ATOM Association of Track Officials of Michigan

Vol. 31; Issue 1: March 30, 2018 v

From the President’s Desk Hello track fans and officials, Allow me to start this letter with an apology. Our 2018 ATOM Clinic did not go off as smoothly as we had intended. We had some technical issues with our newsletter and thus the information about the clinic did not get distributed as thoroughly as we would have liked. Add to that the fact that the Mackinac Bridge was closed that morning, so our clinic attendance was not as high as it has been in years past. We also had one of our presenters, Lew Clingman, out with medical issues...and his backup was north of The Bridge. That left Dennis Hodges to step in and present information that he was not prepared for. Thanks so much Dennis for being willing to do that! Lew Clingman is recovering nicely from kidney surgery and will once again be out on the track this spring gracing us with his presence, bad jokes and decades-old stories. I wanted to also thank all who attended the ATOM Clinic. It may not have been as well attended as clinics in years past, but we had some good presentations and some great discussion. Thank you all for sharing your experience, insights and time with us this past January. We are already planning next years clinic… see you all January 25 & 26, 2019 at the Doherhty Hotel in Clare, MI. Two final things: we have included information on new official ATOM gear. You can continue to use your current gear as long as you like, but these new shirts, jackets, and pants meet current and future MHSAA requirements for officials. There is also a registration form for you to renew your ATOM membership and register for next winter’s ATOM clinic. Sincerely, Michael VanDyke ATOM President 2018 michaelvandyke@grwestcatholic.org

In This Issue President’s Notes 1 2019 ATOM Clinic 2 Good Reads 2 Awards 2 Keeping Track 3 Official ATOM Gear 4 Officers 5 Zone Reps 5 Membership Form 6

Please send announcements, photos, submissions, or other correspondence to atomichigannews@gmail.com.

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Save the Date

2019 ATOM Clinic It’s not too early to make your plans for the next ATOM Clinic! January 25-26 (Friday-Saturday) Doherty Hotel, Clare, MI 604 N McEwan St Clare, MI 48617 Schedule Board Meeting: Friday, Jan. 25, 7:30pm Clinic: Saturday, Jan. 26 Registration: 7:00-8:30am (Followed by clinic from 8:30am-3:00pm (approx.); lunch scheduled for 11:30am) Room Rates: $99 (King or Double Queen Room) (877) 236-4378

Best Track & Field Reads of the Quarter (Mile) Some of the most intriguing and interesting writing published on running, athletics, competion, officiating, and track and field since the last ATOM Newsletter. Sean English was born to run. Losing his leg will not stop him http://www.mlive.com/sports/2018/02/sean_english_was_born_to_run_l.html#incart_m-rpt-2 A powerful profile of a Michigan high school runner who has adjusted and thrived in the aftermath of the loss of his leg in an accident. Farewell, Sir Roger Bannister https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/mar/04/sir-roger-bannister-obituary One of the many tributes to Sir Roger Bannister, track legend and inspirational sporting figure who led the chase to complete the first four-minute mile. A Decade in Kenya Turned Two Teens from New Zealand into World Class Runners. https://deadspin.com/a-decade-in-kenya-turned-two-teens-from-new-zealand-int-1822679686 A revealing interview with Jake Robertson about his and his brother Zane’s gutsy move to Kenya as teenagers to learn from and train with the Kenyans. How a Ragtag Crew of Almost Journalists Created Running’s Most Controversial Website https://www.outsideonline.com/2135791/how-ragtag-crew-almost-journalists-created-runnings-most-controversial-website A profile of the history, ethos, current state, and future of Letsrun.com and the effect it has had on the running and track and field communities.

2017-2018 ATOM Honorees Bob Bloomer Award Bob Fulcher Bernie Adams/Leadership Jim Gillis Judy Hagman Award Christine Lee Art Javert/Bruce Jacob Distinguished Service Kim Spalsbury Past President Service/New President Gavel Lew Clingman ATOM Special Appreciation Superior Timing, Marquette, MI

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KEEPING TRACK Can we do anything else to alienate sports fans Written by Rod O’Donnell on 29 March 2017.

Can we do anything else to alienate sports fans from

the sport of track and field? The high school governing body in Florida is certainly trying, as they will become the first state to record and report measurements in the field events, using the metric system. Coaches in Ohio are considering the same.

Several decades ago, many signs on public highways gave the distance to destinations using kilometers. It was never accepted by drivers, and thus the effort was abandoned. Why would the powers to be feel that they could help our sport by adopting this method of measurement in the United States?

Imagine the response by the sports world if the following occurred: The quarterback is on the 4.57 meter line with two minutes left in the game. He completes an 18.29 meter (20 yard) pass to his favorite wide receiver and moves the ball to the 23 meter line. Successful passing has been the key to this team, because the usually accurate field goal kicker has missed attempts from 18.29, 13.71, and 15.24 meters. In addition to this, the number one running back has been held to 68.58 (75 yards) meters after being injured on the 2.435 meter line early in the game. How long would there be interest in the sport if this ridiculous scenario were true? In addition to the form of measurement that was used, the football coaches have decided not to keep score or if they do, they will save their best players, by not allowing them to participate in the game.

As track coaches, we need to help our sport grow, not come up with ways to distance ourselves from our fans. We know that using the metric system in the running events did nothing to make them more relevant. The American sports fan knows that if may be three miles to the post office or that a football field is 100 yards long. Five kilometers (3 miles, 188 yards, 2.4 inches) or 100 meters (109 yards, 1 foot, 1 inch) means nothing and is confusing. The same holds true for track events such as the 1500 meters; therefore, when comparing this distance to the mile, one needs to add 17-22 seconds to figure the time. That is according to my track and field calculator, a slide rule device, manufactured by Metrac-Quick Enterprises, in 1976.

The decline of interest in our sport by the media and the public can be attributed to many things, including the implementation of the metric system. The next time that you attend a meet, remember the following points:

1) If electronic timing is being used, the 100 meter time is 10.76; however, if hand time is done, this 10.76 is rounded up to 10.8.

2) An allowable wind measurement for record purposes is 1.9 metrically or 4.25 mph.

3) A 12 lb. shot weighs approximately 5.44 kilograms.

4) The high jumper who clears 1.83 meters jumped 6 feet.

5) To understand how fast a sprinter would run the length of football field (100 yards), subtract .85 seconds from their 100 meter time. If an athlete runs 15:32.4 in the 5,000 meters, they have just completed three miles in approximately 15:00.

6) If you attend a collegiate meet, in most circumstances, there will be no score kept, and many of the top athletes may not compete, saving themselves for the “big one.”

I don’t know about you, but without my Metrac-Quick Enterprise-produced track and field calculator, I am lost. Even with it, I am mentally worn out trying to remember all the rules and conversions. Add sitting 6-7 hours watching a meet, with no score being kept and star athletes not running, and you have lost hundreds of fans who started out being interested in our sport. Please don’t let this happen on the high school level. Maybe I will just forget this once-simple sport that has been made so complicated, and walk across the street to watch a baseball game or another sport that is much easier to follow and understand.

Unfortunately, many former track fans have already made that decision.

Yours in track,

Rod O’Donnell

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NOTE to ATOM Members: This new gear meets all MHSAA and ATOM regulations. All previous gear (jackets, shirts, others) is still authorized for use at all events.

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ATOM Executive Committee

President Michael VanDyke 2142 Tremont Blvd, NW,Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616.901-2034 © michaelvandyke@grwestcatholic.org

Treasurer George Babcock, Treasurer 460 North Main St, Allegan, MI 49010 269-673-3124 (h) georgebabcock55@gmail.com

1st Vice President Gordie Richardson 5728 Bent Tree Dr., Gaylord, MI 49735 989-673-3124 (h) coachgordie@charter.net

Secretary Jill Sandro 950 Falkirk Rd., Alma, MI 48801 989-463-4122 (h) JSANDRIO@almaschools.net

2nd Vice President Richard Lee 7140 Lincoln St., Brown City, MI 48416 810-346-2492 richlee10@yahoo.com

Newsletter Editor Jon Bush 914 Gainder Rd., Plainwell, MI 49080 269-501-1680 jbushwmu@gmail.com

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Association of Track Officials of Michigan

George Babcock, Treasurer 460 North Main St, Allegan, MI 49010

269-673-3124 georgebabcock55@gmail.com

Membership Registration Form

Name MHSAA ID

Address

ATOM Zone #

Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone

Preferred Email

The Association of Track Officials of Michigan offers an annual clinic, a quarterly newsletter, and an opportunity to get involved in a professional organization whose goal is to improve the quality of officiating in the sports of cross country and track & field and improve communication between the track officials in our state and the MHSAA.

REF NO

DATE DESCRIPTION DISCOUNT FEE (BEFORE JAN 1)

REGULAR FEE AMOUNT SUBMITTED

12/1/2017 2018 Membership Fee $25.00 Add $5

12/1/2017 2018 ATOM Clinic Fee $50.00 Add $5

12/1/2017 ATOM Patch $2.00

12/1/2017 ATOM Lapel Pin $5.00

Subtotal:

Past Due:

$0.00 AMOUNT

DUE

Update personal information on this form and return with payment to: George Babcock, ATOM Treasurer 460 North Main St. Allegan, MI 49010

Would you prefer that ATOM correspondence be sent to you via traditional mail (Newsletter, Updates, Announcements)? Default is via email.