Club Information
Who can participate?
The Northern Virginia Pole Vault Club is open to athletes of any skill level (minimum age of 9).
If you are a brand-new vaulter, AWESOME! We welcome and encourage beginners – it means you can learn things correctly from the start :-)
Where and when do you practice?
We practice at George Mason University’s Field House for indoor practices (4501 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030. Park anywhere in front of the field house) or outside on the grandstand side of the track. Practice locations (indoors or out) is indicated when selecting a session to register for.
How do I start practicing with the Northern Virginia Pole Vault Club?
First you must register to be a USATF member. Then register and pay for the sessions you are interested in joining by reviewing the approriate tabs.
What is USATF, and why do we need to be a member?
USATF is the national governing body for track and field in the United States, and the membership covers supplementary insurance for each athlete during our practices. USATF membership is also required to jump at most open meets during the winter & summer. This is mandatory due to insurance requirements. Here is a link to USATF’s Insurance Information
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A year’s membership in the USATF costs $30 for those 18 and under and $55 for those 19 and up. It covers you until December 31st of the calendar year in which you sign up. The easiest way to sign up for USATF membership is online at the USATF website. As you register, we ask that you list us as your “USATF-Registered Club.” Our club number is 9204 (full club number 10-9204)
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Eventually USATF will send you a membership card, but for our purposes, just print out the receipt and bring it with you.
Are coaches and parents allowed to attend and watch?
Most definitely! Coaches, parents, and other interested parties are invited and encouraged to attend and observe free of charge. They need not be members of the club or USATF.
What is the cost?
See the tab that contains the schedule for the sessions you are interested in.
What if I have never pole vaulted before?
If you are a brand-new vaulter, AWESOME! We welcome and encourage beginners – it means you can learn things correctly from the start :-). You need to sign up for 1 or 2 introductory sessions to acclimate to the sport of pole vault. This introductory session is an orientation to drills and format used during the group sessions. Among the things that will be covered include: Land drills, grip and hand placement, determining the take off foot, proper plant position and timing at a walking/marching pace, proper positions, pole drop, sprinting form, core exercises and partner plant drill. Once these introductory sessions are completed, when the new vaulter joins the regular practice group, they will have the knowledge and confidence to work out with more experienced vaulters. An introductory session is one hour, costs $50. These session will occur at a local track or at GMU as learning these skills and drills do not typically require the use of a pit. Please contact Coach Barborek directly to schedule this session.
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How do we pay?
Typically, the Northern Virginia Pole Vault Club accepts cash, Venmo (to @NOVA-PVC) or Zelle (703-307-2740). Please make note of what you are paying for when using Venmo/Zelle including athletes name. We now accept credit cards, with a 3% fee. Note: In Spring 2025 we are rolling out a new payment method. If it is received well, this section will be updated to reflect the latest payment method.
What do I need to bring?
You will need running shoes (spikes are optional but highly encouraged and okay to use at our facility), workout clothes, and a great “ready-to-learn” attitude. You are welcome to bring a journal to write down information from your practice sessions, such as drills done, poles & grips used, step marks, and all other workout information. It’s always a good idea to bring water whenever you’re working out. There are water fountains in the facility.
Do I need to bring my own poles?
If you have your own pole or are borrowing one from your school, you are welcome to bring it but it cannot be stored at Mason. We have a full line up of poles for you to use when vaulting with our club.
What is the practice format?
All our practice sessions are run by one or more coaches. Meet either inside the field house or outside on the track depending on if your session is held inside or outside. ​
How do I communicate with the club, and how does the club communicate with me?
You may e-mail us at novapolevaultclub@gmail.com. The club will communicate with you based on the contact info you provide during registration.