The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

How often should you inspect your pole vault pit?

In this episode, Mike Cunningham walks coaches through a complete pole vault pit inspection checklist and explains why regular inspections are one of the easiest ways to improve athlete safety and extend the life of a landing system.

You'll learn:

✅ What to inspect before, during, and after the season

✅ How to evaluate top pads, foam, vinyl, and hardware

✅ Common warning signs coaches shouldn't ignore

✅ How water intrusion damages pits

✅ Why weather covers should be inspected too

✅ The importance of rotating landing sections

✅ How to identify repair and replacement needs early

Whether you're responsible for a brand-new facility or a 20-year-old landing system, this episode provides practical inspection tips every coach can use.

📖 Read the full article: Pole Vault Pit Inspection Checklist for Coaches

Dive into nearly 400 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!

🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode:
Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs Tuesdays through Sundays. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.

📲 Stay Connected:
Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Instagram (@MikeCunninghamTF), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍

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