Pole Vault Community Sessions

Athletics West supported by Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS), are hosting Pole Vault community sessions for athletes age 10-15 years to try the discipline. Sessions will be led by Athletics Australia Accreditated coach and current WAIS Scholarship Program athlete Maddie Lawson, supported by WAIS Pole Vault coach James Fitzpatrick. 

The sessions provide the opportunity for athletes and coaches to discover the sport of Pole Vault learning the basics skills, knowledge, and build confidence to progress the Pole Vault discipline in a safe and friendly environment.

Participant Eligibility

• Participants 10-12 years group are born 2011, 2012, 2013
• Participants 13-15 years group are born 2009, 2010, 2011
• For avoidance of doubt, these sessions are open to Athletics West members & non-members
• No prior experience in pole vault is necessary

Dates

Monday 30 October 2023

• 10-12years 4pm-5:30pm
• 13-15 years 5:30-7:00pm

Thursday 23 November 2023

• 10-12years 4pm-5:30pm
• 13-15 years 5:30-7:00pm

Monday 4 December 2023

• 10-12years 4pm-5:30pm
• 13-15 years 5:30-7:00pm

Due to expected high demand, we are requesting participants to select one session only and athletes will be provided information at the completion of this community series about next opportunties. Accredited Coaches are able to attend as many sessions as they wish to assist with their development.

Session Outline

Session will provide information on the pole vault event, including the rules of the event, basic pole vault technique and safety requirements.

Information will be presented throguh demonstration and explanation to athletes and parents/coaches on the basics of how to get started in pole vault including the types of poles and how they work as well as how to hold and plant the pole and take off.

Athletes will participate in a

• Warm up that a vaulter would do for a training session and then be given information about the event.
• Series of beginner drills to learn the event on grass, long jump pit and finishing at the pole vault pit.

What to bring?

• Wear usual training clothes as for an athletics training session and allowing for the weather on the day.
• Wear and bring sunscreen a hat for the day and drink bottle
• Athletes will not need to bring spikes for the training session.
• Bring a pen and book or paper to write any notes on.

Participant session fee ($20.00) covers coaching fee and venue equipment hire. Athletes will be required to pay gate entry fee at WA Athletics Stadium upon arrival at VenuesWest reception (more information on prices and visitor information available here).

Coach Biography

Maddie is an experienced National level Pole Vault athlete who won silver medal at 2023 Australian Championships in Open Women category. Maddie spent her childhood between athletics tracks and gymnasiums and expressed interest in becoming a pole vaulter from the age of 10. She commenced the discipline at the age of 14 and thirteen years later, after living in 3 different states, she has seen her hard work pay off with podium finish at the Australian Championships and accepted WAIS Pole Vault Program Scholarship.  Additionally, in her spare time she has compelted Accredited Athletics Coaching course and has a wealth of knowledge, experience in the sport and an infectious energy towards the art of Pole Vaulting and hopes to inspire the next generation into the pathway.