USAT AAC

Hello. Just a reminder that platform statements to run for the AAC
are due by Thursday, December 1st.

2006 is a really important year to have strong athlete involvement on our committees, so please consider running. So far I have only received 2 platform statements.

To add your name to the ballot, please send me (AlisonAAC@yahoo.com)
a platform statement by Dec. 1 that explains why you are running for
the position. Your platform statement will then be printed on the ballot.

Thanks,
Alison

-------------------------

It's that time of year again for elite representative elections.
Many thanks to Jimmy Archer (Multi-Format AAC), Greg Mueller (Multi-
Format AAC) and Gina Kehr (ITU-Format AAC), whose terms are ending
on December 31st. They have done an excellent job of representing
the voice of elites!

Following are positions that are up for election. Please take this
chance to make a difference in the sport of triathlon and consider
running for these important positions.

ITU-Format AAC
· 1 position open
· 2-year term
· The AAC is the voice of USA Triathlon's elite athletes. They
create and present recommendations to USAT and the Board of
Directors regarding procedures and criteria impacting elites. This
may include: team selection, elite membership, USA Triathlon elite
rules and race championship sites.
· This group will focus on issues pertaining to ITU racing,
including World Cup entries, ITU rules, World Championships,
Continental Cups, and national teams criteria.
· The council has frequent email discussions and approximately
four conference calls per year.
· All meeting expenses related to serving on the AAC are paid
for by USA Triathlon.
· All USAT elite members who are ranked in the ITU's most
recent triathlon rankings are eligible to run and vote for the ITU
AAC.

Multi-Format AAC
· 2 positions open
· 2-year term
· The AAC is the voice of USA Triathlon's elite athletes. They
create and present recommendations to USAT and the Board of
Directors regarding procedures and criteria impacting elites. This
may include: team selection, elite membership, USA Triathlon elite
rules and race championship sites.
· This group will focus on issues pertaining to all aspects of
multi-sport. This will include Ironman, non-drafting triathlon,
duathlon, winter triathlon and aquathon.
· The council has frequent email discussions and approximately
four conference calls per year.
· All meeting expenses related to serving on the AAC are paid
for by USA Triathlon.
· All USAT elite athletes are eligible to run and vote for the
multi-format AAC.

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posted by andy  # 4:13 PM 0 comments

USA Triathlon Board Meeting Minutes Pertaining to Elites
November 11-12, 2005
Athlete Reps Present: Michael Smedley, Victor Plata, Alison DeWall


1. AAC Report
A. AAC Recommendation for 2006 Nationals – approved by the Board:

Elite Long Course Triathlon Nationals
The AAC recommends the Spirit of Racine for the site of 2006 Elite
Long Course Nationals. This is based on the information provided by
the race directors as well as feedback from elite members we
represent.

Elite Duathlon Nationals
We recommend Mason, Ohio on May 6, 2006. Mason is the host of a 2006
International Triathlon Union's (ITU) Duathlon World Series event.
National Age Group Duathlon Championships will be at Mason on May 7.

Elite Long Distance Duathlon Nationals
We recommend Powerman Alabama as the site of Long Course Duathlon
Nationals on April 9, 2006.

B. Elite Membership Qualification Discussion
1. In 2004, the AAC presented a resolution to change elite
membership qualification rules, making it harder to obtain an elite
license. Since then, elite membership numbers have relatively
remained unchanged
2. The AAC is currently discussing our stance regarding elite
membership. Following are questions/changes we're considering
· The AAC would like to raise the level of prestige of
elite/pro status. But, does this mean that we need to cut our
numbers? Maybe there are just a few "bad apples" that need to be
weeded out.
· Since Ironman events are no longer sanctioned by USAT, they
cannot be used as qualifying events for pro status
· Cutting numbers will mean lower turnout for race directors
seeking to draw large elite fields
· How will "expert age grouper" status affect elite/pro
membership?
· We currently have 5 classes of elite membership: 1) Elite
Tri, 2) Elite Du, 3) Elite Foreigner, 4) Elite Collegiate, 5)
Elite Off-Road. Is it necessary to have this many classes of
membership?
· Should we consider having an ITU class of membership that
requires drafting experience?
· Could we use USAT's Age Group Grand Prix series as a
qualifying series to turn elite/pro? *the board especially liked
this idea

C. Trade Teams
1. USAT has changed their policy and will no longer allow resident
team, U-23 or U-19 athletes to participate in "Trade Teams":

"As of January 1, 2006 any athlete on the U19 Squad, U23 Squad and
the Resident Team may not also be a member of a trade team such as
the Wells Fargo Team or Team Aegis. We have made this decision in
the interest of the national federation sponsors which are now
supporting these squads and also in the best interest of the
development of the athletes. We did allow this in 2005 but have made
a firm decision not to continue with this in 2006 and beyond. The
athlete still reserves the right to make a decision as to which
team/squad they would like to be part of. It must also be noted
that this will not influence the selection of the national teams for
world championships. Athletes will be selected purely on merit and
the team they race for will not influence the selections in any way
(as we showed with the selection of Michelle Lindsay this year)."

· The AAC and BOD reps are very divided on this topic. On one
hand, it seems unfair to restrict resident team members from
competing with and earning money with a team.
· However, USAT is evolving the resident team to be
more "team" based by raising sponsorship money its members. In an
effort to grow these sponsorships, it is in USAT's best interest to
have all elites compete to win (rather than to help someone on their
team win).

2. The board discussed this topic for over an hour and decided to
uphold the trade teams rule as written. Following are the reasons
for their decision:
· There is a difference between USAT's resident team and the
resident program. The resident team is moving towards a team
strategy.The resident program on the other hand, focuses on
individual performance (there is no team concept). Resident program
athletes can even race for coaches outside the national teams
program. Given this understanding, resident team athletes must
follow the trade teams rule above. Resident program athletes are not
required to follow the trade teams rule and are allowed to race on
trade teams outside of USAT.
· Another point of clarification was made regarding
sponsorship. The new trade teams rule does not restrict athletes
from obtaining sponsorship from brands not associated with the
resident team program.

D. 2006 World Cup Selection Criteria
1. USAT's World Cup criteria need to be updated to align with
the ITU's new points system.
2. The ITU AAC is working with Libby Burrell to revise the
criteria for 2006.

E. Winter Triathlon
1. The AAC is excited about the prospect of growing winter
triathlon in the U.S.
2. The ITU believes there is a shot of getting winter triathlon
into the Olympics. They are moving forward to establish a ranking
system for the following events:
· ITU Winter Triathlon World Championships
· ITU Winter Triathlon Continental Championships
· ITU World Cup
· ITU Continental Cup
· National Championships
3. It would be ideal to find a national championship event with
prize money or to have USAT provide a small prize purse in an effort
to give this winter tri momentum again. There are currently three
interested race directors who will submit RFPs to hold the 2006
national championship.
4. The AAC is working with Jeff Dryek to find possible sites
for the 2006 national championships and to find ways to advance
winter tri participation amongst USAT elites.

2. Bylaw Discussion
A. The board agreed to change the following bylaws:

1. Nominating Committee AND Finance & Audit Committee shall consist
of at least 20% athlete represenatation. Bylaw to be revised as
follows:
· "The Nominating Committee shall consist of not less than
three individuals selected by the Board of Directors and shall
include at least one member (or 20% of total committee) who is and
elite athlete as defined in Article VI, Section 2."
· "The Finance and Audit Committee shall consist of three
members. One of whom shall be the Treasurer of USA Triathlon, one of
whom shall be an elite athlete as defined in Article VI, Section 2."

2. The elite athlete board terms shall be staggered as follows
· "Of the three Athlete Directors, one shall be elected in the
odd-numbered years and two in the even-numbered years."
3. New Bylaw
A. The following bylaw was approved by the board:

" USA Triathlon shall reimburse the USOC AAC representative for
travel expenses incurred to attend USA Triathlon Board of Director
Meetings."

4. New USAT Website
A. USAT is relaunching their website to add many new features for
sanctioning, membership and elites. More to come…

5. Budget
A. Revenue for triathlon in 2006 will be approximately $6.7
million.
B. National teams program budget is relatively unchanged from 2005.
C. New initiatives will be implemented for non-drafting sports
(winter tri, aquathon, duathlon)

6. USA Triathlon Congress
A. USAT will host the first annual USAT Congress event in
Colorado Springs on January 12-16, 2006.
B. The focus of the event is the race directors conference.
C. The event is open to regional presidents, regional officials
coordinators, regional athlete development coordinators, USAT board
of directors and global rules summit.
D. Each day there will be a keynote speaker: Monday: Bob Roll,
Tuesday: Carol Lewis, Wednesday: Jef Mallett.

7. Collegiate Nationals
A. In the past, USAT has selected an existing event and given it the
title of Collegiate Nationals. Beginning in 2006, USA Triathlon
will "own" Collegiate Nationals. The 2006 event will be in Reno,
Nevada . Details are still being arranged.

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posted by andy  # 2:44 PM 0 comments

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posted by andy  # 4:33 PM 0 comments

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posted by andy  # 3:04 PM 0 comments

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posted by andy  # 11:29 AM 0 comments

Hello all,
In preparation for the board meeting this weekend, the AAC would like
to know where you stand on the subject of trade teams.

Do you think that USAT resident team athletes should be allowed to
compete on trade teams? Or should they have to pick one or the other?

Please send your vote to the E-lite Beat - or - if you would like to
remain anonymous, please email it to AlisonAAC@yahoo.com

Thanks,
The AAC

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posted by andy  # 9:14 AM 0 comments

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posted by andy  # 7:47 AM 0 comments

Athletes,

Last month USAT decided to implement a new policy for the resident
athletes at the Olympic Training Center.

As of January 1, 2006 any athlete on the U19 Squad, U23 Squad and
the Resident Team may not also be a member of a trade team.

I questioned Libby Burrell about the policy and her reply explaining
the policy is below. I would like to know your feelings
on the issue. It will most likely be raised at the USAT Board
meeting next month. After reading the purpose of the policy in
Libby's explanation, please take the poll I am going to post on the
e-lite beat, and post any comments here.

Thanks!

-Victor

***

Hi Libby,
I have some questions regarding the proposed policy regarding trade
teams and resident teams for next year.

First- were any of the resident athletes consulted for feedback on
the policy?

Second, is the policy in regards to sponsorship or participation,
and does the policy limit a resident athlete's ability to seek any
sponsorship outside of USAT's sponsors, or does it only apply to
trade team sponsorship?

Third, if a trade team accepts a resident athlete and allows that
athlete to use and endorse the USAT sponsors would that breach the
policy?

Since a trade team serves two purposes - 1) a marketing purpose and
2) a tactical purpose, the USAT policy restricting participation on
trade teams in regards to sponsorship would not necessarily conflict
with the trade team's tactical purpose. The less clearly
defined "best interest of the development of the athletes," implies
that trade teams limit an athlete's development. Can you explain
why you feel that is the case?

I look forward to your reply,
Victor

From: "Libby Burrell" <libbyburrell@earthlink.net>
Subject: RE: Trade Teams and Resident Team and Squads
Date: Mon, 10 Oct 2005 11:50:29 -0600

Victor and All

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to explain the aims and
objectives of the USA Triathlon Resident Program. I will restrict
this discussion to matters pertaining to the Resident Program as it
was this aspect that was in question in Victor's email.

Over the years the program has evolved into a program that services
many athletes at varying stages of their athletic development but
still with the ultimate objective being the Olympic Games. As this
is a USOC initiative we ascribe to their philosophy of all OTC
programs being athlete centered and coach driven. It is with this in
mind that the coaches developed various levels within the Resident
Program as follows:

Resident Team: This is a year round program where athletes apply on
an annual basis and are accepted based on performance; potential and
willingness to work within the scope of the program that provides
the athletes with year round coaching; technical support and sport
science and medicine. USOC allots us 12 on campus slots and 4 off-
campus slots per year and monthly reports on athlete's training and
racing progress is submitted to the USOC on a monthly basis. All the
athletes on the Resident Team are coached and managed by the
resident program staff. This is a "TEAM" in every sense of the word
and the athlete's race and train as a group with the ultimate
objective still being the maximizing of each athlete's individual
potential in a systematic and progressive way. This system has been
slow to evolve but the success of the program over the past season
has inspired the staff/coaches to develop this concept even
further. The success of the U23 Squad and the U19 Squad this past
season goes without saying and the lessons learned there will be put
into good use as we progress through the rest of the quad. The
Coaches and Technical staff have developed a system of scouting
reports for all races and strategy and tactics for the group are
developed around these reports. With this in mind we feel it is best
to not allow members of the Resident Team to race for another team
as it could be likened to a college swimmer racing for two college
teams in one season. Quite simply this would not work and be
confusing to the athlete and to the coaches working for the
athletes. Realizing that all athletes need product and sponsorship
support we have also managed to obtain several sponsors to support
the athletes BUT we still allow them to honor their own sponsors if
they have them. A marketing and sponsorship team at USAT will assist
with this process and has already been very successful in signing a
number of new sponsors.

National Team Members (Gold): Gold National Team Members also elect
to be part of the Resident Program but have the freedom to train
with their own personal coaches if they wish. Right now (and in
2006) Andy Potts and Hunter Kemper are part of this section of the
program. They are excellent role models for the rest of the program
and their presence is an inspiration to all that train at the OTC.
If they choose to be part of the Resident Team they are more than
welcome to do so and in fact this was the choice that Joe Umphenour
made for himself. Some National Team Members choose to arrange short
term stays primarily to meet a specific training need at a strategic
time within their annual plan (Susan Williams has chosen this option
on many occasions) while others plan visits to enable them to work
with the service providers at the USOC (sports medicine or sport
science). National Team Members who choose to not be part of the
Resident Team may race for any team they wish.

Emerging Athlete Program (Short Term Residency): The Emerging
Athlete Program is a short term program that allows athletes
(irrespective of their affiliation) to access the facilities for as
short or as long a time as they can afford to spend at the OTC.
Athletes apply for this program and the dates and duration of their
stay is jointly determined by the athlete and the National Team
Program Director depending on the athlete's individual needs. Some
athletes select to join us at our winter destination in Chula Vista
and others select to spend some time up at altitude in Colorado
Springs. This year we have catered to a cross section of athletes
ranging from Olympic Gold medalist in swimming with no prior
triathlon experience to athletes on the verge of making the National
Team such as Julie Swail. We also supported young athletes through
rehabilitation such as Sarah Groff. This section of the program has
been a great addition to the Resident Program as a whole as it
provides access to a diverse cross section of the Elite athlete
community and exposes us to these athletes so we can get to know
them better and it also affords the athletes with a great
opportunity to meet their specific needs at a time of the year they
can work into their annual program.

With the above in mind I am sure you will all be able to appreciate
how accessible the program is and how far we have come over that
years to address the needs of a larger cross section of the
community. The decision to embark on this type of program came from
feedback we were given over the years from coaches and athletes
alike. USOC also encouraged us after their review of the
organization to allow the National Program Director to develop
programs in the interest of growing and developing the program. I
believe over the years I have taken that lead and for the most part
believe we have made progress in the right direction. Our goal is to
develop a program that will allow each athlete to develop to their
full potential and since each athlete has very specific needs the
program was developed to allow for this diversity. I believe we have
achieved this now.

I trust that I have answered all the questions asked within this
explanation of our program

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posted by andy  # 4:07 PM 0 comments