2005 World Youth Athletics Champs Awarded to Marrakesh
IAAF Council, meeting for the second day of working sessions, decided to award the 2005 World Youth Championships to Marrakesh following a presentation from a delegation including representatives of the Moroccan government, national athletics federation and the current World Champion at 400m hurdles, Nezha Bidouane.
The proposed date for the competition is 14-17 July, when the average temperatures are expected to range from 27 to 32 degrees. Moscow, which had also expressed interest in this event, withdrew its bid.
IAAF Cross Country and Road Running Committee
The report was presented by Chairman Otto Klappert (GER). It was agreed that a proposal would be made to the IAAF Congress in Paris (August 20-21) so that the current IAAF World Bests in road running events should become official IAAF Road World Records.
IAAF Medical Commission
Council agreed that because of the steady increase in numbers of IAAF professional staff specialising in anti-doping matters, the creation of the IAAF Doping Review Board and the closer relationship with WADA, a proposal would be made to Congress so as to create a new structure amalgamating the former IAAF’s Medical Committee and Anti-Doping Commission into a new body, the IAAF Medical Commission, which would be appointed by Council. This Commission will work in association with the Doping Review Board.
IAAF Walking Committee
The chairman of the Committee, Mauricio Damilano (ITA) summarised the work of his committee and commented on the introduction of the IAAF Race Walking Challenge in 2003, with two successful events already concluded in Mexico and Portugal.
Council approved the nomination of Ruben Aguilera and Azzedine Trissa from South America and Africa respectively, to the Race Walking Judges’ Panel.
It was also agreed that the same Chief Judge, Peter Marlow, should be present at the 2003 World Championships and the 2004 Olympic Games to ensure continuity.
It was also agreed that separate world records for road and track performances in race walking would be recorded in future. These would be:
20k on road
50k on road
20,000m, 30,000m and 50,000m on track for men
10,000m and 20,000m on track for women
WADA Code
Although the IAAF is continuing to work with WADA in an effort to fine-tune some details, Council recommended that the WADA Code should be adopted by Congress.
Technical Committee
Chairman Jorge Salcedo (POR) presented a report from the IAAF Technical Committee. 138 proposals for technical rule changes have been received by the IAAF and carefully studied by the Technical Committee. Many are considered non-urgent and others are simply editorial changes to existing rules. A selected list of new rules will be presented to the Congress for consideration.
It was agreed that the 'new' false start rule had worked well in practice. Nevertheless, it was agreed that a new line would be added to the rule to ensure there would not be a repetition of an incident at the World Indoor Championships, where a British sprinter competed 'under protest' despite being disqualified. Council proposed adding a clause to the new rule to clarify that protests should NOT be allowed in competitions where there is automatic recall equipment which clearly indicates false starts. This will need to be approved by Congress.
Council discussed the new rule related to the length of the supporting pegs in the Pole Vault and agreed that no changes were necessary, despite complaints from a group of elite athletes.
IAAF Medical Committee and Anti-doping Commission
Arne Ljungqvist presented a report summing up the activities of the two bodies. It was agreed that the new web-based anti-doping educational site, YADDIS, should be promoted on the occasion of the next IAAF World Youth Championships in Sherbrooke, Canada.
It was recommended that Member Federations be reminded about the need to apply for exemption to use any banned substances for medical reasons and encouraged to develop educational programmes for athletes on health issues.
Progress Report from IAAF World Championships in Athletics - Paris 2003 St Denis
The report was presented by Jean Dussord, President of the Organising Committee. The transition from planning to operational readiness is now approaching and Council were updated about Promotions and Marketing. Sales of tickets have been excellent, with 235,000 – or half the target – already been sold in pack format, with sales of single tickets now just beginning. Competition, Logistical and Financial matters were also discussed. The final budget for the event has been confirmed at 57,000,000 euros.
In an effort to enhance the spectators’ enjoyment of the event, the Stade de France will have 4 video screens and an enhanced sound system. A number of out-of-stadium promotional activities are also planned to create a party atmosphere.
300 young people from every corner of the world – selected with the co-operation of French embassies – will also be invited to attend the event thanks to a programme called 'Allons en France' (Let’s Go to France).
The presentation concluded with a demonstration of innovative Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
For more information please contact:
Nick Davies +33 6 07 93 62 85
The proposed date for the competition is 14-17 July, when the average temperatures are expected to range from 27 to 32 degrees. Moscow, which had also expressed interest in this event, withdrew its bid.
IAAF Cross Country and Road Running Committee
The report was presented by Chairman Otto Klappert (GER). It was agreed that a proposal would be made to the IAAF Congress in Paris (August 20-21) so that the current IAAF World Bests in road running events should become official IAAF Road World Records.
IAAF Medical Commission
Council agreed that because of the steady increase in numbers of IAAF professional staff specialising in anti-doping matters, the creation of the IAAF Doping Review Board and the closer relationship with WADA, a proposal would be made to Congress so as to create a new structure amalgamating the former IAAF’s Medical Committee and Anti-Doping Commission into a new body, the IAAF Medical Commission, which would be appointed by Council. This Commission will work in association with the Doping Review Board.
IAAF Walking Committee
The chairman of the Committee, Mauricio Damilano (ITA) summarised the work of his committee and commented on the introduction of the IAAF Race Walking Challenge in 2003, with two successful events already concluded in Mexico and Portugal.
Council approved the nomination of Ruben Aguilera and Azzedine Trissa from South America and Africa respectively, to the Race Walking Judges’ Panel.
It was also agreed that the same Chief Judge, Peter Marlow, should be present at the 2003 World Championships and the 2004 Olympic Games to ensure continuity.
It was also agreed that separate world records for road and track performances in race walking would be recorded in future. These would be:
20k on road
50k on road
20,000m, 30,000m and 50,000m on track for men
10,000m and 20,000m on track for women
WADA Code
Although the IAAF is continuing to work with WADA in an effort to fine-tune some details, Council recommended that the WADA Code should be adopted by Congress.
Technical Committee
Chairman Jorge Salcedo (POR) presented a report from the IAAF Technical Committee. 138 proposals for technical rule changes have been received by the IAAF and carefully studied by the Technical Committee. Many are considered non-urgent and others are simply editorial changes to existing rules. A selected list of new rules will be presented to the Congress for consideration.
It was agreed that the 'new' false start rule had worked well in practice. Nevertheless, it was agreed that a new line would be added to the rule to ensure there would not be a repetition of an incident at the World Indoor Championships, where a British sprinter competed 'under protest' despite being disqualified. Council proposed adding a clause to the new rule to clarify that protests should NOT be allowed in competitions where there is automatic recall equipment which clearly indicates false starts. This will need to be approved by Congress.
Council discussed the new rule related to the length of the supporting pegs in the Pole Vault and agreed that no changes were necessary, despite complaints from a group of elite athletes.
IAAF Medical Committee and Anti-doping Commission
Arne Ljungqvist presented a report summing up the activities of the two bodies. It was agreed that the new web-based anti-doping educational site, YADDIS, should be promoted on the occasion of the next IAAF World Youth Championships in Sherbrooke, Canada.
It was recommended that Member Federations be reminded about the need to apply for exemption to use any banned substances for medical reasons and encouraged to develop educational programmes for athletes on health issues.
Progress Report from IAAF World Championships in Athletics - Paris 2003 St Denis
The report was presented by Jean Dussord, President of the Organising Committee. The transition from planning to operational readiness is now approaching and Council were updated about Promotions and Marketing. Sales of tickets have been excellent, with 235,000 – or half the target – already been sold in pack format, with sales of single tickets now just beginning. Competition, Logistical and Financial matters were also discussed. The final budget for the event has been confirmed at 57,000,000 euros.
In an effort to enhance the spectators’ enjoyment of the event, the Stade de France will have 4 video screens and an enhanced sound system. A number of out-of-stadium promotional activities are also planned to create a party atmosphere.
300 young people from every corner of the world – selected with the co-operation of French embassies – will also be invited to attend the event thanks to a programme called 'Allons en France' (Let’s Go to France).
The presentation concluded with a demonstration of innovative Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
For more information please contact:
Nick Davies +33 6 07 93 62 85