Updated: 01/13/99 USCAA 1999 Nationals - Update 01/13/99

This is the first of bi-monthly publications in regards to the '99 Nationals
held at Los Gatos HS.  The first one is a bit lengthy, all subsequent ones
will only have new developments/updates based on the previous released
updates.

01/13/99
Track & Field Facilities:
-------------------------
The track at Los Gatos HS is an 8 lane, 440 yard, all weather track, that was
resurfaced in June of 1997.  It's fast and in great shape.  The shot
ring is just on the outside of the track (by the first exchange zone).  The
disc ring is about 70 yds, outside the track, by the 220 mark, or we can use
the new field which is behind the home stretch bleachers.  The HJ area is an
all weather approach on the inside of the track by the first turn.  The LJ
area has two pits on the back stretch on the inside of the track.  There is
also a warm up lane on the inside of the track but this will be off limits
since we'll be trying to keep everyone off of the infield.  Team captains
will be responsible for making sure their athletes are not allowed on the
track or infield unless they are competing - we would hate to DQ anyone
for this oversight.

There is a sound system for the announcer and for making final calls for
events.  We will have a wireless mike down on the infield for the clerk
or for someone else who may need it.

The track shack, at the end of the home straightway, will be used for results
tabulation and posting of results.  This is where the Protest Committee may
also convene.

Snack bar will be manned by the Los Gatos TC (LGTC) and will have burgers,
dogs, chips, soda, candy (typical snack food).  If you want anything 
healthier please let us know soon so we can put in a request.  Vegy burgers
will also be included.

Bathrooms, home stretch, have 3 stalls & 2 urinals for the guys and 3 stalls
for the ladies.  Back stretch has 3 stalls & 2 urinals for the guys and 3
stalls for the girls.  Locker room, 100 yds from the track, have 4 stalls &
6 urinals for guys and 6 stalls for the gals.  Showers will also be available
for both sexes and the gym will be open for stretching and relaxing.

The track is open to the public from Sunrise to Sunset and we have exclusive 
use of the track from 12:00 noon Friday (7/16) to 8:00 PM (7/18).

Permits/Insurance:
------------------
Insurance/permits for the track/field meet and road races will be supplied by
the meet directors (Harmatz/Milan).

Road Races:
-----------
The Road races will be measured to proper certification requirements however,
the actual filing of the paperwork for it to have a certification # will be 
dependent on whether a volunteer steps forward for the job or not (NOTE: I
will be happy to work with that individual).

The 5K will be a relatively flat, out and back, type course (an overpass
incline on the way out is the hardest hill).  Starting and finishing with a
lap around the track, and the rest to be run on asphalt and dirt.

The 10K has two choices:
1) Rather hilly starting at about the 2 mile mark until the turn around (out
and back course), which would mean the second half is generally downhill (it'd
be the same course as the 5K but just continue past the 5K turnaround point).

2) Run the 5K course and on the way back head out on a bike trail for a out
and back second half of the course.  More potential traffic (people on bike
trail) with this option.  Option #1 would have hardly any foot traffic.

Both 10K courses would start and finish with a lap on the track.  We are 
still looking for someone to manage the water station on the 10K course
(no water on the 5K course) and for someone to handle course monitors and
a lead/trail biker so we know when the course is clear.

New road race scoring would be in effect (S/W already written, tested &
used).  National Road Race records need to be updated and will be posted
with the new Rules & Regulations.  Any non-existent record (F-70+) will 
award 1000 pts to the first finisher and all other finishers will be ranked
against that time.

As in the past 3 years, we will be counting on the USCAA volunteers to manage
the finish line for both races.  All finish line material will be there, we
just need the bodies.

Housing:
--------
At the '99 Nationals Website there is a document filled with local hotels.
Danny Moon & Rich Wolters will be sending more information out on SJ State
dorms and their availability.

Transportation:
---------------
If you arrange it with the hotel that you are staying at, in advance, some
hotels will provide a shuttle bus service.  Check in advance.  Major car
rentals are at the airport.  No transportation to/from the track is being
planned.  No transportation to/from the party is being planned.  There is
ample FREE parking at both the track and the party site.

Entries:
--------
The team entry form is on the web.  I have no entries in as of this date.
Canopy placing will be based on receipt of entry.  Checks should be made
out to USCAA (we do not take credit cards).

Finances:
---------
We have our "bare bones" budget and our "would like to spend"
budget and a "guesstimate" income.  I would like 
Team Captains to acknowledge ASAP if they are or are not coming and 
what entry fee they expect to pay.  It is our goal for a balanced budget.
If you would like to see the budget, please feel free to contact me.

Meet Scoring:
-------------
Mal Murphy and I are working on a "new" system (yes I know, there are 
plenty of other ones already out there) for the meet.  What makes this one
different is that it will do all of the finals seeding, scoring, etc...
but will also post the results automatically to the web.  We will try
it out at our Regional Meet and if there are no problems - use it.  The
back-up plan is to use the "Rapid Post" software (otherwise known as
Excel) to score the meet.  It's what I've used the last 4 years at the 
Regionals and at 2 high school league meets.  The method of results will
be:
1) Run the race
2) Timers/accutrack time and record order of finish for each team
3) Data is sent to "Rapid Post" by way of a runner (kid)
4) Data entered into excel and printed, scores updates and printed
5) Rapid Post waits 5 or so minutes for GE, AT&T, Lock-Mart, Lucent and
   Exxon to confirm that the scores are right (they always know).

Heat assignments will be posted on the web by Tue before the meet is run.
Team Captains should print this off before they come out to the Bay Area.
Extra copies will be available at the Packet Pick Up.  We are trying to
be high tech this year with everything available on the web prior to the
meet so that little will need to be generated at the meet except for
results.  All other Packet-Pick-Up forms are already on the web (except
Opening Ceremonies) and can be printed off and filed away at any time.
Lane assignments for finals will be provided at the Team Captains meeting
on Saturday night.  Final results will all be posted on the web and will
not be mailed unless special arrangements are made.

Packet Pick Up:
---------------
Based on said above (it will all be on the web), the only thing Captains
will need to pick up on Friday prior to the meet will be:

1) Program
2) Road Race #'s & pins
3) Beer/soda

Of course we will have extra's of everything there and plan on "smoozing"
with everyone awhile, but that should be about it.  It's all on-line.

Hall Of Fame:
-------------
To be handled by the USCAA Board.

Awards:
-------
Medals 3 deep in each of the events, unless we achieve more $'s.
Trophies/plaques will be 3 deep in each of the 4 divisions.  We have
breaks in the meet schedule in order to have Award Presentations in
the middle of the track.  This will also allow us to stay on time 
with all of the events if we need to cut the Awards Presentations
short.  Final Team standings (pending NO protests) should be available
within 10 minutes after the last event is received by RAPID POST.
Traveling Trophies still need to be received or brought by the 
respective Team Captains to packet pick-up.

Numbers:
--------
Will only be used for the Road Races.  Hip numbers will be used for the
anchor runner in each event for the Accutrak.  Both are already done.

Officials:
----------
Being handled by Harmatz & Milan.  Volunteers being handled by Bruce Hamilton.

Charity Challenge/Special Olympics:
-----------------------------------
Gordon Smith is coordinating the Charity Challenge with Make-A-Wish
Foundation and is willing to help on the Special Olympics event along
with Tom Blake.

Meet Program:
-------------
Once again being handled by Gordon Smith.

Party:
------
Will be at Saratoga Springs (15 minute car ride from the track - 7
miles).  We have the place from 5:00 - 12:00.  Band/DJ can play 'til
11:30 or until the police come based on the neighbors complaint
(there is only one neighbor within miles but he complains).  Will
book the band/DJ for 12:00 (midnight).  Food is BBQ chicken, ribs,
tri-tip, dogs, burgers (vegy too), salads, corn, bread, soda, beer
(about like last year - check out their web site).  Band will be 
Classic oldies.  Cost is the same as last year.

Separate Team Banquets:
-----------------------
Check with your hotel, I'm sure they can help you.

Team Recruiting:
----------------
We're going after BACAA teams that haven't competed in the Nationals 
lately but always are at our Regional meet.  Oracle is another
possible newcomer and I've heard from Microsoft, that they plan on
sending a team down.  I'm counting on all of the regulars, let me
know if I shouldn't be.