USAT AAC

I am completely against this resolution regarding prize money for USAT
events. All reasons cited for not allowing amateurs to compete for
prize money with the elites simply make no logical sense. If elites are
worried about not making money due to placing behind amateur racers,
they should be embarrassed and reconsider their occupation. A
resolution to limit their competition prior to the event seems nothing
less then cowardly. I don't see any reason why amateurs can't compete
for prize money in races that amateurs and elites have the same start
time and race exactly the same course. Several amateur athletes train
with the goal of entering the elite ranks and welcome the chance to
race against the elites in races that are conducive to this. Denying
these successful amateur athletes prize money simply because they do
not have a license seems to be a certain means of discouraging the
development of triathletes/duathletes. Further, if this resolution
should pass I recommend that all triathletes wishing to race in a
duathlon as an elite must meet criteria for obtaining an elite
duathlete license. Simply holding an elite triathlon license should not
permit them to race as an elite in duathlon.

Sincerely,
LeRoy Popowski
--- Alison Hankins <alisonaac@yahoo.com> wrote:

> All-
> The AAC just found out that our resolution regarding prize money for
> amateurs is due tomorrow! So, this doesn't leave much time, but
> please
> let us know ASAP if you have any support to help us add to the
> following resolution draft. Please let us know if you have any other
> reasons why this is important? Do any of you NOT agree with this
> change?
> Thanks,
> Alison & the Athletes Advisory Council
>
> ---------
> Resolution for Board Action
> Subject: Prize Purse Limits
>
> Background: At events with $5,000+ in cash prize money, USA
> Triathlon's rules limit the elite division to athletes holding a USAT
> elite license or an elite license from an ITU member federation.
> Races
> with $5,000+ cash prize purses also require compliance with USAT
> elite
> competition rules. In races with $4,999 and below, amateur athletes
> are allowed to race along with elites for the prize purse.
>
> Elite athletes compete in triathlon as a means to make a living,
> traveling nationally and internationally to races with prize purses.
> Allotting a portion of a prize money purse to amateurs degrades from
> the growth of elite triathlon and the number of athletes who will
> pursue elite racing in the U.S.
>
> Further, the purpose of amateur sports should not be for financial
> gain. Offering prize money to amateurs sends the wrong message about
> the purpose of amateur sport.
>
> Further, race directors state that offering prize money for amateurs
> helps draw participants to the field. However, the number of amateur
> athletes who will plan and adjust racing schedules according to prize
> money purses below $5,000 is minimal. Race directors have the
> opportunity to offer value-in-kind (VIK) prizes to amateurs, but
> money
> should not be a driver for amateur competition.
>
> This resolution seeks to change the prize money limit from $4,999 to
> $0 for amateur athletes.
>
> Financial Impact: None.
>
> Relevant & Affected By-Laws and Procedures:
> USAT Competitive Rules: An event with a minimum $5000.00 prize purse
> must limit the Elite division to athletes holding a USAT Elite
> License
> or an Elite license from an ITU member federation. All prize money is
> reserved for the Elite division.
>
> Whereas, the definition of "amateur" is "one who engages in a
> pursuit,
> study, science, or sport as a pastime rather than as a profession"
>
> Whereas, elite multi-sport athletes rely on their racing careers to
> earn a living;
>
> Whereas, the purpose of amateur racing should not be to earn money.
> If
> an athletes is in the sport for money, they should race as an elite;
>
> Whereas, taking prize money and awarding it to amateurs degrades from
> the growth of elite triathlon and the number of athletes who will
> pursue elite racing in the U.S.
>
> Whereas, race directors will still have the option to offer VIK
> prizes
> to amateurs;
>
> Now therefore be it resolved that, USAT triathlon's minimum cash
> prize
> purse for elites be changed from $5,000 to $0.
>
> This criterion will take effect January 1, 2008.
>
> Submitted by:
> Alison DeWall, Elite Athlete Advocate on behalf of the AAC
> Joe Umphenour, USAT Board of Directors Member
>
>
>
>
>

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