole vaulters must pay careful attention to pole selection — pole weight ratings must match or exceed athlete body weight, and poles should be inspected regularly for cracks or wear. Never vault with a pole rated below your body weight.
Vault height is largely determined by approach speed and the energy stored in the pole. Masters vaulters who maintain sprint speed through year-round acceleration work see the slowest height decline with age.
A powerful, well-timed pole plant and aggressive takeoff drive are the foundations of vaulting at any age. Masters athletes should work with a qualified coach to maintain proper plant mechanics, which can degrade subtly without regular technical feedback.
The ability to invert and push up over the bar requires both upper body strength and body control. Pull-ups, dips, and gymnastic-style inversion exercises maintain the strength needed for efficient bar clearance in masters vaulters.
Landing safety is paramount for masters pole vaulters. Ensure the landing pit meets USATF standards, practice landings at lower heights before competition, and never vault without a qualified spotter or coach present.
The pole vault rewards long-term technical development. Masters vaulters who maintain consistent training across multiple years often improve or maintain their heights despite aging, as technical refinements offset some physiological decline.
The USATF Masters Nationals qualifying standard for the M50 pole vault is 3.70m (12'1.75"), for athletes aged 50–54.
Yes, the pole vault is contested at both USATF Masters Indoor and Outdoor Championships. Indoor pole vault is one of the most popular masters field events with large competitive fields in multiple age groups.
You must be at least 35 years old to compete in the masters division. Many athletes begin or return to pole vaulting specifically for masters competition — the event welcomes beginners of any age with proper coaching and safety equipment.
USATF does not require specific certification for masters pole vault athletes, but competing at sanctioned meets requires USATF membership. Coaches working with masters vaulters are strongly encouraged to hold USATF or equivalent coaching certification.
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