I recently received some communication from USAT officials and other administrative/official parties within the sport of triathlon regarding events produced by 3 Disciplines Racing. 3 Disciplines race production company has produced events in Michigan and Arizona for several years. One week after my correspondence with these parties I have been forwarded an e-mail by another party with news that 3 Disciplines Racing will no longer have access to USAT sanctioning for their events. I do not have complete details on these circumstances, and, because the information I have is fragmentary, I will limit my comments to the above information- which I know to factual. What I would like is commentary and opinions from participants in 3 Disciplines events. I am soliciting this information ina public forum for the following reasons:
I would like to write an editorial on this topic and, in the interest of journalistic integrity, need to get an ecclectic, broad-based sample of opinions and information before I begin to form my own.
Additional information of any kind about events produced by 3 Disciplines Racing is likely to reveal a more accurate picture of the activities surrounding these events- whatever they may be.
Awareness of the circumstances surrounding these actions are a matter of significance to persons making buying decisions when selecting races they will participate in for the 2004 season.
Bikesport, Inc.- my business, has sponsored one 3 Disciplines event and has considered sponsoring others but has refrained from doing so pending the outcome of this inquiry and also because we are firmly commited to another race production with an perfect track record.
about 25% of all the RDs around the country are in some sort of late status with USAT. specifically, RDs collect license fees, as in one-day fees ($9 per head) and they remit these fees to USAT after the race. the federation gets these moneys eventually, but many RDs are late.
there is one RD that is apparently very late, that is, several races worth of one-days are owed. i have this from a source inside USAT. it amounts to a lot of money.
i believe this RD is in the great lakes area, and a michigan-based person told me the RD is in or around michigan.
i don’t know if this is 3-disciplines. but when you put it all together, this is the one reason i can think of that USAT would stop doing business with an RD, save a safety issue or a rules issue.
i write all this because i’ve got no idea what you’re planning on saying in your oped, but you shouldn’t necessarily assume that USAT is ceasing its relationship with 3-disciplines because of the quality of the races it puts on. if it does turn out to be a non-payment issue, it seems to me hard for USAT to do anything other than what it’s done, save setting up some sort of situation where it “garnishes” an RD’s entry fees directly from the online registration engine (and in that case the RD would have to agree to it).
Interesting insight. For your information, this is completely different information than what I have received. And, to re-state: I know that I am writing an editorial (my first in quite a while) on this topic but do not know what I will have to say on the topic yet. It seems only fair that I try to gather information from as many sources as possible before I craft any opinion. I look forward to hearing more from other Slowtwitch forum contributors. Also, for “lurkers” on this forum (and I know there are a TON of them), this is a golden opportunity for you to get a user name and voice your opinion on a critically important topic.
I only participated in one event with 3D, the Willow Duathlon, the one I believe you sponsored, as I know you were there. I don’t have to tell you the problems they had that day. At face value, I can’t completely blame 3D, as a lot of factors came together that contributed to the problems (weather and first year event in a new location being the main factors). However, I was forwarded correspondence between Kenny and another participant who voiced his disappointment with the event. I was not impressed at all with the way Kenny handled the situation and he came across extremely unproffesional in the discussion, not accepting any blame for the problems or offering any apologies. His unprofessional handling of that situation made me wonder about how much might have been his fault with the way that race ended up.
Furthermore, the circumstances that went into how this race came about were rather sketchy as well (information I got from talking to you about it) since it seemed Kenny announced this race as a replacement for the Grosse Ile Duathlon, a race he was never a race director for and therefore was a bit out of line in so doing. Not that you directly said this, but it seemed like he kind of took advantage of the situation between the Grosse Ile Du director and the church were the race was held in order to get all the Grosse Ile participants to his race by announcing it as the replacement before the Grosse Ile Du was ever officially canceled. Correct me if I’m wrong.
In addition to these experiences with 3D, I applied for a USAT membership at the Willow Duathlon. Subsequently, there is no record of it at USAT. I have emailed Kenny several times, to which he has responded it was sent out.
So my experiences with 3D, while brief, have not been good. I’m willing to chalk it up to bad luck and mitigating circumstances, but all this stuff along with the USAT thing has to really call these guys into question. I can’t say I’m suprised by the announcement.
Thank you for your input. The incident at Willow bears clarification. An important corner on the bike course was not adequately marshalled or signed according to a large number of competitors, perhaps a majority of the field, who missed that turn. I was particularly disappointed in this since I had a meeting with the race director prior to the start of the event to conduct a map reconaisance of the course so I would be familiar with the course while serving in my capacity as race announcer. During this review of the course map I voiced concern over this corner of the course, specifically asking about the marshalling that would be there. I was told the marshalling would be adequate, was already arranged and there was signage at this key turn as well. Feedback from athletes who missed the turn AND made the turn indicate to me that the degree of marshalling at this turn was less or diferent than what was represented to me by the race director prior to the start of the event in our meeting. I am profoundly disappointed by this. In my opinion, the events that precipitated athletes getting lost on the course at Willow were easily avoidable, and were openly addressed by me, verbally and specifically, prior to the start of the event. I clearly identified the turn in question as a key concern and made specific inquiries as to the degree of marshalling, signage and directional guidance that would be afforded athletes at that location on the course. The race director assured me the resources were in place to stage the event as represented and I placed my trust in that. My trust was violated. While it is not entirely uncommon for athletes to get lost or be misdirected on a triathlon course, this incident was extraodinary to me for two reasons:
The number of athletes involved.
The issue was addressed by me prior to the start of the event.
We sponsored this event as a way to expereiment with assisting 3 Disciplines in promoting and growing the psort i our state. The promise of a race production company that was willing to host new events and revive old ones is not only attractive to us, but vital to the growth of my business. In retrospect, I am disappointed that our involvement in the Willow Duathlon has become a partially negative reflection on our sponsorship of the event, especially when I took proactive steps prior to the event to rectify the very problem that mitigated its compromise.
Just to clarify, I in no way thought bikesport had anything to do with the problems that day. Hope that was clear. I just wanted to add my personal experiences with 3D, which have been less than satisfactory.
as i sit here reading all these comments, all i can say is that i am absolutely floored!!!
i live across the border just outside of windsor. my wife and i just had our first baby this past march, so we were looking for races close to home for this season (we have been doing the subaru tri series races in and around the southern ontario area for the 3 seasons prior to this. i think the race director is trisport or some such name. graham fraser’s brother heads it i think, but i’m going off topic). we came across the 3 disciplines series over the off season last winter and decided to give it a shot. I personally participated at 3 of their events (big fish tri (sprint), paul bunyan (1/2 im), and stony creek (oly)) and my wife just did the autumn colors tri (sprint) this morning. after 4 races, all we have is praise for this organization. as anyone who has done any of the subaru tri series races in ontario can tell you, they run a tight ship. very organized, top notch events. from our experience, the 3 disciplines races were about as well organized and efficiently run as any we’ve ever done. now keep in mind, i’m speaking strictly as a participant. i have absolutely no idea what goes on behind the scenes. as far as who owes who money or whether or not the race director is a saint or an asshole i have no idea. i can and will, however, vouch for the fact that the 4 races i was a part of were great, and that i did not hear as much as 1 person complaining about any of them.
do keep us posted about this issue tom. my wife registered for the race online a few weeks ago and they refunded her 1 day usat registration fee this morning before the race because it was not usat sanctioned. at the time, we just figured it was because it was a late season race that it was not a part of their points series. we were planning on participating in their races again next season (and probably still will, whether or not they are usat sanctioned) but i still would like to know what’s going on!
As may be surmised from the discussion to date, USAT had/has two basic problems with 3Disciplines; one was safety (as exemplified by the discussion in this thread), the other was the failure to submit license fees and applications. As to the latter, Slowman’s information was right on target.
What has not been discussed, however, is USAT’s effort to find a solution. Most of the licenses and fees, some over four months tardy, appeared in USAT’s office on September 16 (a couple of weeks after USAT got on 3d’s case) - but USAT remained concerned that (1) less than acceptable organization by 3d posed unjustifiable risks of injury and might thereby threaten USAT’s blanket insurance policy (upon which much of the sport in the U.S. depends), (2) 3d’s failure to remit license fees in a timely fashion was symtomactic of deeper financial distress, and (3) 3d’s failure to timely file license applications would significantly irritate one of USAT’s prime constituencies (the schmoes like us who enter these races).
USAT offered 3d a compromise solution. USAT would continue to sanction 3d events, but only if 3d accepted a type of “probation”. Specifically, a USAT official would be assigned to monitor issues related to the organization and production of 3d events. This official would be present at each race and would be actively involved in matters relating to licensing and safety. And 3d would have to pay the expenses of this official.
3d rejected this compromise offer, apparently feeling they had done nothing wrong. USAT then revoked its sanction of any future 3d race. 3d has sent at least one defiant e-mail to a wider audience, indicating its events would go forward nonetheless. But everyone considering a future 3d event needs to seriously think about one thing. On an event by event basis, it is possible to get at least the color of liability coverage from the owner of the primary facility (YMCA camps come to mind). Or, on even fewer occasions, an event may find a municipality willing to self-insure. But, and this is an important “but”, there is no current credible alternative to USAT’s liability policy that is available to the ordinary race.
So . . . do you want to participate in a race that might be less than perfectly insured? Or, not insured at all? And if a serious injury occurs in such an event, what risk will the resulting mess pose to our sport as a whole?
there is a short blurb on USA triathlon’s web site and copied on runnersweb.com site saying that the rest of the 3D events this year (4) will not be USAT sanctioned.
unless 3d did another “Olympic” diatance race with a 2000+ meter swim ;-).
You are right on in your assessment of the swim course difficulties and the problems on the bike course. I have yet to do a race that rivals the crowded conditions that were present…it was a circus!
I had a few other issues with that race as well:
I went to the website after the disappointing race and checked to see what was “promised” in camparison to what was delivered. No live band, no unique awards (unless you consider home-made pine plaques unique…well, I guess they were, it was undoubtably the cheesiest award I have every received), no post race buffet. And this was not a cheap race!
Results have still not been posted on the USAT listing of races.
Clients who filled out USAT applications and paid the yearly fee never received cards or info from USAT.
Upon being questioned about the swim distance…my time was over 6 minutes slower than any of the 3 1/2 IM swims I did this year…the RD repeatedly insisted that the course was “exactly 2000 meters!” despite the fact that all of the top elites had very slow swims for 2000 meters. If he knew it was exactly 2000, why couldn’t he make it exactly 1500.
I have heard through the “local” grapevine that someone has purchased 3 Disciplines and is trying to turn things around. Word has it that he is a class act…but who knows? They are supposed to be doing a 1/2 IM in November and I was planning to give them one more shot. I may have to reconsider.
"So . . . do you want to participate in a race that might be less than perfectly insured? Or, not insured at all? And if a serious injury occurs in such an event, what risk will the resulting mess pose to our sport as a whole? "
Thread drift here - IMO we all assume a level of risk when we toe the line at a race. If I crash my bike, it’s my own fault and I’m not going to go looking for someone to sue. USAT sanctioning means nothing to me as a competitor.
BUT, I do think it is a good thing for race directors and venue donors as it gives them some protection from those who would try to profit from an unfortunate situation.
I have done several and volunteered at several of the AZ events through out the years.
All of the races I’ve been in have been well run and safe. Mostly out-n-back or loop bikes and the same for the run. I have seen problems with long swim courses and registration when I volunteered at tempe. Show me a race where everything runs like clockwork though.
Would I do his races again, yes. Could things be improved, again yes.
Am I concerned about USAT sanctioned or not, no. I am concerned if there is no insurance. I assume responsibility for my actions but do expect a race to be properly insured. USAT or otherwise.
In AZ, 3D produces almost all of the duathlons and probably 20-25% of the tris. I’d would be a unfortunate if 3D was not there. It would be a greater travesity if they were there, put on a race with no insurance and something bad happened.
I hope it all gets worked out for the best, lessons are learned and the things needing improving improve. Multisport needs promoters willing to put on safe races.
As a business owner, the proper insurance is paramount, number one priority. To not be properly covered is irresponsible and reckless not only for a business owner, but also its employees, and customers.
That being said, my issue is the first time athlete that registers for a race, decides to buy an annual race licence and waits over 4 months for the licence. That is bullshit. If that happened to me, my first impression would be the slow turn around time of USAT is, not knowing they depend on the RD to process the paperwork. This sport is expensive as it is, and with the entry fees being charged it is hard to believe that 3D can’t pay it’s bills, unless there is more to the story that we as outsiders cannot and probably will not see.
It is a shame that this is happening, with so many local races filling up months before the race, it was nice top have an alternative race series to compete in. I hope 3D can get the issues resolved with USAT.
Another interesting set of issues. In most, if not all of its Michigan races, 3d charged $10 for USAT’s one-day licenses - which means, I assume, they just pocketed the $1 difference. One could argue that USAT SHOULD be paying a commission anyway . . . after all, the race organizer must allot precious manpower to check current licensees, sell licenses to those who don’t have one, bank the cash, then do the accounting and remittal. But should an individual organizer have the power for what amounts to a defacto change in USAT’s license policy? Given USAT’s experience with high one-day fees in the late 80’s and early 90’s, the current one-day price has crept dangerously high as it is.
“USAT sanctioning means nothing to me as a competitor.”
Really? How about having an event to enter? Look, in most cases, USAT’s insurance program is an absolute condition precedent to the event even happening in the first place. In most cases, the venue owners and the surrounding municipality(s) require liability insurance. No insurance, no permit. No permit, no race.
Like to do domestic Ironman races? Sorry, in today’s market, they wouldn’t happen without USAT’s program. Danskin series? Ditto. Escape from Alcatraz, Treasure Island, Wildflower, or any of Terry Davis’ other races? Ditto, again. All but a few of the one-thousand plus events currently sanctioned by USAT? You got it - the answer is the same.
Fact is, there just is not a current liability program to compete with USAT. And, if USAT’s loss history was to take a negative turn, that program could be in jeopardy as well. So, argue with USAT’s administration of the sport; god knows, there is lots of meat in that locker. But don’t argue their relevance - that is just a given.
Fortunately there are still about a half dozen races in this area that have not given in to USAT. I make it a point to race all those races. I find that paying USAT $9 gives me no more pleasure in my racing. Maybe if I didn’t have my own medical and life insurance I would feel differently. But to me a USAT race just means it costs a whole lot more in one day fees and entry fees.
As I said, I can understand why race directors and such like USAT. It gives them a cheap ($250?) source of insurance. If I was a race director I would probably use it, too.
I’ve raced 3 races put on by 3d and thought the only problem was a lack of volunteers, but that cannot be considered the rd’s fault. Kind of ironic is that the most poorly run race i’ve competed in was in AZ but wasn’t put on by 3d, but Tucson Racing (Collegiate Nats, 2003). There was nobody on the course, traffic was not blocked on a highway with a speed limit of 65 i believe and a shoulder that consisted of being 2/3 rumble strip and 1/3 rideable. The race was terrible, organizationally and course wise. Just my 2 cents.