I got a quick and painful introduction into the world of the Pole Vault. I have heard that it can be one of the worst events to officiate because of how long it can get. And it can be very very long. I was the head official at the Lee Krough Inviational hosted at Gustavus Adolphus College. It was a windy day and with 28 women in the pole vault and 37 in the men. It took us 2.5 hours to get through the women’s competition and over 4 hours for the men. However, it was a great experience, there was a lot of great helpers to move the event along. However, some stupid coaches lied to me to get their athletes to compete. Two athletes (men) showed up not on the list and one of their coaches lied to me and said that it was ok and that he got approval from the meet director. Well as it turns out he didn’t get approval to compete and the meet director came over and told them that they could but they had to pay a fee before they competed. After that the meet director came back and told me that one of the competitors that they couldn’t compete. That athlete’s coach did not tell him that he couldn’t compete. He was pissed when i told him. However, I didn’t care, because you don’t just show up to a big college meet and expect to compete. It is really mind boggling. However, it was a great experience. I would love to try my luck at starting a meet. However, I will have to wait for a that chance. Well until next time!