United States Track and Field Federation (USATF) is having a major shakedown in its organization. I reckon this is partly due to their recent dismal performance at the Beijing Olympic Games. Never have their sprinters suffered great losses in the medal standings in recent history.

Similar to Singapore we too have our very own dismal performance at the last SEA Games. And where are the changes that our association needed to do, to bring back Singapore Athletics from the slippery slope of obscurity. How about even accountability from the poor performances, where did we go wrong, who are not doing their jobs, and what plans are in store for our athletes? None nil nada so far as I know ….

Well here are the USATF revamp as I mentioned earlier

32 to 15 Member Board

USATF will reduce its 32 member board to just 15. This is to streamline the board, less ‘redtape’, confusion and largely to be more efficient and get things done. The new 15 seats will consist of:

1. The USATF President
2. 3 athletes
3. 1 representative from each of the following groups:
• High Performance
• Long Distance Running
• General Competition
• Youth
• Coaches & Officials
4. The IAAF representative
5. 1 representative from “5E” organizations such as the NCAA
6. 3 Independant Seats

Each constituent group will nominate 3 people for each seat that they have on the board, with nominations for the independent seats being selected by a nominating committee.

Youth Division

A youth division is being created to place more of an emphasis on developing elite talent in the country and to help improve the level of fitness of population at large.

The Board Will Elect Its Own Chair

The board will also elect its own chair, with the USATF President serving as the vice-chair if he is not elected as the board chair. This allows the board to select its own leadership while maintaining the separate duties of the President, who is elected through popular vote. The President would still preside over the annual meeting and the volunteer leadership group.

Full Time Employee for High Performance Plan

A full time employee will be assigned to be responsible for and accountable to the programs put in place to develop elite athletes, which should make the high performance plan more efficient and streamlined.

National Team Staffs will Require Board Approval

The board will have to approve the national team staff selections, who will then be accountable to the CEO. This will provide oversight and accountability to the positions and allow for greater service to the athletes.