Oldest T&F Federation = Scrap heap (Brit-centric post)

[marknhj]

The AAA's, the world's oldest national federation, is destined for the scrap heap. There has been in-fighting with our various federations for literally decades. This report describes how a government body is forcing the re-organisation of UK Athletics by withholding millions of dollars of funding. All I can say is about bloody time. Hope this is of some interest to non-Brits.

http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServe ... 5677866454

[tafnut]

Re: Oldest T&F Federation = Scrap heap (Brit-centric post)

Interesting and sad at the same time. Our AAU vs. NCAA vs. USTAF, then TAC, now USATF issues have shown us that when the powers-that-be get too top heavy, the deck of cards collapses. I envision a bunch of old men with bushy white eyebrows giving a hearty 'harrummpphh' at this news, but it's obviously time to prune out all the old deadwood that has been choking off attempts at new growth. We're not there yet with USATF, but even it, as new as it is, seems too slow to respond to the New Marketplace.

There was a great article in Time magazine a couple of weeks ago about the Gates Foundation that gives away billions of dollars annually. The most telling characteristic of the organization is its lightning quick response time to needs. The red tape and bureaucracy disappear when there is a bold vision at the helm. Yes, it's all Bill's money, but any billion dollar corporation such as this has protocols to follow and they have implemented policies that foster quick responses. That's what we (and obviously the UK) needs.

[MJR]

Re: Oldest T&F Federation = Scrap heap (Brit-centric post)

I agree with the sentiment of your post. Now we just need to rewrite the amateur sports act to allow it to happen and then we have a shot.