In a shocking move, the NFHS has decided that older Altius poles do not need the weight labels, their 3/4" engravings met the intent of the rules.
http://www.wiaa.com/Athletics/Track/NFH ... e7_5_3.pdf Memorandum
To: State Association Executive Officers and Track & Field Administrators
From: Becky Oakes
Subject: NFHS Track & Field Rule 7-5-3, NOTE 1 – Pole Weight Rating
Date: April 17, 2009
The NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee included a new Note 1, in the 2009 Rules Book, which emphasizes the required
manufacturer’s marking of the weight rating for an individual pole cannot be replaced by “etchings, serial numbers, etc.” Rule 7-
5-3 states, “The manufacturers must include on each pole: the pole rating that shall be a minimum of ¾ inch in a contrasting
color, located within or above the top handhold position.”
The language of the Note addresses various methods by which manufacturers may identify the characteristics of an individual
pole. Traditionally, the characteristics of a pole were etched on the pole. These etchings were generally not ¾ in size and may or
may not have been in a contrasting color to the pole or placed in a position on the pole in or above the manufacturer’s legal
handhold 1-inch circular band. The Note emphasizes the importance of the weight rating appearing on the pole as required in
Rule 7-5-3.
The NFHS has been contacted by the manufacturer of Altius Poles, bringing to our attention that prior to 2006, the official
manufacturer’s placement of the pole weight rating for Altius poles was to engrave the pole rating ¾ inch in height and of a
contrasting color. A label or other similar process was not used by the manufacturer in addition to the engraved pole
characteristics and weight rating. Altius poles manufactured from 2006 to the present now use a labeling system, in addition to
etchings.
With the inclusion of Note 1, the earlier models of the Altius poles have come into question of legality due to the manufacturer’s
method of engraving the weight rating in ¾ inch contrasting color.
Attached for your files is correspondence from Mr. Jeff Erickson, primary owner or Altius Poles, confirming the manufacturer’s
process for placing the official pole weight rating on poles manufactured prior to 2006. Although this has not been as common of
a process, Altius was placing, using this method, a ¾ inch contrasting color weight rating on the individual pole.
Based on this information from the official representative of Altius Poles, it is the position of the NFHS that your state may accept
these earlier model poles as legal using the engraving, providing the manufacturer’s marking meets the requirements of Rule 7-5-3
and all other requirements for a legal pole are met.
Representatives of Altius Poles and the NFHS will continue to work together on this matter, should further attention be necessary
for future seasons.
BO/af
Attachment
Cc: Robert Kanaby, NFHS
Bob Gardner, NFHS
Jeff Erickson, Altius Poles
NFHS Track & Field Rules Committee
Mailing Address: PO Box 690 | Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 | Phone: 317-972-6900 | Fax: 317.822.5700 |
www.nfhs.org Shipping Address: NFHS Distribution Center | 1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. Drive | Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
Altius Poles
P.O box 1168
Jacksonville TX. 75766
Toll Free (800) 374-7653
Fax (903) 586-0198
Cell (903) 279-6810
Altiuspoles@yahoo.com TO ALL IT MAY CONCERN:
Altius poles do comply with the NFHS rules:
Prior to 2006 all Altius Poles had the size engraved ¾” tall in a contrasting color.
The Engraved portion of the weight indicator was ¾” tall engraved and inked in to provide a
contrasting image to view! This indicator was located near the top of every pole 4-5 inches down in
the non-hand grip area of the pole. Most all pole hand grip area’s are defined in the industry as a 12”
area that starts 3-6” down on a pole, positioned and placed by the manufacturer.
After 2006 all poles have a weight label in addition to the above engraved etchings to fully comply
with any NFHS interpretations.
Owner
Jeff Erickson