Since the days of Ted Corbitt RRTC has been a meritocracy, not a democracy. When Ted’s load got too heavy, he appointed new people to cover various geographical areas. He did not ask anyone to elect them – he appointed them from the ranks of those who had shown that they understood the work to be done.
That tradition has carried on to this day. The work is done by those who have done it and understand what is involved. When I was chairman, and people asked me how they could become involved in RRTC, I always told them “measure a few courses.” Some did, and became members of the group. That’s always been the source of RRTC recruits.
Kevin has pointed out what he calls “problems” and calls for a cure to be applied via democratic procedures. The fact that something is not perfect does not indicate a “problem.” The certification system, as it stands, is one of the most smooth-running and effective things that USATF does. It can be better, of course. What human institution cannot be better?
Absent from Kevin’s proposal are details of how this great democratic revision is to be accomplished. From where are the personnel going to come? How will the paper flow?
In my real-life work as an engineer I always was happiest when my boss was also an engineer, and knew the work as well as I did. I was less happy when I was managed by a “manager.” I do not know how others in RRTC feel about operating under a system where they may be micromanaged by elected people who may never have measured a course. It is important to remember that RRTC people enjoy the work, and anything that diminishes that enjoyment can cause people to decide not to do the work.
There is a story about killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. I believe Kevin should read it.