The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), Founded In 1888, Was The First Governing Body For Track And Field In The United States. It Served This Role For Over 80 Years Before Being Replaced By USA Track & Field In 1979. The Organization Was Formed By A Merger Between The Athletics Congress (TAC), Which Had Governed Track And Field Since 1968, And USA Track & Field, Which Governed International Events.
USATF Operates Under A Four Year Cycle In Conjunction With The Olympic Games. Its Main Roles Include Selecting And Training Teams For International Competitions Like The Olympics And World Championships, Enforcing Anti-doping Regulations, Managing Event Sanctions And Records, And Administering Development Programs.
The Main Categories Of Events Hosted On Usatf.org Include Track & Field Competition Results, Schedules Of Upcoming Competitions And Broadcasts, Athlete Biographies And Team USA Rosters, Coaching And Training Resources, And Shop Items. Visitors Can Shop For Running Shoes, Apparel, Accessories And USA Track & Field Merchandise. Savings Can Be Found By Signing Up For Email Discounts, Shopping During Seasonal Sales, And Looking For Coupon Codes.
Yes, USA Track & Field Offers Discounted Membership Rates For Youth Athletes, College & High School Athletes, Coaches, Officials, Lifetime & Alumni Members, And Family Memberships.
USA Track & Field Provides Low-cost Event And Practice Insurance Policies To Member Clubs. Clubs Can Purchase An Annual Insured Membership Program Or Sign Up For Per-event Policies Online Or By Contacting The National Office.
To Host A Sanctioned Track & Field, Long Distance Running Or Race Walking Event, The Meet Director Must Be A Current USATF Member And Apply For A Permit At Least 30 Days In Advance. Sanctioned Events Follow USATF Rules And Qualifying Athletes May Submit Performances To The National Rankings.
To Be Included In USATF's National, Regional Or Age Division Rankings, Athletes Must Compete In A Sanctioned Event And Submit Their Performance Report Online Through Their USATF Connect Account Within 7 Days Of Completion.
USATF's Return To Competition Guidelines Provide Event Directors And Members Guidance On Safely Resuming Sanctioned Events During The COVID-19 Pandemic. Requirements Around Social Distancing, Waivers, Masks And More Aim To Protect Athlete Health While Restarting The Track Season.