Damn IT, WADA, USADA Do something about this Damn Group! This is getting to be B.S.
Damn!
Damn IT, WADA, USADA Do something about this Damn Group! This is getting to be B.S.
Damn!
Cheatiest cheat cheating cheaters!!
OK, here's how I look at it:
The IAAF and USATF have rules.
WADA and USADA are given authority by the above federations, to enforce some of their rules.
Others (Symmonds advertising) are enfored by federations themselves.
We all know this and most don't really disapprove of the current situation. However, what is not universally known, much less agreed upon by the masses, is that these federations don't have any authority over events (or participants therein) they don't organize or have anything to do with. Please note that course certification is only a judgement on your races claimed distance, NOT any further sanction.
Here's where this gets controversial in the minds of many but is actually quite simple:
If you organize an event, like the one I'm doing this weekend, you don't need to get any USATF approval. You get to set the rules. You don't have to have any anti-drug rules. You MAY pay a USATF chapter to certify the course length (attracting those looking for qualifiers for some other event) but that comes with no other strings attached.
So what? Well, the race I'm doing soon - and every race I've ever done - doesn't prohibit drug use. Nor do they prohibit multiple sponsor logos. USATF is not the organizor. The organizors are just people. They don't see any reason to adhere to someone else's rules. They do not obey the rules of the State HS Athletic Federation or the NCAA. Those organizations didn't organize this race (or any of a thousand others) and therefore have nothing to do with it.
The IAAF DOES organize the WC and the applicable portion of the OG. Their rules DO apply at those events. Drug testing takes place there. It does not at all kinds of other event, including anything the controversial athletes in question attend - or anything I've ever attended.
At a few high profile races, drugs in your bloodstream is against the rules.
At the Toledo (or Turlock) Turkey Trot, it is not.
What this all means of course is that WADA, USADA, and all of those groups aren't going to do anything. As I've said in every thread about this, the only way to stop them is to communicate with race directors. Let them know what is happening. Encourage them to either start testing, or, if that's out of the question, threaten testing. They may not be able to deny people entry, but they can suggest that they are unwelcome or something. If the race directors aren't willing to take a stand, then boycott the race and let them know why.
If you know races where this group is going to show up, post them here with the race director's email. I for one will happily contact the race director. others should as well. The race directors probably don't know what is going on; inform them!
Gum Tree Classic, Tupelo MS in 3 weeks
Here's the link to that story; you'll probably want to include it.
You also need to tip off USADA if you know they will attend.
If last year was any indication, between the group from Hebron and the entrants from Grand Prairie TX - all the money will is claimed
They took 1-5 in the mens and 1-3 and the head troll took fifth and the female masters with pedestrian times in the 10K
Would be great if a bunch of near elites would enter the races and take 1-3 from the cheats maybe they would not have gas money to get back to Hebron or Grand Prairie