OPINION PIECE
4 The Role of Social Media
As mentioned earlier , many athletes and clubs appear frustrated by the apparent lack of transparency in the process , which in turn often results in complaints and outbursts on social media . However , the answer does not lie in social media , it lies in each licensed person ’ s ability to demand and ensure their right to vote in and influence the process .
That said , social media has its greatest worth in the last three weeks of the process , when athletes and clubs ( and even provinces ) can discuss the merits of candidates and share who they favour , such that provincial representatives and Associate members are not only pressured to vote as mandated , but also informed as to what the other provinces are thinking or doing .
In effect , provincial representatives are the messengers of the licensed runners , and thus should not be allowed to vote according to their personal preferences , nor trade votes on individual whim . Thus sharing and influencing the provincial choices could assist in greater provincial coherence and transparency .
5 Time for Constitutional Change
Lastly , but very importantly , the above has highlighted a number of constitutional aspects possibly worthy of review . On a related note , ASA has always stated its commitment to following and aligning with the international structure of the sport , and this also merits attention ahead of this upcoming QGM .
World Athletics ( WA , the former IAAF ) has totally restructured over the 2017 to 2020 period , and our
ASA President even spoke in support of critical points at the 2017 WA Council meeting in London , so one can surely assume that ASA will welcome a proposal that over the next few years , leading up to the 2024 elections , the entire structure and constitution of ASA be brought into alignment with the WA constitution .
Therefore , any club that would like to submit such a proposal to its province , preferably with set timelines , would need to make sure the proposal reaches the CEO of ASA by 23 March 2021 , so that it can be added to the QGM order of business , and then hopefully passed for action with a simple majority vote . Note : This would not be an actual change of the constitution , it would be a proposal for review and update , hence this would require only a simple majority , whereas the actual changes made to the constitution would require a two thirds majority to pass .
Constitutional Talk
To summarise this opinion piece , and address a few additional issues not discussed here , the following points may be worthy of review and change in a new ASA Constitution .
1 Align with World Athletics , which has restructured , meaning our current system is no longer aligned .
2 Limit on terms of office , say four year terms with a maximum of 8 years ( two terms ). Also address the question whether people should be elected for four years on a rolling two-year General Meeting , meaning 50 % continuity in the Board at all times .
3 Removal of incumbent office-bearers voting rights in elections . On a related note , address whether incumbents should be automatically re-nominated .
4 Clearly defined clause allowing nomination of people from individuals and clubs .
5 More thorough and transparent screening of candidates . As part of this , nominees to provide a CV and campaign document to be circulated 21 days before election .
6 Athletes ’ Commission elected by athletes only ( as per defined eligible athletes and legends of the sport ).
7 Use of technology for greater attendance and transparency at council meetings , general meetings and the QGM , e . g . Zoom , use of direct mail to clubs , etc .
8 if provincial representation ( as opposed to say ( all ) club voting ) then clear defined role that provincial reps may not vote other than as mandated by a provincial council meeting .
About the Author
Norrie Williamson represented Scotland and Great Britain in numerous ultra-distance events , then represented South Africa in triathlon . He is a World Athletics-accredited coach and course measurer , and travels all over the world to work on events , including the Olympics , where he has been part of four Olympic Marathon measurement teams . He has been appointed by World Athletics as Technical Delegate to a number of the world ’ s leading Label events in Africa , Asia and the Middle East . He has authored two books ( Everyman ’ s Guide to Distance Running and Every Beginner ’ s Guide to Walking & Running ), and counts 20 Comrades medals amongst his more than 150 ultra-marathon medals , as well as multiple wins at distances from 100km to 1000km . You can read more from him at www . coachnorrie . co . za .
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