Selecting the Right Crossbars for Your Track Program
At the heart of every vertical jump event is the crossbar. For coaches and athletic directors, choosing the right bar is a balance between meet-day performance and practice-session longevity. A competition bar must meet strict weight and sag requirements to ensure fair play, while a practice bar should prioritize safety and the ability to withstand thousands of "missed" attempts. Our 2026 collection focuses on institutional-grade durability, featuring high-visibility colors and materials that provide the perfect tactile feedback for high jumpers and pole vaulters at every skill level.
Top-Tier Competition and Training Solutions
We stock specifically chosen crossbars and accessories to ensure your pits are game-ready and your athletes are protected.
- Competition Fiberglass Crossbars: Our official competition bars are constructed from thick-walled, pulltruded fiberglass. Available in the standard 13' 1.5" (4.0m) length for High Jump and 14' 10" (4.5m) length for Pole Vault, these bars are engineered for minimum sag and maximum visibility. They are designed to meet or exceed all WA, NCAA, and NFHS specifications, making them the standard choice for varsity and collegiate invitationals.
- Elastic Practice Crossbars: Often called the "must-have" item for any track program, these elastic bars are a game-changer for training. Featuring a bright fluorescent orange cord and protective black foam sections, they allow novice jumpers to strike the bar without the fear of injury or the expense of snapping a fiberglass bar. They provide a realistic visual reference while speeding up practice sessions significantly.
- Essential Crossbar Accessories: Maintaining a vertical jump pit requires more than just the bar. We carry specialized Pole Vault Crossbar Lifters (all-steel construction) to facilitate easy placement of bars at high elevations, and standard-specific accessories to keep your facility running efficiently.
Why Buy Your Track Gear From Morley Athletic
Since 1931, Morley Athletic has been a trusted family tradition and a leading supplier of premium track and field equipment for schools, universities, and community organizations. We deeply understand the logistical challenges of track programs—from handling oversized shipping to managing strict budget cycles—which is why we proudly accept school purchase orders and offer customized quotes for facility-wide upgrades. When you shop with Morley Athletic, you are partnering with a company backed by over 90 years of industry expertise and a steadfast dedication to providing the high-performance tools your athletes need to clear their next PR.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a high jump and a pole vault crossbar?
The primary difference is the length. A regulation High Jump crossbar is 4.0 meters (approximately 13' 1.5"), while a Pole Vault crossbar is longer, at 4.5 meters (approximately 14' 10"). While both are typically made of fiberglass, they are not interchangeable due to the different widths of the standards used in each event.
2. Why should our team use an elastic "practice" crossbar?
Elastic bars are invaluable for training because they don't break when hit and they don't fall off the standards. This allows athletes to take significantly more reps in a shorter amount of time without the coach having to constantly replace the bar. More importantly, they protect younger athletes from the "sting" of landing on a rigid fiberglass bar during a failed attempt.
3. Are competition crossbars guaranteed against breakage?
Due to the nature of the sport, most competition fiberglass crossbars are not guaranteed against breakage. While they are engineered to be highly durable, a direct landing from a vaulter or high jumper can cause them to snap. This is why we highly recommend using elastic bars for 90% of your practice reps and keeping spare competition bars on hand for meet days.
4. How do I maintain my fiberglass crossbars to prevent sagging?
Fiberglass bars can develop a "permanent" sag if they are stored improperly. Always store your crossbars flat or in a specialized crossbar rack. Never lean them against a wall for long periods, as the weight of the bar will cause it to bow over time, potentially making it illegal for competition use.
5. What is a Crossbar Lifter and do I need one?
A crossbar lifter is a specialized tool used by coaches and officials to place or replace the crossbar on pole vault standards at heights that are out of reach. If your facility hosts pole vault events, a lifter is an essential time-saving tool that ensures the bar is placed safely and accurately without the need for a ladder.
6. Do you accept school purchase orders for track equipment?
Absolutely. Morley Athletic has worked directly with schools and universities for over nine decades. We happily accept school purchase orders. Athletic directors and track coaches can easily submit a formal PO to purchase competition crossbars, landing systems, hurdles, and starting blocks for their entire program.
Note: Due to the length of competition crossbars, they are considered "Oversized" for shipping. We recommend ordering sets of 3 or more to help offset the freight costs associated with these items.
