Blogs : Michael McCoy

More Olympic Track & Field Musings

As the Games of the 29th Olympiad conclude, I can't help but sit and reflect upon the performances I witnessed on the tube the past week.  It's safe to say these were Usain Bolt's Olympics as his triple World Record performances can attest to.

In addition to what Bolt did on the track, his fellow countrymen showed their mettle as well by showcasing the reason why Jamaican track & field has its place among the world's elite.  However, despite the exploits of the Jamaicans and other countries, Team USA was able to rally itself (particularly in its staple event--the 4 x 400-meter relay) in the waning days of competition by coming out on top of the medal count with a total of 23 (7 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze) compared to the 18 and 11 medals amassed by both the Russian Federation and Jamaica respectively.

While the number of golds was the lowest by a U.S. team in quite some time, this Olympic showing served as a wake-up call that the rest of the world has gotten better in turning out quality athletes capable of competing on the world stage.  Now that the Games are over, undoubtedly the USATF will do some self examination in determing who to improve on the short-comings that were witnessed.

Whatever resolutions that come to the forefront as a result of this self-examination remain to be seen.  However, it's safe to say that such resolutions will only make future U.S. national teams stronger as well as better.

Olympic Track & Field Musings

The real reason why everyone watches the Olympics started earlier this week.

Finally one of the "core sports" of both the ancient & modern Olympics.  Granted media exposure would need to be shared with all the other sports, but finally track & field fans the world over can sit down and watch their favorite sport. 

What a track & field competition it has been!!!!   

Who would've thought the world's #1 track & field team (in terms of medals won), the United States of America, would have imploded the way they did?  Based off the performances that were registered at last month's Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, the Beijing performances should have been just as impressive if not more so.

So, what happened?   

One can point to the obvious things like Tyson Gay's Trials injury.  Despite healing and recovering, Gay obviously didn't look race sharp at the Olympics.  Unfortunately, the Olympics is the last meet one wants to be sharpening one's racing skills; but Gay did what he had to do with the hand he was dealt.  Although he tried to make the most of his situation, it wasn't good enough as he didn't make the 100-meter final.

The American women being shut out of the medals in the women's 100-meter final was, I'd have to admit, a total surprise.  Folks will point to the obvious where U.S. sprinter Torrie Edwards was visibly twitching in the blocks.  The official reason was that there was no audible sound registered on the block sensors...no sound...no recall.  However, my experience as a starter and recall starter (not that I'm world-renowned or anything like that) and my discussion with starters that I know of who have more experience in high-level meets like the Olympics/World Championships/Pan-American Games points out that if you see anything visible like what Torrie was doing, you stand the sprinters up.  That's the responsibility of both the starter and the recall starter.  The starter or the recall starters failed to do that.

While the U.S. was justified to protest the race based upon a possible false-start (which Torrie claimed she had committed), I knew that such a protest would fall upon deaf ears.  Even though the IAAF has taken steps to improve the aspect of starting over the years (in light of what happened at the 2003 Outdoor World Track & Field Championships), start/race results are rarely overturned.  This has sparked a serious discussion (through real and cyperspace) of re-visiting the race starting aspect which will not be resolved soon.  I'm sure the IAAF will investigate, but the results will stand as is since this is long after the fact. 

Lolo Jones' clipping of the penultimate (that's a big word for next to last...) hurdle was heartbreaking to witness just as it was watching both the men's and women's sprint relay teams not making the final due to dropped batons.  Needless to say the snake-bit performances were spread all-around from the marathon, to the middle-distance races and sprints, to the various field events.  So, if you were a U.S. favorite to win your track & field event, the Games of the 29th Olympiad was not your time.  

However, in spite of the lows for the U.S. team, there were high moments. 

In the same race where Lolo crash & burned, Dawn Harper seized the day and captured the gold.  Both the U.S. men swept the 400-meter hurdles and the flat.  International newbies David Payne and David Oliver achieve Olympic medal status by achieving silver & bronze respectively.  Stephanie Brown-Trafton became the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the discus since the 1932 Games.

The day is still not over for the U.S.

In terms of Olympic performances wowing the crowd, it has been Jamaica pure and simple.

Usain "Lightning" Bolt definitely has the Performances of the Year with his double World Record wins in both the 100- & 200-meter dashes.  Bolt is the first man to win the 100/200-meter double since Carl Lewis did it at the 1984 Games.  Bolt is the first man to hold both the 100/200-meter World Records since his countryman, Don Quarrie, did back in the 1970s.  Bolt and his Jamaican posse have mesmerized everyone at these Games.  The Jamaican women sweeping the 100, Veronica Campbell-Brown's successful defense of her 200-meter title, Melane Walker echoing her compatriot's (Deon Hemmings) win in the 400-meter hurdles by establishing an Olympic & National Record.

One has to really admire the Jamaicans based upon what they achieved at these Games and tip one's hat to their coaching staff in getting the team prepared to compete.

Although, the Games have yet to conclude, what does the performances witnessed in Beijing hold for the future of the U.S. team?

I'm sure the answers will come as that future progresses.

What Really Happens When You Make The Olympic Team (Or Any Nat'l Team)?

I really admire the dedication many athletes exhibit in devoting their time & energy in pursuing not only their dreams but their passions (in my book, dreams without passion is like a harvest without seeds...virtually impossible).  The endless amount of time one devotes to training, competing, and training again really speaks to one's desire at being the best one can possibly be in sport.  The recently completed Olympic Trials (irregardless of country) is a manifestation of those dreams.  Whether one was selected or poured their heart & soul in earning a competition spot on an Olympic team, it represents a significant milestone in an athlete's personal & athletic life/career.

Now that the person has made the Olympic team, what happens then?  Of course, here in the U.S., we all know that the Olympic athletes generally compete to insure they're fine-tuned to compete for Olympic glory (aside from making that all important money on the European circuit).  But what happens before an athlete hits the track or the field at the Olympics?

Listed are the requirements/time line adopted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and carried out by International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) how an Olympic/IAAF member ensures its athletes are able to compete in the Games (taken from the IAAF website:  http://iaaf.org/OLY08/standards/index.html ):

	The XXIX Olympic Games Beijing, China 8 - 24 August 2008 1. EVENTS Type Male Female Track 100m 200m 400m 800m 1500m 5000m 10.000m 110m Hurdles 400m Hurdles 3000m Steeplechase 4 x 100m Relay 4 x 400m Relay 100m 200m 400m 800m 1500m 5000m 10.000m 100m Hurdles 400m Hurdles 3000m Steeplechase 4 x 100m Relay 4 x 400m Relay Field High Jump Pole Vault Long Jump Triple Jump Shot Put Discus Throw Hammer Throw Javelin Throw High Jump Pole Vault Long Jump Triple Jump Shot Put Discus Throw Hammer Throw Javelin Throw Combined Decathlon ( 100m, Long Jump, Shot Put, High Jump, 400m, 110m Hurdles, Discus, Pole Vault, Javelin, 1500m) Heptathlon ( 100m Hurdles, High Jump, Shot Put, 200m, Long Jump, Javelin, 800m) Road 20km Race Walk 50km Race Walk Marathon 20km Race Walk Marathon

2. ATHLETE / NOC QUOTA

• 2.1 Athlete quota:
  1100 men
  900 women
  Total of 2000 athletes (targeted number)
  
  
• 2.2 Maximum per NOC: Individual events
  An NOC may enter a maximum of 3 qualified athletes in each individual event if all entered athletes meet the A qualification standard for the respective event, or 1 athlete per event if they have met the B qualification standard only.
  
  
• 2.3 Relay events
  An NOC may enter a maximum of 1 qualified relay team in each relay event, with a maximum of 6 qualified athletes in accordance with IAAF Rule 170.17. Should an NOC have entered individual athletes and a relay team in the same distance, the entered individual athletes must be included in the total of 6 athletes entered for the relay events.
  
  
• 2.4 NOCs without qualified athletes
  NOCs without qualified athletes may enter a maximum of 1 male and 1 female in accordance with the specifications of the qualification system.
  
  

3. QUALIFICATION SYSTEM

• 3.1 Qualification period
  Athletes must reach the qualification standards as set by the IAAF for each event from 1 January 2007 (1 September 2006 for marathon events, combined events and race walking events) until 23 July 2008 for individual events and from 1 January 2007 until 16 July 2008 for relay events in order to be eligible to participate in the athletic events of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
  
  The NOCs must submit the names of all their athletes (even if they did not achieve their qualifying performances) on the official entry forms to the Organising Committee for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games by 23 July 2008. The entry process will then be considered closed.
  
  In athletics, in the specific case that an athlete who has not reached the minimum qualification standard before this date reaches it between 23 and 30 July 2008, the NOC, if it so wishes, may make a request to the IOC in order that this athlete may be considered for entry. The request must be submitted by 31 July 2008 at the latest. The IOC will, in consultation with the IAAF, then evaluate each case specifically.
  
  The final implementation of this system will be confirmed to NOCs in due course.
  
  
• 3.2 'A' qualifying standard - individuals
  The 'A' qualifying standard for individual events will be the more difficult standard. NOCs may enter more than 1 athlete, and a maximum of 3 athletes, per event only if all have met the 'A' qualifying standard. This qualification standard must be met between 1 January 2007 and 23 July 2008, with the exception of marathon events, combined events and race walking events, for which the qualification standard must be met between 1 September 2006 and 23 July 2008. These standards will be published by 1 December 2006.
  
  
• 3.3 'B' qualifying standard - individuals
  NOCs may enter a maximum of 1 qualified athlete per event if he/she has met the 'B' qualifying standard. This standard must be met between 1 January 2007 and 23 July 2008, with the exception of marathon events, combined events and race walking events, for which the qualification standard must be met between 1 September 2006 and 23 July 2008. These standards will be published by 1 December 2006.
  
  
• 3.4 Relay teams
  There shall be a maximum of 16 qualified teams in each relay event, based on the aggregate of the two fastest times achieved by national teams at IAAF recognised international events in the qualification period of 1 January 2007 to 16 July 2008. A total of 6 athletes may be entered for a relay team. Should an NOC have entered individual athletes and a relay team in the same distance, the entered individual athletes must be included in the total of 6 athletes entered for the relay events.
  
  
• 3.5 NOCs without qualified athletes
  NOCs for which no male or no female athlete has reached the required qualification standards will be allowed to enter their best male athlete and their best female athlete for 1 athletic event each, with the exception of the combined events, 10.000m and 3.000m steeplechase. This applies equally to unqualified female entries from an NOC with qualified males, and vice versa.
  
  Athletes from NOCs which have requested such entries may reach the specified qualification standards between 30 June 2008 and 23 July 2008, in which case they would no longer be entitled to enter additional unqualified entries in the gender of the qualified athlete.
  
  Acceptance of unqualified entries in field events will be at the discretion of the IAAF Technical Delegates, based on the technical standard of the athlete and the numbers of qualified athletes in the respective event. The athletes concerned must be competitive at international level, proven through participation at recognised IAAF international events.
  
  In order to allow the IAAF Technical Delegates to assess the technical level of athletes requesting entries through this process, applications must be submitted by NOCs to the IAAF by 30 June 2008 on the appropriate IAAF form. The application must specify the event in which the entry is requested and the proof of the technical level and international participation of the nominated athlete. The IAAF Technical Delegates will confirm by 23 July 2008, in writing to NOCs the approval or otherwise of the entry of the specified athlete(s).
  
  
• 3.6 Ages
  For the Marathon Races and 50 km Walk Men, senior athletes only (any athlete aged 20 years and over on 31 December 2008) will be accepted.
  
  Junior athletes (any athlete aged 18 or 19 years on 31 December 2008) may compete in any event except the Marathon Races and the 50km Race Walk.
  
  Youth athletes (any athlete aged 16 or 17 years on 31 December 2008) may compete in any event except the Throws and Decathlon (male athletes only), 10.000m, Marathon and Race Walking.
  
  Athletes younger than 16 years of age on 31 December 2008 CANNOT be entered in any event.
  
  
• 3.7 Reserve Alternate Athletes
  Should an NOC have 4 or more athletes who have reached the 'A' standard in a particular event, the NOC may nominate 3 athletes on 23 July 2008 to be accredited for the event, and also nominate a 4th athlete who would be considered as a reserve (alternate). This reserve could be selected to replace an entered athlete until the time of the technical meeting for the respective event, one day prior to the first competition in the event, and the accreditation status of the replaced athlete transferred to the newly entered athlete.
  
  Should an NOC have 2 or more athletes who have reached the 'B' standard in a particular event, the NOC may nominate 1 athlete on 23 July 2008 to be accredited for the event, and also nominate a 2nd athlete who would be considered as a reserve (alternate). This reserve could be selected to replace an entered athlete until the time of the technical meeting for the respective event, one day prior to the first competition in the event, and the accreditation status of the replaced athlete transferred to the newly entered athlete.
  
  
• 3.8 Qualification events
  3.8.1 All performances must be achieved during competitions organised or authorised by the IAAF, its Area Associations and its National Member Federations.
  
  3.8.2 Results achieved at university or school competitions must be certified by the National Federation of the country in which the competition was organised.
  
  3.8.3 Performances achieved in mixed events between male and female participants, held completely in the stadium, will not normally be accepted (see IAAF Rule 147).
  
  3.8.4 Wind-assisted performances will not be accepted.
  
  3.8.5 Hand timing performances in 100m, 200m, 400m, 110m/100m Hurdles and 400m Hurdles will not be accepted.
  
  3.8.6 Indoor performances will be accepted.
  
  3.8.7 A list of qualifying competitions for the Marathons, the Relays and Race Walking Events, which meet with the IAAF's qualifying criteria, has been approved by the IAAF for 2007 and for 2008. The respective lists are available as pdf files on the top right-hand-side of this page.
  
  
  3.8.8 The first 20 runners in the Men's Marathon and in the Women's Marathon in the World Championships in Athletics of Osaka 2007 will be considered as having met 'A' qualification standard.
  
  

4. QUALIFICATION TIMELINE

• 1 September 2006
  Start of the period during which qualification standards for marathon events, combined events and race walk events may be achieved
  
  
• 1 December 2006
  IAAF to confirm the qualification standards for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to be distributed to all NOCs and NFs
  
  
• 1 January 2007
  Start of the period during which qualification standards for individual and relay events may be achieved
  
  
• 1 February 2007
  Publication of the qualifying events for marathon, relay and walk for the 2007 season
  
  
• 1 February 2008
  Publication of the qualifying events for marathon, relay and walk for the 2008 season
  
  
• 30 June 2008
  Deadline for NOCs without qualified athletes to apply to the IAAF for entry places
  
  
• 16 July 2008
  End of qualification period of relay teams
  
  
• 23 July 2008
  IAAF to confirm in writing to NOCs and BOCOG approval of entries from nations without qualified athletes
  
  
• 23 July 2008
  IAAF to confirm in writing the list of 16 qualified teams for each relay event
  
  
• 23 July 2008
  NOCs to confirm to IAAF the use of their qualified relay entry positions
  
  
• 23 July 2008
  Deadline for athletes meeting qualification standards in individual events
  
  
• 23 July 2008
  Deadline for Beijing 2008 Organising Committee to receive entry forms submitted by NOCs
  
  
• 31 July 2008
  Deadline for NOCs to make a request to the IOC that an athlete reaching the minimum qualification standard between 23 and 30 July 2008 be considered for entry.
  
  

5. DATES / PROCESS OF CONFIRMATION OF PLACES

• Individual events
  NOCs shall enter qualified athletes to BOCOG by the Entry by Name deadline of 23 July 2008. The entry process will then be considered closed. These entries shall be verified and approved by BOCOG in liaison with IAAF Technical Delegates.
  
  In athletics, in the specific case that an athlete who has not reached the minimum qualification standard before this date reaches it between 23 and 30 July 2008, the NOC, if it so wishes, may make a request to the IOC in order that this athlete may be considered for entry. The request must be submitted by 31 July 2008 at the latest. The IOC will, in consultation with the IAAF, then evaluate each case specifically.
  
  
• Relay Events
  Following the qualification deadline of 16 July 2008, the IAAF will confirm the list of 16 qualified teams for each relay event.
  
  Should an NOC confirm to IAAF that they will not enter a qualified relay team, the qualification place will be reallocated to the NOC with a relay team which has recorded the next fastest time in an official IAAF international event in the specified period.
  

Additonally, there's a guide for the chefs de mission (team leaders which is a different position from that of a coaching position) that provides background on the host country/city, Olympic qualifying procedures, enforcement of Olympic rules (particularly the Olympic Charter), security, health information and services, language services (interpreters), the Olympic Village, competition information and procedures (specifically for track, field, the marathon, and race-walking), sports information, venue orientation, competition rules, post-competition procedures, anti-doping test procedures, media, clothing and equipment, training venues, and transportation schedules: 

http://iaaf.org/mm/Document/Statistics/Standards/TeamLeadersGuide-Athletics_4219.pdf

...and you thought just making team was all there was to it....

Olympic Trials Process Controversy

The link below provides a pretty good behind-the-scenes explanation of how an athlete gets accepted or not accepted to compete at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials:

http://www.runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=13776&PageNum=1

Track Length, Wind Readings, & Wind Gauges...Oh My!!!!

The recently completed 100 meter series for both the women and men (btw congratz to the young women & men making the team) at the U.S. Olympic Trials has been a cause for speculation by followers of the sport.  There was speculation regarding the spate of fast times recorded by both the women & men's competitors.  There was speculation about the actual length of the track due to the belief that something had to be wrong with the track because so many fast times came in such a short period of time; and there was speculation about the some of the recorded wind readings especially in light of the fact some races had the actual same recorded readings.

These speculations have run wild on a variety of track & field-oriented message boards on the Internet.  Some of these spectulations have me cracking up because I wonder if some of the folks doing the speculation actually have any idea of the things that go into insuring a race actually ocurrs as presented on TV.

With regards to the actual track length at the University of Oregon where the current Olympic Trials are being conducted, one has to keep in mind in order for the actual event to occur there, the track itself must meet certain specifications.  Those specifications not only have to meet the guidelines as established by USA Track & Field (USATF) but must meet the guidelines established by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).  After all, the Prefontaine meet that's hosted on Oregon's campus is an IAAF Grand Prix event; and the IAAF is very strigent about who hosts meets under their auspices.

In order to host an IAAF event (Grand Prix meet, championship, or any other event where the IAAF is the primary sponsoring host), a facility must meet the guidelines established guidelines in order to be certified by that organization (see links below):

http://www.isss.de/publications/IAAF/IAAF%20PerfSpec2003-comment%20170903.pdf

http://www2.iaaf.org/TheSport/Technical/CertificationSystem/certification2.html

For a track to be certified by the IAAF, it must be constructed according to the IAAF Performance Specifications for Synthetic Surfaced Athletics Tracks (Outdoor).  This manual establishes the minimum performance requirements for synthetic surfaced outdoor tracks.  The IAAF performance specifications are derived from testing and certification methodologies which result from long and detailed work involving, among others, test laboratories, track manufacturers, biomechanical researchers and the IAAF.  These methodologies evolved into a system which became the norm and accepted by the IAAF in 1999.

In order for a synthetic track to meet IAAF specifications it must involve the following:

• Imperfections: freedom from bubbles, fissures, delamination, uncured areas, etc.
• Flatness: no significant localized bumps, depressions or step-like irregularities.
• Thickness: the depth of the synthetic surfacing layer throughout the facility is recorded.
• Force Reduction: an appropriate reduction in impact force caused by the surface
• Vertical Deformation: an appropriate degree of deformation of the surface under impact.
• Friction: no potential slip between shoe and the wet surface.
• Tensile Strength: adequate strength of the surfacing material in tension.
• Color: uniformity and consistency of the color.

Considering there are only three Class 2 (highest IAAF track & field certification there is) track & field facilities in the U.S. (the University of Oregon in Eugene, John McDonnell Field in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Ichan Stadium in Randall's Island, New York) and how particular the IAAF is when it comes to having meets contested where they're in the picture, do you really think the IAAF would have its own meets at facilities if its procedures and requirements were not adhered to?

Concerning wind gauges, national championships and international qualifying meets like the Trials always bring out the latest in technological advances.  Both IAAF and USATF rules list the required use of wind gauges in both the short sprinting and horizontal jumping events.  Specifically, manufacturers have developed the use of ultrasonic wind gauges for wind speed measurements in those events.  At major international and national championships (as well as the major invitationals) the wind gauges are connected to the timing systems used to record meet performances (specifically in the running events.  In the horizontal jumping events, the wind gauge is operated manually).

In the 100 and 200-meter races the wind gauge is placed at the midway point of the straightaway.  It's connected to a cable which is connected to the FinishLynx timing system computer used to record the times for the races.  In addition to be connected to the timing system, the wind gauge is also connected to the start gun.  Once the start gun is fired, both the timing system and wind gauge are activated.  At the conclusion of the race, when the competitors break the laser sightlines bordering the finishline, both the timing system and wind gauge performances are recorded and stored almost instantaneously.

In terms of the wind readings that were recorded in both the women's and men's 100-meter races, all I can say is the wind is an unpredictable variable.  In some instances the wind will blow for a consistent reading by the wind gauge.  In other instances, the wind shifts from a tailwind to a headwind (or vice versa). 

Basically, the way the wind gauge works is that once it's activated (either manually or electronically) and starts recording the wind (at the appropriate time interval--10 seconds for the sprints and 13 seconds for the sprint hurdles) from the time the race begins until it ends.  The wind reading is taken from the gauge at the conclusion of race and the wind gauge timing interval.  So, in essence, the wind can be blowing at 2.5 meters per second at the start of a race and by the time it end, can either decrease its strength or stop blowing.  Or the wind can increase in strength.  Like I said, the wind is probably the most unpredictable variable there is pertaining to track & field.

Talk about unpredictable:  9.68 is a helluva performance wind or no wind. Who would've thought that would've been the winning time?

My Olympic Trials Selection Disappointment

Athletes aren't the only ones looking forward to this weekend's Olympic Trials.  Most USA Track & Field (USATF) certified officials look forward to the Trials as well.  While we aren't competing for a berth to represent our nation at the Olympics, the Trials represent the highest level of officiating one can obtain in this country. 

While it's true one can be selected to actually officiate at the Olympics themselves it's an extremely rare process since the country hosting the Olympics provides the competition officials.  In this case, the competition officials will be Chinese while those officials overseeing the competition will be from a variety of nations under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).  When Atlanta and Los Angeles hosted the Olympic in 1996 and 1984, the competition officials came from the U.S. while overseeing officials (called Technical Officials) came from other countries under both the IOC and IAAF banners.

Anyhow in order for one to officiate at the U.S. Olympic Trials (which chooses the track & field team to compete at the Games), one has to apply then one must be selected.  Unlike the athletes who put their all in all on the track, the field, or the road (in the case of the marathoners and racewalkers) and must make the top three to qualify for the team, those officials chosen to work the Trials (or any national championship under the USATF, USOC, and/or IAAF umbrella) are selected by committee.

The committee (I often think about that scene, "We are the Committee!" declared a member as they assembled in a room to decide the fate of Eric Lindell, in the movie Chariots of Fire) looks through hundreds of applications submitted by officials to decide who is to be select to work the Trials.  All National & Master offiicials in good standing are eligible and encouraged to apply for the Trials.  The application includes a listing of those meets that might enhance your chance of being selected.  National championship events such as the USATF Junior/Senior Championships, the USATF Master's Championships, the USATF Junior Olympic and/or Youth National Championships are considered along with the NCAA National Championships.  Although the NCAA isn't a part of USATF, they are considered because their championships operate similarly to that of any USATF national championships.

The committee deliberates through the process and concludes by naming those officials selected.  This year, in addition to selecting those who would work the Trials (which was the plum assignment in officiating), the committee also selected competition officials for the three other national championships on the USATF calender (the Indoor in Boston, the Indoor Combined-Events in Chapel Hill, and the outdoor Juniors in Columbus).  Once those selections were made, the committee publicized their names on http://usatfofficials.com/

Despite my disappointment (which does happen in life) I've "endeavored to perservere" (that quote by Chief Dan George in the Clint Eastwood movie, The Outlaw Josey Wales, has always stuck with me for some reason...).  Part of that is getting back to the grindstone as far as meets are concerned and showing the powers-that-be I should be selected outright the next Trials roll around (2012).

The 2008 officiating season for me is drawing to a close.  Since I hadn't gotten selected for the Trials, I concluded the season by working both the NCAA Division I & II National Champs and the Nike Outdoor Nationals.  I have one other meet on the horizon but that isn't until Labor Day weekend.  In the meanwhile, I'll be enjoying my upcoming weekends by cool'n in the shade, drinking a little lemonade, and watching both the Trials and the Olympics on TV like most of America.

While I may be disappointed at what transpired, it goes to show that disappointment can occur to anyone not just athletes.  Things happen for a reason.  I'll leave those reasons up to God and move on and enjoy the other aspects of live.

I think my fellow blogger, Brianna Glenn, summed it up best with her Biblical quote:   (Philippians 1:6 … being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.)

All the best to the competing athletes at the Trials in their attempt to fulfill those Olympic aspirations by  living the Nike motto by just "doing it!"

NCAA Officiating Tidbits

As I indicated in an earlier blog entry, the NCAA has protocols competition officials are expected to follow at the National Championships (regardless of division).  These protocols are not written (much like those unwritten rules one hears about); but although they aren't written in black & white, the expectation remains that they will be adhered to.

The NCAA insists on a diverse officiating crew.  That means the school's (hosting the National Championships) local officiating association doesn't have a monopoly on the assignments.  Certain officials (like the meet referees, the start crew, the chief umpire, and the chief marshal) are selected directly by the NCAA.  Considering the majority of the competition officials came from the Drake Relays pool and that it's been 38 years since Drake last hosted the NCs, most of the Drake officials hadn't experienced an NCAA meet and what it entails.  Granted, Drake served as the hosts for the 2007 Mid-West Regional.  However, a National Championship is a whole lot different from a Regional Championship.

While there is no difference in the way the events are operated, there is a difference in how the event operations are carried out.  For one thing, Drake generally doesn't get the TV exposure the NCs receive; that's an experience in and of itself.  The National Championships closely adhere to the established printed time schedule.  That means a running or field event starts exactly at the time listed on the schedule.

Case in point was on the final day of the NCs:  Both the men's & women's triple jump finals were scheduled.  The men were scheduled for 1 pm; the women at 3 (just in time for the scheduled TV window).  Anyhow, since there were 12 finalists for the initial three jumps (which would be pared down to nine after the third round of jumping), it took a little longer for the jumping to get completed.  The higher-ups were getting anxious and the weight was coming down on the event head who was roving around to all the officials asking them to cut off seconds.  I was a granular resurfacing engineer (a horizontal jumps joke for pit raker...hahahaha) where some of the time delays can occur.

Not in this case.  My colleague and I were one of the younger officials on the crew (he was actually in high school) so we picked up time in the pit.  A good pit raker will take anywhere from 10 - 15 seconds to get a pit properly groomed from the time a break in the sand occurs.  The actual delay was with the jumpers who get a full minute to complete their attempts.  Just because crunch time was rapidly approaching, you can't tell a competitor to hurry up.  Fortunately we were able to get the men completed just before the women were brought to the venue for their warm-up period. 

The women came out @ 2:30 pm and had at least 25 minutes to warm-up.  Five minutes for the introduction of the finalist.  Then start exactly at three.  To insure the event starts on time, it's up to the flight coordinator (the person who calls the jumping order) to keep track of the time and to announce how much time is remaining.  The board judge (which was me) is the actual person in control of the runway because it's important that both the runway and pit be clear of people so no accidents will occur. 

While the competitors are taking their run-throughs, the board judge marks their steps in relation to the take-off board with a shoe indicater.  By marking the take-off area with a shoe indicator, it assists both the competitors and their coaches in making adjustments to their approach; or it tells them they're dead-on the board.  It's unfortunate the NCAA doesn't allow the indicator to be used in actual championship competition whereas in high school, USATF, and IAAF competition an indicator can be used during the competition.

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/ndamix2/feet.jpg

Another example is that generally there's a representative of the NCAA Track & Field Committee on hand at the event site to insure the rules are adhered to and that the event goes off as smooth as possible.  At times, the appropriate referee (the field ref in this case or if it's a discipline within the combined-events, the combined-events referee) will stop by to observe the event.  On hand, also, is a spotter for the TV network broadcasting the event.  The spotter's job is to record the competiors' performances (both fair or foul) and report them to the network.  That way a "play-by-play" is available (we know that's not generally the case when it pertains to the field events).  There's also an on-site rep for the palm pilot that's used to electronically record the performances and insure those performances are reflected upon the electronic scoreboard.

Mr. Murphy (whose last name is Law) stopped by on the last day (you can never have a track meet without good ol' Mr. Murphy).  Before we could get started with the men's competition, there were problems with the wind gauge.  In fact, we were having problems with the wind gauges all week.  Once those problems got straightened out, there was problems with the palm pilot not being able to transmit performances to the electronic scoreboard.  As I indicated, in an earlier blog post, the T-Pod which was used to record the competitor's feet around the take-off board had problems.  So Mr. Murphy was just making his presence known and felt.  Fortunately, he didn't exacerbate problems as we were able to get them under control and resolved in order for the show to go on.

To minimize the sight clutter often seen on the infield at track & field competitions, officials working the various field events in the infield areas are often seated.  Generally, in the field events, the only offiicials spectators see standing are the flight coordinator (the person who calls the jumping or throwing order) and the person taking the measurement (in terms of the horizontal jumps).  Officials in the throwing impact area are standing (since sitting down in that area while an implement is being thrown is not a good idea.   Nor if you happen to be an umpire overseeing the running events and are positioned near a throwing impact area is it a good idea to be sitting while a race is not in progress or standing with your back to a thrower when a throw is actually commencing.  ). 

Nothing like a neat & orderly presentation for the broadcast of a national championship.

The proctocol utilized by the NCAA for its competition at its national championships is similar to what USA Track & Field uses for its national championships and the Olympic Trials.  Hmmm????

2008 NCAA Champs - Day 4

The final day of the NCAA Champs dawned bright & sunny.  A fantastic conclusion to a meet that initially had a questionable start due to the rainy weather that occurred early on Wednesday.  However, the rain went away, the sun came out, the birds sang, and the assembled athletes competed.

In spite of what was reported on CNN and other national media outlets, the meet site was in no danger of being affected by the flood.  Despite the misgivings of some regarding the situation in Des Moines (and the rest of the state), what was generally report by the national media was the selfless giving by the student-athletes at the meet.  A majority of teams had their student-athletes volunteer to assist the people of Des Moines in providing sandbags for the affected flood areas.  This selfless act endeared those student-athletes to the people of Des Moines.

The fact the NCAA decided not to postpone or move the meet is a testament to them as well Drake University and the Des Moines community.  In fact, I'd venture to say, the meet served the community as a welcome distraction to flood and the consequences that resulted.

I can truly bear witness this was one of the best NCAA Championships I've been a part of.

The performances both on the track and in the field serve as a testament to folks stepping up their game when a national title is on the line.  Jacquelyn Johnson making history by becoming the first four-time collegiate champion in the heptathlon.  Erica McLain's performance in the triple jump was remarkable considering she was knocking on the door of the 48-foot barrier.  Walter Dix successfully defending his 200-meter title and helping lead Florida State to a three-peat as national champions.  Andretti Bain outleaning Lionel Larry in the 400.  Mikael Hanney establishing a new Drake Stadium record in beating both Dusty Jonas and Scott Sellers in the high jump.  Jason Richardson continuing fantastic season by winning the 110 hurdles. 

All of these performances and others really underscored and confirmed the greatness of the meet.

2008 NCAA Champs - Day 3

"How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop?"

That question popped in my head when I arrived at the horizontal jump pit to help out with the men's & women's triple jump qualifying round.  The reason why that question was in my head because it was decision time as to what direction the TJ was going to be contested.  The main horizontal jumps runway/pit @ Drake Stadium runs north-south (or south-north).  For the first two days of the championships, the athletes were jumping from south to north.  Prior to today's events taking place, the wind shifted from a swirling direction to a more definitive north-south direction; hence the decision on switching the direction to take advantage of the wind.

One would think this would be an easy decision to make, but this is no ordinary meet.  This is the NCAA National Championships.  There is an established protocol that must be followed.  While the meet referees are in control of the operational aspects of the meet, the NCAA Track & Field Committee has a say in how things are set-up since it's their meet.  The competition rules call for the runway direction to be established at least an hour prior to the start of the event.  The problem with switching the direction to the south was that it was in the direction of the track start/finish line where the FinsihLynx camera, TV cables, and a host of other go-gobs of stuff that's generally cluttered around that area at a major championship.

The most obvious concern that all of us (the competition officials, meet referees, and NCAA Committee) was the safety of the athletes.  If you have ever seen triple jumpers warm-up, you know they do a series of run-throughs to establish their steps.  Often their momentum carries them clear of the jumping pit when they perform their run-throughs; and our big concern was the possiblity of an athlete hurting himself/herself with all that equipment assembled at the end of the jump pit.  The other concern was the where the FinishLynx camera was.  No one wanted an athlete to hit that because that would have a serious impact on the running events.

The meet referees consulted with the Committee regarding the direction and it was decided the athletes would jump in the direction of the finishline to take advantage of the aiding wind from the north.  The decision was made just in time as the first flight of athletes was brought to the competition area.  Marshals were positioned around the FinishLynx camera and at the end of the jumping pit to insure the athletes didn't hurt themselves or the equipment.

We received another taste of good ol' NCAA bureaucracy as the laser measuring device was moved from one side of the jumping pit to the track side of the jumping pit.  The event chief received permission from the NCAA rep who was on-site at the event.  The reason being, the NCAA rep felt that moving the measuring device to the opposite side of the track wouldn't be so much of an obstacle for the athletes as they exited the jumping pit.

Unfortunately that didn't sit well with the field referee as he confronted the event head (which wasn't me...thank God ) and demanded why the measuring device was moved without his say-so.  While that confrontation was occuring , I busied myself in helping groom the pit so the athletes wouldn't injury themselves while warming up.  Once that situation was resolved between the field ref and the event head, we got the event underway.

In both the men's & women's triple, the favored athletes made the finals.  Arkansas' Nkosinza Balumbu was the only auto qualifier surpassing the 53' 2" mark.  The other 11 qualifiers would make it interesting for Saturday's final.  One of those qualifiers is Austin Davis of North Carolina.  I've known Austin since he was little (his dad & I officiate a lot of meets together plus his dad does my taxes from time to time....) so I was real happy he made it to the final.

On the women's side, Erica McLain of Stanford led five other ladies pass the auto qualifying standard of 44' 3-1/2" to set up a nice final for Saturday.

2008 NCAA Champs - Day 2

The rainy weather that marred the lead-off day of the NCAA Champs, turned out not to be the case today.  Both the women's & men's long jump finals are being contested and from all indications it gonna be a good one.  In the women's qualifying round, there were 11 women who either hit or surpassed the auto standard of 6.45 (21' 1-1/2") while the men's qualifier only had five men hitting or surpassing the auto standard.

Brittany Reese of Ole Miss lived up to everyone's predictions as no one else was even close to her performance.  What made Reese's performance all the more compelling was that she just missed the 21 year-old record established by LSU's Shelia Echols by one centimeter!!!

Everyone else tried to play catch-up but to no avail.

The men's long jump final generated excitement as Florida State's Ngonidzashe Makusha popped outta the gate with a 27' 3/4" jump (8.26).  Everyone else tried to play catch-up.  Arizona State's Matt Turner was the only other performer over the 8-meter mark as his distance of 8.01 (26' 3-1/2") held up for second.  Reigning Indoor Champ, Reindell Cole of Cal State Northridge, wasn't even in the game as he finished 10th overall.

What made Makusha's performance all the more compelling was on his fifth attempt (he had passed his third and fourth attempts) when he broke the sand at 8.30 (27' 2-3/4").  That performance said that if there were doubts about his initial jump, he put them to rest by saying his second foray into that distance showed the first attempt was no fluke.

After the competition was over and I made my way out of the competition area, I received a lot of positive feedback from the various coaches saying that was one of the best long jump finals ever seen at the NCs.  It made me feel proud because this served as the very first national collegiate competition I worked where I was part of a 27 foot performance. 

2008 NCAA Champs - Day 1

I finally made it to Des Moines in time to work the National Collegiate Champs after being held hostage by weather delays.

After getting settled, I reported to the person in charge of the officiating crew I'm assigned to for the meet.  I'm working on the men's long jump crew for Wednesday & Thursday; then I'll be working on the women's triple jump crew for Friday & Saturday.

Wednesday served as the qualifying round for both the men's and women's long jump final.  In the qualifying round, there's generally an automatic standard that has to be acheived.  Any competitor hitting or surpassing the auto standard is an automatic qualifier for the final.  If there are no competitors hitting the auto standard, then the top 12 marks (listed in descending order) are considered for the finals.

Nationals always brings out the lastest electronic gadgets which helps officials do their job better during the operation of an event; and the lastest round of toys were the Palm Pilot (used to record the competitors' performances), the laser measuring device, and the laser reading device (both are used to actually measure and compute a competitor's distance achieved in the long jump).  In addition to the Palm Pilot and the laser measure devices, we were introduced to a new device called the T-Pod which video records foot placements around the take-off board.  The T-Pod is being developed to aid in the detection of foot fouls around the take-off board. 

One of the problems that coaches have with officials pertaining to any horizontal jumping event are close calls in relation to the take-off board.  Since the official who is positioned at the take-off board is relying upon his/her eyesight to make the determination whether or not the jump attempt was fair or foul, for someone sitting up in the stands, that situation may or may not be good enough.  As it stands, judgement calls by officials (although scrutinized) are rarely overturned by meet referees.  Unless a meet has designated an official video to be used (prior to the start of the meet), video evidence cannot be utilized in appealing an official judgement per NCAA rules.

The T-Pod is in the experimental process to change that particular aspect of the rules regarding officiating judgment calls.  It's quite simple in how it works.  The T-Pod is attached to a console that has a laser scope attached to it.  The console with the laser sits flush to the take-off board around the scratchline (the line separting the take-off board from the foul board).  The console is attached to an MP3 playing device that records video of the competitiors' take-off attempts.  Once the competitor begins his/her attempt, the MP3 playing device is activated to record the attempt.  Once the competitor lands in the pit, the playing device is stopped in order to get set for the next competitor's attempt; and then the process is repeated.

The recorded video can be used by meet referees to aid in their decision-making as it pertains to any protests made by a competitor (or coach) regarding a take-off board judgment.  Right now, this is still in the experimental stages and hasn't been added as a rule.  However, it eventually will be.  I had the opportunity of working the T-Pod during the men's qualifying round of the long jump.  The T-Pod worked to a tee and did what it was supposed to do.

There still are some bugs that have to be worked out.  One of the problems is battery life.  While I was able to capture all of the men's jumps, I wasn't able to capture all of the women's jumps during their qualifying round because the T-Pod died on me. 

But overall, devices like the T-Pod serve as an indication that track & field officiating has moved into the 21st Century since there's available technology that can be used to insure the smooth and proper operation of the track & field events on the NCAA schedule.

Are You There Yet?

I was actually supposed to be in Des Moines late Tuesday night.

I thought everything was hunkey-dorey until I got to the airport.  I was able to get my luggage checked with no problem.  Once that was done I proceeded to security where I was in for a surprise.  The line was from here to Albuquerque...however, it proceeds to move fairly rapidly.  Once I got to the TSA agent who checks your photo ID and the boarding pass, I run into my first situation.  He told me my passport was invalid because it didn't list my address.  I'm like WTF are you talking about?  Fortunately one of his co-workers saw what was going on and came to the rescue by telling me to move on as everything was okay.  As I proceeded to the metal detector, I overheard the co-worker explain to Mr. TSA Agent how passports work...must've been dude's first day on the job.

My second situation was when I removed my shoes to go through the X-ray machine along with my carry-on bag and jacket.  I go through the metal detector with no problem and walk over to retrieve my stuff,  I have everything with the exception of one of my shoes.  I say to the TSA agent by the machine, "Uh, I'm missing a shoe."  She's a little indifferent until I repeat, a little more forcefully, that I'm missing a shoe.  "Are you sure you didn't misplace it?" she asks.  "Yes," I reply, "because it's still in your machine being examined."  Needless to say my shoe was being held hostage by another passenger's bag since it was loaded onto the conveyuer belt wrong.

It takes 10 chiefs and one Indian (sorry I couldn't come up with a better description) to figure out how to screw in this light bulb in order to retrieve my shoe.  At first, one of them had to audacity to tell me to move on.  "Not with one shoe, I'm not!" I retorted.  Finally the TSA agents are able to get the situation straightened out and I got shoe. 

Freshly shod, with my carry-on bag and boarding pass, I walk rapidly to Gate D-13 for my flight to Milwaukee which will connect me to my final destination:  Des Moines.  The third situation arises as the airline gate personnel play musical gates.  Once they decide to settle on a gate, I learn that the plane I actually see on the tarmac and think that's the one I'll be boarding for my flight to Milwaukee belongs to the folks who were supposed to fly outta BWI at 3 PM earlier today.  It's only then that I learn that most flights have been grounded due to the bad weather cropping up outta the Midwest. 

The airline makes an announcement for the folks who were waiting since 3 that they can board the plane.  They tell those of us who are waiting for the 8 PM flight to sit tight.  Looking at the departure board, I get this sinking feeling in my stomach that our plane is gonna be way late.  Oh, but the news gets "better" as the airline announces there is another grounding due to a storm rapidly approaching BWI.  As I see the lightning flash signaling the storm's approach from the west, I realize me flying to Milwaukee and then on to Des Moines is not gonna happen. 

This feeling is confirmed with the lack of definitive information or updates from airline personnel.  It isn't until @ 9 PM the airline announces the flight that was supposed to leave @ 8 has been cancelled.  They tell us we need to contact the reservations # as the computer isn't working to accomodate the requests for rebooking.  Fortunately, we are able to retrieve our luggage.  After getting my bag, I finally get through to a reservation agent after 45 minutes.  At first she tells me I won't be able to make it to Des Moines until sometime Wednesday night.  I ask is there anything that she can do to get me into Des Moines early Wednesday afternoon.

She checks availability and is able to get me on a flight from Reagen National in DC.  Great!!!  The flight is scheduled to leave around 7 AM and still flys me to Milwaukee where I have to connect to Des Moines, but at least it has me coming into Des Moines later on Wednesday morning as opposed to Wednesday night.

So I'll try it again in the morning and, hopefully, I'll be able to make it in time before the start of the long jump qualifying rounds that are scheduled to go off later on this afternoon. 

PS - I finally made it in this morning @ 9:30 local time...I'm off to get the long jump pit prepared for the men's qualifying round.

How I Became A T&F Official - Part 2

There are two avenues one can pursue to be certified as a track & field official:  the National Federation of High Schools or USA Track & Field.  The NFHS route certifies one to officiate high school meets while USATF is little more comprehensive.  The USATF route encompasses high school (on a minor scale) while the major emphasis is on the meets that fall under its sphere of influence.

To become certifed, one has to attend a clinic put on by the local USATF Association (there are 57 of them nationwide...check out www.usatf.org/associations/ to locate the nearest Association near you).  No experience is needed to become an official...only a willingness to learn.  The clinics expose one to a variety of operational and officiating techniques, rules updates, and general news affecting the sport.  Clinics are generally conducted as lectures where hands-on training in the various officiating areas result.  The final component of the certification process consists of a rules review that all officials must take and pass.

Notice I said rules review not test.  The reason it's a rules review and not a test is that an official shouldn't rely on memory alone in citing competition rules.  One thing that's a constant in this sport, as any other sport, is that rules are forever changing and one needs a scorecard (or better yet a rulebook) to keep up with the changes.  Instead of relying upon one's memory as it pertains to rules, one should carry a rulebook with them during the competition.  That way if there's a question concerning a procedure, call, or ruling, one has the rulebook to refer to.  One of our mottos as officials is, "When in doubt, look it up."

Once the certification clinic is attended and the rules review is completed, the personal informtion of the attendees is gathered and forwarded to the USATF National Office where there is a person in charge of overseeing the certification of all new and existing officials.  Once that information is processed, each new official receives a certification number (which doesn't change or expire)and a photo identification card that has the official's name, the Association that person was certified under, their certification number, and their officiating level.

There are three levels of officiating within USA Track & Field:  Association, National, and Master.  Association level officials are generally newly certified officials whose experiences in the sport range from none to a couple of years. National level officials are those officials who show a greater degree of experience and expertise. They are often event heads within their respective association competitions. They generally work the officiating crews at most national championships. Master level officials are limited in number because the official must demonstrate and achieve mastery in a specific officiating area. Master level officials through their experience, demonstrated competency, and commitment to high quality objective officiating have developed the necessary skills to serve in a leadership role in their area of specialization at a major national or international competition.

All of these certification levels are subject to periodic review (usually after the Olympiad) to insure the official is proficient in overseeing the operation of a competition. The certification levels also demonstrate how serious we officials are in our commitment to excellence, proficiency, and personal development. It also indicates a professional approach in our commitment to insure an equitable and safe competition for the athletes.

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Once the officiating credentials are received, the next step is the gain experience.  No amount of book reading, rules review or watching videos of track meets will substitute for the real thing.  Actually working a meet where one interacts with the competing athletes, coaches, fans, and meet management exposes the novice official to how competitions are conducted.

Like most things in life, the life of a track & field official is not easy. Unlike our counterparts in football, basketball, soccer, or baseball (plus a lot of other sports you can name), USATF officials are truly volunteers (remember the old amateur concept that used to apply to track & field athletes way back in the day?). Many of us have full-time jobs, families, and other things going on in our lives (I have a full-time job with a major government contracting firm in the Washington, DC, area plus I share parental duties of two sons – ages 20 and 13).  I'm fortunate I have an understanding boss (not to mention my sons' mother) who allows me the time I need to follow my passion.  However, it can very difficult at times juggling the job and family just to pursue one's passion.

Unlike my counterparts in other sports, track & field officials generally are not paid to work meets.  That may sound incredulous to some; but keep in mind, within the last 30 years track & field has opened up to be a paid sport for its participants and even the pay is not equitable.  Most of the money that's in the sport is aimed at the athletes since they are the ones who put on the show (who wants to pay $$$$ to see a bunch of over-aged, overweight people pulling tape and waving flag? hahaha).  While pay for officials is a serious issue that's being addressed within USA Track & Field, more and more colleges and high schools are realizing in order to have smooth flowing meets, they need to pay for it.

While that may sound extortionist, it really isn't.  There's no other sport I'm aware of where one purchases their own equipment (which can vary depending on what event does), spends money getting to and from an event, works long, hard hours doing the event, and at the end of the event, all you get is a thank-you (or in some cases:  warm soda, a cold sandwich, and a t-shirt)?  With the price of gas being what it is today, many officials are re-thinking driving hours on end to do a meet especially if the host who puts on the meet isn't willing to meet the official halfway in helping out with the expenses they incur.  This is an on-going issue that doesn't have an easy solution; yet it's a concern that's going to become more prevalent as time goes on; particularly as officials get older.

The average age of officials now is in the 60s.  I happen to be one of the babies of the group since I'm in my 40s; but it isn't like my age-group is largely represented.  Most of my older colleagues are in a postion where they are semi-retired, retired, have kids out on their own, have the house paid for, etc. (you get the picture).  Folks, my age and younger, are fully immersed in life.  While I have one son out the door, I'm picking up his college expenses.  The other son still has a long way to go before he reaches that point.  So since I'm not independently wealthy (or haven't hit the lottery), I have to work. 

 Much of my traveling to and from meets around the country comes out of my pocket; and why what's happening at the college and high school level (in terms of paying officials) has changed, this is a continuing issue that has to be addressed since the sport is reaching a point where there's no large cadre of younger officials waiting to step into the wings once our older colleagues are no longer on the scene.

Despite these issues facing today's track & field officials, many of us do because we geniunely love the sport.  This is our way of giving back to a sport that has given so much to us.  Many of my colleagues are former athletes who competing at the age-group, collegiate, and Olympic levels; others served as coaches at a variety of levels; and others made contributions to the sport in other ways.  Regardless of our backgrounds, it's safe to say we're committed to insure whenever athletes compete, they get the most out of the competition.  As officials, we're there to make sure that happens.

How I Became A T&F Official - Part 1

That's one constant question that's been asked ever since I joined the TrackShark community and have made friends through it.  The other question is why did I choose to become an official.  Let me tell you a story....

At one time in my life I was actually a track athlete.  I started participating in the sport as an age-group athlete.  Then I moved on to high school.  After graduating from high school, I moved on to Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, where I competed briefly at the collegiate level.  I say briefly because at the time I was there in the early 1980s, the school didn't sponsor indoor track & field; only its outdoor counterpart.  The team competed in a variety of outdoor meets including the conference championships where preinnel power, Saint Augustine's College, held court.  St. Aug was just as dominant then as they are now.  We actually qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships.  There were seven of us (I was a part of the 4 x 1 relay) that qualified for Nationals that year ('83 or '84...I can't remember the actual year).  

We were set to go when we were summoned to the AD's office.  I was under the impression the AD was gonna give us one of those "we're proud that you qualified for Nationals and go out there and represent us well" type speeches.  Instead of the speech, the AD actually leaves the office with the team and leaves the coach standing there.  Coach can't even look us in the eye as he tells us that we would be unable to attend the National Championships due to no money being budgeted for us to attend!!!  Needless to say, you coulda heard a pin drop.  What should been one of the biggest moments of my athletic life was the nail in the coffin of my athletic career.  It also killed my desire for the sport.

It took a long time for me to get over that major disappointment, but eventually my love for the sport returned.  It wasn't until the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta that my love for the sport really got kindled.  I became a certified official shortly after the conclusion of the Atlanta Games by attending a clinic offered by the USATF Association in my area.  I started out primarly as a timer and finishline judge.  I eventually branched out into other officiating areas.  Just like the meets I started working were primarily local meets.  The first National meet I worked as an official was the 1998 USATF Junior Championships in Edwardsville, Illinois.  That meet was the springboard which got me on my way to officiating a variety of meets around the country.

The year 2000 was my breakout year as an official.  I worked my very first NCAA Championships at both the D1 and D2 levels; and that pretty much got me established on the collegiate scene.  Since 2000, I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to work a lot of major track meets both indoor & outdoor.  Various collegiate conference championships and the NCs (the Regionals and the Divisonal National Champs at all three levels) are just a few.  Penn, Texas, and Drake Relays (in the order of when I started working those competitions...not really preferences) in addition to the Junior - Senior USATF Championships where folks like Jeremy Warnier, LaShawn Merritt, and Sanya Richards thrill the crowds.  I also work the Masters' and Youth meets on the USATF calender in addition to a variety of high school meets.

So as you can see, I'm quite busy from year in to year out.  Since I may not be that person donating six- or seven-figure checks to my favorite sport, I figured the least I could do is donate my time to the sport that has given a lot to me as an athlete and as a person.

Are You Ready? It's Nationals Time!!!!!!

May was one crazy month and June promises to be just as crazy.  In my day job, it's Year-End (the company fiscal year runs from July to June) so all of us who work in Finance are really working our butts off to make sure the company's financials look really good by June 30. 

In addition to the day job, I'm also dealing with two children in transit.  My older son, Mike, is off to college in the fall.  He finished up his associate's degree at community college last month; so now, it's off to a four year school that's out of state.  I'm really proud of his accomplishments (as any parent would be) and despite his growing pains, he's developing into quite a young man.  My younger son, Marqus, moves on to the 8th grade in middle school.  One more year of middle school before he goes off to high school in 2009.  Man, I remember when I was bringing these guys home from the hospital; now they're achieving and surpassing major milestones.  Where did the time go?

As far as the sport of track & field is concerned, May was the beginning of both the collegiate and high school post-season.  The colleges had their conference and regional championships; in the case of the Divison II & Division III colleges, May marked the contesting of national championships.  In terms of the high schools, it meant their conference, district, regional, & state championships.  Everyone trying to peak at the right time for that optimal performance.

What this meant for me as a track & field official is the start of my busy season.  The post-season is what athletes strive for.  This is where all that hard work, blood, sweat, tears, having to endure a coach's tirade all comes together.  It's time to put up or shut up.  No "I shoulda, coulda, woulda."  Either you do it or you don't.  This is most definitely the most exciting time of year for our sport if you follow high school or collegiate track & field.

May had me start with a couple of college & high school conference championships.  Then on Memorial Day weekend, I was in California officiating at the NCAA Division II Championships.  A week later, I was in Arkansas (getting a preview of the track there since Arkansas will serve as the host of the 2009 Outdoor NCAA Division I Track & Field Championships) working at the NCAA Mid-East Regionals.  No meet for me this weekend; but on Tuesday, I head out to Des Moines, Iowa, for the NCAA Division I Track & Field Championships.  After Des Moines, I'm in Greensboro, North Carolina, for the Nike Outdoor Nationals.  I, then, close out June with the USATF Youth National Championships in Charlotte, North Carolina.  ***Whew***

Just like the athletes who will be competing at these competitions, it's time for me to give it my best in order for these athletes to give their best to those who will be watching them. 

Are you (the fan) ready?  Because the athletes are.