How is automatic qualifying height/time determined for state? (In Track & Field)?

Last year at our district meet in pole vault, you would automatically make state if you cleared 14'1, regardless of what position you are in. If you did not clear 14'1, the top two placers in each event would qualify for state. How is this height/time determined? I was told it has something to do with an average of the top 5 heights in state over the last 5 years, but if it was that then the qualifying height would be several feet higher, and it it was an average of the 5 for my district in the last 5 years, it would be lower.

The driving factor is how many athletes can the state meet accommodate. They can, as you say, take the average of the top 5 heights in state over the last 5 years in the pole vault. If it appeared that 200 vaulters would qualify, believe me the would raise the standard or if 2 would qualify they would lower the standard.
Most states use something akin to the method you mentioned as it assures that a relatively high standard while guaranteeing there will be at least 2 representives.

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