WMA posts survey, opens Pandora’s box of giving athletes a voice

Survey is aimed at folks who compete in or officiate at WMA meets, but others can fill it out.

Dang! World Masters Athletics went and done it! On Tuesday it posted a survey! Perhaps its first. The 25 questions are basically demographic and commercial — aimed at learning about attendance at WMA world and regional meets, indoors and out. You get a hint of marketing, since one question asks what athletic brands you wear. We’re asked for suggestions on how to improve the experience. Good for WMA. But now a precedent is set (asking our thoughts), and there’s no way back to the days of pretending athletes/officials have no views. I don’t know who will be privy to results, but it would be cool if they are shared at Malaga’s General Assembly (at least) and in advance of worlds online (at best). Giving WMA-goers a voice shouldn’t stop here. Post polls on proposed rule changes. Insist that regions gather opinions as well. Democratize. This first survey is pretty benign, but it’s a start. Let’s see more! (And what do YOU think of the survey?)

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About the Author

Ken Stone
Ken has followed track as an athlete, writer and webmaster since the late 1960s, and saw most sessions of track and field at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He also attended the 1988, 1992, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Trials. He worked for 10 newspapers and now reports for Times of San Diego. Write him at TrackCEO@aol.com or kens@timesofandiego.com. Story tips always welcome!

1 Comment on "WMA posts survey, opens Pandora’s box of giving athletes a voice"

  1. Patsy Conboy | July 24, 2018 at 1:00 pm | Reply

    Just counting down the days now I have competed in many masters games and found all my fellow atletes look forward to competition and good fun and happiness with all

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