Doug Logan & Gail Devers
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"Shin Splints"
A Blog by
Doug Logan
Human
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
"Are we human, or are we dancer? My sign is vital, my hands are cold And I'm on my knees, looking for an answer Are we human, or are we dancer?"
This is the haunting chorus to the recent smash single by The Killers on their best work to date, Day & Age. Interestingly, it has aroused a huge controversy on alternative music message boards. For those who do not follow the crazies on the music scene, at times it makes the discourse on track sites seem like Mother Goose. The argument is whether the lyric is "dancer" or "denser", and there are fanatical proponents on both sides. On the "dancer" side are those who have taken to finding obscure Hunter S. Thompson references. Those who swear it is "denser" claim insider knowledge of the band's true intent. At the end of the day, the boys in the band say the correct answer is: dancer. But they showed their business acumen by letting the mystery hang out there, unanswered, for several weeks.
I, with my artillery-altered hearing, have always sided with the "dancer" contingent. It makes no difference; the song is terrific. But every time I hear it I am reminded of a disturbing incident which took place at our National Championships in Eugene several weeks ago.
In the first Women's Steeplechase semifinal, the barrier at the water obstacle was set three inches too high. Human error; no more, no less and totally unacceptable. We have too many seasoned officials present for this kind of mistake to take place. We exposed too many athletes to an inherently dangerous condition, and we should be roundly chastised for our error.
During the first heat of this semifinal, a superb athlete, Nicole Bush, stumbled and fell as she was negotiating the obstacle. She slowly gathered herself and continued, now with a pronounced limp. You could see the determination on her face as she grittily fought off the pain. Nicole finished the race to the sound of appreciative applause admiring her courage. As the day wore on, the pain in her foot did not subside and she was taken to a hospital, where two fractures in her foot were diagnosed and preliminarily treated.
What happened next is a shameful chapter in this federation's history. The next day, at Hayward Field, I heard of the details of Nicole's injury and proceeded to seek her out. I was accompanied by my friend and colleague, Terry Crawford, one of the deans of the college coaching profession. I found Nicole and family members at a table in the athlete's area, her foot bound with bandages, crutches nearby. We were soon joined by her accomplished coach, Walt Drenth of Michigan State. I apologized on behalf of USATF, and told her this would not happen again. I indicated to her that we would provide her with medical assistance to assure her speedy recovery. [Nicole has availed herself of the new program for elite athletes we have established with St. Vincent's Hospital here in Indianapolis.] I expressed that she will not fall off our developmental radar screen and, in fact, will go to the head of the line when it comes to assistance in her rehabilitation and recovery. She and her family thanked me for my concern.
What I then heard from Coach Drenth shook me to my core. This man, with 20 years of college coaching experience, also thanked me for my actions. He went on to say that they (Nicole, her family and he) had spent several awkward hours since arriving at the track. That no one would make eye contact with them; that I was the first to even mention the prior day's incident. No official, no committee member, no big shot, no one had the human decency to reach out to them. Forget taking accountability for what happened; the people Coach Drenth and Ms. Bush encountered refused to even acknowledge what took place. Coach and athlete were made to feel like pariahs.
Yesterday was the first anniversary of my hiring, and I wish I could say this kind of avoidance and dodging was an isolated incident. I saw it in Beijing, I have seen it in the innards of our organization, I have seen it in the way we treat one another, I have seen it in the way responsibility is avoided. Much is made of the need for autonomy of certain sectors of the athlete and volunteer corps. However, I would add we need to take an unvarnished look at how we conduct the very life of our sport. This cultural abdication from being accountable, being responsible, will sap us of our very being in the same way doping has. It is a moral imperfection and it must change.
Are we human, or are we dancer?
Are we going to show our humanity and own our errors? In the future, will we conduct our business accepting that the ultimate authority for our actions is our legally constituted Board of Directors? Are we going to be human and be accountable for our missteps? Or, are we going to continue to dance around the issue, dance away accountability and dance away from civility?
Much as I like to dance, I can tell you where I stand.
COMMENTS
Doug, this struck to the heart. If we're not human beings, what the heck are we. We're just wasting time. Quit dancing and start caring. Lead with your heart. I'm a big fan of yours and your message.
Excellent, excellent blog.
I like to see that USATF is positioning itself to do the right thing for members and athletes.
This was the first blog entry I've read from you and I have to say how impressed I am with the integrity of your message and the eloquence with which it was delivered. I'll be reading more.
Great comments. This speak volumes about how egos have gotten in the way of caring for fellow athletes. We can do better and foster an atmosphere of great competition and supportive spirit.
mr.logan your a first class act,im sure usatf will prosper because of u.we also wish nicole bush the very best,shes one of our young bright stars in track&field,you have the talent to run under 9 minutes for steeple&4:20 in mile ,always reach for the stars,&keep god in your heart&dreams out in front.good luck&god bless always
the entire norditalia-athletic family
doug-get those drug free athlete logos on usa team uniforms&products-
I think that your actions were very admirable and hope to see this sort of caring spread throughout the organization. On another note, I would like to see more love given to masters athletes. The way the Bush family felt is how many of us have felt over the years. Here's looking to a brighter future.
This is all well and good - I wish Nicole the best of success and recovery in the future - after seeing her grit and determination I have no doubt that she will be back. This was a big deal and I applaud you for taking a stand this time. However last year in another situation I asked you and every single lead I could find within the USATF Youth organization to deal with an issue that an athlete was having. To date the only folks that have responded are the officials I personally know that I included. No response from you, no response, from the head officials there, no response from the head youth chair and no response from my own youth association chair. At the meet itself the meet officials would not even leave their area to speak with the parent of the youth athlete. So perhaps we are dancer - around the issues.
Mr. Logan your observation and experience is right on point. I have similar experiences once you are not from their inner circle you know nothing. The sport is filled with adminstrators coaches and meet official who think they know it all. they are never wrong and have master the art of avoidance and dodging and are always blameing some one else when the result outcome is not positive. I wish you well in your effort to create change.
Doug, thank you for taking responsibility for this careless mistake. The first step in changing a culture is accepting responsibility. All track and field fans share your hope that things can be turned around.
A promise of "never again" and an apology to Nicole and her coach and family are wonderful. But one thing is missing: an explanation for how this error occurred.
Here's what I know from an official in Eugene who had no authority in the case:
The grounds crew had set (the barrier) correctly, but the chief marshall, a local Eugene official, changed it thinking it was wrong. But it is not the marshall's job. It is actually the job of the umpires who (under) USATF rule 127 1.(d): "check the number, condition, and height of the hurdles and the placement and distance between hurdles in the event no Hurdle (Inspector or other official has been appointed to do so."
Above the Umpires, the technical manager was responsible. Rule 123: "The Technical Manager shall be responsible for ensuring that the track, runways, circles,, arcs, sectors, and landing areas for field events and all equipment are in accordance with the Rules".
Also responsible was the Women's Track Referee Rule 125 2. "The Referee shall ensure that the rules and applicable USATF competition regulations are observed....".
Also responsible was the National Technical Official(s) Rule 115 1. "At the discretion of the Games Committee, National Technical Officials (NTOs) serve as assistants to the Referee to provide event oversight at major Championships."
4. "The NTO must be present at all times when an event, to which he/she has been assigned, is in progress and should ensure that the conduct of the competition is in full conformity with these Rules and the relevant decisions made by the Games Committee." Bad deal all around.
USATF should take the responsibility for this error. It was made at our National Championship Meet. Mistakes are going to happen and the people who are responsible for them should accept the responsibility. Most USATF Officials are hard working people who receive very little compensation for their efforts. They officiate track meets because they love the sport and are giving their time to make the sport better. The actions of a few toward Nicole reflect badly on all of us who are USATF Officials. I hope the people who made the mistake have admitted their error and taken responsibility.
Our club had a very disturbing incident at the Region 13 Trials in Salem Oregon July 11, 2009.
Our Bantam Girls and Midget Girls 4 x 100 relays were disqualified after coming in first place. Both were DQ for
bad banton handoffs.
As per the regulations, our head coach attempted to protest.
The officials refused to let him speak to the official that made the decision or show him the mark where the infraction was made. One of the athletes had been told to move from the mark she was originally standing and the move took her out of proper position. Is was gratifying that the rest of our athletes and parents used this as a rally call had a great meet afterwards, but 8 little girls had to be comforted, when we didnt really have any good reasons or answers as to why.
We also had a highjumper, the coach's daughter receive a mark 1ft under her actual jump due to a clerical error.
Even though officials admitted the error, the stated nothing could be done, because of the written record.
When our coach tried to argue our case, he was told
the official did not have to speak to him to explain
his decision, and them was removed by security because
they said he was too forceful in his argument. Later a meet
official said more of us should have complained. I can just see our whole club being escorted out.
These decisions have long lasting effects on not just the children, but the parents that pay to have their children participate. Some didnot want to participate in the National meet after this incident in spite of qualifying.
I love the high standards that the USATF have and am willing to abide by any decision that can be justified,
but do not feel good about being brushed aside when trying to follow procedure.
I greatly appreciate your refreshing comments. I am a certified track official and find that all too many of my colleagues are too narrowly focused in their duties to treat athletes as human beings. But most track officials doubtlessly didn't recognize Nicole and family when they returned the next day. The meet director and his staff let Nicole and her family down (at Eugene yet!). They should have provided them with a staffer full-time to meet their every need and to accompany them on their return to the stadium. Nicole is a top athlete and must be encouraged to continue in the sport.
Mr. Logan: Thank you for your positive response to an error to the wrongful height of the barrier. In my 38 years as an official of the Oregon Track Club, I cannot recall once when an incident like happened. I think part of the problems occur when officials come to meets they consider themselves as being "an authority" They argue and debate amongst each other. Sometimes they are not professional--except in their own mind.
The comment by Steve Richie about the Eugene official should be clarified and not just "what he heard".
I sincerely hope for a speedy recovery for Ms. Bush.
Mr. Logan, since moving to Ohio, I have drifted from daily participation in Track and Field which was my life's blood for 20 years in Arizona. The association there worked together as a team to make the program as outstanding as our financial limitations allowed. I was a certified official at the National Level for numerous years and find that the problem with the hurdle is simply a symptom of the ills of the Officials committee. It has functioned for years as an elitist who you know not what you know age discriminatory organization. Young talented knowledgable officials made to follow different rules than older officials and simply "uninvited" to participate. The ego issue often is not in the best interest of the athlete. I have had to step down from officiating due to an injury but I know many young officials that have simply left and found other avenues to support other sports. Good luck reining in officials that care more for their own officiating careers than the good of the competition. Look to those starters that hold athletes too long, those that want to be noticed, those that argue without knowledge and find a way to remove them for those that are simply there to serve the sport.
Mr. Logan, if what you described (avoidance behavior)is epidemic to the organization, then what you've typified is an organization whose primary value is in performance, and not learning. Learning organizations grow their capacity to perform. Performance organization cannot, because there is no room for the mistakes that are foundational to learning. The values displayed in organizational cultures are framed and modeled by organizational leaders, and those under their authority are encouraged & rewarded for emulating those values down through the organization. So a reflective question for those at any level of leadership is "Am I framing and modeling the value that learning is of highest value REGARDLESS of performance?"
Doug-
You seem to be good at what you do. Couple of areas to keep in mind while writing this blog. First, you need to bring back one of your all-star staff members that left the organization almost two years ago and was adored by many volunteers along with co-workers . This individual oversaw coaching education and worked closely with Duffy Mahoney in High Performance.... I've seen her at the last two national championship events as the organization has flown her in to work the events. You need to bring back Ms. Amanda Payne. You couldn't ask for a better and more passionate employee.
Second, the individual that was responsible for event operations should be let go from there position immediately. Nicole suffered a serious injury and anyone in law knows this is negligence on the part of the organization and/or event operations staff.
You got off lucky. If I was the injured athelete and my injury was cause by an oversight I would be really mad and I don't think an apology would ease my pain. I came to win and some idiot took it from me, know I have to wait 2 more years to go to another World Championship? Not fair!
I am Youth Chair for USATF New England. I am a USATF throws Offical and board member for years. I have sent Doug and Andy Martin many emails to please make contact and communicate with us. Doug has been in Boston 3 times and has not made contact to meet us.We are hoping he reads this blog and actually responds. He actually takes time to get out in trenches and see what is going on. The whole sport is in dire straights and officials are underpaid and over worked. No more middle schools sports in New England. No more basketball or Field and track. Going to happen nationwide in next few years and we care about this youth development. This is more important than blowing your horn for being first official to say sorry. Try picking up phone and communicating with us.
What I find even more astounding is the fact that no one has addressed the fact that the officials at the USA Outdoor Championships in Eugene decided in their infinite wisdom to LEAVE THE BARRIER AT THE INCORRECT HEIGHT for heat #2 of the Women's Steeplechase. My God, what would have happened if yet another athlete had gotten hurt while clearing this barrier???
This type of behavior has been the "elephant in the room" for quite a while. The first step is talking about it. I feel a great weight lifted from collective shoulders in knowing that we can now discuss professionalism and decency. I just finished up a day of track and field where i ran a camp and conducted a meet . My parting words were "we all make mistakes - that's why there are erasers on pencils". Most people get ove their initial anger at someone's mistakes if the person who commits it just says I'm sorry. I'm sorry - two of the most powerful words in the english language, but unfortunately too rarely used. Thanks for listening.
Doug, Would second the post above concerning Amanda Payne.
Meet her at the High Performance Seminars in Las Vegas.
Know nothing about her circumstances or why she left USATF.
Do know that the quarterly newsletters concerning the Coaching Education program I used to receive have stopped being issued. Anything to do with Amanda's departure?
Looking to Educational Institutions as our developmental source; looking to local volunteers to bid for and facilitate the events... etc... What is it that USATF actually provides in the way of Olympic Development?
Just on a high school level what is a basic rule of thumb to prevent shin splints.
Excellent comments. Thank you for your leadership.
Brian
We all know that we are judged by our actions which speak louder than words, in that sense you did the right thing & I applaud you for that. I'm sure that many of us are dismayed that our USATF rules were not followed in this case, and from that we need to have a better response system in place that would show that we truly care about the injured athlete.
What you have described is far from a USATF issue... is has become endemic in our society. Lack of responsibility and fear of retribution. I trace this to a little known law that took effect in 1977, allowing lawyers to advertise. While on the surface this seems harmless, the ultimate outcome of this law is a litigious society in which people are either suing; being sued; or in fear of being sued. An incident like Nicole's prior to this law, would have brought a wave of support and care and action. Now it brings a wave of panic and concern for self-preservation. Very sad.
The posting above by George Seward, in which he describes the disqualification of midget and bantam relay teams is troubling. Our club runs in many local school and club competitions and the kids have a great time. When it comes to Jr. Olympics (the only USATF option we have), their anticipation turns to concern, as previous events have been less than harmonious. Our experience with association and regional-level JO meets has been one of critique and penalty... rather than education and development. It seems that the many officials feel that, although these are young children, obeying the rules of track & field (even if they differ from local events) is more important than enjoyment of the meet. One year we had a boys 4x400 relay entered in our association meet. Since it is the last event, they had to wait all day in the sun. When it came time for the race, they were the only team entered and our parents were the only spectators left. The team was placed in lane two and after the first handoff, our parents yelled to the runner to cut into the first lane, which is what we did at local meets. Although the runner was supposed to wait until the merge line, he got confused by the cheering and ran in lane one for his full lap. The race continued and the team finished with a satisfying time. We had no plans to move up to the regional meet and there were no other runners in the race... but a meet official disqualified the team and lectured the parents for interfering through their cheering. Nothing was gained from this episode, except four kids and their families were turned off, yet again, from attending Jr. Olympic events. Where is the "development" process for young kids to learn about the sport? If we are only about rules and not about fun... they'll probably just stick with the team sports.
Mr. Logan, as a coach and former athlete what you did was truly nobles. I was at the USATF Championship as a coach and was unaware of this incident. I am lost for words at your actions after the incident. I am sure Nicole Bush is not bitter after you put yourself in the forefront of a bad situation and did the only thing any honorable human being should do. My hat is off to you sir.
Thanks be to God for responding in such a positive way an owning up to the mistake made by the officials.Best wishes go out to the Bush family.It ismy sincere hope that the governing body of USATF here in Houston Texas learn how to own up to their mistakes. Im a coach with Track Houston Track Club and one of my athletes was not allowed to advnce to the Junior Olympics because officials made mistakes at qualifying and continued at championships an so he has to miss JOs although he won his race by some 20meters to read the whole story of Brett Soloman respond via email.
Doug, if you lead as effectively as you write, you're doing a great job.
The 7th hurdle in the 1st round ofthe womens 400mh at The 2007 USATF Championships was 3 inchs too high. No one was injured but mitakes like this souldn't be made on this lev of competition
Lets talk about prevention, so this doesnt happen again! I've seen over the course of 3 years of my daughters high school track, hurdles and barriers being set up with haste. It would seem to me there was a procedural breakdown in the setting up of the steeplechase. USTFA should set up a quality control procedure. It's very simple, use the old carpenters rule..."measure twice, cut once". In other words, set the barrier, someone checks them, than run the race...simple!!
Way to man up, Mr. Logan. You're a straight shooter.
As a Master Official for 20 years, I am appalled that this could happen at a National Championships...and at the mecca of US Track and Field...Hayward Field.
Our USATF Officials Associations need to be more receptive to those who want to join our organization. I see too much "cronyism" and
elitism" in our ranks. We shoul be mentoring and educating those who want to join us, not "block the door" to their entering our ranks. My gosh, we receive little or no compensation to do what we love...provide a fair and equitable athletic venue
I must say this is the first time I have read any of your blogs, and I am impressed. More so with how you stood up and took responsiblity. I am just an old fart that just joined the Masters level USATF last year, I assure you I will remain a member even if I never win a race. I am actually recruiting more former tracksters to join. I would like to see more Master level competition.
Finally, we have a "mensch" in our governing TRack and Field body. This is the first time in four decades that I have witnessed the identification of an error. The problems seem mostly to center around a lack of communication and respect of communication at many levels. Thank you Mr. Logan for doing what you're doing and communicating at all levels. Thank you for showing a human side of our sport to the Nicole Bush family in particular.
Interesting that the discussion leads to officials treatment. As a master official, I have applied ten different times to work a national meet, and not been picked ten times. No more. I will be content to work my 45-60 local meets (ms,hs,age-group, masters), and let the 'good old boys' have their games.
I was involved with USATF on a small scale for a while in the 90's. My overwhelming impression is that Track & Field is filled with two types of people: 1. fanatics who follow it with cult-like passion and tend to ignore larger realities, and 2. little men who think it's cool to play bigwig in what they pretend is a major sport. The first group I don't mind, though they could benefit greatly from getting a clue), the latter group is killing the sport, and they are the ones Mr. Logan describes here. We need to cut them out mercilessly. (Okay, there are plenty of honest, dedicated, and capable people, too, but there are way too many of the type I mentioned above.)
Thank you for your actions and concerns.
USATF MUST ALWAYS PUT THE WELL-BEING OF ITS CURRENT ATHLETES FIRST !!!!!!!!
Not the fans, not the networks, not the National Champ from 13 years ago, not the board members, and not ME.
I take full and complete responsibility for my words here and the rest of my life.
Its time for USATF to do the same.
Several years ago while coaching a local girls t/f team I had an experience somewhat similar in nature. Our girls 4x100 relay was DQ'ed for a zone infraction in zone 3. I was standing in the middle of the infield at about the 35-40 yard line of the football line markings closest to the finish line, so I could not definitively say that the girls didn't pass out of the zone. From where I was standing I had marked off an object in the background as the place where the relay zone began. From my perspective it seemed as if the girls passed the baton about 3-4 meters into the zone. When we were DQ'ed I was shocked/dismayed and sought out the meet referee for an explanation of the infraction. When told that it was a zone violation I immediately asked to speak to the official who made the call and was informed that it was not possible to question the official because the referee didn't want me to intimidate the official. When I pleaded with the referee he stood his ground because of his fear that I would intimidate the official. When I countered with "You could come with me and be there when I ask the question." The referee stood his ground. When I said to him that when a long jumper fouls in an attempt the official will volunteer to the athlete where on the board his foot was so the athlete could adjust his next run up to the board. My question re the zone violation is equivalent the long jumper's fouled attempt. The referee just shrugged his shoulders and walked away with his head down. This is just another example of officials protecting their own. When we make mistakes we are held accountable. But if we as coaches feel the officials have made a mistake, we are not allowed to question them? What kind of logic is that? To this day I will give that referee a cold stare when I see him at track meets, even though I will be cordial and respond to his "Hello Eli" by replying with his first name.
You are the kind of leader that I am proud to associate with. With your example and teaching, I hope we can correct the behavior you address in this posting.
Although I have officiated at the high school level for many years, I only became a USATF official a few years ago. I have been a soccer official for many years. In my opinion, USATF officials are 20 to 25 years behind soccer in terms of organization, certification, and training. Other than one guy muttering to another, there is no evaluation of an official's performance. We have a long way to go in terms of officials.
However, the angry parent coming to demand an explanation from a volunteer official is not the way to improve that official's performance or even the way to resolve a problem. It is certainly the way to not have volunteer certified officials come back next time.
Officials will make mistakes, just as athletes and coaches do. Unfortunately, sometimes athletes, coaches, parents and/or spectators will sometimes think that an official made a mistake when they didn't. One quickly hits major philosophical questions about to whom an official is responsible. The parent? The athlete? The coach? The meet referee? USATF? Who has the right to an explanation? Even if they offer anyone and everyone an explanation, how many times would the complaintant accept the answer? As Chico Marx said, "Well, who you gonna believe? Me or your own eyes?" Even in the event that a mistake is acknowledged, a "do over," at least at a certain level, particularly in a running event, is a less than perfect solution, if only for the other athletes. "I put everything I had into that 400 and now some guy in street clothes says I have to do it again?" I don't have a solution here, but I think there are other considerations to some of the complaints.
Good article.
That said, "Hot Fuss" is clearly The Killers' best album.
I agree Mr. Logan, I challenge myself to confront things even if it feels a little awkward in the beginning. Good Words
I agree with Joe and Dennis on the above statement. Since Amanda's departure, Coaching Education has taken a tremendous dive downwards. Many of us heard the organization had the chance to keep her, but neglected too. Disappointing considering she was the driving force behind reviving the Coaching Education Program and assisting many important aspects of High Performance. Sadly, these are the areas that we need to improve upon in order to even consider winning medals and accomplishing Project 30 . Mr. Logan, many of us and I know she touched many athletes at the Junior and Senior levels would love to see her back. PLEASE, PLEASE consider it and contact her.
Keep working hard Doug. You've done an awesome job so far!
Our sport is in great hands with your leadership. Keep up the wonderful work, it will inspire others to do the same. Was excited to spread the word of your deeds to other women runners at WomenRunningTogether.com
I'm so glad to read this. We watched the race and noticed the limp Ms. Bush had after landing. We also read that Jenny Berringer attempt to warn runners after her first jump and to notify officials who ignored her. The manner in which the event was handled was unprofessional and irresponsible. I hope that there will be safeguards put in place to ensure it doesn't happen again and that someone is called on their bad decision because that's the way it should be.
Excellent blog. Very well put.
Accountability and responsibility are key components of all human interactions in a civilized society. The 'What' and 'Why' of any gathering, be it a sporting event or any other, should always be subordinate to the 'How' where 'How' is the manner in which we conduct ourselves with one another.
Your actions reflect great character on your part. I'm proud to participate in a sport and an organization that you're affiliated with.
Doug I really praise this article that shows the integrity of the leaders of our organization. I have been running for over 25 years now and am excited at getting to training once again to be competitive in the master's divisions and it really makes me feel excited that we have someone with your integrity at the helm. Keep the good work up and if you ever need a volunteer shoot me an email.
Dear Mr. Logan, I praise you with your sincere honesty and
courage, in identifying what is happening to us as a people, thank you for your humility and courage.
Since 1991, I have probably attended more level 2 and level 3 coaching clinics than anyone except those organizing or giving instructions.
In level 1, a token short sessions on philosophy of sports. level twos- one lecture on value system in 9 days of clinic. Level 3, only once, a D1 coach had the moral courage to admit that the reason why he/she got to be where he/she is (enviable top D1 job) because of mistakes and intensity of his/her younger coaching "winning" years; winning coaches all had "blood" on their hands. (his/her words)
Years ago, I send a letter to Indianapolis urging our sports NOT to follow the money sports; that we should be in the only and best position to be the exemplar of human/Olympic ideals. ( Even if the original Greek Olympics were corrupted from the get go)
It's somewhat comforting and encouraging to see so many kindred spirit responding to Mr. Logan's courageous writing. But make no mistakes, we are in the very minority. Just like woman issues, body image and eating disorder, we are fighting a long, sad cultural history- a by product of some of our glories american values. We all know where the conflicts are. Including myself, we all put half an eye blinders on and continue to ride the momentum of our "success"
The challenge to Mr. Logan and all the leaders in our society- how to develop more true leaders at all levels.
When will we have our own Mallory Holtman story in track? And when will it become the norm and not the exception? Why should club and HS coaches worship D1 coaches instead of Mallory's coach?
Thanks for reading this venting. I don't want to leave the impression that I have the answers. I am lucky to be in the position to love and give to our sports and OUR kids. And not have to get a dime or ego boost back.
We must end our sense of entitlement and privilege in USATF management/officiating and remember we are in "service" to the athletics and coaches. Your comments should be repeated from the top on down to individual officers and officials of each USATF association
Ego driven people have always found a way into the governing body of USATF.
USATF has not been a caring organization. It has been an elite body of individuals. Both the coaches and athletes reserve their elite positions in this
organization.
Thanks for being a caring person.
Hola Senor Logan,
Usted est haciendo algo correcto.
We are doing something right - USATF Coaching Education Level I:
I just completed the USATF Coaching Education School Level I at the University of Colorado. Kudos to the University of CO, USATF Coaching Education Director - Mike Corn, USATF Coaching coordinator - Tamara Ards and all of the Instructors - Dr. Ralph Vernacchia, Rob Graham, Dr. Jack Ransone, Boo Scheznayder, Tommy Badon, Al Schmidt and Dr. Larry Judge. The class was outstanding and I recommend all USATF Club coaches take this class. As a matter of fact, it should be a requirement like the USATF membership.
We are doing something WRONG - Official's Certification process at the national and association level:
Also, as a USATF certified official, the process that is in place is in a very sad state. It takes up to 8 months to get certified in our association. In 2008, I encouraged and recruited 8 new officials to join our association and become certified officials and it took 6 to 8 months for them to get certified after the paperwork was submitted. We need to hold certification chairs accountable and need to change the certification processes at the National level. We heard every excuse in the book why it took so long to get certified. This is not acceptable and it's obvious that many positions at the association level are all about entitlement and power.
Minority representation within USATF What have we done?
About three to four months ago, I read an editorial in USA Today by our President, Ms. Hightower correcting the article that USATF was left out regarding a sports organization with a large minority representation (people of color) at the National level and within our association ranks. It's time for us (starting at the top) to take charge and make the changes to right the USATF ship! President Hightower, I challenge you to jump on board with Senor Logan and take us to the TOP!
A person of color - Hispanic
Dear Doug,
There is a tone set by the leader of every organization. There are circumstances that are powerless and there are those that you can do something about. I would have taken the podium and pointed out the error and that she was hurt. You don't have to have the race over but put it right out there as the director thank her for her courage and determination for finishing with broken bones, AND that the height was an issue... AND that the rules do not allow you to repeat the event. It is amazing how people change their opinions when they are guided by leadership.
the mistakes in the steeplechase were reprehensible; so was the wrong placement of a 400-hurdle flight at the Carson Adidas meet. we officials have soul-searching to do after those incidents.
however, I'd like to respond to George Seward and Jim Keller (posting above): without answering for the officials' silence, it sounds like these athletes' coaches didn't prepare them (or their parents, in the lone-team relay incident) very well for the compeition. after all Junior Olympics ARE supposed to be a championship tournament, not a day for letting things slide in the interest of everybody having fun. (OTOH I don't understand how a high jumper could only be credited with an effort 30 cm below his or her best clearance....this should have been subject to a protest as soon as the results were posted.)
One area of track meets which is often done incorrectly is the recording of lap times in races of 300m or more. Keeping a record of laps completed is particularly difficult for masters meets where there is a wide spread of ages, and thus speeds, in the longer races. When you have competitors of ages 60 to 95, as we did in the recent National Masters Track Championships in Oshkosh, mistakes were made. Thirty minutes before the mens 5,000 I asked the only official near the finish line how they intended to keep track of each entrants number of laps completed. When he showed me the forms that they had and said that each laps would be "checked" off I pointed out that checking off laps is very prone to mistakes. The most common mistake being over counting the laps, usually because the lap counter gets distracted and checks off a lap twice instead of once.
A far better way to keep track of laps is to create a form with laps to go (12, 11, ..., 3, 2, 1, for the 5000 or 24, 23, 22, ...,3, 2, 1 for the 10000) either in columns or rows with a space for the time beside of below the corresponding lap to go. This time need only be accurate enough to show in a glance that a lap was completed in a reasonable time. Unfortunately, they were not prepared to get enough officials and volunteers to do this before the race started. In the 70-74 age group the person in 6th place was incorrectly told to stop a lap short, putting him in 2nd place (Later disqualified). In the 75-79 age group the leader was also told to stop a lap short. In his case, he had lapped the person in 2nd place so he was given the 1st place award, but with no time.
The women's 5000 followed with some entrants sent extra laps. The following day in the 5000 walk there were more lap recording problems. By the third day, the officials were in much better shape for the two 10000m races and I believe there were no mistakes. However many athletes had recruited spouses or friends to record.
I want to applaud Jack Nelson for his comments above: Get rid of the attitude of entitlement and adopt one of service... especially for the young athletes that we hope will make track & field a lifelong endeavor. At the same time, I must express disappointment at the comments by Bruce Colman. Your attitude about rules enforcement over enjoyment is exactly the problem. You refer the junior olympic events as championships, but since many regions have no other USATF events other than junior olympics... they must also serve as developmental grassroots events. The level of competition at our association meet is generally far below that of events we secure for ourselves with other schools or clubs. Because these are not USATF events, the rules vary, which makes it tough for that young athletes and for the volunteer coaches. JO's are a great place for the kids to learn these rules, but not via ridicule and disqualification (my 4x4 example above is just one of many). If we told the kids they could attend an alternate meet to the JO's, I am sure that they would choose to do it -- they do not enjoy the meet. But since it is the only way to advance, we continue to participate. I can tell from your response, that you are one of the many officials who like to say, "Read the Rule Book". What I'm looking for is the grassroots organization in track that teaches the rules as part of the fun... not just enforces them.
Jim Keller: I take your point. but the JO's are a three-meet series that start AFTER the high school and club season--at least in my Association, Pacific. It sounds like that's the same in your region. If success in meets in June is important to you and your athletes, again, prepping your people for USATF practice should be part of your routine. or., go the games committee and say, we want this run as an allcomers for fun and learning gpurposes...personally, officiating open athletes, youth, high school, whatever, I do go by the book--but I'll answer any question or any argument (reasonably put, anyway) and cut some slack as needed so the competitors and I and the volunteers will have a good experience. (for example, at our association JOs, officiating the vault, I had a kid, five or six bars in, take his first trial before being called up and out of order--h'ed just taken warm-up runs that he hhad earned. I said, we'll pretend I didn't see that, rather than fouling him. kid then no-heighted, but that's another story) I always explain the rules before we start competing. and most officials here in Pacific are the same. as I say, I can't speak for the officials in your scene...certainly we haven't heard their side. but you don't sign up for lLittle League and say
sorry, hit "post" before finishing...you don't sign up for Little League and say, I want them to use a soft ball...
Jim Keller, George Seward:
I have further thoughts on these subjects--which are quite important, as you both say--but Doug Logan's blog is not necessarily the place to discuss them. If you'd like, please contact me directly at chairbc@earthlink.net
I loved your blog and Im glad this is getting attention of USATF. we live in north carolina and my two kids were kicked off track team after going to Nebraska. All because I contacted the USATF which did nothin. USATF needs to back their parents and athletes
Thank you Mr. Logan for your candor! However, I now see USATF officials reacting to the possible "liability" issues regarding the steeple, rather than the bigger picture. Even though JO kids were practicing high jump and hurdles in prep for Nationals today at A&T, my daughter was told (by a national office official) that she could NOT practice on even a stationary (non-water jump) steeple because of "liability concerns." This isn't about the liability of the steeple....so don't penalize steeplechasers! Thanks for listening.
Another outstanding blog. How refreshing to hear the head of a sports organization talking about doing what is morally right instead of what is expedient, stepping up and taking responsibility instead of shirking it. If MLB had this kind of leadership it wouldn't have a steroid problem. Can't wait for your next blog (now I've got to go to iTunes to see what I'm missing by not listening to the Killers ...).
T&F might be the only sport where one can become a certified official without any practical examination - in fact, it is possible to become certified without even having seen a track meet. That is ridiculous! Every other sport I have seen requires potential officials to be observed and rated by experienced observers before they are given their official's card. The blatant disregard and/or misinterpretation/misapplication of rules I have seen over the years could fill a book as big as the Rules of Competition. A practical exam should be the first reform instituted by the Officials Committee at this year's Annual Meeting if they want to regain any sense of credibility.
"...this would not happen again." We're eager to hear how that promise will be kept. We're also eager to hear how management feels about the issues raised here. Are these points going to be addressed?
Long Jump Officiating at the National meet was very inconsistent. Officials were paying attention to the take off point of a bantam girl jumper and gave her a record mark, when she should have either scratched or been 3 feet shorter due to her take off between the 1st and 2nd board.
They measured her from the 1st board even though she had stepped past it. The whole crowd tried to get the officials attention to no avail, and they continued with the next jump. This was similar to the incident with our long jumper recieving a short mark. (I misspoke when I said high jumper)
This is fast moving sport and we must need more eyes on the jumpers take off and landing points.
As the Cuban poet of the late 1800's, Jose' Marti' once wrote,"It is necessary to make virtue fashionable." Doug Logan's compassion towards the injured athlete in question should set an example for all involved in track and field and hopefully not change from season to season as do wardrobe styles...
Unfortunately, you had a terrible mistake made at the Junior Olympics and frankly it is embarrasing to your organization. A Bantam girl jumped 11'10" in the Long Jump and your official measured to the back board of 8' instead of the 3' forward board. Parents and coaches tried to make them aware but your expert officials ignored them and gave a gold medal and national record (16'10") to a girl who only jumps 11'10". That to me sums up USATF in a nutshell.
To be taken even slightly seriously, USATF needs to address issues like this regardless of how much time has passed and what the process/rules state. A terrible mistake was made and doing things right is far more important than anything else.
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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
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