Rules This section provides some other links for the current high school rules regarding the pole vault. 2004 NFHS Pole Vault Rules The current rules cover 3 areas: 1) standard placement is now a minimum of 15 1/2" (40 cm) from the box to a maximum of 31 1/2" (80 cm). 2) Artificial aids now include "tapping" a vaulter. Taps are no longer allowed during warm-ups or competition. 3) The front buns of the pits must be tapered away from the box to allow the pole to bend without being impeded by the pits. 2004 IHSA State Qualifying Marks State Qualifying marks are: (the good news here is that vaulters are being taught so well that the qualifying standards have been upped) Girls A: 8'6" Girls AA: 10'3" Boys A: 12'9" Boys AA: 13'9" An explanation of the IHSA's clinic participation rules 2003 NFHS Rules about Size of Pole Vault Pits