In "off" years, why not have USAs in late July

[attack the hill]

In years without Worlds or Olympics, why not have USAs in late July/early August while European and African Champs are going on? It gives American athletes an opportunity to peak for much like other athletes around the world are currently doing.

[KevinM]

In years without Worlds or Olympics, why not have USAs in late July/early August while European and African Champs are going on? It gives American athletes an opportunity to peak for much like other athletes around the world are currently doing.

Not a bad idea. There are certainly pros and cons to it (Pro - it also takes the meet out of the World Cup/Wimbledon time frame, Cons - an additional trip to and from Europe for those intending to compete in the post-championships DL meets), but it's a good topic for conversation.

[kniteryder]

I think it would also alleviate the conflict or tough decision of not running in either the national meet or the Preclassic. As was an issue this year.

[Mizzarelli]

Yeah, I kinda like this idea. As for the extra plane ride/Pre Classic points, I think they cancel each other out. This year, going to nats meant (for most people) skipping a Diamond League meet (Pre), so having to take a little time out to go back for nats in late July would be pretty much the same thing...at bare minimum, it wouldn't make anyone's situation any worse.

[KevinM]

Keep in mind that the Pre conflict is a new thing (and not necessarily recurring). Most years, Pre is held in late May or early June, before NCAAs.

[Zat0pek]

Interesting idea. I like the concept. Not sure I'd say late July due to potential conflicts with the European circuit but I like the idea. The other issue for delaying it that late is that it might be harder on the collegians, most of whom gun for a peak at NCAA Nats.

[Equinox2100]

Every 4 years make it later? Sure, why not.

It wouldn't be hard to do, and if Logan had foresight maybe he wouldn't be in job trouble right now.

We need to cater to the athletes more. Stop resisting the metric system equivalent of Track (where T&F lowers your 40y time) and start trying to make the US a major player on the Track stage.

Getting Pre into the diamond league was genius. Perfect. And what attack_the_hill is suggesting seems to be another good step.

Not a big, or even DIFFICULT step.

But every step helps, ya?

[KevinM]

I wouldn't go so far as to say there aren't some real concerns here. As Zat mentioned, the affect his has on NCAA athletes should be a real consideration. Also, there are some financial and logistical/physical toll issues with a trip from Europe back to the US (especially if it's a West Coast USATF meet), and then back to Europe again (and on to Asia) for the last chunks of the season.

[Green Harrier]

There are a number of athletes who have returned from Europe right now because there are no meets. Many of the Portland folks are back at home after a short stint in Europe with plans to return for the August meets.

Also, if the time change is a major concern, keep the off year championships off the west coast. It was in Des Moines this year.