In the last few weeks there has been much discussion on Facebook and Twitter about financial opportunities or lack thereof for track and field athletes due to the enforcement of uniform logo rules by the sport's governing bodies. The uproar over the these rules reached a boiling point when it was announced two weeks ago that these rules would be enforced at the mostly amateur USATF Club Cross Country Championships.

From recent posts on the Track and Field News message boards, it would appear that finally the winds of change are coming in the form of new rules legislation to be presented at this year's USATF Annual Meeting.

Below is the resolution drafted by former USATF legal counsel David Greifinger which has been submitted for consideration at the Annual Meeting in St. Louis.

RESOLUTION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE USATF MEMBERSHIP AT THE 2011 ANNUAL MEETING

SUBMITTED BY DAVID GREIFINGER, ATHLETE ADVOCATE


WHEREAS, the IAAF through its rules and regulations restricts the size and content of logos on athletes’ uniforms in certain specified “international competitions;” and

WHEREAS, USATF does not through its bylaws or rules similarly restrict the size or content of logos on athletes’ uniforms in meets that are not classified as “international competitions” by the IAAF; and

WHEREAS, USATF’S Competition Rules require that athletes’ attire be clean, designed, and worn so as not to be objectionable; and not impede the view of the judges; and 

WHEREAS, the membership declares that USATF’S policy is to permit athletes to promote their clubs to the maximum extent possible and to maximize the potential for athletes to obtain support and earnings from clubs and individual sponsors; and

WHEREAS, restricting the size and content of logos on athletes’ uniforms impinges upon athletes’ abilities to promote their clubs; to obtain individual sponsors; and to maximize support and earnings from clubs and sponsors.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that USATF shall not adopt or enforce any policy restricting the size or content on athletes’ uniforms when not required under IAAF rules and regulations; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution does not abrogate USATF’S Rule of Competition that athletes’ attire be clean, designed, and worn so as not to be objectionable; and not impede the view of the judges.

To read the Track and Field News message board discussion, click here.

Photo by Michael Scott.