The first recorded high jump event took place in Scotland in the 19th century.
Jumpers must take off on one foot.
The rules for the high jump are set internationally by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). A jump is considered a failure if the bar is dislodged by the action of the jumper whilst jumping or the jumper touches the ground or breaks the plane of the near edge of the bar before clearance. The technique one uses for the jump must be almost flawless in order to have a chance of clearing a high bar.
Competitors may begin jumping at any height announced by the chief judge, or may pass, at their own discretion. Three consecutive missed jumps, at any height or combination of heights, will eliminate the jumper from competition.
The high jump was among the first events deemed acceptable for women,