USA Masters to be Re-Defined to 35

Posted by Gabriel Rodriguez Oct 9, 2006

According to the USATF 2005 Annual Meeting on December 4th, 2005, in Jacksonville, Florida, and the USATF Rules Committee Scorecard (approved by the Second General Session), the Committe ruled to amend the Masters classification to athletes that are at least 35 years old "on the first day of the meet." Through 2010, Masters athletes will be considered those athletes that are at least 40 years old.

After calling around several fellow colleagues, this is a major amendment. It must be understood that the rest of the Masters world operates with the understanding and ruling that the Masters division is classified by athletes at least 35 years old, so in fact, the USATF is simply conforming to worldwide rules and regulations.

However, the American mentality is truly that: the American mentality. There is a reason why Americans have not switched to the metric system and there is a reason why Americans will have a hard time accepting the 35-year old Master classification.

For example, how do you explain to a current 35-year old, who in 5 years, anticipating Masters competition and a new life at 40 years of age, is suddenly thrust into a Masters competition with athletes five years younger. Those 31+ year olds are virtually in a no-win situation, a no-man's land to say the least, in terms of Masters competition. Their Master's dream has been quelched in a single thrust of conformity.

Part of me believes that many American races will stay the course with 40-year old Masters classifications, but it will only be a matter of time until everyone conforms once USATF events adopt the new amendment in 2011.

And as it has always been with Masters' athletes, it is only a matter of time...