Track and Field Athletes Association (TFAA) calls on sponsors not to punish athletes who boycott USATF
Press Release from TFAA
March 28, 2014
Today the TFAA sends the following call to action to our athletes’ sponsors. Without sponsorship, athletes would not be able to continue to pursue their dreams in the sport of track and field. Therefore, we feel it is important to align with the sponsors to protect the athletes’ rights. We have been humbled by the companies that have stepped forward to offer their support so far and hope to see the same across the board from all sponsors, for the good of all athletes and the sport itself. We want to send a special thank you to the fans who have expressed support for the athletes this week. We have been humbled by that as well.
Dear Sponsors of U.S. Track and Field Athletes:
We humbly request your official recognition of the Track and Field Athletes Association (TFAA) as the collective voice of elite and professional track and field athletes, and your support of the athletes’ rights to participate in TFAA calls to action. The TFAA is a 501(c)(4) organization formed to support the rights and interests of elite and professional track and field athletes. Our goals include enhancing the value of our athletes in the marketplace and attracting fans through a stronger sport.
We further request that you not penalize your athletes for participating in collective action that may preclude them from competing in a sanctioned event, and that you agree to identify alternative events, if necessary, to satisfy any sponsor obligations.
If you are willing to amend your athletes’ contracts with a clause protecting them from harm, financial or contractual, when participating in collective action, and are willing to include the same clause in all future contracts you enter into with track and field athletes, please respond with an email verifying your intentions and include your company’s logo for publication on the TFAA website as a company that recognizes the TFAA and supports the rights of the elite and professional track and field athlete.
We thank you for your consideration in this matter, and for your continued support for track and field athletes and our beloved sport.
Regards,
The TFAA
More: Messageboard Discussion: Elite Athletes Considering Strike Action and Seeking Support from Sponsors