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"Shin Splints"
A Blog by Doug Logan

Come Together

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

I have no innate insight into whether it takes a village to raise a child, but over the last several weeks I have seen first hand that it takes cooperation and vision for a diverse NGB like USATF to come together and set a course for a better future.

Today, we hope that future begins to take shape.

As I mentioned in my last blog, USA Track & Field's Board of Directors has approved several proposed changes to USATF Bylaws aimed at restructuring how we govern ourselves and how we do business. These proposed changes are the results of countless hours and days of analyzing ourselves as an organization and working together to come up with a blueprint that will put USATF in the best possible position moving forward.

We now must act, with purpose, as a unified organization. Between this moment and the Opening General Session of USATF's Annual Meeting in Reno on December 3, USATF's volunteer leadership and committee chairs will be reaching out to our members to hear your thoughts about the proposed restructuring and to explain how we arrived at the plan below. Without membership joining forces with their elected representatives, this important restructuring cannot go forward.

We simply must become a more efficient and effective organization. It is the belief of our Board that this is the right plan, at the right time, to better govern ourselves.

The proposed changes in their entirety are linked at the conclusion of this blog. I also want to point out some key points most vital to our day-to-day functioning that likely will be of greatest interest to most groups:

BOARD/COMMITTEE RESTRUCTURING

* The USATF Board will be reduced in size from 32 to 15 members. Included in those 15 seats are USATF's elected president; a seat each for USATF's High Performance, Long Distance Running, General Competition, Youth, Coaches and Officials groups; three seats for athletes; three "independent" seats; one seat for "5E" organizations (groups such as the NCAA an others); and one seat for USATF's IAAF representative. This reduction in size is in line with current practices in the nonprofit world of smaller, more nimble and efficient Boards. Under the proposal, the new Board would be in place on or before December 31, 2008.

* The Board will elect its own Chair. If the USATF President is not elected as Chair, the President will be named Vice Chair. This gives the Board the authority to elect its own leader while ensuring the continuation of a popularly elected President to represent the interests of USATF's volunteer sector. The President will preside over the Annual Meeting and approximately 320 committees, leading a Volunteer Leadership Group in addition to sitting on the Board.

* Each of USATF's constituent groups with a seat on the Board will provide the Board with three names as potential candidates for their respective Board seat. A Nominating Committee, which also will select and/or recruit the Independent Board Members, will choose the Board members from among the three names listed for each Board seats. This process will ensure the overall diversity, gender equity and competence of the Board.

* Committees will continue to select their own Chairs, with the Board providing final approval of all Chair positions.

* In accordance with a Board directive established over the summer, a Youth Division is being created. This will put additional focus on a program that is so important to developing our elite teams and also to improving youth fitness nationwide.

ADMINISTRATIVE/NATIONAL OFFICE CHANGES

* USATF's High Performance Plan (HPP), as developed by the High Performance Committee, will be implemented by a USATF staff person accountable to the CEO. Having a full-time employee responsible for and accountable to the programs most critical for our elite development is the best way to ensure our competitive success. It also will ensure more efficient and streamlined implementation of the HPP.

*National Team Staffs will be submitted by the relevant selection committees to the CEO, who following a review will forward to the Board for approval. Once approved, the staff will be accountable to the CEO. This ensures an oversight system to provide the most effective staffing possible of our national teams, bringing a level of accountability not previously in place. The result should be an even higher level of service to athletes.

*The Board will continue to approve USATF's annual budget. As the business executive of the organization, the CEO will be responsible for all financial disbursements. This ensures checks and balances, sound fiscal policy and cost control.

In addition to the changes above, I will be instituting a restructuring of our National Office to be announced later this year, to accomplish the same goals of responsibility, accountability and efficiency.

I have spelled out the desired end game, but the process for how we get there is pivotal. On the afternoon of December 3 in Reno, USATF's Board of Directors, members, committee chairs and athlete leaders will host a series of meetings to discuss and get feedback on the proposed changes. Shortly after the Opening General Session begins at 7 p.m., the restructuring plan will formally be presented to membership for discussion and vote. A 67 percent approval vote is needed to pass the changes.

Together, we can take USATF into the next phase of success. Approving these proposed Bylaw changes is the first step. Come together, right now.

***

To read the proposed Bylaw amendments, which affect Article 7 (Delegates and Their Selection To Committees); Article 9 (Voting); Article 10 (Officers and Their Duties); Article and 11 (Board of Directors), Article 12 (National Office); Article 13 (Committees), Article 14 (High Performance Division) and Article 15 (Long Distance Running Division), click on the following PDF http://www.usatf.org/about/governance/2008/proposed/proposedbylawchanges.pdf

To read the current, existing USATF Bylaws, visit http://www.usatf.org/about/governance/2008/

To view the complete schedule for the 2008 USATF Annual Meeting, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2008/AnnualMeetings/schedule.asp

COMMENTS
I don't see any mention of Masters Track and Field. If there is a Youth representative shouldn't there be a Masters representative. I don't think that one more representative would hurt your streamlining plan. Both my son and daughter competed as youths under both predecessor organizations: TAC and AAU. I personally took up track and field 10 years after they retired. I learned a lot from their national class coaches in their 10 year careers. I think it would be a waste of experience like mine and many others like me to not have Masters Track and Field with full representation on the national board.
Posted by: Burr Daly on 11/4/2008 6:30:30 AM PT
Please make the 5K available to girls. My child has run 5K since she was 9 but USATF doesn't have 5K for teenagers. The High Schools in Texas have it. The colleges have it.Why not USATF and AAU?
Posted by: Linda C on 11/4/2008 6:42:24 AM PT
I agree that there should be equal representation for "Master Track and Field." I don't even understand why it has to be requested. Why was it over-looked (or dismised) in the first place?
Posted by: James Bailey on 11/4/2008 6:53:43 AM PT
What is the goal of USATF? If the main goal is to continually produce top-flight (professional-style) athletes, then focus on doing just that. Develop a feeder system, including the youngsters. Encourage a club system. Quit trying to be everything to every group - walkers, masters, ultra's, etc. Why would any kid want to participate and then stay in our sport? He/she seldom sees a T&F athlete in the mainstream media unless he/she wears Olympic gold. Meanwhile, there is a continuous parade of the other bona-fide athletes for kids to idolize. Heck, we can market golf, car-racing, and even poker, why not T&F. Hire some of the marketing people from those areas. We will never get the positive-media attention as some of the biggies (and maybe we don't want that much), but at least we might show up occasionally as having achieved something. Heck, our sport doesn't even get recognition for a world record anymore in the mainstream US media.
Posted by: Fred Geswein on 11/4/2008 6:58:54 AM PT
Just started competing at the Masters level again this year (first time 1981) I never realized the extend of organization and can not see fault with the present structure. Keep up the good work
Posted by: Hank Ketels on 11/4/2008 7:01:11 AM PT
Thank you Doug for redirecting us as an organization. Our Board needs to be nimble and powerful. Our elite athletes need resources and our up and comers need a conduit to become elite. As a proud parent of a National JO Champion, I loved the USATF experience but can see the need for improvement. Hopefully your vision will get us there.
Posted by: Tony Greer on 11/4/2008 7:28:31 AM PT
I am appalled that USATF has no provision for representation of masters track and field members. Master's athletes are role models for both youth and seniors. The USATF leadership appears to be unaware that there is a crisis of unhealthy middle aged and senior citizens who are unaware that sports competition and exercise have any meaning for them. What fraction of high school athletes can come close to the performances of "senior citizens" at national masters events?
Posted by: Charles M. Williams on 11/4/2008 7:38:45 AM PT
USATF is the organization that is responsible to identify, develop and present athletes to represent The United States internationally, particularly in the Olympic Games. To that end it would include youth groups. The recreational participation of any age athlete should not hinder that goal or purpose. The overweighting of LDR, Walkers or Masters who are recreational participants tends to change the focus of the charge given to it by the Amateur Sports Act.
Posted by: ed burke on 11/4/2008 7:46:50 AM PT
I am a masters' runner and I believe this is very good the way it is being proposed. The entire board is going to be "masters age" anyway. Stop trying to find every niche to satisfy. The prior board was too large. By the time they would get to everyone's opinion they would be changing the clock's back again. This should definitely be a sport that is youth oriented.
Posted by: Jerry McCann on 11/4/2008 7:50:23 AM PT
There must be a place for the Masters, without it, at a certain point the athlete is no longer represented.
Posted by: john cox on 11/4/2008 7:52:26 AM PT
I feel the cold draft of indifference twice in an hour. In the Iceman bike race in MI there are no older age groups. Now in my main sport we are marginalized with no designated representative. The people who remain on the board may be "masters" but I have seen extreme bias toward youth from so-called Masters in out local track club-"It's all about the kids."
Posted by: Wally Herrala on 11/4/2008 8:14:14 AM PT
I agree that smaller groups tend to be more productive. Is it safe to assume that racewalkers will be represented in the Youth or High Performance areas? Carmen Jackinsky ReShod Walking Shoes 503-349-7704
Posted by: Carmen Jackinsky on 11/4/2008 8:20:05 AM PT
Thank you for your initiative regarding governance and related issues. I agree with the suggestion that the Masters program receive appropriate attention. Whether this requires a designated seat on the Board I will leave to your judgment. Thanks
Posted by: Jack Warner on 11/4/2008 8:30:22 AM PT
I believe that changes this important and of such magnitude should have been sent to the menbership for comments. With the population aging as it is a masters representative should definatley be considered. Certainly the youth is important but they too will become masters if it is appealing. Thank you
Posted by: John Biacofsky on 11/4/2008 9:25:49 AM PT
Every USATF-registered athlete should have the absolute right to represent the club of his choice in association, regional and national competition. To deny this right is a violation of an athlete's basic civil rights and , sad to say, a step backward to the Bad Old Days of AAU control of the sport we all love Let this right be made clear in Reno. Most fervently, Elliott Denman, West Long Branch NJ.
Posted by: Elliott Denman. on 11/4/2008 9:31:35 AM PT
I compete in "Masters" I feel we should not be attached to USATF or stay as we are. "Masters" and "Seniors" should combine, we do the same thing. Make it one Nice organization and let USATF consentrate on their main mission.
Posted by: Bud Sanborn on 11/4/2008 9:42:50 AM PT
I am probably in the minority of bloggers here but as a running "newbie" please be patient with me. I am a middle-aged guy running for fun, motivation to drop some well needed weight, and for a personal accomplishment. I ran my first 1/2 marathon in August. It was great! I wasn't fast, but I finished and have a baseline for improvement. I am preparing to register for more events in the coming months. One of these events is a USATF sanctioned event. I was informed that headphones and music devices aren't permitted due to USATF rules. In the long run I probably don't care that the race is sanctioned by the USATF, I just want to run it for me. I don't plan on standing at the front and blocking the path of the more competitive runners. The music I listen to keeps me motivated and moving. Why would this not allow me to run in this event? Now before anyone answers "you don't have to run it", I already know that. The issue is that thisa is one of the most beautiful and scenic runs in the country. I want to run it, and I will register for it regardless, but the time goes by easier and is more enjoyable for someone like me with little helps like this. Maybe items like this could be discussed in your upcoming meetings, because I think it is the regular men, women, girls and boys like me who help support USATF and its athletes. Rather than only thinking about how to improve the competition (which is important), take some time to think about how to help the rest of us who are supporting you, by making things fun and enjoyable to participate in. Thank You.
Posted by: Jeff Farnsworth on 11/4/2008 10:29:59 AM PT
Those complaining about the lack of representation of masters should go to the actual proposal and read it. There is a board position allocated to the General Competition Division; that division is the Masters TF Commitee and the Associations Committee. The latter represents the 57 associations which are running the lower level open competitions around the country, and oversee the Club National TF meet in July. Together they represent the sub-elite and the post-youth community. They're not at odds, and there is plenty of crossover. And from what I see, none of what is proposed is going to affect what happens on the local level very much. That depends on who is overseeing the association and its related programs, and who is going to step up locally and put on events. To change local programs, get involved. Steve
Posted by: Steve Vaitones on 11/4/2008 11:43:23 AM PT
hope one day we can control the organization of meet in association.
Posted by: arthemon sindayigaya on 11/4/2008 11:44:49 AM PT
This country has millions of people running in road races that could'nt tell you what USATF stands for. I've been to many. Not to compete,but to support master athleats I'm training. This is an untapped resource that could rival the market loalty of NASCAR fans. The minimizng comments posted to this blog regarding masters overall importance to the largest particpatory sport in the world shows amazing ignorance. Potential for track in this country is endless.
Posted by: andrew seach on 11/4/2008 11:49:08 AM PT
A non-elected Chairman of the Board is a BAD idea. This type of incest in the Board of Directors will lead to malfeasance. Please vote NO. Democracy works much better.
Posted by: Eric Pierce on 11/4/2008 12:07:42 PM PT
I think that all groups will be represented on the board in the more traditional fashion of a corporation. However the "old board" will still be around only in a different capacity. They will be the "volunteer" committee who will contribute still to the overall organization. The committees will still be involved in creating the Governance & Nominating Committee and in the end many of the board members.
Posted by: Karen Krsak on 11/4/2008 1:02:28 PM PT
I agree that masters' representation is needed. Particularly in women's running, masters represent the fastest growing age group. Simply being over 40 does not mean that a board member is interested in and/or knowledgeable concerning masters' issues. There needs to be someone specifically representing these concerns.
Posted by: Anne Hird on 11/4/2008 1:30:12 PM PT
WELL AS BEING A MEMBER OF ONE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S ELITE DEVELOPMENT TEAM (VS ATHLETICS), I FEEL THAT THE MOVE TO TRY TO IMPROVE USATF IS A START. BUT I AGREE WITH FRED GESWEIN THAT THIS SPORT NEEDS MORE SUPPORT FROM THE MEDIA, AND WHERE WE NEED TO START IS WITH MARKETING THE SPORT BETTER. IT IS A SHAME THAT I HAVE FRIENDS AND CO WORKERS THAT ONLY SEE A RACE ON TV WHEN ITS THE ACTUAL OLYMPIC GAMES. THIS IS AN AWESOME SPORT AND SHOULD BE DISPLAYED BETTER. TO MANY ATHLETES DEDICATE THERE LIVES TO THIS SPORT TO ONLY BE RECOGNIED BY OTHER TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES. THE MEER FACT THAT YOU CAN ASK THE AVERAGE PERSON WHAT WAS THE SCORE OF THE LAKERS GAME LAST NIGHT AND THEY WOULD REPLY WITH A POINT TOTAL AND ASK THEM WHO WON THE 400 METERS IN USATF OUTODOOR NATIONALS IS A PROBLEM FOR ME BEING A TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETE. MANY PEOPLE CAN GO OUT AND SCORE 24 POINTS A NIGHT, BUT RUNNING A 44 SECOND QUARTER MILE, AND SUB 4 MINUTE MILE, REQUIRES SOME GIFTS THAT YOU CAN ONLY BE BORN WITH, AND THIS DESERVES TO BE SHOWN TO THE REST OF THE WORLD. BUT I DO AGREE WITH THE CHANGES AND HOPE THAT IT IS FOR THE BETTER GOOD OF THE SPORT, AND LEADS THE US TO THE BACK OF THE TRACK AND FIELD WORLD.
Posted by: JON COLLINS on 11/4/2008 3:10:08 PM PT
I too do not see any representation for Masters Track and Field. Since there is competition in almost every state I think we should have a representative on the board.
Posted by: Norm Taylor on 11/4/2008 4:32:06 PM PT
If you go to almost any road race these days, you will see that masters runners are usually in the majority. Masters should have its own designated rep on the board.
Posted by: brad johnson on 11/4/2008 5:25:15 PM PT
Sure, you don't see race walkers or masters on the board, but now a greater burden must be placed on those we elect to the board. We can't afford to have the divisive personalities that we have had in the past and those we choose we must hold accountable. The USOC has mandated a chair to be elected from the board and that is a good thing. As an organization we need to get away from youth only and masters only clubs and thing of the club system as a whole. "Whole" Clubs are the only place we will really begin to develop athletes across a broad spectrum of events including LDR and RWing.
Posted by: Allen James on 11/4/2008 6:53:57 PM PT
There is a certain and rare courage to be seen when a CEO sheds light on operations. Challenges and energy come forward. I have never met Doug Logan but my respect goes his way.
Posted by: andrew seach on 11/5/2008 6:00:21 AM PT
Restructuring is probably needed, but the whole process has been very poorly handled. From our prior rejection of a peace process with the USOC which has led to the threat of loss of NGB status to a vote that will take place at opening session with precious little chance for discussion,it has been poorly done. It appears that constituent groups will have a seat but not necessarily representation as the board can reject our choices. Our president may not be chair because the board can vote for someone else. "Independent" seats to me means "big business." This does not inspire confidence. Their greed and stupidity have recently manifested themselves, putting our country in bad shape. Big business is not only lacking in ethics, they are totally unaware that they are lacking ethics. We appear to be returning to the organization that we despised and led to our formation to begin with. Our dropping of the baton at the recent olympics may turn out to be prophetic.
Posted by: John Martin on 11/5/2008 8:08:51 AM PT
I heartily agree with all of the comments regarding Masters Track & Field. While I understand the emphasis on the development of youth and Olympic calibre atheletes I've witnessed Masters competitors being treated like second- class citizens at meets.
Posted by: William Bittner on 11/5/2008 12:44:34 PM PT
We need to have better markreting for track&field, also we need to push t&f to our youth 5 year olds and up. We also need our t&f appearell to be mainstream. I would love to help and do commericals for Track & Field.
Posted by: cliff scott on 11/5/2008 12:49:34 PM PT
I can be reached @ 818.809.4230/Speed City Track Club in Southern California
Posted by: cliff scott on 11/5/2008 12:51:04 PM PT
Good for USATF! As we all know from training sometimes less leads to more in the end!Having worked under the supervision of a Board of Governors comprised of 15 members in the private club industry as part of a management team for the last 15 years I think that is a perfect number. Hopefully, the reduction in overall size of our board will lead to more meaningful debate and discussions on all the different requests that must come to the attention of the USATF from all the different areas it governs within this great sport from track, to my area of expertise, Ultras. Change is good!Having recently changed careers in an effort to complete my formal education, I am excited to be a part of the newly restructured USATF. I am getting a chance to use my final two years of NCAA D2 eligibility to help revive a struggling running program at the University of Bridgeport. I look forward to using the resources and contacts that this organization provides in an attempt to revitalize inner city athletics and physical fitness at a grass routes level here in Bridgeport, CT in conjunction with the Board of Education. I am excited to get an opportunity to promote the benefits of running in conjunction with the local YMCA to what has been a city with a troubled past that is being revitalized! I applaud Mr. Logan and the Board for their decision to restructure and encourage them to promote change in the sport. Hopefully their efforts will allow for increased marketing of our top athletes so that they can set positive healthy examples for our country's younger generation! I think anyone that has the chance to serve on this newly formed board should consider themselves very lucky. They will no doubt take into consideration what is in the best interest for all parties involved and associated with all the different types of track, field, and running, in this country. The important thing is that we as members keep promoting the benefits of movement to all.
Posted by: Dave James on 11/5/2008 5:14:17 PM PT
I can understand the argument for cutting the size of the Board of Directors down to 15. But I can not understand why anyone (with good intentions) would want USA Track & Field Members to give up their right to vote on who runs their organization?
Posted by: Eric Pierce on 11/5/2008 8:14:11 PM PT
On the question of promoting our sport: USATF has access to Track & Field News and Track Coach magazine that is not being even remotely used to its full potential. Last year USATF started its own on-line Newsletter that they could have done through or with Track Coach. I propose we make better use of the resources at hand. Dennis J. Grady USATF Level II Coach Sprints/Hurdles/Relays
Posted by: Dennis J. Grady on 11/6/2008 7:33:26 AM PT
Please take a look at the changes the US Tennis Assoc. is now considering to improve their youth development efforts. I think there is much that USATF can learn from the US Tennis Assoc. in identifying and developing youth who have the best chance of becomming our next generation of elite T&F athletes.
Posted by: John Scherf on 11/6/2008 1:13:15 PM PT
The Masters News Paper, no longer shows track Calendar for 12 months. my members traval year round. whats up with this.
Posted by: Bob. Jones on 11/6/2008 3:10:19 PM PT
I can understand the argument for cutting the size of the board of Directors down to 15, but there must be a place for the Masters, who will represent Masters Track And Field if there is no representation on the National boart, than why should I compete, support or pay due's?
Posted by: Herman Castille on 11/6/2008 6:04:51 PM PT
I agree with all coments regarding Master track and Field
Posted by: Robert Hendrick on 11/7/2008 6:19:37 AM PT
I agree with most comments regarding Masters Track and Field, however, the promotion of track and field in this country and support of grass roots youth t and f should be considered a priority. From a promotional stand point, there needs to be more t.v exposure. In addition, an effort should be made to organize a professional track and field league, made up of teams of two or three athletes in each discipline, with competition for points...as in a dual meet...in a round-robin format (each team competes against every other team),and the team with the most wins declaired winner. Prize money and/or other material incentives should be awarded on a competition by competition basis. Sponsorship can come from any number of corporate sources, e.g. athletic apparal, health foods, cereal companies, banking, auto manufacturing, etc Regarding grass roots youth track and field, there should be more financial support and closer monitoring of what goes on at youth track field meets. Rule violations, age group violations, entering kids in more than the proscribed limit of events, chronism related to judging, etc. needs to be limited. Fund-raising should be monitiored very closely. And more training and competition facilities need to be made available through USATF's and corporate sponsor support.
Posted by: Richard on 11/7/2008 9:14:09 AM PT
Remember it is USATF, not USALDR- a disproportionate amount of effort is placed on LDR events, perhaps because it appeals more to the average runner, easier to put- a number of reasons I'm sure. The future of T&F and the sport is youth athletics- ask any coach of HS or college worth their salt and they will tell that an athlete who has participated in youth or JO TF is a vastly better athlete. Please find the correct balance so our youth can have a chance to be the best they can. Also, it's doesn't hurt to remove cronyism and 'old guard' leaders, in all areas
Posted by: Brent Troutner on 11/7/2008 11:49:41 AM PT
I would like to add that road racing requeries a law in which the race organizers must be obligated to pay the awards offered and to do the drug testing in any category. Also, the american runner should have priority for invitation and travel expenses under any kind of circunstances. In the same way, race organizers can not be allowed to be agent or represent athletes in the same event. The descrimination of the master elite runner should not be allowed, it must be a bib number available always.
Posted by: Rosalva Bonilla on 11/8/2008 2:46:31 PM PT
I would like to add that from the middle-long distance perspective, the sport will never fully develop until USATF takes cross-country seriously -with more than two races each year. Check out what the Kenyans are doing. In order to qualify for worlds you need to run at least 4 of the 6 national XC races. And why XC? Arguably our best performances in Beijing (in the distances) came from the winners of the national XC champs. Not developing XC because it gets in the way of indoor track or road races is not a good excuse. The potential community impact of cross country racing is huge. A series of races can become a day-long festival; in the south a good excuse to have a bbq cook-off. Back in the 90's Reebok had a multi-race XC series for elites. With the masses of masters runners these days, we could pull them away from running marathons (which most people have no business training for) and pull them into XC. The masses of masters participation alone could fund a resurgence in US XC.
Posted by: Ricardo Troncoso on 11/9/2008 3:28:39 PM PT
If "general competition" is open-not-high-performance and masters, why not call it that? It looks pretty obvious that we in either of those groups are second hand citizens. I agree that we certainly want to encourage youth and elites, and like the smaller governing board idea. But, there's very high levels of competition in the rest of us and a LOT of money we spend to compete, with less support and acknowledgment received from USATF and in the future, even less?
Posted by: Karen Blackmore on 11/10/2008 2:35:46 PM PT
I love to race and run while listening to music. I don't think that should be outlawed at any race and I don't understand why it is?? Someday when the board is made up of a generation of people who grew up with an ipod, they will look back on this restriction and laugh!
Posted by: Sarah Hardy on 11/10/2008 6:23:37 PM PT
Will this big change affect the price of the USATF membership fee?
Posted by: Dakota Darkstar on 11/10/2008 6:48:42 PM PT
As being a masters athlete-I must ask the question again-why has Master's Track and field not been mentioned-many masters compete not only to stay in shape, but we use it as a pastime,many have bulit relationships around the country within this sport-I must say that it is absolutely necessary to place a representative for masters track and field. Also, as far as the youth are concerned this new direction should start with real grass roots programs so that children can become directly involved in this sport at a young age-this new direction should reach out to the inner-city children,community center, churches etc. host small scale championships for beginners-offer tee-shirts etc.I feel that the direction should start in each and every town and city that there is a need-If this is the New Youth direction than I am all for it-
Posted by: Dawn on 11/13/2008 12:34:23 PM PT
My son is a Youth USATF member who has particpated in summer Track for the past 8 years. I haven't missed many practices of the grass-roots team that he belongs to. I have participated in many fundraisers and even wrote an application for a travel grant for the team, which they received. We need help in getting our kids on the team to Nationals every year. I have seen how our local 'chiefs' who head our state USATF association, sometimes form roadblocks to sift our kids out of state meets. How will the change that you are proposing affect us, the local parents and particpants? What will it do for us? Is is going to add another layer of bureacracy to our grass-roots team partcipating? In plain, simple terms, I want to know how it is going to affect me and my son.
Posted by: Susan on 11/13/2008 1:43:00 PM PT
These are good adjustments. My hope, is that this streamlined approach will enable the national leadership to provide better oversight over the regions and associations to assure that each tier of USATF is achieving desired goals. We need numbers in terms of membership and the Youth Program is the best way to get those numbers. If the associations or regions are not holding their own, changes must be made within those organizations. USATF always has "flashes of brilliance" with young athlete programs, let's work together to make the Youth Division become a steady shining light the way it has to be.
Posted by: Ben Campbell on 11/13/2008 5:54:46 PM PT
We are coming up on the indoor season for youth Track and Field and I cannot understand why the 55m dash still exist while the rest of the world is running the 60m dash. Can we do away with the 55m already.
Posted by: Clinton on 11/14/2008 3:03:06 AM PT
Why does anyone care if Masters (or any other groups) have a Board Seat, if they are unelected positions? The representative will not be accountable to anyone, there is no guarantee, even if a Masters Seat was available, that he would care about Masters Runners interests.
Posted by: Eric Pierce on 11/15/2008 8:13:15 PM PT
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Photo of Doug Logan Doug Logan is the CEO of USA Track & Field (USATF), the national governing body for track and field, long distance running, and race walking. Headquartered in Indianapolis, the organization has more than 90,000 members throughout the country.