One Step Ahead Spring 2014, Vol. 2 | Page 8

R O B L E M K E - C H AI R M AS T E R S C O R N E R 2014 USATF-LI MASTERS TRACK & FIELD GRAND PRIX This year we are pleased to hold the 4th Annual Masters Track & Field Grand Prix. Once again there will be both an individual and team competition. The Individual Grand Prix has been developed to enable athletes of various ages participating in different events to compete against each other. Using the WMA Age Grading Calculator, athletes age 35 and up, competing in events as diverse as the 100m dash and the discus throw, will now compete against each other in a season long series. The Masters Track & Field Individual Grand Prix is open to all USATF members. Athletes' performances will be scored using the WMA Age Grading Calculator. An athlete's top 5 scores will be considered when determining their overall score. In addition, an athlete must score in 3 different events (ex: 100m, 400m & Long Jump, 800m, 1500m & 3000m). In the event that a race is hand timed, .24 seconds will be added to all races up to 300m and .14 seconds will be added for races of 400m and longer. All USATF-LI sanctioned meets held during the spring and summer of 2014 will be used for scoring. Eligible athletes will automatically be entered in the Grand Prix. New this year, we will award cash prizes to the top 3 male and female athletes. We are also excited to bring back the Masters Team competition. Members of USATF-LI registered clubs will compete against each other 8 • Spring 2014 • ONE STEP AHEAD in 5 year age groups (10 years for relays) over the course of the Summer Series track meets and the Masters Championship meet. With many active teams on Long Island we are looking forward to an exciting competition. We hope to see many new faces at the track and some familiar ones trying new events. The more your club participates, the better its chance to win! In the Team Grand Prix competition events will be scored 5-3-2-1 in each age group and the team accumulating the most points over the course of the Association Championship meet and the Summer Series meets will be the winner. It will be each runner’s responsibility to note their team and age group when registering at the meet. Prize money will be given to the top 3 teams. Check your inbox for additional details and the announcement of upcoming track & field meets. Good luck to all this season! Rob Lemke USATF-LI Masters Chairperson Championships & Summer Series Schedule July 2 - USATF LI Open & Masters Championships July 5-6 - USATF Masters Combined Events Champs, MI July 9 - Summer Series #1 July 16 - Summer Series #2 July 17-20 - USATF Masters T&F Championships, NC July 23 - Summer Series #3 July 30 - Summer Series #4