Kevin Lucas’ proposed amendment is unnecessary.
The problems he describes are more or less true. The solutions are less promising than stated.
Without going into chapter and verse, I’ll say that there is presently nothing standing in the way of any association forming a certification group. No amendment is needed. These association groups could, if they wish, measure courses and get them certified. The mechanism for this is already in place.
USATF does not, to my knowledge, attempt to regulate the accuracy of running tracks through its associations. Track measurement, like road measurement, is a technical specialty.
The certifiers of the Road Running Technical Council are qualified to do what they do by experience and competence. These qualities are not necessarily possessed by the winner of an election. It’s one thing to elect someone to a position. It’s quite another thing to see them actually do the job.
I have written to the Ohio and Lake Erie Associations (those in Ohio, the state in which I am certifier) and urged them against supporting this proposed amendment. It would be even better if Kevin was to withdraw it.
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