Masters fantasy: Being treated like elites with USATF travel stipends
Anselm (left) with world champ André Lafère
So what’s wrong with dreaming? Take a poll:
The news release continued:
For 2011, this program is being structured to provide athletes with funds for international meets in the spring as well as for the traditional summer period. Athletes meeting the criteria outlined below will be able to submit an application for consideration for funding.
1. Tier 1 – being those athletes who were ranked in the Top 10 World in 2010 (by T&F News or AllAthletics.com) and/or who medaled in the 2009 World Champs or 2008 Olympic Games – maximum grant of $2500
2. Tier 2 – being those athletes who were ranked in the Top 11-20 World in 2010 (by AllAthletics.com) and/or who were top 8 finalists in the 2009 World Champs or 2008 Olympic Games – maximum grant of $2000
3. Tier 3 – being those athletes who are “immediate post-collegians” in 2011 and who had achieved the 2010 World Championships “A” standard – maximum grant of $1500
4. Special consideration will be given to those athletes who are not among Tiers 1, 2 or 3, but whose performances are among the Top 10 World in 2011 – maximum grant of $1500
5. Special consideration will also be given to those “hardship” athletes who met the Tier 1, 2, or 3 criteria in 2009, but due to having experienced serious injury, illness or maternity leave in 2010, are excluded from the 2010 World Rankings List – maximum grant of $1,500Applications are now being accepted for these program funds.
By the way: What ever happened to the USAMA group from Lahti?
28 Responses
I’ve written about this numerous times in the last ten years and got nothing but grief over it. My suggestion was for assistance in travel money nationally to the top 1-5 athletes per age group, or an a set established official time or measure standard, “IF” they showed need. If the top 5, or time/measured qualified athletes showed no need, then it could be moved to the top 5-10 and “B” standard times/measures. The athletes would need to have competed at, at least 3 sanctioned meets the previous summer or present indoor season with these times, heights or distances verified by 2 or more qualified meet officials. They would need to submit paperwork in an allotted time, proving need just as those who fill out forms for assistance in any Government program. If it worked, it would possibly ensure a better field of athletes competing at championships, instead of just the financially capable, or professional globetrotting athlete that may not be an elite masters caliber athlete, but tends to have a medal or two fall around their neck now-and-then because the field of competitors at a championships was too small or weak, due to lack of quality athletes competing. I never understood why some folks that are not hurting financially, would make opposing arguments to this idea since it doesn’t affect them from competing. The only thing that came to mind was, they don’t want a better field of athletes at meets. Why? Then they would lose out of making the medal stand. That’s why I say in “Some”, not all events every year, medals are indirectly bought at National Championships. It comes down to who could afford to go, not who is the best in the nation. Masters track has earned somewhat of an elitist image because of this as well amongst blue collar Master’s athletes. After speaking to some that do travel internationally, they say there are some of the best athletes you can imagine at these events, but then again, there is a large number of those that aren’t. They treat Masters Competitions like some retired folks that live in a RV, travel and play golf all over the country. They are just able to be there and no more. If there is a shortage of athletes in an event, or other lesser caliber athletes like themselves, they can get on the medal stand. I guess if someone wants a medal that bad and spends that kind of money to get it, they earned it. I’d just like to see it reported as so when written about. I just don’t understand why if someone shows need, is an elite athlete and has the opportunity to get assistance to go compete, why would anyone want to put the “Kibosh” on that??? Good luck Anselm!
Milton makes some excellent points. Think of the number of people who set World Records in Albuquerque. How many of those people are not technically World Champions because they did not (for whatever reason, financial or otherwise) compete in Lahti or Kamloops?
Assistance with travel money would level the playing field.
But maybe USATF isn’t the place to look for dough.
Publicizing Sacramento Worlds might draw the attention of corporate sponsors, especially insurance companies who only stand to gain by trumpeting healthy lifestyles for older people.
thank you as one of the top M50 RUNNERS I have yet been able to prove myself due to lack of fund to go to many of the top meets,if there is anything I can do to help please let me know mcquitter83@yahoo.com,keep up the good work
It’s the entitlement mentality that makes some of us better off participants argue against. I remember competing for a Division 1 school quite well. Money was thrown at the “elite” athlete; and in alot of cases; they proved to be poor students. We had a 10.3 guy receive a full ride. He flunked out after one semester. Time and again guys who struggled to maintain a 2.0 were given money; while I studied my ass off; yet only received a couple hundred dollars. No one was worried about leveling out the field; when I had to struggle to maintain a job between semesters; or over weekends.
I will qualify my argument by stating I’m not a threat to be a world champion. By the same token; although I’m very competetive; I’m not worried whether I appear on a medal stand or not. I compete for the love of sport; and aiming for a medal brings the best out of me physically. At the end of the day; I know I’ve given my best shot; and if someone is good enough to beat me; I shake his hand and congradulate him !!
I haven’t much of an idea of what it costs to go to international competition, but I’ll probably be looking into it the next couple of years. Maybe someone who has experience can give a range, depending on how long the stay and how deluxe the accomodations.
It would be a shame for a first-class competitor, one who has a real shot at a medal, not to be able to go because of finances. Determining need would probably require some disclosure of net worth and income. If competing at the international level is really important to a masters athlete, she should be willing to make a significant financial investment in the opportunity relative to her financial situation. After all, it takes a lot of sacrifice in time and effort to achieve that level of performance.
If the field of potential candidates for financial support were limited to those who met fairly restrictive competitive standards, such as an international top 5 or top 10 mark for the past year in the event/age group, there probably would not be a large number of candidates. This would be particularly true if the candidate would need to contribute some percentage of their income/net worth himself.
If there is a large proportion of USATF members who object to the organization subsidizing masters for international competition, there could be a contribution line on the annual membership renewal form such that the renewing member could add a voluntary amount for that purpose when the membership fee is paid. The number of athletes who could be supported would be determined by the amount of funds available and the amount of assistance needed by each as determined by their financial situation. Even if that only sends a small number, it could result in much better results for Team USA and who could argue with that?
Something is misguided here. Is Masters track really about seeing who the best in the world is? I guess that is important for a few lucky guys. For most of us we are happy to be out there competing. I think the schism is for those athletes who were not successful High School or College athletes. My so called, “glory days” are over. I am out there now to beat my personal goals. I don’t care if I beat my goal at a local track meet or in Sacramento or in Timbuktu. That is not the point. Sure it is nice to travel to those meets and meet people, but if you are in it just for that you have somehow missed your “glory days” or maybe you never had them so you need to have them now.
As for a stipend, sure that would be great for select few— hats off to you guys. I’ll see the rest of you on the highway and at motel 6… I’ll keep the light on for you.
Last year USATF-NJ offered a travel stipend to elite masters athletes. You must age grade 90% or better to be eligible. They offered a similar deal to masters distance runners who age grade 85% on the road or XC. There are some other requirements. Read about it here: http://www.usatfnj.org/tf/USATFNJ_TF_Travel_Stipend_Program_2010.pdf
Taiwan and South Korea are two associations that tried this. It worked great for a while, encouraging participation, but the eventual result was disaster. When they ran into economic difficulties and the support was terminated, people refused to participate any more. They had come to count on the subsidies and when the money stopped, so did they.
Beware.
Quick Silver
Hong Kong
Quoting the article about athlete support for elite athletes is misleading. While USATF does provide financial support to our athletes, the bulk of the funds come from the U.S. Olympic Committee. In fact, last year, USSOC contributed approximately 2.4 million….
When Craig Masback was CEO of USATF, he said that USATF regards Masters national and international as all-comers meets because there are no qualifying standards. So, it is ludicrous to think that USATF will channel any money into providing financial support to a masters team that literally, anyone can compete for.
Moreover, I can’t believe that anyone thinks that asking an athlete to fill out any type of financial disclosure in order to receive athlete support. We are not on welfare nor are we receiving food stamps. Our best bet in receiving athlete support is to request that our Masters Chair ask for an additional line item in the budget for “elite team competition” (or something similar. Then, the Masters Executive Committee can allocate the funds in any manner they wish.
Ken may not remember but he ran a similar web poll back in 1999.
See my False Start Column back in 1999: http://ortmanmarchand.com/fsa.html
A recent Masters T&F Web Poll asked the following questions:
Should we raise money to send our best Masters athletes to championship meets?
Please select one of the following:
o YES (We need to insure that our best competitors participate in our championship meets.
o NO (People should pay their own way or use their own methods to obtain sponsors.
How should money be raised?
Please select one or more of the following:
o Grass roots donations by fellow athletes
o Corporate sponsors
o In-kind donations by air, hotel, & car rental companies
o Any/all of the above
Who should get the money?
Please select one of the following:
o Top age-graded performers
o Regional competition winners
o Defending champions
How should the money be administered?
Please select one of the following:
o A new, independent non-profit foundation
o Under the auspices of USATF
Perhaps Ken can share the results of this previous poll. Perspiring minds want to know.
As for providing some financial reward for masters track and field back in 2005, I suggested:
“All right, we are not likely to give up the five-year age groups, nor are we likely to give up age-group event medals. Here is an alternative:
Age grade all marks by year. Give a monetary award to the top three age-graded marks in each event. At $50 for 1st, $30 for 2nd, and $20 for 3rd ($100 per event), nineteen events (100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 5K, 10K, SH, LH, SC, LJ, TJ, HJ, PV, DIS, SP, JAV, HT, PENT) would require $1,900. But it would dramatically increase interest in the age-graded tables and increase respect for both women’s marks and older age year marks.”
See: http://ortmanmarchand.com/fsg.html
In 2006, I proposed ditching medals entirely for cash. Are your grandkids really going to want those shoeboxes of medals you intend to leave them in your will?
See: http://ortmanmarchand.com/fsi.html
Dexter has a very valid point. Our national and international meets are “all-comers” meets. The major qualification is that you figure out how you are going to get time off from work – unless retired – and then if you can afford it. While the NSG has “qualifying standards” they are pretty easy to meet. In fact NSG meet entry fees are pretty expensive. They might pay the expenses of a “star” but not for 99.9% of those who participate.
Some clubs pay some expenses for their athletes. There are usually conditions attached to qualifying for such aid. It varies from club to club. I do not belong to a club that provides financial assistance – we are a hand to mouth organization and do not have any sponsorship. But some do – so those of you who think you are deserving of aid – join a club that offers it.
USATF provides pretty minimal services for masters. We need to face the fact that as an organization it measures itself by how many Olympic medals US Track and Field Athletes win and providing support for its “grass roots” youth program. We do not fit into either category. Ok – all of us will be under the roots of grass eventually – but USATF will not be sponsoring your trip there either.
Mary has definitely had the last word.
I agree with Mary. Of course, if the USATF wants to pay my way to meets I will be appreciative.
If USATF has excess funds to support masters to travel to international competitions then they should reduce the annual membership fee instead. It’s ludicrous to suggest masters should be involuntarily funding other masters to have international vacations.
I was going to post what Dexter said. The money USATF is using to fund athlete travel isn’t coming from membership fees. It’s coming from the USOC, and the purpose of that money is to win medals at the Olympics. Masters do not factor into that at all.
I would suggest that more masters get involved at the club level and association level to fundraise to provide opportunities for masters athletes to receive travel assistance to meets.
Quick Silver makes a compelling point; there may be unintended consequences to USATF subsidizing elite masters athletes. Let’s not ignore history.
It’s ludicrous to suggest masters should be involuntarily funding other masters to have international vacations.
And even more ludicrous to have Olympians, students, or their schools subsidize us. We have jobs, means, and the ability to prioritize. If it’s important to me, I’ll do it, even if that means driving several hours to a neighboring state.
Interesting variety of responses on this subject…Gary, you have a very healthy outlook on your personal thoughts about competing. But in a day where Master’s governing bodies send a select number of Master’s athletes to Monte Carlo, Monaco at the end of the year to accept awards for competing, it’s gone beyond the point of just having “Glory Days” re-lived. Awards are given out for Master’s Athletes of the year, age groups, etc. based on the results of National and World meet of an individual athlete and the amount of National and World meets contested in. An athlete who may have the best time, height or distance achieved at a locally sanctioned meet is never in consideration for such distinctions. We should all have that”Atta boy” outlook, yet we crown athletes yearly as the best when at times, that may not be the case. If awards and such do not interest you, then really there is no point in saying so since you just compete for the love of it all and it should not effect you in the least. Dexter, I like your post as well. You added some enlightening information about support for athletes with other Master’s athletes ( Pole Vault Power, ect.) having backed you and responded as well. I like the idea of Clubs and Associations helping to get funding (though it can be like pulling teeth). The comment that I may be mistaken on, was when you wrote, ” Moreover, I can’t believe that anyone thinks that asking an athlete to fill out any type of financial disclosure in order to receive athlete support. We are not on welfare nor are we receiving food stamps.” If you mean the state of Master’s T&F then I understand your statement, but if you’re saying that as a blanket statement for all individual Master’s athletes, I believe that statement is a bit misguided. How do you know who, and who is not receiving assistance in everyday life, whether it be food stamps, welfare, assistance in power bill payments, eating at senior centers or churches for free or lower cost meals, go to food banks to keep them afloat during these abysmal economic times. The one escape some of these people have is competing. I’m glad that most everyone has, “Jobs, means and the ability to prioritize” as I also believe T-Bird misguidedly states in his post. Are you both possibly meaning people have no possible elite level talent or business competing at all if they are in these types of living conditions? Or are you saying they can compete, but not at the level of the rest of the “Better-off in life” athletes? If I somehow mis-interpreted Dexter’s and T-bird’s post I want to apologize to them, but if I’m on the right track, this is where the suggestion of elitism draws attention to Master’s T&F. How does any athlete getting aid to compete at a National, or even international level competition interfere with you competing, Masters Runner or T-Bird? David Ortman has a very interesting twist to competing and he suggests money , over medals. It’s all nice and good until I heard the criteria for the cash prizes are based off of Age Grading. The “What if I was was 20 years old” formula. Sorry but that doesn’t work either. If you want further reasoning why age grading doesn’t work you can write me personally at discus147@yahoo.com and we can correspond and have that discussion on that subject there. I’ve always liked David’s spin on things but I also have to disagree with the comment he made,”But it would dramatically increase interest in the age-graded tables and increase respect for both women’s marks and older age year marks.” What?? There is no need to increase interest for age grading. If it were interesting, it would have people interested. As for Women and older athletes, that’s all most ever read about when it comes to Master’s T&F. The ones who get sat in the corner for 5 minutes when it comes to Master’s news coverage are male athletes between 35-49. If there is a resentment that there are younger age groups below 50, then maybe there should be a discussion on separating Master’s into two categories. One possibly being age grouped from 30-49 or 30-59 and the other being 50+, or 60+. Each group keeping it’s own moneys from USATF memberships, meet entry fees, etc. for their own Championships and such. Some older athletes may not like that idea so much since they like the younger athlete money, just not having them around at meets so much. Last, comment I promise…a perfect example of what I meant by athletes possibly not being able to travel and compete but were at the Elite or World class level used to throw with me when I practiced in Aurora, Colorado. I will leave her nameless other than to say most older female throwers from Colorado new of her talents well. In 2009 when I last saw her and we threw together, she routinely broke the National record 3-4 times a practice in her age group by 1 1/2 – 2 feet in the shot put and was withing a couple of feet of breaking the National discus record as well every practice. When I would talk of her going to Nationals and such, she would smile but, I knew by her replies that she just couldn’t make it out to them. When I now read of all the popular older female throwers that get written about, voted into the hall of fame , etc. because they were able to travel and show off their talents at National and World events, I can’t help but think of my old throwing friend and feel kind of sad that she will never be mentioned as amongst the true greats in a sport she truly loved and excelled in greatly, just because…
Milton, I guess I see you point and if I were near the top national or internationally in my event then I would really care. For most Masters runners these issues never come up and I think our energy is better spent focusing on the majority rather than a select few. Why not spend more money holding more track meets and for that matter — how about USATF keeping their list of races up to date? With that said I guess the process should be “fair.” If you find a way to do that let me know…
Where would these funds come from?
I cannot believe that the thrower who routinely broke the national record in the shot put couldn’t get herself to a meet in her area. The Rocky Mountain Games are in Fort Collins is only an hour north of Denver. It would be nice to go to a national meet but if she was truly able to break the US record it could have been done much closer to home. A new record doesn’t have to happen at the nationals or worlds. Sorry, that excuse won’t wash.
Anon, It would be nice if you used your real name before you start calling BS on people, right Ken Stone? …or is that only for a select few that you choose and e-mail personally to let them know?? Second, she did compete locally, mainly at the Senior Games. That is why I said, “I will leave her nameless other than to say most older female throwers from Colorado knew of her talents well.” How else would they know of her talents Anon?? From the Ed Sullivan show?? She had recently moved up an age group when we threw together, that is why her throws were surpassing the national record in her new group regularly. She was very near the record in her previous age group as well. Also, I know very well the meets that are run in Colorado, thank you so much for the refresher! I didn’t know folks wanting to surpassing any record in the near future with dreams of doing so at a Nationals or World championships, need to run it by you first. Now we all know. The fact you hide behind a ficticious name doesn’t wash, Anon.
Gary, I totally see your point… I really didn’t know that there was a problem with the USATF keeping their listings of races up to date. The idea of holding more Track meets is a great idea. The biggest problem I personally see most is getting live bodies to help run and officiate them properly. Also you have certain Associations that have their own agendas when it comes to what and where they spend their monies. Some more for Youth, some more for Master’s. If I’m completely mistaken on that please write back and correct me on it. As far as what you stated about spending our energy on the many, instead of the few, I agree. I’d start by elliminating all these master’s titles for best in age, or athlete of the year, etc. Isn’t winning a gold medal, in front of your peers, on the track, at a championships enough?? Let’s focus on getting more meets nationally, than for award’s banquets, dinner, and plaques. If I were funded by my association, I would love to sponsor local throwers meets. Have a throwing clinic afterwards for those that want to learn more. Have folks bring food, drinks and make it an afternoon. That is the wave of the future for meets I think, at least locally. Having micro, or specialized meets for jumpers, throwers, etc. They already do so for LDR. What do you think? Master Runner, you asked where do I think the money will come from. I wish I had a good answer for that. As I stated earlier , maybe the idea of having Associations some how sponsor athletes through fund raising, etc. sounds like the way to go. Then again you have to be a part of an Association that cares about such things, if not, you’re SOL. Heck, elect me to a paid position at the Indy offices and I’ll find a way! LOL!
Milton, Shirley is a great lady and a talented thrower but she is far below the national record in her old age group or her new one.
Milton,
I am a bit perplexed by some of your responses. In order to clarify your position, perhaps you would be kind enough to answer the following questions.
1. When was the last time that you attended an association meeting?
2. Were you aware that the average age of the people attending the last association meeting was 73?
3. Are you aware that lately, no one under 60 who represents the masters group attended this meeting?
4. Any ideas as to who will take their place once they retire from track and field?
5. Are you a member of the Colorado Masters Track Club?
6. When was the last time you put on a throwers meet? How many attended?
7. When was the last time you put on a throwers Clinic? How many attended?
8. Were you aware that most of the people that truly make masters track and field function do so on a voluntary basis?
9. When was the last time you attended the national convention?
Maybe it’s time to:
“Ask not what masters track and field can do for you but what you can do for masters track and field.”
Wrong person Anan…try again!
Here is a good example,look at the top M50 hurdlers in the usa we are never at the same meet at the same time we dominate ower areas and states but when it comes to the big meets you wont see all maybe one or two,picture this race,myself,dj Dugan,lee x Willaimson ,P grimes,K Eddon,U anton,and the hurdler that won the nationals this year he just turned 50 sorry dont know his name ,J.Brower .and there are a few more.many dont go due to time or lack of funds,it would be nice to run in this race win or loose but you can say you went up against the best.I may be the only hurdler still active that has run with hurdlers like nehemiyia,foster still running T DEES,R.Kingdom,K bethel,T.Darton,all have been in a race at one time.it would be nice to see this I SEE THE M40 HURDLERS are trying to put the best together at mt st meet try to make the masters more exsitement,not just at the Penn relays.
I would have happily answered each and every one of your questions posed “Just Curious”. But, since you are the coward that you are, asking your passive aggressive questions behind a ficticous name, I won’t give the the satisfaction…LOL!
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