ARIZONA CERTIFIED TRACK – a recent correspondence
From: Justin Kuo [mailto:justin@jkuo.org]
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 10:51 PM
To: newmangc@cox.net; Steve Vaitones
Gene,
I found a recent article about a new track in Arizona. The article says the track will be certified by the USATF. I know RRTC can measure and certify tracks for LDR events. Does the USATF also certifies tracks for non-LDR events?
http://www.azstarnet.com/sports/216314.php
Thank you. -- Justin
In a message dated 12/17/2007 7:54:17 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, newmangc@cox.net writes:
Justin,
I will pass this on to Pete for his comments, since I don't know that answer.
Best, Gene
From Pete to Gene:
Dear Gene,
I have no idea what USATF may do regarding certifying tracks, except for what we in RRTC do.
RRTC does certify tracks, but only for the length of a single lap. This can be done either with a curbline taping or a length-width measurement. This is generally done to support ultradistance records.
Certification of every course length that may exist on a standard track requires more expertise than most of us in RRTC possess. It is a precision surveying job, and is generally done by the company that builds the track.
The Arizona Daily Star article may be correct. USATF may indeed certify tracks, but if they do I believe it is simply a rubber-stamping of whatever document is provided by the builder.
If one surfs around on the IAAF web site one can find what it takes to have a track fully IAAF certified. As I recall the cost is on the order of $25,000, and I believe only four IAAF certified tracks exist. The foregoing should not be taken as true - my recollection may be faulty.
An RRTC measurement certificate does NOT imply that the track various markings are accurate. We have always been willing to certify the lap length of a track based on presentation of a surveyor's document. Mostly these have been lost by the track owner, or maybe they never got one in the first place.
Best, Pete
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