According to the Wall Street Journal, a potential strike could lead some athletes to boycott the USA Outdoor Championships, June 26-29, in Sacramento.
The action follows the prospect that college football players might unionize with a unionization move by Northwestern University.
A group representing elite runners, shot putters and pole-vaulters are reportedly upset at the way USA Track & Field runs its meets and applies rules. In February, the TFAA asked USATF to be allowed to observe protests and appeals at future USATF championship meets following a pair of controversial disqualifications at the USA Indoor Championships last month in Albuqerque, N.M., noted the Oregonian. USATF has refused to release the video evidence.
In a statement issued on March 28, the TFAA asked the sponsors for "official recognition" as the "collective voice of elite and professional athletes" and to support the athletes' "rights to participate in TFAA calls to action."
The statement went on to ask sponsors "not to penalize your athletes for participating in collective action" and to enter a clause stipulating as much "in all future contracts you enter into with track and field athletes."
The statement led to calls of support from Brooks, Saucony, Oiselle, CEP Compression Sportswear and Team Elliptigo. Nike, the largest sponsor of the USATF, hasn’t commented on the potential action.
In a statement issued March 26, USATF President Stephanie Hightower said she was appointing a working group to study the issue. She said in the statement that the "process will take place over weeks and months."
The vendor responses, included on TFAA’s website, are below:
“Oiselle is on board, of course! We say yes to this!” - Oiselle
“Brooks recognizes the power of teamwork on and off the track. We’re excited to see the Track and Field Athletes Association step up to help give all athletes a voice, and support their desire to work collectively to better the sport. We stand behind our athletes’ participation in the association and look forward to their leadership in track and field.” - Jesse Williams of Brooks
“On behalf of Saucony, we support and recognize TFAA as the organization that represents and protects the rights of ALL elite and professional athletes. Additionally, we will work closely with the TFAA on assuring all athlete rights are protected.” - Mark Bossardet of Saucony
“CEP is dedicated to supporting profession and amateur athletes world wide. Our commitment to the athlete and the customer is represented in our active participation in athlete sponsorship contracts, event sponsorships and charitable contributions to groups and organizations that support health and wellness via sport.
Please accept this statement as confirmation that CEP approves of the TFAA’s mission to support track and field athletes world wide. An open forum for communication, a united voice for the athlete and a level playing field for competition must be secured if the sport is to grow.
CEP will protect our athletes from financial and contractual harm as it pertains to our direct relationship and will make any necessary amendments to existing and future contracts as they relate.” – Brandt Furgerson of CEP Compression Sportswear
“The ElliptiGO team is proud to support the TFAA because we believe it’s not only promoting the best interests of our sponsored athletes, but of all track and field athletes and fans. We will review our current contracts and amend them to clearly indicate that our sponsored athletes will not be penalized for participating in collective action and will ensure that such a provision is included in future contracts. We are certain that the effort the TFAA is spearheading will improve the sport of track and field and benefit the global community of people who are passionate about running. Thank you for moving things in the right direction.” – Team Elliptigo
Related Links:http://www.oregonlive.com/trackandfield/index.ssf/2014/03/brooks_and_oiselle_say_they_wi.html
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