New Zealanders involved in IAAF reform

The IAAF held a Governance Structure Reform Forum in Amsterdam on 4-5 July ahead of the European Championships.

The forum, led by New Zealand sports lawyer Maria Clarke, the chair of the IAAF Governance Structure Reform Working Group, marks the start of a six-month consultation process which, following approval by Council, will see the final proposals being sent to the IAAF membership of more than 200 national federations for their approval at a Special Congress in early December 2016. Clarke has a strong involvement with Athletics New Zealand, particularly in the area of governance.

The forum was attended by more than 60 delegates, including federation presidents, administrators and athletes representing the six continental areas of the IAAF and discussed 15 key proposals to create an effective organisation with the checks and balances and transparent structures required.

Oceania Athletics Association President Geoff Gardiner, from Norfolk Island is also on the working group with Maria Clarke. Athletics New Zealand Chairman Annette Purvis also participated in the forum as part of Oceanias representation.

"Our reform proposals show how seriously we want to grip the issues facing our sport and design a strong, diverse and modern organisation which reflects the global reach of athletics. We are not afraid to make tough decisions, we owe it to the athletes. Our discussion over the last two days have been honest and robust," said IAAF President Sebastian Coe at the conclusion of the forum.

Purvis said that Athletics New Zealand will be supporting the reforms.

"The proposed reforms are integral to the IAAF making changes to prevent the corruption allegations that have dogged it in recent months and to ensure that the future of international athletics continues to grow and remain relevant," Purvis said.

"The changes are something that Athletics NZ could support as they reflect the modern, transparent governance framework that we are used to working in. It was great to see the forum participants reinforce the need for change and they were extremely supportive of the IAAFs consultative engagement process around the changes. From our perspective Seb Coe is delivering on his manifesto promises and is clearly signalling a new way forward for the IAAF," she added.

Information on the proposed changes can be found at http://www.iaaf.org/news/press-release/reform-of-the-iaaf-a-new-era

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Athletics New Zealand