Buenos Deseos para las Fiestas desde WMA

Lunes, 23 de diciembre 2013 20:35:27 +0000 

WMA Afiliados (ASUDAVE)

Estimados miembros, adjunta el acta de la Asamblea General, celebrada en Porto Alegre 23 de octubre 2013.
En este momento yo te deseo todo lo mejor Seasons y un Año Nuevo muy próspero.
Tuyo

Winston Thomas

Secretario de WMA

WORLD MASTERS ATHLETICS
IN COOPERATION WITH THE IAAF
Minutes of the WMA General Assembly 23rd October, 2013 PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
PRESENT:
WMA Council
Stan Perkins, AUS, President; Vesa Lappalainen, FIN, Executive Vice President; Serge Beckers, BEL, Vice-President Stadia; Brian Keaveney, CAN; Vice President Non-Stadia; Selma Türkkal, TUR, Women’s Representative; Cesar-Moreno-Bravo, MEX, IAAF Representative; Leonie Etong, CAM, Africa Representative; Kiyoshi Konoike, JAP, Asia Representative; Kurt Kaschke, GER, Europe Representative; Lynne Schickert, AUS, Oceania Representative; Sandy Pashkin, USA, North & Central America & Caribbean Representative; Jorge Luis Manrique, PER, South America Representative; Jean Thomas, FRA, Acting Treasurer; and Winston Thomas, GB/NI, Secretary.
Delegates
In accordance with section 4.2.5 of the WMA Constitution, the WMA Affiliates listed below, by region, gave proper notice of their delegates, totalling 116, who in turn had automatic voting rights.
- Africa (4):
Cameroon (1), Senegal (1), South Africa (2).
- Asia (10):
China PR (1), India (5), Japan (2), Philippines (1), Sri Lanka (1),
- Europe (63):
Austria (2), Belgium (2), Bulgaria (1), Czech Republic (3), Denmark (2), Estonia (2), Finland (5), France (5), Germany (5), Gt Britain & Northern Ireland (5), Greece (1), Hungary (1), Ireland (1), Italy (5), Latvia (1), Netherlands (2), Norway (2), Poland (3), Portugal (2), Romania (1) Spain (4), Sweden (3), Switzerland (2), Turkey (1) Ukraine (2),
- North and Central America & the Caribbean (18):
Canada (4), Costa Rica (1), Mexico (5), Panama (1), Puerto Rico (2), USA (5).
- Oceania (7):
Australia (5), New Zealand 2),
- South America (14):
Argentina (2), Bolivia (1), Brazil (3), Chile (2), Colombia (1), Ecuador (1), Paraguay (1), Peru (1),Uruguay (1), Venezuela (1).
1
(Note: there were 113 delegates plus 14 Council members registered at the beginning of the General Assembly; three additional delegates registered after the first ballots) giving a total of 130 votes.
Guests:
Organising Committee WMA 2014 Championships, Budapest, Hungary.
Organising Committee WMA 2015 Championships, Lyon, France
Organising Committee WMA 2016 Championships, Perth, Australia
Bid Teams for WMA 2017 Indoor championships from:
Daegu, South Korea
The meeting started at 09.00
1. Opening of the General Assembly
The President opened the meeting welcoming the delegates, bidders and guests, as well as other attendees. He asked for one minute of silence for those who passed away.
2. Certification of the proper calling of the General Assembly
President explained the calling of the General Assembly and that meeting was properly called.
3. Election of two (2) scrutineers for the minutes
Bob Schickert (AUS) and Maria Alfaro Casán, MEX, (not Sanchez as announced) were put forward and were certified as the scrutineers for the minutes.
4. Election of persons to count the votes
Three persons were nominated from the floor:
Phil Greenwald (USA), Peter Hanson (NZL) and Lauren Retana Vargas (CRC).
The above-named persons were certified as the counters for the General Assembly.
5. Matters arising from 2011 General Assembly Sacramento, USA.
No matters arising, Adoption proposed by India, 2nd by Australia, and carried by a show of hands
6. Bid presentations and voting for future WMA World Championships
2017 Indoor Championships
- Daegu, South Korea
Ms Rachael Lee Soul, introduced the Daegu delegation which included the Deputy Mayor Mr. Young Hoon Kim, Jun Kim with Mr. Man Su, Han, Mr. Jun, Kim, Ms. Hyunsoo, Kim, Mr. Tae Kyu, Kang.
The Assembly were guided through a fluently, informative, detailed presentation, followed by questions on the accommodation, climate and athletes training which were answered by the Deputy Mayor.
6.1
There will be accommodation less than $50.00 far better that that found in Porto Alegre at five star prices, public transport is readily available to the venues. The weather
2
conditions would be normal for an Indoor event and the temperature inside the arena can be adjusted.
6.2
Training facilities are inside, and outside of the arena with the outdoor track also next to the arena. Daegu will make arrangements for those athletes needing visa to be able to obtain them easier.
6.3
Following the questions the assembly voted by a show of hands which was Unanimous. The president declared that;
DAEGU CITY. South Korea is awarded the 2017 Indoor Championships.
7. Submission and approval of reports from the:
7.1 President. Stan Perkins.
The president spoke on some of the points in his report, he explained the appointment of Jean Thomas as acting treasurer and also being the only candidate.
He wanted to make very clear the financial problems encountered with the Sacramento LOC as WMA had to spend a lot more than it was considered.
Regions will meet as a group during the council meetings and will look at regional financial aid for projects, and how they may help each other. We have 30,000 dollars to finance bi-annually projects and 30,000 for every two-year period of the regional grant.
The position with the IAAF has reached an all time high and the grant from them has been increased. Thank you to council for their contributions and George Riley, CAN, and Bob Banens, AUS, for their work on the drafts constitution and By-Law.
Motion to adopt the President’s reports
Moved and 2nd, and approved.
7.2 Executive Vice President, Vesa Lappalainen
No additions
7.3 Vice President Stadia, Serge Beckers.
VP Stadia added that he had learned some lessons in the past four years, and changes that are made from the initial bids on facilities should be avoided or even banned. The facilities voted by the General Assembly should become unchangeable. Changes of facilities should render the bid as invalid and a new process be discussed, WMA do not presently have such rights but it should be done in the future. ”When we change the stadium, we must change the contract. There are a lot of changes to make. Thank to Council and in particular a tribute to Cesar Moreno-Bravo and my colleagues”.
7.4 Vice President Non-Stadia, Brian Keaveney
VP Non- Stadia, involved since 1993 in Non-Stadia Committee for championships in Canada, in his final report on Council, thanked Council members, his committee and team managers for all their help in the past years. He said Non-Stadia is like an island, he hardly hears about the whole event. He improved and finished the Non-Stadia Handbook with his colleagues. Had the pleasure of seeing Márton from the next LOC from Budapest viewing and asking questions during the Non Stadia event, so they can learn from and adopt for their championship. Finally, he hopes that his successor will continue with the work on all the non-stadia events as he should work with team managers on
3
Indoor, Outdoor, Marathon, Race walk, Cross country, Mountain. Finally, he said “I won’t disappear”.
President said Brian Keaveney has done a great job and hope to continue having his experience.
7.5 Secretary, Winston Thomas
The Secretary apologized for the lack of French translation at the meeting, as only some of the units had the facility. He explained that most people received the unit with 6 channels, but some other got only 3. French language was on the channel 4.
He thanked all for their support and the help given to him.
7.6 Women’s Representative, Selma Turkkal
The Women’s representative ‘thanked her Women’s Committee members, council members and affiliates for the support to the women athletes. Women in all the continents are having their own duties. She thanked President Perkins for working with women athletes and always supports her, and thanked Secretary Thomas for helping her with her dream of having her report online. She is so grateful and honoured to be at this level.
7.7 Acting Treasurer, Jean Thomas
The Treasurer adding to his report, thanked the previous treasurer, he then went on to explain the short fall in the profit and loss account which had been reduced to $30,771.00, from the $91,291.00 of the previous budget. Whilst it was not good we were moving in the right way and with the changes that have been made we will have a surplus around $83,200.00, this is mainly thanks to the changes in WMA entry fees and the IAAF grant.
He went on to explain that the Porto Alegre LOC had not adhered to their sanction fee payments and substantial amounts were still outstanding)
There is a promise that the Porto Alegre municipality will pay this fee, and WMA has a letter of guarantee on this. There is also the WMA and Affiliate Fees, (25 affiliates) to be paid. Promises had been made to pay these fees before the General Assembly, but he is still awaiting, and hope that before he leaves Porto Alegre these fees are paid.
Questions:
7.7.1 The President explained the position of the LOC and reasons for the non payments, because of changes in the governmental structures, and he went on to outline that WMA needs to make changes in our contract to make sure that WMA and not the LOC collects the fund, and we have made changes for the next Stadia championships.
7.7.2 Vern Christensen, CAN, asked about making the performance bond larger than the present $20,000.00
The President agrees that it is ineffective and we will need to have a “Bankers Guarantee” in future, as well as a larger bond. President explained that WMA does not get loan and works with what it has. For now, it will not be more money delivered to the Porto Alegre LOC.
7.7.3 India, asked why not have the National Affiliate pay the WMA fees directly to WMA and the rest of the fees to the LOC or National Federation.
4
The president explained that the present LOC were a stand alone member and was not a part of the National Federation.
Motion to adopt the reports.
Proposed by Australia, 2nd by India. Carried
8. Submission and approval of the auditor’s report
Jean Thomas went through the auditors report as outlined in the general Assembly booklet.
Motion to approve the Auditor’s Report
Proposed by Australia, 2nd by Canada. Carried
9. Submission of report on IAAF Cesar Moreno Bravo
Cesar Moreno-Bravo, gave greeting from the IAAF President and explained that the masters were very important to the IAAF, he went on to show a PowerPoint presentation to outline his report, this took in and explained the start of the relationship of the IAAF and WMA from 1985 to the present, the make up of the IAAF Masters Committee, to the new formation of a Masters Commission with members of WMA and the IAAF. The clear objective and benefit for working together is because both uses same equipment, same judges and same all. At the beginning not everybody liked this idea, but now WMA agree this coordination is necessary. After 21 years connected to IAAF/WMA, Masters Committee is now recognized for its achievements. One of those is age of competition related to Rule 141 where age for IAAF, the end of each year, and age for WMA, birth date. IAAF accepted what WMA proposed.
It also outlined the links that need to be realized between IAAF and WMA Regions, IAAF Federations and WMA Members. Whilst the IAAF had all its 212 members active, only around 130 of the WMA 165 members, were active. A lot of people are not reaching WMA Championships. To improve this, is why the Committee passes the baton to the Commission. Finally Cesar went through the mission (unification of WMA and IAAF members worldwide), objectives (integrate masters into IAAF`s programs, ensure founding principles of WMA are protected, assist WMA in striving to increase its membership) and strategies (communication WMA/IAAF, medical and laboratories invited to develop research programs, encourage all-ages competition) for the future corporation in working together as a body and with the IAAF to make “athletics for life and only one family”. Relation between WMA and IAAF has reached excellence, claimed Cesar.
There was warm applause for the presentation, followed by some Questions:
9.1 Question: Gary Snyder, USA asked what the selection process for the WMA members of the commission would be.
Answer: The President said the Council would be looking at selecting five representatives, four from within Council and one member outside of Council. The selection will be by the New elected Council.
9.2 The chair will be selected by the IAAF.
The nominees have to be with the IAAF on the 25th October.
5
9.3 The delegate of Panama expressed that changes had been made in Panama which were ongoing and thanked Cesar Moreno-Bravo for his work in helping with this.
10. Break
11. Elections:
Cesar Moreno- Bravo chaired the meeting for the elections. Presentations were made in alphabetical order.
The total votes cast: 130. 66 votes will count as a majority.
President: Stan Perkins, AUS. 92. Rex Harvey, USA. 38.
Stan Perkins, AUS. Is elected President
Executive Vice President
1st Ballot : Vesa Lappalainen, FIN 62. Margit Jungmann, GER 52, Friedel Schunk,USA. 16. Is eliminated.
2nd Ballot. Vesa Lappalainen, FIN 63 Margit Jungmann, GER 67
Margit Jungmann, GER. Is elected Executive Vice President.
Vice President Stadia.
Serge Beckers, BEL. 90. Michael Serrelta, PUR, 40
Serge Beckers is elected Vice President Stadia.
Vice President Non-Stadia
Maurice Doogan ,GBR/NI, 33. Leone Giacomo, ITA.78
René Hondelink, NED.18
Giacomo Leone is elected Vice President Non-Stadia.
Secretary.
Winston Thomas GBR/NI 102. Marilyn Mitchell, USA 27
Winston Thomas is elected Secretary.
Treasurer. Jean Thomas, FRA
Jean Thomas is elected Treasurer by acclamation.
Women’s Representative.
Selma Turkkal, TUR 75. Marilyn Mitchell, USA 53.
Selma Turkkal is elected as Women’s Representative.
12. Elect WMA Honorary Members
No nominations
13. Status Report Stadia 2015, Lyon, France.
Jean Gracia, giving an update on the progress on Lyon expressed that the 2015 championship would be dedicated to the late 1884 Olympic pole vault champion, Pierre Quinon who was part of the Sacramento bid team and had passed away. He went on to show outlined travel links (plane, train buses) to Lyon, and the transport in Lyon to the venues. Accommodation covering up to 8000 beds was available to the LOC. The Event date 4-16 August, so negotiations have been made in 78 hotels for 2500 beds for less than €49.00, 2.400 beds from €50.00 to €69.00. 3100 €70.00 to €98.00 (per rooms)
6
March 2014 they would like to open the website and with the competition schedule and registration. Athletes registering early will get a discount (to be notified) on their entries, athletes can take out an insurance to cover for any illness before the championship. So that they are able to get any monies paid back.
Jean Gracia explained the facilities, warm up areas and the past IPC World Championships, with over 44,000 spectators, and Lyon are looking to make the masters as popular with not just the masters family but the whole community.
Lyon is well known for the gastronomy, wines and culture and all are welcome to come and enjoy the competition and lifestyle, as we all look forward to a successful championship so we are all welcomed to Lyon in 2015.
Questions: What will be the temperature in Lyon
Answer: Around 30 degrees at the time of the championships
Question: Do they know in which stadiums the events will be with relation to the accommodation.
Answer: This is not yet decided but will be published as soon as it is know.
Question: The distance between Paris and Lyon
Answer: This is around 450Km and there is the TVG service Paris-Lyon approximately 2 hours.
Question: For the Decathlon, will there be two pole vault pits at the main stadium.
Answer: Yes, these and other things will be sorted with WMA and the LOC.
The marathon will be in the centre of Lyon, and the time limits will be looked at by WMA and the LOC.
Question: Time limit for Marathon.
Answer: Jean Gracia said he is sure to get a time limit to protect the athletes but it is up to WMA to decide.
14. Status Report Indoor 2014, Budapest, Hungary
Márton Gyulai, gave a short presentation on the setup in Budapest and outlined a change of the arena’s, from two arenas in separate venues to two arenas, four and six lane track in one venue with the indoor throws, registration, administration and restaurant services inclusive.
The facilities for the road events (walks and road run) the training areas, outdoor throws and the athletics track and warm up areas as well as free parking were explained on the presentation.
From previous questions he had been asked of the four lane track he explained that the event had not been decided, but they were looking at using it for events on the “flat” mainly. (60m, hurdles, long/triple /high jumps and pole vault) with possibly some long distance or walk events, this will be decided with WMA.
Márton gave some details of the accommodation and transport, there will be public transport as well and special travel discount from the airport to the hotels, when you book or register for the championships.
7
Questions: What language is spoken in Hungary.
Answer: Hungarian is the main language, but there will be plenty of interpreters during the championships, and many people speak English.
Question on bus passes for “senior citizens” travelling free
Answer: Yes there are for Hungarian citizens, but he does not believe it is also for EU (or other countries) citizens, he will make sure of this.
Question on the hotels and distances to the arena.
Answer: The official and others hotels will be on the website with distances to the arena, and booking form also. He is working on that subject.
Question: Help on visa for South American Countries.
Answer on the question of visas: On the website there is a number to call and if there is a problem the LOC will help those needing visas. They are advised to apply well in advance and not to leave it until the last moments.
15. Status Report Stadia 2016, Perth, Australia
Bob Schickert member of Perth 2016 LOC, and Simone Woodward from the Western Australia Tourist Commission (backing the championships) explained they have the support of the Western Australian government, Athletics Australia and athletics Western Australia. Date is the 26 Oct to the 6 Nov. Perth information leaflets have been handed out and are still available at the meeting. They outlined the championship precinct of the main stadium where the majority of the events will take place.
They have a dedicated throws area, first class grass and cinder warm up track. They will concentrate in making three things correct, the transport with shuttle buses from the city, the accommodation, the timetable, and a good working TIC. A full outline will be given in Lyon.
Question: Verne Christensen CAN, asked what will be the temperature at the date of the competition.
Answer: Around 25 degrees
16. Lunch
17. Voting on motions to amend the WMA Constitution, Bye-Laws, and Rules of Competition.
MOTIONS TO PORTO ALEGRE 2013 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
WMA COUNCIL PROPOSALS
CONSTITUTION
1)
WMA Porto Alegre Resolution
Registration of Newco in Monaco
The WMA Council proposes to amend the Constitution as follows:
8
a.
Delete “biennial” from clause 4.2.1;
b.
Add “except that the elections held in 2013 shall be for the period until the close of the 2016 World Championships Stadia” at the end of Clause 4.4.1.2; and
c.
Add “Except as provided in Clause 4.4.1.2” at the beginning of Clause 6.2.3.4.
Reason: The decision in Sacramento to hold outdoor Championships in Perth, Australia in 2016, the third year after the elections in Porto Alegre in 2013.
The WMA Council proposes to establish WMA’s headquarters in Monaco. For that purpose Council requests approval in principal of the following:
a.
Council shall cause an Association (“New WMA”} to be registered in Monaco under the name “World Masters Athletics” for the purpose of succeeding to WMA as the entity recognized by IAAF to regulate Masters Athletics worldwide.
b.
Affiliates are invited to make submissions as to New WMA’s draft forms of Constitution, By-Laws and Championship Rules (attached) no later Dec 31, 2014, when Council, with the assistance of any working group it establishes, and in compliance with any requirements of Monegasque authorities, shall finalise those documents for approval or amendment by the General Assembly in Lyon in August 2015. New WMA shall be registered in time to hold its first General Assembly during the Championships in Perth in 2016.
c.
WMA and New WMA shall agree (the “Transition Agreement”) that WMA shall transfer its assets to New WMA and that New WMA shall assume WMA’s obligations and contracts and succeed to WMA’s activities and functions and adopt WMA’s rules and regulations (together the “Transition”) all with effect on completion of the Championships in Perth in 2016.
d.
Council shall establish an ad hoc Transition Committee to prepare and determine the scope of the Transition Agreement and to ensure it is implemented promptly.
e.
The Transition Committee shall consist of up to 4 members, one of whom shall be the President who shall be or appoint the Chair. The other members shall be persons with relevant skills and knowledge appointed by the President from time to time in consultation with Council, at least one of whom shall be a Member of Council and at least one of whom shall not be a member of Council.
f.
WMA shall be dissolved promptly following the Transition so that no WMA General Assembly will be required or held in Perth in 2016.
g.
Upon completion of the championships in Perth the members of WMA’s Council shall cease to hold office.
h.
The Transition Committee shall conduct the dissolution of WMA at the cost of New WMA.
i.
Clause 3.6.1 of WMA’s Constitution is amended by adding the phrase: “or to another organisation for use in support of Masters Athletics, all in accordance with the directives of the General Assembly
Reason: WMA is currently registered in Sweden and no longer has the facility to maintain its good standing and headquarters functions there. WMA operates in close liaison with IAAF which has its headquarters in Monaco and can assist WMA to maintain its good standing and headquarters functions there.
1.1 George Riley went through the motion explaining the various paragraphs. He would like feedback from affiliates and those that are interested, so that a final draft can be put to the General Assembly in Lyon 2015.
9
1.2 George asked for the approval of item B, which was accepted with an amendment from Rex Harvey, USA for a specific date. 31st December 2014 was agreed.
1.3 Continuing item B, “shall finalise those documents for approval or amendment”
1.4 The Transition Committee shall consist of at least up to 4 members, one of whom shall be the President who shall be or appoint the Chair. Paragraph j would be deleted
J Clause 3.6.1 of WMA’s Constitution is amended by adding the phrase: “or to another organisation for use in support of Masters Athletics, all in accordance with the directives of the General Assembly”.
Question: Marilyn Mitchell, USA asked about terms of service or time spent in office being covered in the document.
Answer: Page 12 Clause 21.1 to 21.5. (not as was stated: page 5 sub14. or 3.1 sub paragraph 14).
Question: Carroll Deweese, USA summarising what had been said asked it that we would be voting for the draft or for the special committee, who would formulate a final constitution to be presented in Lyon and votes on with any modifications, otherwise we have to proceed with some other entity, but we need the General Assembly approval. George Riley agrees with this.
Question: Rex Harvey, USA asked whether George Riley would put to the present members at the assembly the controversial point of the Stadia-Non Stadia positions, or competition director.
Answer: George Riley explained that he was not in a position to do this, though he wanted feedback from the affiliates and members we needed to have a way to do this correctly so that notice could be taken on all concerns.
Following several other questions on how feedback could be given, making use of the website, the registration of WMA in Sweden, the drafts that would be put to the General Assembly in Lyon, the possible registration in Monaco.
The motion was moved, and carried Unanimously.
WMA COUNCIL RULES OF COMPETITION
2) “New” 100.2 The IAAF rule ----- continued.
“Any modification of the technical rules takes effect the following 1st January, unless otherwise specifically stated.”
Reason. To standardise the timing of competition rule changes with the IAAF and so they are effective in all regions in the same period of the competition year.
The President explained the motion and the reasons to the assembly.
There were no discussions,
the motion was Carried Unanimously
10
3) New.
110.2 The World Masters Athletics (WMA) Council shall appoint a Safety Director. Who shall appoint one or more Safety Officers with authority to withdraw from competition any athlete who is improperly performing the event or whose continued participation in that competition would, in the opinion of the Safety Officers, endangers the athlete’s health or the safety progress of the other competitors. The Safety Officer may exercise their his authority through deputies and both the Safety Officers and any Deputy shall be clearly identifiable with full accreditation.
Reason: to standardize and clarify the roles of Safety Officials.
The president spoke on the motion adding some changes from the WMA council.
Following protracted discussions, on athletes being removed because of the schedules, times or medical grounds, it is explained by the president that safety officials and the medical team work together and athletes are not removed on the grounds of times, in summery the safety officials are concerned with the safety aspect of the competition.
Vern Christiansen, CAN made a friendly amendment, which was accepted and the motion as below put to the Assembly.
110.2 The World Masters Athletics (WMA) Council shall appoint a Safety Director. Who shall appoint one or more Safety Officers with authority to withdraw from competition any athlete whose continued participation in that competition would, in the opinion of the Safety Officers, endangers the athlete’s health or the safety of the other competitors.
The safety officers may exercise their authority through deputies. The Safety Director, Safety Officers and any Deputy shall be clearly identifiable with full accreditation.
The motion was carried Unanimously.
4) Rule 120 Competition Officials (WITHDRAWN)
Safety Officers
All aspects of safety will be the responsibility of the Safety Director, including but not limited to: Supervision of Safety Officers, deputies, provision of duty sheets to cover all events, control of safety vests/bibs, yellow & red cards, Distribution of Radio’s (provision of said radio’s to be established in advance of competition either by WMA or LOC).
Reason: to standardise and clarify the roles of Safety Officials
The WMA Council withdrew the motion, and a new draft will made and put to council for the next General Assembly.
Carroll DeWeese, USA, explained that this present draft does not take into consideration the full safety aspect of the competition and competitors.
The motion is withdrawn.
5) E. MODIFICATION AND AMENDMENT
3. Amendment of Rules
Amendments to the Rules of Competition by the Members shall first be endorsed by the Regional Council of that member.
11
The amendments shall then be submitted to the WMA Secretary within 30 days of its endorsement. Following submission to the WMA Secretary the same shall forward the amendments to the appropriate WMA Vice-President Stadia or Non- Stadia, who shall then communicate these to their Committees.
The Stadia and Non-Stadia Committees shall review the said amendments before the upcoming Outdoor Championships, with written recommendations and comments for each amendment. The Stadia and Non-Stadia Committees shall follow the same procedures for any Council and Committee amendments.
The Stadia or Non-Stadia Committee Chairs shall circulate the amendments, recommendations, and comments to the WMA Council, who shall make their own written recommendations and comments on each of the amendments to the Committee Chairs.
The Stadia or Non-Stadia Committee Chairs shall circulate and agree the final comments with their committees, following which the WMA Secretary shall circulate the final draft to all Regions and Members for voting at the WMA General Assembly.
The only proposals that will be discussed on the floor of the General Assembly are those which have been specifically requested in writing to the WMA Secretary by Affiliates within the specified 90 days preceding the General Assembly.
The WMA General Assembly will vote the final adoption or rejection of each of the proposals and only those adopted would become effective. No proposed change of the same rule shall be submitted to a Regional or WMA General Assembly within a four year period.
Reason: to make change of Rules of Competition easier and faster with regions vetting and agreeing proposed changes before they are submitted to WMA.
The secretary explained the reasons for the change and the effect of making the process easier and less time consuming
Question: Franz Kropik, AUT asked whether this means affiliates give up their rights to make proposals to WMA.
Answer: Sandy Pashkin in answering explained that affiliates would not lose their rights, but this made sure that changes were not just that the world and regions were not able to carry out were not made, as regions and affiliates would have to first agree them.
Question: Maurice Doogan, GB/NI, said that the regions do not have the authority to change WMA rules so why should the affiliates have to go through the regions, and not straight to WMA.
Answer: The President explained that the region would be supporting the motion of the affiliate by accepting it and forwarding it to WMA. Alternatively the Affiliate can send the motion to WMA and then have it rejected.
Question: Bob Banens, AUS, asked for an amendment, the word “approved” end of first paragraph, be changed to endorsed. This is accepted, and the motion was put to the Assembly and;
Carried with 5 votes against.
12
MOTIONS FROM THE AFFILIATES: CONSTITUTIONAL
6) British Masters Athletic Federation
5. Council
New: 5.3.8 Council may not provide WMA services to multi-sport games/festival events that are essentially staged for profit motives while jeopardising WMA’s independent status of a stand alone Association and with the sole authority to organise Masters Athletics World Championships.
Reason: WMA should not appear to cooperate with or complement games styled events in organisational, administrative and technical issues. WMA has a unique role in conducting first class World Championships for Masters Athletes. Its reputation, capacities and liability exposure should not be afforded to others whilst at the same time having its problems in filling its own volunteer ranks at all levels with qualified personnel.
Maurice Doogan, GB/NI speaking for the motion explained that WMA caters for affiliated registered athletes and not casual athletes as in the “Masters Games” WMA need to concentrate on making it championships better organized so as to attract the casual athletes.
Question: Márton Gyulai, HUN question the clarity of the proposal and asked whether WMA being asked not to corporate with others Masters games goes against what WMA is doing, or was is it that we need to make WMA championships better and the 1st priority, but not close the door to other masters competitions. He went on to draw a parallel to the European games taking place in Baku in 2015where there are no athletics, why?, and is this what we want.
Question: Jörg Erdmann, GER, expressed as athletics is sanctioned by the IOC and the IAAF and with WMA getting the rights to approve athletics in masters game and getting some returns we should not have something that would endanger this.
Following several comments against the motion, the motion is put to the assembly.
And Carried, with 1 one Against
AFFILIATES RULES OF COMPETITION
7) The British Masters Athletic Federation.
Would like to propose that the Council delegate the selection of the Best Male and Best Female Masters Athletes of the Year for the IAAF Award to a panel of not less than three (3) Statisticians.
Sandy Pashkin speaking on behalf of Council explained that the Regional representative had discussed the motion and had looked at a new process. The nominations would be made by the Regional representative to WMA Council, in consultation with the regional statistician, the WMA statistician the IAAF representative, and the council would have the final vote.
Bridget Cushen, GBR, speaking on the motion said that WMA need to have input from the statisticians to make the selection viable.
13
Sandy Pashkin explained that with the new criteria’s and guidelines on the form there would be opportunity input from the statisticians.
Following the explanations BMAF withdrew the motion.
8) Proposed by Poland and Italy (PVAA and FIDAL)
Rule 141 Age Groups
An athlete’s age group shall be determined by his date of birth.
Throughout any Championships, an athlete shall compete in the age group for which he qualifies on the first day of the year in which those Championships are held and in no other age group except as allowed by specific team and relay rules.
Old Rule: 141 Age Groups
141.1 An athlete’s age group shall be determined by his date of birth. Throughout any Championships, an athlete shall compete in the age group for which he qualifies on the first competition day for those Championships and in no other age group except as allowed by specific team and relay rules.
Justification to change rule 141.1: 1. This regulation does not apply to the IAAF rules and there is no clear and reasonable arguments that in the case of competition for the Masters Athletics should be used the day and month of competitor birth. 2. In many European federations during the national championship is applied only the year of birth. Such situation occurs in Germany, Italy, France, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland. 3. Such scheme significantly impedes the work of all the potential championship organizers. Note that such provision does not exist in the IAAF rules and legislation rules for Masters Athletics have to be more friendly, both for potential organizers and athletes. 4. The actual records in particular competitions, in this: world, continental and national, should be treated as valid until they reach a better result, under the new WMA Rules of Competitions.
Jerzy Krauze, POL, speaking on the proposal expained the reason for the proposal as above, and there had been an error from in the proposal as in the booklet from what was originally submitted.
Folowing the submission the secretary explained that the change had been made by the Law and Legislation committee to make the motion clearer, but the proposers did not agree with this.
Kalle Glomsaker, NOR speaking for the motion said they also had submitted a similar motion (not received), they have alway used the year of birth in their competitions, and had in Turku, 1991 tried to change the rule, so they fully support the motion and following the way the IAAF have age classes.
Rex Harvey, USA speaking against the motion made four points on the IAAF rule to the WMA rule.
1)
Youths get older and it make it fair to use the date. Masters get older and it make it unfair to use the date.
2)
This can be shown in the steepness of the age grade curve as athletes grow older.
3)
We would lose all credibility to the public and press in crowning a 100 years old champion that was not 100 year old
14
4)
Finally, the records would be a shambles should we go to the year of birth.
Maurice Doogan, GB/NI quoting the IAAF rule 141 said that should they change the year of birth then it would be inoperative as it would be against the IAAF rules and also the WMA rule as set out by the IAAF.
Nicola Maggio, ITA, speaking for the motion said under IAAF rules everyone reaching 35 on the 31st December has reached the 35-45-100 year old and it is for this reason Italy propose the rule, also in some countries the national record is better than the world record, because some athletes can reach the performance some days before his birthday, and after it is not valid.
Following others speakers expressing the IAAF rules were more for youths and not master, and no reply from the proposer, the motion was put to the assembly.
The motion was lost. Against 65. For 31
Proposals 9-10 from Australian Masters Athletics
9) W60-74 Javelin specification
That the technical specification for W60-74 Javelin event be increased from 400gm to 500gm.
Justification: Trials in Australian and discussion in other countries have indicated strong support for this adjustment as women in this age bracket still have the strength and flexibility to throw the heavier implement.
Serge Beckers, VP Stadia spoke on the motion, that the stadia committee had discussed the motion and had agreed upon it. Wilma Perkins, AUS, speaking for the motion said this would bring the javelin in line with other changes in throws for the Women 75, and give more balance with the women 50 and 60 throwing the javelin.
Comments were made from the floor: that the majority of the Women 65 javelin throwers competing in Porto Alegre preferred to keep the 400g.
In changing the rule it means that records would have to be changed, so why do we always want to make changes.
Answering: Rex Harvey, USA, explained that the records would stand and would only be deleted when a superior one was made, so there would be two sets of records, and this change make a good differential in the Women’s age groups.
Bob Banens, AUS, said that trials had been made in Australia over 3 years and the women supported the change, combined events scoring tables would need to be changed.
Márton Gyulai talking as an organizer of the next Indoor championship said that on a cost basis using one weight of implement for a larger age group help with saving and organisation.
The motion is put to the vote.
The Motion was carried by a majority.
15
10. Conflict between Masters and IAAF Rules
Motion: That WMA review all IAAF rules to ensure Masters Competition for both Outdoor and Indoor events can meet them or, if not, then establish WMA rules to replace those that are not feasible for Masters Competition.
Justification: This motion is put to protect the integrity of events and results when claiming World Records. Currently WMA has a few specific competition rules that replace IAAF rules. When no specific replacement is detailed the IAAF rules apply by default. Where IAAF rules apply, events and results can be open to challenge unless all IAAF rules are adhered to. This could be potentially serious when a World Record is claimed.
The motion is Withdrawn. WMA Council to look at this and find a solution
11. USATF Masters T&F
Appendix A.2 shall be modified to show that all Men's shot shall have the IAAF maximum diameter of 130mm.and that all Women's shot shall have the IAAF maximum diameter of 110mm. Also Appendix A 4 shall be modified to show that the 0.75-kilo discus shall have a maximum diameter of 182mm.
Reason for change: Athletes lose strength as they age so the weight of the implements decreases for safety and performance reasons. But their hands do not get smaller. With the current rules, as the implements get progressive lighter, and smaller, the older athletes have to relearn the grip, throwing motion, and release of the smaller implements that are currently required by WMA rules. Furthermore, because the diameter of the lighter shots are so much smaller than the hand sizes of adult athletes, it is virtually impossible for older men and women to have all of their fingers behind the shot, thus increasing the risk of sprained fingers. It would be safer and more athlete friendly to allow (not require) the standard IAAF maximum diameters that athletes are accustomed to. The minimum size of the shots would stay the same so that it would still be possible to manufacture minimum cost solid cast metal shots. These larger sized implements are already available and the proposal would not invalidate any existing legal shot or discus implements but merely would allow more standard sized implements if desired.
Gary Snyder, USA spoke on the motion as outlined above.
Sandy Pashkin, speaking on behalf of Council explained that the current implements are legal and this will not change those or the records but gives a larger range of implement.
Serge Beckers, VP Stadia speaking on the motion said that the stadia committee had discussed the motion and had agreed upon it, as it made no real change in manufacturing or availability.
The motion was put to the vote.
The motion was Carried Unanimously
Finally, the President thanked the delegates for attending and wished them well for the rest of the championships.
The meeting closed at 17.45
16
SIGNATORIES
Stan Perkins Winston Thomas
WMA President WMA Secretary
4 Lawton Street 4 Gate Croft
Daily Hill 4127 Hemel Hempstead
Queensland Herts HP3 9NA
Australia Gt Britain
Signed Signed
Stanley Perkins Winston Thomas
22-12-2013 05-12-2013
Maria Alfaro Casán Bob Schickert
Scrutineer Scrutineer
Jalapa 3207, Fracc. Neidhart. 11A Dandenong Road
Tijuana, B.C. 22020 Attadale WA 6156
México Australia