USAT Board Meets, Approves 2009 Budget

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The USA Triathlon Board of Directors held its November meeting in Colorado Springs over the weekend, reaching consensus on several issues, including passing of the 2009 Budget.

The Board also passed resolutions that addressed sanctioning fees and athlete board member elections, while endorsing qualifying criteria for the elite Resident Team, National Team, Project 2012 and 2016. Details on the budget and the resolutions will be available in the meeting minutes that will be available online within the coming days.

After receiving feedback from membership, the Board agreed to a three-race qualifying procedure for the 2009 ITU Short Course Duathlon World Championship. The process will include the 2009 USAT National Championship and two other events to be determined. USA Triathlon is also working with the event organizers in Richmond, Va., to alter the course for the 2009 Championship, based on feedback from 2008 participants.

"It was an extremely productive meeting, discussing some of our core initiatives for the future," said CEO Skip Gilbert. "By passing the 2009 budget, the Board is giving the USAT staff the approval to move forward on some essential programs that will help us better serve our members."

Gilbert was also pleased to announce the adoption of a resolution that officially commends Candy Cheatham for her work as the regional presidents' liaison to the Board. Candy's term is over at the end of the year. "We are grateful for all the work she has done on behalf of the regional presidents," Gilbert said.

Discussions also included the launch of the USAT Foundation in 2009 and the development of the Strategic Plan. The plan continues to evolve, and after member feedback, the hope is to have the Plan in final form for Board approval at its January meeting, said Gilbert.

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