at continental or world level , but the late and initially small development of trail running in South Africa saw it being overlooked and allowed to develop independently of the existing club and organiser structure in the country .
The confusion and restrictions of COVID is only the latest of the reasons proffered by trail runners as to why they don ’ t want to come under the ASA jurisdiction . Until now , trail organisers have therefore continued to work independently . In strict terms , they are operating illegally , as they have not agreed regulations with the Ministry of Sport . However , some organisers have sought alignment with other bodies “ recognised by the Sports Ministry ,” as required by regulations , and therefore work to a different set of regulations that have considerably less onerous requirements for their endurance events .
It cannot be left to organisers , technical officials or COVID compliance officers to be the lone protectors of these aspects . This has to be a universal obligation , as one person breaking ranks can cause the closing down of an event , or the total change of regulations and limitations . In this aspect , hopefully every licensed runner can empathise with the ASA concerns on going large too early . The discipline aspect also speaks to the requirement that events are only open to licensed runners . This should ensure accountability and assist in the track and trace requirements and capabilities for hosting events .
Leading by Example
Boiled down , there has been some good reasoning in the ASA restriction of competition early in this pandemic . However , while the federation ’ s apparent concerns for safety is well expressed in track and field requirements , it appears incorrectly or illogically applied in the case of road running . Reviewing this can create a more balanced and structured approach going forward , and introduce processes , innovations and proven concepts that will help the sport to re-commence the financial stability of the provincial structure .
One reason the 10km restriction is under question is that ASA had already sanctioned three 42km marathon events for 18 October , before it had even commenced the negotiations on regulations with the ministry of sport . Not only is this approval of these marathons a clear contradiction of its own ruling , but doing so weeks before agreeing regulations with the Sports Minister raises questions on the legality of those races . declared as universally dangerous , why did it allow the Cape Town Marathon to endanger these athletes , given that ASA has been adamant in its claims that every single athlete ’ s life matters , and not one life must be lost ?
Furthermore , the Cape Town event was allowed to take place on 18 October , even though the restriction on all other organisers is until 1 November . Who , how and what made the case that Cape Town Marathon was different , and in what way ? This needs to be clarified , particularly if there is any desire to uphold the 10km distance restriction . In other words , what was at stake in this Cape Town decision ? Even the most logical decision must come under scrutiny when consistency of application is lacking .
Trail Making its Own Rules ?
The regulations reference both road and trail , but there seems no governance of trail events , with many independent and commercial organisers doing their own thing outside of the ASA fold . Internationally , trail running is recognised by World Athletics and there are World Championships held in the same way that IAU hold 50km , 100km and 24-hour Championships
Under these regulations , the distances are not specified or restricted , which resolves many challenges and is a clear indication of what is possible when people knowledgeable in their discipline are working with the Ministry . So , while road running is restricted to 10km and one water point , as from 1 November onwards , trail organisers have already put on marathons , 50km , 50-miler and 100-miler events , long before the 1 November commencement date . And this emphasises the need for the ASA Road Commission to hopefully call for a review and resubmission with the Ministry .
Unfortunately , a massive opportunity has seemingly been lost , both by ASA and by trail running , to find common ground that would allow both to come together under the one umbrella . This could have created a stronger base for all , and importantly for the admittedly small group of runners wishing to make their mark at national and international level . As it stands , ASA is able to declare events as unsanctioned , and also , in theory , to suspend runners who participate in such events , thus making them ineligible for selection in any aspect of athletics . How likely that is to happen is still to be seen .
More Innovation Required
It ’ s not only the loss of opportunity with trail running that is concerning , but also the opportunity for innovation , particularly around the water tables . There is almost universal agreement that the current use
After all , ASA itself warned all organisers about events failing to comply to its agreed Regulations , as breaches of national COVID regulations are criminal offences , and the National Sports Regulations require that only sports bodies recognised by the Department and / or Federations can and must negotiate a return to sport regulation prior to any sport taking place . If that negotiation happened with the Cape Town Marathon , why was it not shared with other marathons ? If it didn ’ t happen , then how was it allowed ?
If ASA allowed 40-plus of the country ’ s elite athletes to compete in events longer than 10km , which it has
Image : Action Photo SA & Tobias Ginsberg
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ISSUE 134 OCTOBER 2020 / www . modernathlete . co . za