USAT AAC

Hello,
Following is a draft of a resolution the AAC is presenting to the
Board of Directors, which would change the criteria to turn pro
starting in January 2008. This will not affect current pros (all of
you) - only those new to the pro ranks.
Please let the AAC know if you have any comments on this resolution
by either replying to the group or emailing AlisonAAC@yahoo.com.
Thanks.

Resolution for Board Action

Subject: Elite Triathlon Membership Qualification Criteria

Background: USA Triathlon's elite triathlon qualification criterion
was last updated in January 2005 in an effort to raise the bar of US
elite performances and professionalism. While the criterion does
meet this objective, it focuses too heavily on field size and does
not account for field quality. For example, if an athlete is the
overall winner at Amateur Worlds, they are still required to finish
top-8 in 2 more (or 1 more Ultra-distance) events with 500+
participants. The added travel and resources required for the
additional 1-2 races could be better spent in the elite ranks.
Therefore, this resolution proposes the addition of new
qualification options that are at a high enough level that they
would merit an elite license.

Financial Impact: None.

Relevant & Affected By-Laws and Procedures:
Article 2 Section 2.4
Article 6 of the Bylaws

(Current) Elite Qualification Criteria:
Any athlete who chooses to compete as an elite triathlete must meet
at least one of the three (3) criteria listed below:

CRITERIA A:
Finish top-eight overall and within 8 percent of the overall
winner's time, according to gender, in at least three (3) USAT
sanctioned events that occurred within the past 12 months and had at
least 500 participants. No exceptions will be made.

CRITERIA B:
Finish within 8 percent of the overall winner's time in at least two
(2) ultra- distance events that included an elite field (offering
$5k or greater in prize purse) that occurred within the past 12
months and had at least 500 participants. Ultra distance is defined
as any distance equal to or greater than a 4K swim, 112-mile bike
and 26.2-mile run. Events must have been sanctioned by USA
Triathlon. No exceptions will be made.

CRITERIA C:
Finish within 8 percent of the overall winner's time in one (1)
ultra-distance event that included an elite field (offering $5k or
greater in prize purse) that occurred within the past 12 months and
had at least 500 participants AND finish top-eight and within 8
percent of the overall winner's time, according to gender, in at
least one (1) USAT sanctioned event that occurred within the past 12
months and had at least 500 participants.

Whereas, the goal of USAT's elite membership criteria is to
objectively and efficiently select the highest caliber athletes for
elite status;

Whereas, the current criterion takes into account field size without
regard for field quality;

Whereas, some performances are at such an exceptional level that
they alone merit elite status;

Whereas, if an athlete has proven their ability through exceptional
performances at the highest level of the sport, it is not necessary
to require further proof that the athlete merits elite status;

Now therefore be it resolved that, USAT elite triathlon
qualification criterion is changed to the following:

In order to apply for USAT's elite triathlon membership, an athlete
must meet at least ONE of the following criteria:

1. Finish within 8% of the winning elite time (on the same
course as elites) in 3 events that offered an elite/pro prize purse
and occurred within the past 12 months
2. Finish top-10 overall and within 8% of the winner's time at
ITU Age Group World Championships
3. Finish top-5 overall and within 8% of the winner's time at
USAT Age Group National Championships
4. Finish top-3 overall and within 8% of the winner's time at
USAT Collegiate National Championships
5. Finish top-3 overall in the amateur field at an Elite
Qualifying Race. The list of Elite Qualifying Races is determined by
the AAC each year and published on USAT's website.

This criterion will take effect January 1, 2008.

Submitted by:
Alison DeWall Hankins, Elite Athlete Advocate on behalf of the AAC

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