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Another stroke of genius!

  • 30-05-2011 7:44pm
    #1
    downthemiddle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,301 ✭✭✭


    In their "wisdom" a decision was made at AAI congress to changes the U 18 girls and boys steeplechase from 2,000m to 3,000m. Logic for this decision is difficult to fathom. The World and European youths are both over 2,000m while the Celtic Games are over 1,500m for girls and 2,000m for boys.
    From 2007 to 2009 U17 boys competed over 1,500m and U18 boys over 2,000m while U17 girls competed over 1,200m and U18 girls over 1,500m.
    Last year both U17 and U18 girls and boys competed over 2,000m. At U17 level four girls and six boys competed at nationals while at U18 three girls and eight boys competed.
    This year our youths are being asked to compete over Olympic distance and height. There is a genuine danger that there will be no competitors in some of these events. Decisions like this will do absolutely nothing to develop the sport.


Comments

  • #2
    Tangle2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 64 ✭✭Tangle2


    downthemiddle wrote: »
    In their "wisdom" a decision was made at AAI congress to changes the U 18 girls and boys steeplechase from 2,000m to 3,000m. Logic for this decision is difficult to fathom. The World and European youths are both over 2,000m while the Celtic Games are over 1,500m for girls and 2,000m for boys.
    From 2007 to 2009 U17 boys competed over 1,500m and U18 boys over 2,000m while U17 girls competed over 1,200m and U18 girls over 1,500m.
    Last year both U17 and U18 girls and boys competed over 2,000m. At U17 level four girls and six boys competed at nationals while at U18 three girls and eight boys competed.
    This year our youths are being asked to compete over Olympic distance and height. There is a genuine danger that there will be no competitors in some of these events. Decisions like this will do absolutely nothing to develop the sport.

    Yes I agree with much of what you say - 8 competitors in total finished the three girls juvenile steeplechases last year. The standard was very weak and this year it looks likely to be weaker.

    However we cannot point the finger at decisions made at congress and talk of "them" and their "wisdom". Congress is the chance for all delegates to have their say. If there is to be meaningful change we need to all make our voice heard and attend. As far as I can see many counties struggle to get their quota of delegates to attend. Therefore we must all make our voice heard - put motions forward spread the word and generate the support to have them carried. That is how we can make a difference. "We" the people on the ground determine whether motions get passed or not. "We" will make no difference to our sport by playing the blame game on boards.


  • #3
    downthemiddle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,301 ✭✭✭downthemiddle


    Tangle2 wrote: »
    Yes I agree with much of what you say - 8 competitors in total finished the three girls juvenile steeplechases last year. The standard was very weak and this year it looks likely to be weaker.

    However we cannot point the finger at decisions made at congress and talk of "them" and their "wisdom". Congress is the chance for all delegates to have their say. If there is to be meaningful change we need to all make our voice heard and attend. As far as I can see many counties struggle to get their quota of delegates to attend. Therefore we must all make our voice heard - put motions forward spread the word and generate the support to have them carried. That is how we can make a difference. "We" the people on the ground determine whether motions get passed or not. "We" will make no difference to our sport by playing the blame game on boards.
    There is nobody playing the blame game on boards. A number of regular posters attend congress and I was hoping that one of them might know the "logic" for this decision.
    I have already discussed this decision with the CEO of Athletics Ireland and I would be hopeful it will be reviewed.


  • #4
    notsofast
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 336 ✭✭notsofast


    downthemiddle wrote: »
    There is nobody playing the blame game on boards. .
    Title of thread would suggest otherwise.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055871838&page=2

    The motions to congress can be seen on this thread.
    48-50 seem to be the ones in question.

    Number 50 is as follows
    "Distances and barrier heights for Steeplechase be brought in line with world distances to allow athletes the opportunity to quality for EYOF or world youths".
    Boys and Girls U17- 2000m


  • #5
    downthemiddle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,301 ✭✭✭downthemiddle


    notsofast wrote: »
    The motions to congress can be seen on this thread.
    48-50 seem to be the ones in question.

    Number 50 is as follows
    "Distances and barrier heights for Steeplechase be brought in line with world distances to allow athletes the opportunity to quality for EYOF or world youths".
    Boys and Girls U17- 2000m

    They are the motions for 2010. As stated they were brought in line with youths distances last year so why increase them this year?


  • #6
    meathcountysec
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,450 ✭✭✭meathcountysec


    Juvenile competition booklet has U17 Girls - 2,000m 2'6", U17 Boys - 2,000m 3'0"

    Same as last year.


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  • #7
    notsofast
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 336 ✭✭notsofast


    But U18 boys and girls are down to run 3000m in the AAI Juvenile competition booklet this year whereas they were down to run 1500 (girls) and 2000m (boys) last year. I see what you mean.

    Suggest you contact the AAI competition secretary. Email details are on AAI website. Might just be a typo.

    (Munster have same distances this year as AAI whereas Leinter have OLD distances on their program).


  • #8
    downthemiddle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,301 ✭✭✭downthemiddle


    notsofast wrote: »
    But U18 boys and girls are down to run 3000m in the AAI Juvenile competition booklet this year whereas they were down to run 1500 (girls) and 2000m (boys) last year. I see what you mean.

    Suggest you contact the AAI competition secretary. Email details are on AAI website. Might just be a typo.

    (Munster have same distances this year as AAI whereas Leinter have OLD distances on their program).
    We have been told by head office that it's not a typo, it's a congress decision. Munster appear to be the only region running the U18's over 3,000m. I wonder how many entries they will get.


  • #9
    meathcountysec
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,450 ✭✭✭meathcountysec


    downthemiddle wrote: »
    We have been told by head office that it's not a typo, it's a congress decision. Munster appear to be the only region running the U18's over 3,000m. I wonder how many entries they will get.

    Might be a Leinster typo. I'll draw the Leinster T&F Comp Sec's attention to it.


  • #10
    Tangle2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 64 ✭✭Tangle2


    downthemiddle wrote: »
    We have been told by head office that it's not a typo, it's a congress decision. Munster appear to be the only region running the U18's over 3,000m. I wonder how many entries they will get.

    Last year they just had two in the steeplechase in Munster Girls U18. However the distance is not the only factor as there was only two in the 300m hurdles too.. . . . . and they were thw Neville twins. There was only 3 competitors in the 200m also. Its not just a distance thing.

    Its a harsh reality of our sport and indeed all sports that competitor numbers reduce substantially at 17-18 years of age. I do agree though that the steeplechase is weak, particularly for girls. Maybe though it will encourage some to do it who wouldn't have a chance of a medal in a 800m/1500m/3000m and may lead to them staying in the sport?

    It is still strong enough in terms of quality in the mens as Emmett Jennings wentto the world juniors last year. We can expect a great race between Danny Mullins and Kevin Dooney on Saturday.


  • #11
    meathcountysec
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,450 ✭✭✭meathcountysec


    meathcountysec wrote: »
    Might be a Leinster typo. I'll draw the Leinster T&F Comp Sec's attention to it.

    Received the following clarification today.....

    Please note that the steeplechase distance for boys & girls U17 & U18 is 2000m and U19 is 3000m. The booklet and entry forms will be amended.

    Regards


    Administration & Competition Manager
    Athletics Ireland


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