Frequently Asked Questions about Masters T&F |
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Updated November 17, 1999
Who are masters?
Aren't we too old for this? No.
Can athletes under 40 compete in masters meets? Yes. In many USATF-sanctioned meets, including the nationals, submasters are allowed to run, jump and throw. Submasters are age 30-39. Senior meets (including Senior Olympics, Senior Sports Classics and other events in the Senior Games family) generally are limited to 50 and over. But some, such as the annual San Diego Senior Olympics, have opened the track meet to the 40-and-overs.
How many people call themselves masters? Worldwide, perhaps 50,000 is one expert's estimate. But in 1996, USATF found 8,189 masters members in America listing themselves as running "track" with 3,138 putting down "field." Many of these athletes do both, no doubt, so the total number may surpass 10,000. In 1996. Interestingly, the numbers of open athlete members of USATF were 8,189 (track) and 3,005 (field). So perhaps half of USATF's income from membership fees is masters-derived.
How can I find a masters meet in my area?
What is WAVA? WAVA is the World Association of Veteran Athletes, subsidized by the IAAF (International Amateur Athletics Federation) but with a much smaller budget -- about $80,000 a year. (At Gateshead in 1999, WAVA delegates fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to change the group's name to WAMA -- the World Association of Masters Athletes. The proposal was unanimously favored by the Executive Council, thinking a change was needed to gain commercial marketability.) WAVA -- with 125 affiliate countries -- sponsors regional and world masters track championships. World meets are held every two years. Japan hosted in 1993, Buffalo (N.Y.) in 1995 and Durban, South Africa, in July 1997. The 1999 meet wwas hosted by Gateshead, England, and the 2001 meet will be in Brisbane, Australia. The 2003 World Veterans Athletic Championships were awarded to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and meet organizers have pledged to pay expenses for 100 athletes from 20 of the poorest WAVA nations to attend. (The 1998 Nike World Masters Games was not associated with the official WAVA world meet.) WAVA's Web site, created and produced by decathlete Rex Harvey, was unveiled in October 1998.
What are WAVA meets like? They're big. More than 5,900 athletes from 74 nations took part in Gateshead in 1999 and nearly 5,800 from 76 countries competed in Durban in 1997. The Japanese WAVA meet had 12,000 competitors (mostly in the marathon) and a $15 million budget. (But this was a rarity.) International regonal meets also attract many. No qualifying standards, no qualifying meets. Just sign up through your national organization (USATF in America, for example).
Who runs WAVA? In July 1997, Torsten Carlius of Sweden defeated Al Sheahen of the USA for the WAVA presidency, succeeding longtime emperor Cesare Beccalli of Italy. Executive vice president is Tom Jordan of the USA, a meet promoter and track tour operator in Oregon who once worked for Track & Field News and wrote the biography "Pre." WAVA has no palatial headquarters. The WAVA directory lists Carlius' phone numbers as: (46) 42 17 2015 (office) and (46) 42 18 0745 (home). The WAVA Council through 2001 also includes General Secretary Monty Hacker of South Africa, Vice President (Stadia) Jim Blair of New Zealand, Vice President (Non-stadia) Ron Bell of Great Britain, Treasurer Giuseppi Galfetti of Switzerland, Women's Representative Bridget Cushen of Great Britain and IAAF Representative Cesar Moreno Bravo of Mexico.
Who runs USATF Masters? National Masters News lists current officers (elected every two years, the next in 2000). Ken Weinbel, an M70 hammer thrower in Seattle, Washington, is chairman of the committee. But as Louise Tricard demonstrated in December 1998, when she and her friends got USATF Masters to scrap the No False Start Rule (after a two-year campaign), any masters athlete can show some clout.
What's the Webmaster TC? That's the name given a growing database of athletes' profiles whose purposes are simple -- to encourage communication between older T&F athletes and show any doubters that we can still do that T&F thing. Anyone can join as long as they promise to turn 40 (women 35) and compete in a track meet. No dues or sweaty workouts. But we've already struck relay gold in the USATF masters nationals!
How can I learn more about MTF current events online? Besides this site, the scoops generally get posted first to the Masters Track Listserve. Launched by Gerry Krainik in late January 1999, it had 164 members in mid-September 1999 with more than 1,000 posts. It is growing by leaps and bounds. You can check out the archive or subscribe as a member of this automatic e-mail distribution group. (BTW, you can set up your membership so you have posting privileges but not get the daily e-mails.)
How much does it cost to compete in masters meets? Entry fees range from a few dollars to $50, depending on how many events you enter. You also pay the annual USATF membership fee, which is $15 or less. You get a USATF card and a number, which many entry forms ask for. The 1998 Nike World Masters Games (aka Naked Greed Games) in Oregon charged a minimum of $200 per athlete, but that's an excrementious extreme.
How can I find a local USATF office? The USATF has a list of addresses and phone numbers. Also check your local white pages. Many offices are staffed part-time, however. You may get a recorded message. Chairman of the USATF Masters T&F Committee is Ken Weinbel of 4103 Hillcrest Ave. S.W., Seattle, WA, 98116. (Phone is 206-932-3923; Fax is 206-932-3917) Address all tough questions about USATF masters track to him. (This site handles only the easy ones.)
My area doesn't have many masters meets. Where else can I compete? Many meet directors of college invitationals will gladly accept your money. Call the campus track office in January or February and ask for a meet schedule. Often you'll find other masters competing. Specify your age, and say you want to run with others in your ability range. I've high-jumped twice in the women's invitational section because the men's open HJ height was over my head.
Any other meet ideas? Check with local sporting goods and running shoe stores about all-comer meets, which are generally low-key, unsophisticated affairs that charge nominal entry fees. They rarely have automatic timing, however.
What about Senior Olympics? Mostly unregulated by WAVA or USATF, these events are spreading like wildfire across the USA and Canada. But since you asked -- these state and local events usually include a track meet, which serve as qualifying meets (age 50 and over) for a National Senior Olympics (aka National Senior Sports Classic). The 1997 meet was in Tucson, Arizona. The next is in Orlando, Florida, in October 1999 (the same place as the USATF Masters Nationals). We'll see how this plays out. In late 1998, merger talks were under way between WAVA, USATF, the National Senior Games Association and the International Masters Games Association. If not a merger, then at least cooperation. Too many major meets are scheduled in each other's face.
What is automatic timing good for? This timing system, which links a starter pistol and a finish-line camera, allows you to get a time that's accurate to the hundredth of a second -- the only kind eligible for record consideration in most events. AT (redundantly called FAT sometimes, for fully automatic timing) helps when comparing yourself with other masters. It also means the meet management is probably sharp enough to send results into National Masters News or this Web site. Hand-timing is generally two-tenths of a second faster.
What is age-grading? WAVA has established a set of standards and formulas for comparing performances of people in different age groups. Through age-grading, you can see how your marks fare against older or younger athletes. Typically, you want to know what your mark is equivalent to in open competition -- folks in the 20-29 age range. Since January 1999, a universal age-graded converter has been online. Although a wondrous addition, its accuracy is not guaranteed. Later in 1999, Howard Grubb of the Department of Applied Statistics at the University of Reading in UK came up with his own WAVA Age-Grading Calculator. Professor Grubb offers a technical explanation of the WAVA tables as well. Also check out The Distances Converter at an Oklahoma runners site. Professor Rodney Pearson's Age-Graded Distance Tables are back after an absence. A taste of things to come. But the Age-Graded Tables, designed by committee, are imperfect. See Gerry Krainik's Critique.
How do I determine my age-graded marks? You use the age-graded converters online or buy the yellow-covered booklet for under $7 from National Masters News. Then you look up your age factor and multiply your mark by the given figure. You also can determine your age-graded percentage. Or you can e-mail Coach Ross Dunton of Sevier County, Tennessee, who has offered to age-grade anyone's marks with his handy-dandy computer program. He writes on the MTF Message Board: "If you would like a time or distance age-graded, send me your e-mail address, your birthdate, your sex, your time (hand or electronic?) or distance." Dunton also offers a modestly priced but information-packed newsletter on masters training.
What's an age-graded percentage? It's a measure of how high you rank in your own age group -- a formula often used in major meets. If you're classified over 90% -- you are world class in your age group. Marks over 80% are national class. Over 70% is regional class. Over 60% is local class. Marks below 60% are for the sainted masters who just love to compete.(But marks over 100% pop up -- such as Debbie Brill's 1.76 high jump at Gateshead at age 46 -- supposedly equivalent to an open jump of 2.18!
What's a good mark for my age? Short answer: Don't worry about it. Long answer: Don't worry about it, since so much of age-group athletics is relative. And just being able to run track at our age means we're in the 95th percentile of the human species as far as fitness goes. But if you REALLY want to know, check out the All-American Standards published in National Masters News every month. They're an artificial estimation of "good marks" -- but they're something to shoot for.
Who keeps masters records? On the world level, WAVA maintains a set of official records for each 5-year age group. These records are online at Olavi Niemi's Finnish site. World-class track statistician Peter Matthews of Great Britain has his own list of over-40 men's and over-35 and over-40 women's records. An unofficial list of world bests for each individual age is maintained by Pete Mundle of California . (His snail address is 4017 Via Marina, Unit C-301, Venice, CA 90291.) However, state-by-state or country-by-country masters records are hit-and-miss.
So what are the weights of implements men and women throw over 40? See complete chart, which hasn't been updated to reflect changes enacted by the WAVA General Assembly in Gateshead. But briefly: In the javelin, men 30-49 throw 800-gram sticks. Men 50-59 throw 700g, and 60 and over throw 600-gram spears. For women 35-49, the javelin is 600 grams. For women 50-59, the javelin is 500 grams and for women 60-plus the spear is 400g. Hurdle heights for the upper age groups for men and women have been lowered from 30 inches to 27 inches, and hurdle distances have been shortened from 8.5 meters to 8 meters in certain men's events.
So where do I buy these implements? What? Your local Wal-Mart doesn't sell 4-kilo hammers? In that case, check some of the company links listed on the Track & Field News site. These retailers maintain Web sites and ship stuff like your usual mail-order catalogs. No need to insure shots, however
What about hurdle heights and distances? See complete chart.
I've heard about a masters pentathlon. What's this about? See the pentathlon rundown by world-class masters pentathlete Rick Lapp of New York. The events are: long jump, javelin, 200, discus and 1500.
I've never run track before. How do I start? Slowly. With doctor's permission, yadda yadda yadda. Check out a masters meet, and you'll be saying: 'I can beat these guys!' But try your event in practice before extending yourself in a meet. Also check out coach Ross Dunton's advice for beginners.
I last ran track 30 years ago? How do I start again? Even slower. Your head and heart tell you a 30-second 200m should be a breeze. Your aching limbs and strained muscles will tell you otherwise. Work up to full speed carefully. Stretching and easy striding are key.
I'm a sprinter. Where do I train? Many high schools and colleges leave their gates open to the track. But many masters spend lots of time in health clubs, on home treadmills and just charging up the 50m hill at the local park. Be opportunistic, and you'll find your venue.
I do field events. Where do I train? This is stickier. Sometimes you have to buy some PVC pipes to make your own hurdles or high-jump standards. But the pit is still the one at the high school. They don't use sawdust anymore.
Where can I get coaching help? National Masters News has begun listing names of coaches online who are offer their services. Also try the The T-and-F Mailing List Look for other masters locally, especially in the Webmaster TC.
Should I join a local track club? Most track clubs are misnomers, unfortunately. Many cater almost exclusively to distance runners and road runners. Fact of life. But a group calling itself a masters track club generally is.
Where can I find a masters track club? Many areas, sadly, have none. And the regular track clubs are dominated by roadies. The print version of National Masters News periodically lists masters track clubs around the United States. But a caution: Many of these clubs have a negligible masters track component. Again, they're mainly for long-distance runners. Also, check out MT&F Links for Web sites of track clubs that include masters. They keep popping up.
I've heard of masters rankings? What are these? Every year around mid-March, National Masters News publishes its lists of every performance it has been sent in the United States by masters meets and athletes. Wind-aided and legal marks are not differentiated. Automatic-timed and hand-timed performances are mixed together. And it leaves out marks that it never hears about. But it's fascinating to see how you stand against those in your age group (40-44, 65-69, 80-74, etc.). See some recent sprint rankings for an example.
Do seasonal lists exist online? Yes, but they have gaps. Dave Clingan of Oregon and Clay Hull of Arizona maintain separate lists attempting to track the best marks in every age group and every event for a given year. Dave's is called Top Masters Performances and Clay's is Masters World Top 25 Performances. But an official, authoritative and comprehensive world seasonal list doesn't exist. We're waiting on WAVA for this.
How do I qualify to compete in the nationals? If you have proof of age and a semi-deep wallet, you're in. The USATF indoor and outdoor masters nationals are open to all men and women 30 and over, with no qualifying mark required. You simply pay your fee, air fare, motel costs and compete. Medals generally go to top 3, with ribbons for 4th, 5th and 6th. The next USATF Masters Nationals Outdoor Championships is Aug. 10-13, 2000, at Eugene, Oregon.
What about the WAVA regional and world championship meets? Same deal. All women 35 and over and men 40 and over may enter after paying entry fee (and housing, air fare, etc.).
What about national teams? The USA has no national masters team, but European countries do. They compete in dual and triangular meets, with members chosen by their national organizing group. The USA should have one too.
Are there any standards for elite performances? Yes. All-American certificates and patches are awarded those who can document they met one of the U.S. Standards of Excellence. These standards are stiff. National Masters News lists them by five-year age group for men and women and publishes the names of those recently exceeding them.
How did masters track begin? According to Canadian Don Farquharson's account in the 1994-1995 WAVA handbook, early veterans athletes were mainly road runners. In 1968, a first masters marathon championship was held in Holland. In 1965, however, Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman discovered New Zealand athletes competing over age 40. He sparked formation of a U.S. masters track & field team, with crucial help from David Pain, a San Diego lawyer. Linda Wallace provides further details in her history of masters track, a section of a master's thesis. The first international masters meet was held in 1972 in London. Toronto, Canada, hosted a major masters meet in 1975. The first WAVA officers were elected in 1977. In the United States, national masters championships have been held every year since 1968. The first six meets were held in San Diego. The past eight outdoor national meets have been in Spokane, Washington (1992), Provo, Utah (1993), Eugene, Oregon (1994), East Lansing, Michigan (1995), Spokane (1996), San Jose (1997), Orono, Maine (1998) and Orlando, Florida (1999). The next two masters outdoor nationals will be in Eugene, Oregon, in mid-August 2000, and in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2001. Indoor masters nationals have been in Boston (in late March) -- and will continue to be for some time. Check out my Selected Results page, for results of many of these meets.
What's the future of masters track? That's in your hands (and feet). We are a worldwide movement, a force for peaceful competition, an excuse to stay in shape. We have the means to form clubs, Web sites, organizations. We can demand prize money for the best of us, and respect for the rest of us. We can compete in the Olympics. As Mexico City Games decathlon champion Bill Toomey once said in Track & Field News: "Competition's too much fun to be left to the kids."
Why do they call us "masters"? Because we're not slaves anymore!
Any other questions? Send them to the masters webmaster, and we'll do our best to satisfy your curiosity.
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