Too Little, Too Late

This BOLD step was announced yesterday. What a weak grandstand play. This is a classic case of shutting the barn door after the cows are out. They need to clean house. Look at former athletes that are on USAT&F Committees who tested positive and coaches who are active in USAT&F who have had athletes test positive. They should also be banned! Very weak!

US athletics toughens drug stance

American coaches whose athletes are sanctioned for doping could be penalised themselves under a revised USA Track and Field policy from 2007.

The move after several high-profile US drugs cases, including a positive test by Olympic 100m champion Justin Gatlin.

Under the USATF policy, coaches could lose their accreditation to national championships, coaching stipends and national team positions.

However, the USATF cannot prohibit coaches from working with athletes.

The new policy requires coaches to register with the national governing body to receive USATF benefits.

These include stipends of $2,000 annually for any athlete ranked in the world top 10.

Coaches could be refused the benefits if a review panel finds them ineligible because of violations by their athletes.

"We can deny USATF benefits to those who may be influencing athletes to use drugs," said USATF chief executive officer Craig Masback in a statement