USATF Georgia High Performance Program

In cooperation with the Athletes’ Advisory Committee (AAC) of USA Track & Field Georgia, the USATF Georgia High Performance (HP) program was developed to ensure the participation and support of the highest potential open athletes and their coaches in USATF and the USOC high performance and athlete support programs. Applicable events are the forty-four (44) individual + five (5) relay events on the Olympic Games and World Athletics (WMA) (Outdoor) Championships program, as well as events approved by the AAC and the National High Performance staff as being those that contribute to the development of Olympic and World Championships participants.

USATF Georgia’s specific program is designed to support athletes designated as “Development” by the Tier system of USATF. Tier 1-4 athletes receive program support from USATF (National) High Performance programs, but our emerging elite athletes receive only minimal support to help them in their pursuit of their professional aspirations. This program is association driven to fund these emerging elite athletes to help them in their continuous improvement towards their Olympic dreams.

There will be five components to the plan (maximum funding per athlete is to be determined (TBD)):

1. Coach Stipend Program: For all identified Georgia Association emerging elite athletes, USATF Georgia and the AAC Committee will help fund or offset any coaching stipends needed to support athlete development. This funding applies to certified USATF coaches only and will be subject to approval by the AAC based on defined criteria.
2. Medical Program: For all identified Georgia Association emerging elite athletes, this program will help offset costs for medical treatment supporting the development of athlete training and maintenance. The types of treatment will include (but not limited to) chiropractic therapy, massage therapy, cryotherapy, dry needle, etc. USATF Georgia will be identifying preferred providers for this program and will either offer a discounted rate for identified emerging athletes or design a program of reimbursement through the association.
3. Travel Funding Program: For all identified Georgia Association emerging elite athletes, this program will help offset travel costs for USATF competitive opportunities defined by AAC and training opportunities that will enhance the potential of identified athletes.
4. Training Equipment/Access Program: For all identified Georgia Association emerging elite athletes, this program will help offset costs for acquiring training equipment essential to their athletic development. Weights, training equipment, etc. that may be needed to help develop their skills in a safe environment will be considered.
5. Facilities Access Program: USATF Georgia will pursue agreements with track and field facilities throughout the state of Georgia to allow our athletes and clubs to practice in a safe and uninterrupted environment. A list of those partner facilities will be provided throughout the year in conjunction with Project Access, a new USATF Georgia program intended to grant access to member clubs and athletes in Georgia.

The guidelines for receiving the funding will be:

1. Must be a current USATF Georgia Member
2. Athlete must submit an IRS W9 Form if funding is approved.
3. Post event report with corresponding receipts must be submitted.
4. Athlete must make guest appearance in support of our youth athletes at one of the following USATF Georgia events:
   1. SMART Georgia Middle School Championship (April 23-24, 2021 at Parkview HS, Lilburn, Georgia)
   2. Track Lab Spring League Championship (May 1, 2021 at Peachtree Ridge HS, Suwanee, Georgia)
   3. Atlanta Georgia Relays International Championship (May 28-30, 2021 at Union Grove HS, McDonough, Georgia)
   4. Mark Trail Memorial Day Meet (May 28-30, 2021 at Discovery HS, Lawrenceville, Georgia)
   5. USATF Georgia Junior Olympic Preliminaries (June 5th, 2021, one of 3 locations)
   6. USATF Georgia Association Junior Olympics Championship (June 17-20, 2021 at Union Grove HS, McDonough, Georgia)
   7. USATF Youth National Championship (June 22-27, 2021 at Barron Stadium, Rome, Georgia)
   8. USATF Region 4 Track & Field Championships (July 8-11, 2021 at Trojan Stadium, Carrollton HS, Carrollton, Georgia)

For questions, please contact:
Charles Muhammad, President, president@georgia.usatf.org
Dexter McCloud, Executive Vice President, evp@georgia.usatf.org
Nekeidra Frederick, Athletes’ Advisory Chair, athletesadvisory@georgia.usatf.org