Selection Procedures - Track & Field

As of 5/23/05; Pending final approval by the USOC; subject to change

1. Selection System
   1. The minimum eligibility requirements for an athlete to be considered for nomination to the Team:
      1. Citizenship:
         Athletes must be eligible to represent the U.S. in International competition and be a U.S. citizen prior to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. In addition, athletes must hold a valid U.S. Passport by July 23rd, 2008.
      2. Minimum IF standards for participation (if any):
         All athletes nominated to the Olympic Team will have to meet the IAAF and IOC qualification standards.
      3. Other requirements:
         Athletes must be a USA Track & Field member in good standing at the time of the selection competition.

         Nominated athletes are required to sign a USA Track & Field Statement of Conditions for participation. (USATF reserves the right to amend the Statement of Conditions subject to USOC approval. (See Attachment A))

         In order to qualify for nomination to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, athletes must compete in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials event except for relay team participation or qualification (See Section II. Discretionary Selection).

   2. Provide a brief summary outlining how an athlete is selected as a nominee to the Team (include maximum team size).

      The philosophy of USATF is to send the maximum number of athletes allowed by IAAF rules. The maximum team size is 141. USATF selection process is designed to have athletes select themselves in individual events. As it relates to relay events, the selection process provides Olympic coaches with the discretion necessary to select the best possible relay team.

      The following criteria will be used to nominate athletes to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team in individual events: 1) an athlete's rank order of finish in a designated event at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials; 2) athletes that have achieved the Olympic "A" or "B" qualification standard.

   3. Tryout Sites and Events:
      1. Provide the event names, dates and location of all trials, events and/or camps to be used as part of the selection process.
         1. Track & Field Events:
            2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field
            Eugene, OR
            June 27th - July 6th, 2008
         2. Men's 50 km Race Walk:
            2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's 50 km Race Walk
            Date and site TBD
      2. Provide event names, dates, locations and description of how athletes qualify for any "preliminary or qualifying" events or procedures that are prerequisites to attend any of the events listed above in C. 1 (if any).
         
         The trials for selection to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team will be the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field held in Eugene, OR, June 27th - July 6th, 2008 for all events except the men's 50 km race walk. The men's 50 km race walk team will be selected at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's 50 km Race Walk at a site and date yet to be determined. Athletes will be notified of the site at least 60 days prior to the event.

         Track & Field Events: To qualify to participate in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field, an athlete must have achieved a qualifying mark established by USATF (qualifying standards will be ratified at the 2006 USATF annual meeting and posted on USATF's web site by January 1, 2007) in a national or international meet which is sanctioned or recognized by either USATF or the IAAF and is conducted under the rules of same. Such a qualifying mark must be achieved during a time period (July 1, 2007 through June 22, 2008, qualifying period will be ratified at the 2006 USATF annual meeting and will be posted on USATF's web site www.usatf.org immediately following the 2006 annual meeting) prescribed by the USATF Men's and Women's Track & Field Committees.

         Men's 50 km Race Walk: To qualify to participate in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's 50 km Race Walk, an athlete must have achieved a qualifying mark established by USATF (qualifying standards will be ratified at the 2006 USATF annual meeting and posted on USATF's web site by January 1, 2007) in a national or international race which is sanctioned or recognized by either USATF or the IAAF and is conducted under the rules of same. Such a qualifying mark must be achieved during a time period (qualifying period will be ratified at the 2006 annual meeting and will be posted on USATF's web site www.usatf.org immediately following the 2006 annual meeting) prescribed by the USATF Race Walk Committee.

         Men's and Women's Marathon has a separate set of selection procedures that can be found at: http://www.usatf.org/events/2008/OlympicGames/entry/.

   4. Provide a comprehensive, step-by-step description of the method that explains how athletes will go through the selection process to become team nominees.
      
      The following criteria will be used to nominate athletes to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team in Individual events: 1) an athlete's rank order of finish in a designated event at the 2008 U.S Olympic Team Trials; 2) Athletes that have achieved the Olympic "A" or "B" qualification standard. (See Exhibit I for scenarios)
      1. Rank Order of Finish: All athletes competing in a 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials event will be assigned a rank based upon the order of finish for that event. An athlete must compete in each event in which s/he is entered in order to be assigned a rank. Rank order of finish for an individual event will be established as follows:
         • Running events: 1) Athletes participating in the final round of competition will be assigned a rank based upon their place finish in the final of that event: 2) Athletes that did not qualify for the finals will establish their rank order position based on the fastest time achieved in the semi-final round; and 3) Athletes that did not qualify for the semi-finals will establish their rank order position based on the fastest time achieved in the preliminary rounds. An athlete's final ranking will be based upon the highest round completed by an athlete. For relay events see section II.
         • Field events: 1) Athletes participating in the final round of competition will be assigned a rank based upon their place-finish in the finals; 2) Athletes that did not qualify for the finals will establish their rank order position based on the athlete's best mark achieved in the qualifying round. An athlete's ranking will be based upon the highest round completed by an athlete. If there is a tie in a field event, excluding the high jump and pole vault, the tie will be broken by selecting the athlete with the best second mark in that round of competition. Ties in the high jump and pole vault will be broken by a jump off, to the extent that it is necessary to nominate a team member in that particular event.
      2. Olympic "A" or "B" Standard: The top Ranked Order Finishers as defined in I(D)(1) (minimum of 1 maximum of 3) who have achieved the "A" or "B" standard by the end of their event at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, will be nominated to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team on July 8, 2008. Per IAAF rules only (1) one "B" qualifier can be nominated to the Olympic Team in each event discipline. This "B" qualifier will be the highest placing "B" qualifier in rank order finish. (See Attachment B - Athlete Selection Criteria.)
   5. Provide the names of all committees/groups who oversee the selection process, including the name(s) and role(s) of their members.

      (See Section XI)

2. Discretionary Selection (if applicable)
   1. Provide rationale for utilizing discretionary selection (if any):

      Relay Team members are the only athletes who will be selected utilizing discretionary selection. The IAAF allows countries to send six (6) relay pool participants to the Olympic Games for the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. The IAAF also requires that four (4) of the six (6) entered in the relay pool be the four (4) sprinters that are entered in the 100 meters and the 400m meters respectively at the Olympic games.

      This requires USATF to select two (2) athletes to fill out the remaining relay pool slots. Depending on who the four (4) sprinters in the relay pool are, it is imperative that the remaining two (2) discretionary slots are filled by athletes who have the ability and skills that complement the other relay pool members.

   2. List the discretionary criteria and explain how it will be used:

      The decision to place the two athletes in the relay pool will be based on the Relay Coach(es)' judgment of that athlete's ability to contribute to the success of the relay team. The Relay Coach(es) will also take the following into consideration: 1) the athlete's ability to pass and receive the baton with either hand; 2) the athlete's ability to run the turn and/or straight leg; and 3) the athlete's availability and willingness to attend relay camps and practices 4) athlete's times run at the appropriate distances 5) the athletes Olympic and World Championship relay experience.

      In order to qualify for nomination to the 2008 Olympic Relay Pool (remaining 2 slots), athletes must compete in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track and Field unless excused for unforeseen circumstances prior to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track and Field by the chair of the appropriate sports committee. This provision should only be utilized in extreme cases and such athlete should have demonstrated Olympic and or World Championship medal performances as wells as meeting the basic critique stated in the previous paragraph.

   3. Discretionary Selection Committee

      The Head Coach, Relay Coach, the High Performance Director and the AAC Chair (or his/her designee) will make the final selection of the remaining two relay pool athletes. If the AAC chair chooses to use a designee that designee must meet the definition of an athlete as defined by the USOC.

3. Removal of Athletes
   1. Prior to acceptance of nomination by the USOC, USA Track & Field has jurisdiction over potential nominees.

      An athlete who is to be nominated to the Team by USA Track & Field may be removed from the Nominations for any of the following reasons, as determined by USA Track & Field.

      • Voluntary withdrawal. Athlete must submit a written letter to USA Track & Field CEO.
      • Injury or illness as certified by an NGB physician (or medical staff). If an athlete refuses verification of their illness or injury by an NGB physician (or medical staff), their injury will be assumed to be disabling and they may be removed.
      • Violation of USA Track & Field's Statement of Conditions. - (See Attachment A)
        
        An athlete who may be removed from the Team pursuant to this provision has the right to a hearing per USA Track & Field's Bylaws Article 19 and Regulation 11 or USOC Bylaws, Article 9.
   2. After acceptance of nomination by the USOC, the USOC has jurisdiction over The Team under the USOC Code of Conduct and Grievance Procedures. This occurs no earlier than 45 days and no later than 30 days prior to the Opening Ceremonies of the Games (unless expressly waived by the USOC).

      A USOC approved team member is subject to the USOC Code of Conduct and Grievance Procedures.

   3. An athlete may be removed from Nomination or from the Team at any time for violation of IOC, WADA, IAAF, USADA and/or USOC anti-doping protocol, policies and procedures. In such instances, the adjudication process will be managed through the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
4. Replacement of Athletes
   1. Describe the process by which the replacement pool of athletes will be identified:

      The replacement pool of athletes will consist of athletes who competed in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field or Men's 50 km Race Walk unless for relays s/he has previously received a waiver excusing them from participation in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

   2. Describe how the replacement athlete(s) will be selected should a vacancy occur:

      An athlete who withdraws from the team due to illness, injury or for any other reason, or fails to abide by the USOC Code of Conduct, after the final entry date will be replaced by the next eligible athlete who has achieved the Olympic Games qualifying standard, in rank order finish from the selection competition (Olympic Team Trials). The replacement athlete will be required to sign a statement of conditions for participation. (See Attachment A)

      In individual event disciplines, the alternate position will be filled by the next rank order finisher who has achieved the "A" standard by the end of their event at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials unless, all (3) three of the nominated team members for that event discipline had achieved the "A" standard by the end of their event discipline at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. In the latter case the alternate position will be filled by the next ranked order finisher who has achieved the "A" or "B" standard by the end of their event at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

      If there are no "A" qualifiers remaining on the ranked order list the next placing athlete who has achieved the "B" standard by the end of their event at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials will be nominated as the alternate.

      If any of the available U.S. Olympic Team positions are not filled, USATF will list up to (3) three athletes per event (if approved by the IAAF) in rank order finish, who will have the opportunity to achieve the "A" or "B" standard in competitions held subsequent to the 2008 U.S Olympic Team Trials , but prior to the final date established by the IAAF on which an athlete can achieve the Olympic qualifying standard.

   3. Identify the group or committee that will be responsible for making athlete replacement determinations:
      
      n/a
5. Supporting Documents
   
   USA Track & Field will retain all supporting documents, including scouting or evaluation forms, etc., and data from the selection process for six months past the date of the Closing Ceremonies of the Games.
6. Required Documents
   
   The following documents are required to be signed by an athlete as a condition of nomination to the Olympic Team and are included as attachments.

   The Statement of Conditions will be signed by nominated athletes. (See Attachment A.)

7. Publicity/Distribution of Procedures
   
   The USOC approved Selection Procedures (complete and unaltered) will be posted/published by USA Track & Field in the following locations and will include the USOC approval date:
   1. USA Track & Field website: www.usatf.org/elite
      The website information will be posted as soon as possible, but not more than 5 business days following notice of approval by the USOC.
   2. USA Track & Field Official Publication: Elite Beat magazine, distributed to more than 1,000 athletes
   3. Other:
      • E-mail: direct e-mail to athletes; more than 1,000 athlete e-mail addresses on file
      • E-mail: direct e-mail to USATF certified athlete representatives
      • Entry Booklet: selection procedures will be clearly defined in the selection competition entry booklet which will be published in January 2008
8. Date of Nomination

   The nomination of athletes form, including replacements, will be submitted to the USOC on or before July 8, 2008.

9. Mandatory Training and/or Competition

   All athletes will be notified (via USATF's web site) at least 45 days prior to the 2008 U.S Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field if there are any mandatory training scheduled to take place prior to the 2008 Olympic Games. For security purposes USATF will not post any training camp location information on the USATF's web site www.usatf.org.

10. Anti-Doping Requirements
    
    Athletes must adhere to all IOC, WADA, IAAF, USADA and USOC anti-doping protocols, policies and procedures. This includes participation in in and out-of- competition testing as required by the IOC, WADA, IAAF, USADA and USOC Rules.
11. Development of Selection Procedures
    
    The following committee/group was responsible for creating these selection procedures:

    The selection and nomination process to the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team were approved by the High Performance Chair and the Men's and Women's Track & Field Executive Committees.

    Men's Track & Field Executive Committee
    Chair: John Chaplin
    Vice Chair: Harry Groves
    Secretary: Alan Kolling (non-voting)
    USTCA: David Harris
    Rules: Ed Gorman
    Standards: Bob Podkaminer
    L&L: Alan Kolling
    Officials: Joe Gentry
    Development: Brad Hackett

    High Schools: John Hemmer
    Jr. Colleges: Al Hobbs
    Associations: Tim Baker
    Clubs: Skip Stolley
    Meet Directors: Tracy Sundlun
    Agents: John Cook
    At large: Terry Crawford

    Athletes
    Teddy Mitchell
    Jamie Nieto
    Jarred Rome
    Gary Morgan
    Antonio Pettigrew

    Women's Track & Field Executive Committee
    Chair: Stephanie Hightower
    Secretary: Rich Torrellas
    Officials: Carol Coram
    USATC: Terry Crawford
    USOC: Evie Dennis
    NCAA: Karen Dennis
    LDR: Julia Emmons
    Development: Sue Humphrey
    IAAF: Dee Jensen
    High Performance: Brooks Johnson
    Rules: Bert Lyle
    Heptathlon: Craig Poole
    NCAA: Connie Price-Smith
    Juniors: Rita Somerlot
    Cross Country: Anne Timmons
    Clubs: Cedric Walker
    L & L: Cliff Wiley
    Sports Science: Danny Williams

    Athletes appointed by the AAC Chair:
    Stephanie Brown
    Stacy Dragila
    Delisa Floyd
    Tongula Givens
    Marsha Horan
    Latanya Sheffield
    Sasha Spencer
    Angie Taylor

12. NGB Bylaws and Grievance Procedures
    
    The USA Track & Field Bylaws and Grievance Procedures can be found at www.usatf.org/about/governance/
13. International Disclaimer
    
    These procedures are based on IOC and/or IAAF rules and regulations as presently known and understood. Any change in the selection procedures caused by a change in IOC and/or IAAF rules and regulations will be distributed to the affected athletes immediately. The selection criteria are based on the latest information available to USA Track & Field. However, the selections are always subject to unforeseen, intervening circumstances, and realistically may not have accounted for every possible contingency.
14. Athlete Ombudsman
    
    Athletes who have questions regarding their opportunity to compete that are not answered by USA Track & Field may contact the USOC Athlete Ombudsman: John W. Ruger by:
    • Toll-free telephone at (888) ATHLETE
    • E-mail at john.ruger@usoc.org
    • www.888athlete.org

Attachment A

USATF National Team Athlete Statement of Conditions (PDF)

Attachment B

Athlete Selection Scenarios:

Scenarios listed in Exhibit I are base on the top 8 finishers in any final. Marks and times in preceding rounds may still affect the selection however the same principles would apply.

Scenarios I and II below represent a situation where a "B athlete" finishes 4th. As prescribe by USATF's selection procedures the replacement athlete would be the next place athlete who has achieved the "A" standard unless the 1st, 2nd & 3rd place finishers achieved the "A" standard. In the latter case the IAAF will allow the "4th place B" to substitute for any of the top three place finishers.

Scenario I

Scenario II

In scenario III, the 3rd place "B" is skipped and the 4th place "A" athlete is nominated to the team based on the IAAF allowing only one "B" athlete to compete in an event. As in scenario II the replacement athlete would be the next "A" standard athlete in rank order finish. The rational is that on July 7th there is no guarantee that a "B" athlete would achieve the Olympic Games standard by the end of the qualifying period and therefore he/she would not be able to replace an "A" qualified athlete if such replacement is necessary. This rational is shown again in scenario IV.

Scenario III

Scenario IV

In scenario V the 6th place "A" is nominated to the team and the 5th place "B" is the replacement athlete. As in USATF's selection procedures if there are no "A" qualifiers remaining on the ranked order list the next placing athlete who has achieved the 'B" standard by the end of their event at the U.S. Olympic Trials will be nominated as the alternate. If USATF selected the "3rd place NS athlete" as the alternate there would be no guarantee that he/she would achieve the standard before the qualifying period. This would leave USATF without a qualified replacement athlete for that event. USATF does understand that the "5th place B" can only replace the "1st place B" unless he/she achieved the "A" standard during the qualifying period. (note: NS = No Standard)

Scenario V

In scenario VI the next placing "B" qualified athlete becomes the replacement athlete, since there is no guarantee that the "2nd place NS athlete" would be able to achieve the standard. If the IAAF allows, USATF would put the two "NS athletes" names in the system in hopes that they reach they can obtain the Olympic "A" standard and be nominated to the team. To remain consistent if either "NS athlete" achieved the Olympic "B" standard between the U.S. Olympic Team Trials and the end of the qualifying period they would not replace the 4th place "B" athlete as the Replacement Athlete.

Scenario VI

* Note: That 3 and 4 are only nominated to the team unless the achieved the "A" standard during the qualifying period.