Masters Chair Report - March 2006

George Mathews

For many years we have been trying to create a Masters Meet Manual. Many attempts have been made. Much information has been accumulated. In our strategic planning, we recognized this ongoing, serious need and discussed who might finally be the person who could make this happen.  Suzy Hess nominated Becky Sisley, in her absence, as a person who might be able to complete such a project.
When Becky was asked to take on this project she stepped up and dived into the project with gusto. With very little budget and a great sacrifice of time, Becky has produced our first Masters Track & Field Meet Manual.

     It is a very significant document that will be a tremendous help in providing the guidance that local organizing committees need in putting on meets from low-key, grass roots through masters regional championships. This should truly provide the quality competitive experience our athletes deserve.  The document is available at www. usatf.org/mastersathletes.
    
     Thank you, Becky, for a job well done!

Annual Membership 

     I appreciate the input that some athletes and association members are providing me concerning proposed annual membership increases. I understand that an increase may be a hardship for some members. We need to seriously consider all members.

     I need to remind everyone that this is not my personal agenda or any other individuals that I a aware of. I know your representative committee, the Masters Track & Field Committee, has supported an increase based on recognition of the need for funds to operate your Masters Track & Field sport committee for the athletes benefit.

     The USATF Masters Track & Field Strategic Plan spells out what athletes want in the future. We cant achieve these goals without funding. Annual entry fees have been determined as the only sure way of raising the funds required.
    
Many have had great fund raising ideas in the past, but none has paid off.   One idea may be to have a higher priced national membership and a local membership at a lower price. Masters Track & Field needs to have control of its destiny in this regard if we are to progress.

Masters Hall of Fame

     We have recently learned that the USATF Hall of Fame at the Armory in New York City is possibly ready for the addition of the Masters Hall of Fame content. Thats the good news!

     The bad news is that it may take into six figures to make the needed renovations. It may be possible to do it for less, but we dont have a budget for any of it. We are considering possibly selling the naming rights to the masters section of the Hall to someone who might be interested in funding the project. If you know of someone, please have them get in touch with me (see p. 2). 

National Senior Games 

     Other news about the National Senior Games relates to their addition of the hammer throw and triple jump to their next championships in Louisville in June 2007. They will require verification of having competed in two USATF-sanctioned competitions between January 1 and December 31, 2006.

     The qualifying standards for other events are on their web site, www.nsga.org.

Indoor 56 lb. Weight 

     It looks like we have the first indoor 56lb. throwing weight. Thanks to Ian Maplethorpe of Jump Start Athletics, we have this implement for the Indoor Championships in Boston. Both Ken Weinbel and I approve of the implement which has been sent to Boston and which I will demonstrate there on Feb. 24. 

     I am also in possession of an outdoor 44 lb. weight that has been approved as a demonstration event for M50-69 during 2006. I am willing to ship it around the country for competitions. Let me know your date requirements. 

Good luck to all competitors in the upcoming World and National Indoor Championships.