Flagpole wrote:
You are allowed to grab the hurdle, angle it down and I believe even push it to the ground before you step over it. Of course that would not be an advantage to anyone under age 35, so it is legal. Over age 35 though, nope.
"Hurdle Infractions:
All competitors must clear, within the assigned lane, the required number of hurdles. This must be achieved without running around the hurdle, dragging a leading or trailing leg alongside or below the level of the hurdle bar, intruding into another lane by the competitor or her/his hurdle, or deliberately knocking down a hurdle with a hand.
NCAA
"As of 2000 it is a foul in the NCAA to knock down a hurdle by hand or foot, deliberate or not."
Masters
"In all hurdle races, competitors shall hurdle with a continuous motion such that both feet shall be off the ground at least for an instant."
Steeplechase Infractions: The competitor must go over or through the water obstacle and must go over the hurdles as
in hurdle events, except that the competitor may vault or step on the hurdle. The competitor must also run within the
designated running areas at all times.
https://my.usatfofficials.com/resources/guide-for-usa-track-and-field-officiating/download/233