Brian Theriot and all - I suggest you form a small committee. This group would need to come up with an appropriate governance structure for the diverse group USATF serves. Study other NGBs, such as US Soccer. How do they manage their pro athletes, open, masters, youth, development and more? What is the strategic plan – an idea that has been called for by some for over 20 years. Can this be done within the current structure? It is possible, but it appears highly unlikely that the USOC won’t remove the charter from USATF, I’ve done some investigating on this manner. IMO, the only possible solution is for the TFAA or some form thereof to pull off a coup d’etat by offering their own outdoor championships this year and boycotting Sacramento- no violence of course, just an incredible statement/indictment of USATF’s failure. Seriously, this could be done and it would work in a non-Worlds, non-Olympic year. I’ve actually thought about this some in regards to our less “attractive” events. In the world of FINA you have swimming, diving, water polo, sync swim, marathon swimming and possibly more all under one banner, just like the IAAF. However, in the US each has its own NGB with its own slice of USOC money coming into it. Can you imagine how well off our distance runners would be if they were governed by RRCA, well they are doing better than most. How about race walkers being able to manage their own programs and maximize their bang for the buck rather than paying for the extravagant palaces in Indy. If the USA athletes take the lead on this, it could revolutionize the sport throughout the world. Once the first stand is taken, it will happen quickly. The plan will have to be in place, but this new organization will need to be prepared to form teams and a circuit of sorts. Utilizing current meets and structures, the pro athletes will need to begin to bargain as a unit… and the story goes on.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 19:14:33 +0000
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