Many readers may be interested in commenting on proposed changes of
rules for Veteran competitions which have appeared under News on the
BMAF website http://www.bvaf.org.uk/

"The biennial World Masters Athletics General Assembly will be held in
Riccione on 11 September. The BMAF will have five voting Delegates -
Tony Bowman, Bridget Cushen, Kevin Dillon, Maurice Doogan and Eric
Horwill. Affiliates have submitted the following Proposals that, if
passed, will affect your event at domestic and international level. If
you agree or disagree or have views on these Proposals, please get in
touch with Tony Bowman who is coordinating all responses at:
25 The Poplars, Guiseley, West Yorks. LS20 9PF
Tel 01943 877533.
The 5 Delegates will vote accordingly."

The proposed changes relating to walking are Nos. 37&38, as follows. The
rest relate mainly to Field Events.

* Proposal 37 (from Australia) - That for the setting of World
Records for track and road Walk events, a minimum of 6 nationally
accredited judges be required with at least 1 judge at the highest
grading for a National Technical Official. This judge to be the
equivalent of at least a Level 1 IAAF Technical Official.
* Reason: European masters’ competition has the ability to engage 6
IAAF international walk judges at walk events where world
records/best performances may be set. Because of the distance
factor and sparse population of many WMA affiliates, it is not
practical nor economical to comply with this rule. By setting a
standard which could be met by these Affiliates, the validity of
world record claims would then be justified.
* Proposal 38 (from BMAF) - For Road and Track Walks, judges be
instructed to use discretion in applying the rules regarding to
“straight knees” at contact, for masters.
* Reason: Many masters particularly in the older age groups have
difficulties in fully straightening the knee, though their legs
are still “braced” and this would not class as a disqualification.

Any Comments?

Regards to all,

Arthur Thomson