San Diegans waived into California Senior Olympics
In late June, I wrote about the cancellation of the track meet portion of the 2007 San Diego Senior Olympics. Not only was this an outrage, but it also threatened qualifiers for the 2008 California Senior Olympics — which feeds the 2009 National Senior Olympics (set for the S.F. Bay Area). So I wrote a honcho at the California Senior Olympics, and this week she got back to me with a definitive ruling. Cynthia Rosedale, coordinator of the California Senior Games Championships, wrote me: “We will not deny participation in any sport in the 2008 State Championships. All events will be held in the Pasadena area between June 7-22.â€
In mid-July, Cynthia had written me:
I spoke at length yesterday with the volunteer in the San Diego Senior Olympics office regarding this issue. What I suggested — and, I am passing this on the Audrey for presentation at the CA Board meeting next week — is that we exempt any athlete from the qualification requirement where a sport is not being offered by the local games.
In San Diego’s case, this would apply to a number of sports. And, it would also help the athletes to the North where the games in Redding and Napa have been cancelled and the ones in San Ramon postponed until later in 2008.
At the CA Championships, athletes can qualify in one of two ways to compete at the Nationals: Place 1-3 in your age group or meet the Minimum Performance Standard. For 2009, these should be coming out by the end of the year or so. If you want to check the 2007 MPS, go to the National website – www.nsga.com.
Cool! Thanks, Cindy.
3 Responses
Does this mean that a person can go to the national meet without competing in a local meet if he or she throws the minimum standard?
Tom, I think it means that if U place fourth or worse in a qualifying meet — but still exceed the standard — you can go to the National Senior Olympics.
Mainly, the NSGA wants to make sure you’re at least semi-serious about your event.
I am a little late in commenting about the above post – but Ken – I think you should attend one of the NSG meets before you make the statement that” NSGA wants to make sure you are at least semi-serious about your event”. I saw “runners” who walked in races that are supposed to be “run” – 800m. 1500m – for example – it makes one wonder about the so-called qualifying standards – but then – maybe you are right – one does have to get off the couch and turn up at a qualifying meet in order to qualify – and for some sports – the competitors are really serious – masters swimming for example – no dog paddling – at least not what I observed. And forcing folks to qualify does cut down on the numbers somewhat – so should USATF masters nationals have a qualifying requirement – ha ha – no – for some reason there are not thousands of folks eager to compete in those meets – but that is another issue for another day and I need to stop writing and go get a life.
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