Softball will be in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

In the past I think I would have agreed with you, however, I think there are some changes coming. Let's not forget that certain agencies, like the Department of Justice, have been going after crooked international sporting agencies when it impacts the United States. I don't think the political stance of the United States impacts the IOC itself, but lets not forget that the IOC is made up of representatives from a lot of different countries. Depending on the leadership of the United States, pressures within certain countries could be swayed to vote either for or against another country. For example, I don't see Russia voting in favor of the United States hosting the 2024 Olympics because the United States and Russia have a very strained relationship (getting worse even in sports now).

I don't think the IOC really cares about the US justice system and is arrogant enough to continue their ways. Nor do I believe Russia has that much weight and isn't necessarily in good standing with the IOC after all the doping issues this year.

NBC has already agreed to a contract extension through the 2032 Olympics for exclusive American broadcast rights to the Olympics.

I've always, and probably will continue to believe that these types of contracts and the obscene amount offered for these games is part of the problem with the IOC. Also, IMO, the Olympics have been going downhill since they not only allowed, but actually recruit professionals to take part.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

...Also, IMO, the Olympics have been going downhill since they not only allowed, but actually recruit professionals to take part.

While I tend to agree, plenty of USA athletes back in the day were about as "amateur" as Power 5 Conference football players are "students".

And, taking this to the extreme, those Soviet-bloc athletes were, in fact, professional athletes in every sense of the word being employed by the state (e.g. Soviet Army) as full-time athletes.

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by Dakota

While I tend to agree, plenty of USA athletes back in the day were about as "amateur" as Power 5 Conference football players are "students".

And, taking this to the extreme, those Soviet-bloc athletes were, in fact, professional athletes in every sense of the word being employed by the state (e.g. Soviet Army) as full-time athletes.

I complete agree. The days of Amateur Athletes ended decades ago. Even before the Cold War, soldiers were a primary source of Olympic Athletes.

Track and Field athletes were getting appearance fees for decades, but much of that money was put into a "retirement fund" with the only allowable deductions being used for training and "basic" living expenses. This started after the issues in 1932 when a famous runner was barred from the Olympics because he collected appearance fees despite the protests of his competitors (who he regularly beat handily).

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

While I tend to agree, plenty of USA athletes back in the day were about as "amateur" as Power 5 Conference football players are "students".

And, taking this to the extreme, those Soviet-bloc athletes were, in fact, professional athletes in every sense of the word being employed by the state (e.g. Soviet Army) as full-time athletes.

And I don't care, it has become absolutely ridiculous. The soviet bloc is gone, there is only one germany and the US would still do well under the previous questionable circumstances. I got over that bullshit years ago.

Hell, the pro US basketball players are coddled, do not stay with the other athletes which is the way it has been since the first "Dream Team".

IMO, one of the worst things they do is tout the medal count. What I do watch, I watch to appreciate the sport and skill of all the athletes

[teebob21]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

What I do watch, I watch to appreciate the sport and skill of all the athletes

And this is why I would love to be eligible to be selected for the 2024/2028 Olympics. Just want to watch the game at its highest level up close and personal. Not going to happen but dammit I'll try to get my hat in for that 0.000...000...0001% chance. I mean, I buy Powerball tickets every now and again, so you can't say I'll ever give up hope

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by teebob21

And this is why I would love to be eligible to be selected for the 2024/2028 Olympics. Just want to watch the game at its highest level up close and personal. Not going to happen but dammit I'll try to get my hat in for that 0.000...000...0001% chance. I mean, I buy Powerball tickets every now and again, so you can't say I'll ever give up hope

Go here

[teebob21]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Go here

Working on it. Is it no longer required to earn ASA Elite first?

[Crabby_Bob]

Originally Posted by teebob21

Working on it. Is it no longer required to earn ASA Elite first?

Isn't Elite the "[...] highest umpire level within their National Federation [...]"?

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by teebob21

And this is why I would love to be eligible to be selected for the 2024/2028 Olympics. Just want to watch the game at its highest level up close and personal. Not going to happen but dammit I'll try to get my hat in for that 0.000...000...0001% chance. I mean, I buy Powerball tickets every now and again, so you can't say I'll ever give up hope