USAT AAC

I do not agree with the change either.  Those who finish at the top of the podium or in the prize money, whether they are an amateur or Pro deserves the prize and respect of the elite triathlon community.  We need to be leaders and support triathlon and not just for ourselves...

Not everyone has the opportunity and the means to turn pro and keep it as a profession though they may be just as talented as the pros in the race. 

I also agree with Judy on the the "pro qual and requal for long distance racing is still unsatisfactory and needs to be revised".  We are all in different situations and race for different reasons.  And long distance is a tough cookie to race - you can't do it half-ass.  A few years a go I was a decent pro, not the top of the ranks but I could hold my own... but circumstances change.

I am now a full-time working mom supporting her husband and family while husband goes to law school. I will probably be losing my pro license at the end of this year because my health and my family responsibilities have kept me from consistent training over the last two years since having my daughter.  It is unfortunate to lose my license as I am finally getting to a stable point where I am healthy, can afford to hire sitters again, train more, and maybe travel to races.

The fire is still in me to race... and to win the race... I would like to stay a Pro triathlete...and will work to requalify.  It isn't my livelihood and probably never will be but it is a passion... every time I get on a starting line it was with the intention to win the race.  I know you y'all feel the same way, otherwise we wouldn't be here.. 

I know it is my responsibility to follow the rules that are created and it is my responsibility to have raced enough to keep my card, I made my bed so I know it is my actions and situation that have put me where I am.  But as one of those pros who still has alot of potential talent...I have to be honest... what now?  I am kind of apprehensive to go back to the ranks.   As a long distance 'former-pro', there are no advantages to getting back in the racing scene.  Long distance events are so popular now, age-groupers have to sign up a year in advance...

It has been an honor to have been one of only 160 elite females (per the 2006 numbers) in the sport of triathlon. And I want to thank you all for allowing me to spill my feelings like this......  And who knows, hopefully, I will be on the starting lines with you again soon.  But how many people are we losing this year?  How many are we gaining and when will we be satisfied with who is an elite and who is not?  We are going to limit ourselves so much that we will be seeing the same people on the starting lines without giving anyone else a chance...

Again, I appreciate you all letting me vent...perhaps this wasn't the place... I commend each and everyone of you for your discipline and drive to bring the sport of triathlon to another level.  It has been great being part of the group.

All my best,
Lara Shaw

JUDITH MCSWEENEY <judymcsweeney@hotmail.com> wrote:

i dont agree with the change.
1.  you are asking professional athletes to make a decision that directly and significantly effects amateurs.  they deserve a voice in this
2.  if an amateur is talented enough to place in the money, they deserve it. 
3.  the pro qual and requal for long distance racing is still unsatisfactory and needs to be revised.
4.  ref #3--  you have limited many talented athletes who would be racing pro to race amateur--- most likely scenario is that they will be some of the amateurs placing high...
5.  i think it is wrong that you sent this email across with no respone time. 
6.  i think the race directors should have the freedom to offer a modest purse to all partcipants to attract athletes.
7.  if someone is racing professional then they should not be intimidated by amateurs.  step up and race well..place and it would not be an issue. 
judy

---

To: e-litebeat@yahoogroups.com
From: alisonaac@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2007 20:30:00 +0000
Subject: [e-litebeat] Resolution on prize money for amateurs

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

---

Connect to the next generation of MSN Messenger  Get it now!