Track & Field Future Tie Policy

The recent US Olympic trial situation left the track & field circuit wondering if they will have in place a policy to break ties . One thing that came clear was in case of an injury to a qualified athlete between now and the Olympics creates concerns how they will supplement a new name to the mix. Someone has to have an answer in the works. If you do come forth and settle the issue.

 

Where there are four people with the Olympic A qualifying standard in an event, the U.S. will enter four people -- three plus an alternate. Or so I am told.

 

What we are finding out this week because of the date of the US Trails. Anyone making the A Standard afterwards between the trail and the Olympics won't be included . Even in the case say the #4 is unable to participate they are left with only three at the Olympics for that particular event.

We asked track officials if they have considered moving the Olympic trials closer to the Olympic date and few said they are considering the proposal that someone submitted . It would take obviously for the Olympic to conclude before they can make any changes.

Our look at this was why was there not a policy on breaking the ties at the trails in place? Which lead to the other issues what happens as stated if the #4 is unable to participate.

The great thing about the issue they are talking about it now even as they prepare our National Track & Field USA team. That is a plus.

 

Is the coat optional?

 

I'm pretty sure the US Olympic track team is final, and there are no alternates for individual events.

The IOC has a hard deadline for nations to submit their Olympic roster(s).

This all became clear in 2008, in swimming, when Jessica Hardy's positive drug test was announced after the IOC's deadline to name the Olympic team had passed and the US had no choice but to substitute a person who was already on the team to compete in Hardy's event(s).

Almost every other sport besides track and swimming have alternates, though. I don't know why it doesn't seem to be the case in track and swimming. Maybe because the international field is huge as it is.

I hope that helps.

 

Yes, there are alternates on the U.S. track team. Four athletes are entered for three spots.

 

Good to know. What's your source on that?

 

My good friend wikipedia -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Olympic_Trials_%28track_and_field%29