December Update for 2017 Junior Olympics

2017 USATF Annual Meeting

Attended USATF’s Annual Meeting in Orlando to provide the Youth Membership an update on the planning progress on the Junior Olympics. The only concern expressed by one individual during the Q & A was the possibility of not making the soccer field available for athlete warm-up. Prior to the JO update I had shared with Kansas Athletics that this question might be raised and we may have to discuss a compromise on the use of the soccer field. A compromise would consist of a policy on the conditional use of the soccer field that would greatly reduce the Lawrence Sports Corporation’s financial liability on the wear & tear of the field and also ensure that Kansas Athletics could host a home soccer game 9 days after the conclusion of the Junior Olympics.

During this conversation USATF reiterated its position that although they have no authority in the final decision of whether or not to use the soccer fields and stadium for the purpose intended, they would not assume any responsibility or liability for any damages incurred, nor accept any financial liability for the replacement/repair of any area of the soccer stadium to include the natural turf.

Also, during Annual Meeting I met with 3 club teams, one from Ohio and two from North Carolina to book a total of 290 rooms.

Officials

We have identified the 12 individuals who will serve as Starters during this year’s JO and have extended them invitations.

Of the 200 Officials applications we handed out during USATF’s Annual Meeting, 50 have already been returned. Our goal is to have 150 officials committed by the end of April.

 With the help from Charlie Persinger, of Strong Hall, KU Mass Transit confirmed its ability to provide round trip transportation for JO Officials between KU Residence Halls and RCP.

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JO Summit

Working with Explore Lawrence to provide presenters from USATF. At this time the following USATF staff members have confirmed attending this month’s Summit:

Robin Beamon – Director of Grass Roots Programs

Jill Geer -Chief Marketing Officer

David Gaddis - Chief of Business Affairs

Misc

Met with Kansas Athletics’ facilities to finalize the parking control plan and determine the number of contracted crowd control staff we will need for this event.

KU Student Housing has agreed to place club teams in KU residence halls provided we place USATF staff in the Halls to serve as supervisors.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Sanner

Lawrence Sports Corporation