First of all, the pole vault is a sport invented by insane people, and anyone who attempts it should be allowed to curse with impunity. But the California Interscholastic Federation, sticklers that they are, do not agree. Loyola High School pole vaulter Evan Barr was disqualified from the event at the state championships on Saturday when he cursed loudly after failing to clear his last attempt. Still, he finished tied for third; giving Loyola enough points to edge Long Beach Poly for the title.
But because he cursed and was disqualified, Barr’s points were also taken away. So Loyola lost the title to Poly, 35 points to 32.
“He uttered a profanity out of frustration, and the officials thought it was significant to disqualify him,” Coach Mike Porterfield said. “He apologized immediately after he said it.”
According to Hal Harkness, the state rules interpreter, “You can’t be profane in a competitive area. He made an unfortunate lapse in judgment.”
Note to Hal and the CIF: Life is a competitive area. How about a warning? And then go ask Long Beach Poly how they feel about winning a state title under these circumstances.
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Pole vaulter’s curse word costs team state track title [Prep Rally]
Disqualification cost Loyola state title [Los Angeles Times]
