Trials and Stipulations

[GTF]

The U.S. Olympic trials process is fair and straightforward—place in the top 3 and have the Olympic “A” standard, and you’re on the team. Athletes and fans from other countries regularly praise the American system for removing  politics and preferential treatment, cronyism and corruption from the mix. But what if the process for deciding who is on the start line isn’t as clear-cut?
That question arose during an otherwise magnificent Olympic trials in June and July. In the distance events, there were several instances where decisions about who was let into the meet appeared more arbitrary and capricious than straightforward and easily comprehensible. With the U.S. Olympic Committee threatening USATF with decertification as the national governing body of track and field, athletes’ claims of a lack of fairness, transparency and accountability took on extra weight. That was especially true with the trials being held in Eugene, Ore., where Steve Prefontaine is revered, in part, for his battles with one of USATF’s predecessors over athletes’ rights.

Although certainly not yet of Prefontaine’s caliber, Blake Boldon is a middle-distance runner who has placed in the top 10 at three recent national championships. At the outset of the trials, he was seeded 27th in the 5,000m field; USATF stipulated a minimum field size of 24. Because fields in the event had been expanded soon before races at other national championships, including the 2004 Olympic trials, Boldon spent $1,500 to be in Eugene to appeal to be added.

full item

[Ryan]

When Boldon heard from McCloud, “He told me that if he allowed me into the meet, they would have to add numbers 25 and 26 [on the 5,000m seed list], and then they would have to add a heat in the 5K.

Yet they didn't have to add those who were ahead of Goucher in the 10,000m list? Sounds to me like a double standard. Anyone surprised?

[Ed]

It also sounds like some of the officials do not want to be bothered to assist athletes - kind of odd as they are in an athletically centered career. 

[GTF]

It is a largely volunteer staff at USATF.  Chaplin, for example, is retired from his coaching career though is, as stated in the article, a paid Nike consultant.  It is doubtful that USATF provides any income to him above travel, food, and lodging at USATF meets and conventions.

[GTF]

The following items confirm the reputation of these turds:
http://www.runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=13779
http://www.runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=13791