Athlete Representatives Newsletter

January 2006 Issue:

• National Office Liaison Update
• Annual Meeting Recap
• USATF announces 2006 Indoor Visa Championship Series
• USA Cross Country Championships
• AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships
• USA Indoor Combined Events Championships
• IAAF World Indoor Championships
• Phone Number Update
• AAR Enrollment Update
• USADA Athlete Forms Due

National Office Liaison Update

USA Track & Field gladly announces that Kari Pinnock will now serve as the USATF liaison for the Authorized Athlete Representatives Program, under the guidance of Michael Conley.

Many of you have worked with Kari over the last couple of years as the AAR program has re-vamped its certification process. We look forward to Kari continuing to work closely with you both from the national office and at events to provide the highest level of customer service. Kari will oversee the implementation of the educational seminars and other updates to the agents programs.

For those of you who do not already have Kari's contact information - her direct-dial number is 317-713-4684 or you can e-mail her at Kari.Pinnock@usatf.org.

Annual Meeting Recap

At the 2005 USATF Annual Meeting, legislation governing authorized athlete representatives was amended. Below is the new language that is now in effect.

REGULATION 16 - AUTHORIZATION OF ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVES

1. Authority: In accordance with IAAF Competition Rule 7, USATF shall authorize Athletes' Representatives to assist athletes in planning, arranging and negotiating their competition programs under the following procedures.
2. Applicability: Athletes' Representatives who represent United States athletes must be authorized by USATF under this regulation to assist United States athletes in planning, arranging and negotiating their competition programs.
3. Authorization application: Athletes' Representatives shall obtain authorization through USATF by submitting a fully completed USATF Athletes' Representative application form along with applicable fees set by the Board. Athletes' Representatives acting solely for foreign athletes, shall not be required to pay any fee for authorization to act on behalf of their clients, but shall be offered the option to purchase any benefits package offered to Athletes' Representatives authorized by USATF under this regulation.
4. Criminal background screening: Individuals wishing to be authorized under this regulation to represent United States athletes shall be required to submit to and successfully to complete USATF's criminal background screening process.
5. State license: Any USATF-authorized Athletes' Representative who has a principal place of business in the United States shall maintain a license to act as an athlete agent in that place of business, if required by state law.
6. Professional license: USATF-authorized Athletes' Representatives who are licensed professionals in the fields of accounting, law, real estate, finance, banking, investment advising, or consulting shall be required to be in good standing with the relevant professional licensing body.
7. Education: All first-time applicants for authorization by USATF to act as Athlete Representatives shall attend a USATF Athlete Representative seminar within one year after applying. USATF shall provide all USATF-Authorized Representatives with educational materials reflecting updates in rules and practices at least annually, and may require that the Authorized Athlete Representative return completed questionnaires demonstrating knowledge of the materials covered.
8. Agent screening committee: The USATF President, after consulting with the Chair of the Athletes Advisory Committee, shall appoint a three-person Agent Screening Committee, consisting of one professional athlete in Athletics, one USATF-authorized Athletes' Representative with at least 10 years' experience, and one other person with a legal or business background. The President shall also appoint an alternate for each position. The Agent Screening Committee's duties shall include:
   1. Review applications for authorization;
   2. Review criminal background reports which contain adverse information about an applicant;
   3. Grant or deny authorization to applicants.
9. Application review and appeal: After an applicant submits a fully completed application, the following procedures shall apply:
   1. Initial review: The Elite Athlete Programs Department of USATF shall review the application for completeness and return any incomplete application form for completion and resubmission.
   2. Background screening: A criminal background screening search report shall be ordered for each applicant. After the initial background screening, additional background screening shall take place only if more than two years have elapsed since the last background screening report ordered by USATF.
   3. Approval: An individual whose application or background screening report reveals no adverse information, and who has met all other requirements outlined above, shall be authorized by USATF as an Athletes' Representative.
   4. Explanation request: USATF shall request that an individual whose application or background screening report reveals adverse information, or who has not met one or more of the other requirements set forth above, provide an explanation to the Agent Screening Committee. The Committee may, but need not request that the applicant appear before it, in person or by telephone conference.
   5. Action after explanation request: The Agent Screening Committee shall accept or deny the application after affording the applicant an opportunity to provide an explanation.
   6. Appeal: An applicant who is denied authorization shall have the right to appeal the decision to the NABR under Regulation 11.
10. Contracts: Every contract between a USATF-authorized Athletes' Representative and an athlete shall be in writing in the athlete's native language, and describe the respective obligations of the Athletes' Representative and the athlete. Any contract between a USATF authorized athlete representative and an athlete with remaining collegiate eligibility shall contain a statement that discloses that by signing the agreement the athlete will forfeit any remaining eligibility he or she has to compete at the collegiate or university level.
11. Revocation of authorization: A USATF-authorized athlete representative may have his or her certification revoked by the Agent Screening Committee, after being afforded the opportunity to be heard, for the grounds listed below.
    1. False information: Providing false or misleading information on his or her application;
    2. Failure to update information: Failing to update material changes in information provided on his or her application;
    3. Professional license: Revocation or suspension of a professional license, and/or suspension, reprimand or revocation of membership in the applicable professional organization (e.g. UAAA certification, State or Federal Bar, NASD/SEC, State Board of Public Accountancy);
    4. Conviction of crimes: A conviction or plea of nolo contendere for any felony, or for any crime involving fraud or embezzlement in state or federal criminal proceedings;
    5. Civil or administrative proceeding: Any finding in a civil or administrative proceeding of fraud or embezzlement; or
    6. USATF bylaw violation: Any finding by an NABR panel of a violation of USATF Bylaws or Operating Regulations.
12. Initiation of revocation proceedings: USATF shall initiate revocation proceedings against a USATF-authorized Athletes' Representative when it has received credible evidence that there exists good cause for such revocation.
13. Appeal of revocation: A USATF-authorized Athletes' Representative may appeal a revocation to the NABR under Regulation 11.
14. Agent compensation: The Agent Screening Committee may establish and publish a schedule of recommended maximum compensation rates for USATF-authorized Athletes' Representatives. USATF shall distribute such a schedule, if established, at least annually, to all U.S. athletes listed by USATF-authorized Athlete Representatives in their client lists.
15. Insurance: All USATF-authorized Athlete Representatives shall disclose to each USATF athlete they represent whether they are bonded or carry professional liability or errors and omissions insurance related to their activities as athlete representatives, and the policy limits of any such insurance or the amount of any bond.

Note: All references to "Agent" become "Athlete Representative"; all references to "Athletes' Representative'" also become "Athlete Representative."

USATF announces 2006 Indoor Visa Championship Series

American track and field athletes this winter will take another step on their journey toward the 2008 Olympics with the 2006 Indoor Visa Championship Series, whose schedule was announced January 9 by USA Track & Field.

With the series beginning and concluding in tradition-rich Boston, fans around the country will be able to watch as American stars compete throughout the indoor season, aiming for a Team USA berth for the 2006 World Indoor Championships in Moscow.

The Visa Championship Series begins January 28 with the Reebok Boston Indoor Games at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. It continues February 3 at the most historic invitational meet in indoor track and field, the 99th Millrose Games at New York's Madison Square Garden. On February 10 it moves to the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The final stop returns the Visa Championship Series to Boston's Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center for the 2006 AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships, held February 24-26. More than 500 of America's top athletes will compete in Boston for the right to compete at World Indoors, March 10-12 in Moscow. The top two finishers in each event will punch their tickets for Russia.

Adding to the excitement of competition, the Visa Championship Series features over $1.5 million in prize and promotional dollars, including a $50,000 jackpot and prize package going to the Indoor Visa Champions. Visa Champions will be the top male and female performers of the Visa Championship Series.

The Visa Championship Series enters its second year as USA Track & Field and Visa prepare for the road to Beijing. Visa's involvement in USATF elite athlete development continues Visa's long-standing commitment to helping USATF develop the country's preeminent track and field athletes. At the same time, it helps Visa engage its Member financial institutions and merchant partners to build their business in Olympic-related marketing activities and events between Olympic Games.

TV time

The 2006 Visa Championship Series television series begins with coverage of the Reebok Boston Indoor Games on January 29 on ESPN2. The 99th Millrose Games will be broadcast February 5 on ESPN2, with the Tyson Invitational scheduled to air on February 12 on ESPN2 and the AT&T USA Indoor Championship, on ESPN, February 26.

Also set for the airwaves for the first time this winter is the 2006 USA Cross Country Championships, Presented by Gleukos. The Championships will be broadcast nationally on February 20 on ESPN2. The meet features America's best distance runners vying for spots on the U.S. team that will compete in April 1-2 at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. For more information on the Visa Championship Series and Team USA events, visit www.usatf.org

2006 Indoor Visa Championship Series TV Schedule
(Broadcasts subject to change. All times Eastern; check local listings)

Additional USATF telecasts:
Feb. 20: USA Cross Country Champs., Presented by Gleukos - ESPN2 - 12:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
* Note that the midnight broadcast is late Sunday evening, Feb. 19 / early Monday morning, Feb. 20

2006 Indoor Visa Championship Series Event Schedule

USA Cross Country Championships

The 2006 USA Cross Country Championships and World Cross Country Team Trials, which will be conducted in New York City's famed Van Cortlandt Park on February 18-19, 2006, features the top distance runners in the USA vying for a spot on the team that will represent the USA at the 2006 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Japan. The weekend will also include the USA Masters 8 km Cross Country Championships.

Entries: The entry process is now open and will close on February 10, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Athletes can submit late entries until February 13, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. ET for $55.

Click here for more information on the USA Cross Country Championships

AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships

The Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College will host the 2006 AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships on Feb. 24-26. The concluding event of USATF's Visa Championship Series, the AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships is the world's oldest indoor track championship, with the first meet being held in 1888 in New York.

Entries: The entry process is open until February 17, 2006 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Late entries will be accepted until February 19, 2006 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Click here for more information on the AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships

Questions about the 2006 AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships should be directed to Sandy Snow at 770-330-6482.

USA Indoor Combined Events Championships

The 2006 USA Indoor Combined Events Championships will be held March 4-5 in Chapel Hill, N.C., on the campus of the University of North Carolina.

Entries: The entry process is open until February 17, 2006 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Late entries will be accepted until February 19, 2006 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Click here for more information on the USA Indoor Combined Events Championships

IAAF World Indoor Championships

The IAAF World Indoor Championships will take place March 10-12, 2006 in Moscow, Russia. The selection meet for the World Championships will be the 2006 AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships at the Reggie Lewis Center, February 24-26 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Team sign up will occur in the White Hill Room on the fourth floor of the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, the meet headquarters for the 2006 AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships. Below are important topics regarding the upcoming World Indoor Championships and the logistics regarding travel and housing for the athletes as well as family, friends and support staff.

Reigning Champions - At the Annual Meeting we were asked to confirm whether reigning champions for the 2004 World Championships automatically received a bye into the 2006 World Indoor Championships. Unlike the World Outdoors reigning champions DO NOT have an automatic bye for the World Indoor Championships.

Travel - Athletes will travel as a team on Sunday, March 5. The team will return to the United States on Monday, March 13. All travel will be booked through USATF Travel Services at team sign up in Boston.

Visas - All athletes require a travel visa to enter Moscow, therefore - in team sign up - athletes will be required to complete a travel visa application and surrender their passport to USATF for the travel visas to be completed. USATF will cover the cost of the travel visa for athletes competing in Moscow. Athletes will need to provide a mailing address for their passport and travel visa to be shipped to them next day via DHL from the Russian consulate in NYC. Athletes should expect to have their passports with visas back to them by Wednesday or Thursday March 1-2. If they have not received their passports by 3:00 pm on Thursday - they need to contact Melissa Beasley at 317-753-3998 to begin the tracking process. A requirement for a Russian visa is that the passport is valid for AT LEAST six months after the anticipated return date - therefore - all athlete passports MUST BE VALID through September 13, 2006. If your athlete's passport expires before that date - THEY MUST RENEW THE PASSPORT BEFORE THE USA INDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Athletes who do not bring a valid passport to Boston may find it impossible to get a visa in time to travel with the team to Russia.

Athletes traveling separately - Athletes who plan to compete in Europe the weekend prior to the World Championships MUST COMPLETE THE VISA PROCESS ON THEIR OWN before the 2006 AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field  Championships. A listing of all the Russian consulates in the U.S. is available on the USATF website where athletes can start the process. USATF will reimburse those traveling separately the cost of the visa after the World Indoor Championships. Proof of cost must be presented for reimbursement.

Friends and Family - Presently rooms are available at the meet headquarters listed above. You are encouraged to book your rooms immediately in order to secure space for any family or friends planning to attend the World Indoor Championships. With the hotel confirmation and a confirmed flight to Moscow - friends and family can obtain a Tourist Visa. There is a list of Russian consulates on the USA Track & Field website, or you can use a Visa Processing Service www.g3visas.com for a fee. USATF recommends that you allow plenty of time for this process, the longer you wait, the more expensive it will to process the visa application.

Personal Coaches' Credentials - At this time, the LOC does not have plans for an extra officials program as was available to coaches for the World Outdoor Championships. Please make sure that personal coaches of any of your athletes purchase tickets for the event. USATF will receive passes to coaches box for field events and will make those available to the athlete's personal coach but these passes do not provide entrance into the meet.

Event Tickets - Individual session tickets are available online for purchase at www.moscow2006.ru.

Phone Number Update

USA Track & Field has recently updated their in-house phone system and all staff members have a direct-dial number. Please visit our online organizational directory to see the numbers of USATF staff members you may call regularly so you can update your records to reflect the new direct-dial numbers.

AAR Enrollment Update

The Open Enrollment Period for the 2006 season to apply to be an Authorized Athlete Representative has closed. For all AAR's who submitted their information to USA Track & Field, applications have been processed and for those who needed to submit an application - USATF contacted those individuals with the appropriate forms.

The update athlete rosters and athlete representative information has now been posted on the USATF webpage. If you notice any typos or errors, please contact Kari Pinnock at 317-713-4684.

USADA Athlete Forms Due

This is a reminder that 2nd quarter USADA Athlete Location Forms are due on March 1, 2006. Athletes can submit online or contact USATF for a hardcopy or an e-mailed version of the quarterly form. If your athlete is not compliant - please have them contact Melissa Beasley at 317-713-4650.

More anti-doping information is available in the Zero Tolerance Newsletter.