Funding for Talented Young Track and Field Athletes
By: Jesse Y. Harris, PhD
August, 2003
I recall in the sixties and
seventies when shoe companies would provide significant financial support to track
clubs for uniforms, shoes, and travel. Of course, only the top clubs in an area
received such support, but this was a great incentive to volunteer coaches to
recruit and develop young talent. Unfortunately, the shoe companies for these
essential grass roots efforts provide today little or no support. In contrast,
the shoe companies who thrive on sales of one hundred dollar plus track shoes
and basketball sneakers have their products showcased for megabucks by a
handful of superstars.
This trend is going to have an
eventual negative impact on the world status of US track and field athletes.
Although promotions by millionaire athletes certainly motivate young athletes
to the sport, support is needed at the grass roots level to develop the vast
young talent in this country. Coaches themselves often provide most of the
support for their teams. The coaches need support to participate in clinics to
learn the latest techniques. Teams need support for equipment and modern
training aids. Athletes and coaches need support for travel in order to compete
against the best talent.
Today, the top high school athletes
tend to specialize. As an example, football players not only specialize in
either offense or defense, but many only compete in football and do weight training
in the off season. Football and basketball get most of the local press.
Consequently, colleges easily spot the top talent. For track and field, one might assume that the stopwatch and the
tape measure give the best indication of talent because they are unbiased. This
is not always the case. Climatic differences can greatly affect training and
performances, The best sprinting and jumping performances are generally in warm
weather states and the best distance performances are generally in cooler states
where conditions are more suitable for training. It is important for top
athletes to compete head to head in national events ensuring a level playing
field.
When my children were growing up in
New England, the high school team often had to clear the track of snow for the
first home meet. Of course, this certainly did not benefit our sprinters or
jumpers. In terms of distance running, it is well known that training at
altitude has a profound effect on endurance. A high school athlete living in
Colorado will develop greater endurance but needs to compete at lower altitudes
in order to reap the stopwatch benefits.
Young track and field athletes need to
participate in clinics and camps as well as compete at their highest ability
level. Generally they have little or no problem in getting to local meets and
association championships but often costs of travel and lodging are out of
range of the parents for regional and national competitions. There can be a
tremendous advantage for athletes who belong to clubs if their club competes in
regional and national meets. Large teams often charter busses and several
athletes share rooms. Large teams also have the manpower needed to host meets,
which can help with fundraising.
A budget for a talented young track
and field athlete could range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars
per year. If the athlete is to develop to full potential, adequate training and
opportunities for high-level competition must be provided. Unfortunately, most
of the burden falls on the shoulders of the parents. Perhaps it is time for the
shoe companies to get back into the grass roots picture.
The author welcomes comments from our readers on this subject.
E-mail LetterToEditor@youthtrack.org