This post could be the start of a new thread.
Let us see some comments on this idea as a stand alone discussion.
Cowboy Bob wrote:A Possible Fix for USATF - Just one person's idea
1. Divide the organization into a minimum of four units each responsible to CEO, who is answerable to Board of Directors - as is the case with most businesses that are public.
2. Division consists of Yourth Sports, Masters, Amateur and Professional. Each unit will have a Director fully versed in that area of expertise. The only involvment in road running is collecting dues from those who race in RRC sponsored events. Let RRC be otherwise independent, they do a good job.
3. All Divisions under the auspices of USATF are accountable to CEO and adhere to principles and policies set up by CEO and Board of Directors.
Goals for each group
Youth Sports - participation - monies allocated to Youth Sports is primarily based on increases in participation within each "francise" be it state or area, if more than one youth :francise" in state (NoCal - SoCal). Directors develop standard programs based on principle that any activity taking longer than 1.5 hours is boring and takes away from developing the sport. (Note main competition is soccer, a sport where you don't see tents set up prior to games.
Masters and Amateur Participation and Competition- Create State Championships and Regional Championships that provides opportunities for Masters and Amateurs to compete in meaningful competition. No meet shall last longer than 3 hours, so meet organization is paramount. No prize money or gifts beyond $100 resulting in no need for expensive drug testing. Emphasis is on fun competition (think Sunday morning softball leagues).
Professional - Run by high profile individual with serious background in management of talent and meet management. Create a series of 6-10 meets around locales in US that appreciate track and field and have events where a minimum of 10-12 athletes compete at professional level. Accountability is based on attendance figures, with meet promoters being rewarded for increased attendance, and certain levels of attendance (10,000 - 20,000). Monetary purses for top 5 in those events that have a minimum of 10-12 legitimate competitors. This money is beyond any other funding an athlete gets. Limit number of events to keep meet short and interesting. Thus, meets should last no longer than 2 hours with event broadcast live or delayed tape within 24 hours. All meets will be posted live on webpage of USATF. Posting of winnings and performance listings by event of top 5 on a weekly basis. Create track and field categories (Sprints, Distance, Jumps, Throws) overall winner money winner in each category wins extra $100,000 at end of season.
The CEO does not have to be a major track and field personality, rather he or she needs to have been involved in Olympic sports of one kind or another that has grown over the past 10-20 years. This person is the policy maker, promoter, fund raiser and creater of ideas. Each Division head, however, needs to have expertise in their division. So, the goal should be that there is a hiring of a CEO and a hiring, under the guidance of the CEO and Board of Directors, of at least 4 Division leaders.
All answer to the Board of Directors, since the Board is the group that is elected to oversee all operations. However, the CEO has the autonomy and ability to move in new directions, with the Board's approval, to develop and grow USATF.
This is a quick version of some of my thoughts and ideas...
This is what happens when you have a lot of time on your hands....:-)