Appreciate the little bit of attention this amendment has received. Opinions expressed counter to the amendment are important. Yet I think the few extreme outcomes to the amendment are unfounded. I do agree change is often uncomfortable and sometimes difficult.
There have been many times through the history of our sport to point to as examples of change, which were difficult at first, but ultimately, added something better to the sport. The issue of prize money and maintaining an athlete’s “amateur” status comes to mind.
This proposed amendment may not be as lofty a goal as the issues involved with prize money, but there are important principles involved. Why can’t aspiring measurers ascend through the ranks of RRTC? Why can’t the RRTC work as effectively under the governance of the USATF like every other committee or council? How do the officials and rules committees maintain independence and integrity, but the RRTC can’t?
This amendment opens the doors for all those currently outside the narrow RRTC circle who wish to learn, practice, and promote the process of course certification. How many of you have said, “I wish there was someone to share the workload with?” Why shouldn’t the business of RRTC be handed off to a peer while you might be going through an especially busy period at work and while experiencing family or health problems? Those willing individuals are out there waiting their turn. Are positions within the RRTC, positions for life like sitting on the Supreme Court, but they have an army of clerks?
Many certifiers currently already have relationships with their local associations. Why can’t these relationships be formalized? Is the thought of working within an association below the RRTC? Associations are very much like the RRTC, if you are willing and able to do the work the job is yours. How do associations manage to put on USATF Championships or major road races and officiate events?
This amendment is very much alive. Why can’t the good people in the RRTC work cooperatively with their local associations to continue to implement the road course certification program? As far as the work is concerned, what really changes?
If admittedly there is a shortage of measurers, why can’t an educational process be undertaken? If the application paperwork and filing of certificates and maps are slow, why not explore ways to better use current technologies? If the RRTC is an aging population, why not adopt a governance structure that is more inclusive?