Abstract: A sports pole includes two to four elongated tubular members permanently joined together with a first of the tubular members or poles pivotably joined near one end to a second of the poles. A third of the poles may be telescopically received within or about the first pole and slidingly movable therealong between retracted and extended positions. There is a U-shaped spring and pin arrangement for locking the third tubular member in the extended position. A fourth of the poles may be telescopically received within or about the second pole and be similarly slidingly movable therealong between retracted and extended positions. Again, there is a U-shaped spring and pin arrangement for locking the fourth tubular member in the extended position. The first and second tubular members are pivotably joined by a hinge mechanism which allows selective pivotal motion between generally coaxial and generally parallel positions.