Inductee Profile

Frank Greenberg

shof-1999-Frank_GreenbergOne of the world’s pre-eminent track and field authorities, Frank Greenberg has been providing leadership to the governing bodies of that sport locally, nationally and internationally for three decades.

For four years, from 1988-1992, he was the President of USA Track and Field, the largest of the National Governing Bodies, becoming the first non-coach ever to attain that position. He is a recipient of the Robert Geighengach Award, the highest honor given by USA Track and Field, and is also a recipient of the Jesse Owens Award of the Mid Atlantic Athletic Association.

He is a member of the United States Olympic Committee’s International Competition Committee and the Vice-Chair of the International Doping Commission for the IAAF, the international governing body for track and field. Until 1996 he was a member of the US Olympic Committee’s Membership Services Committee.

Greenberg’s involvement in track dates to 1971 when he started to officiate at winter indoor high school track meets. At the time, the Philadelphia Officials Club did not allow women, African-Americans or Jews. He co-founded an alternative group known as the Philadelphia Official Council, which took over the assignment of track meets for almost every league and conference, including high schools, AAU clubs and colleges. He has been formally recognized for his contributions in helping to integrate track and field officials.

Greenberg also lends his expertise to the world of Jewish athletics. He is a member of the International Competitions Committee of the Maccabi World Union, a member of the Board of Directors of Maccabi USA, a member of the National Advisory Board for the JCC Maccabi Games and a member of the Board and Nominating Committee Chair for the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Greenberg is usually present at the world’s most prestigious track and field events. He designed the national certification system for officials in the sport and is ranked as a Master Official in Photo Finish Hand Timing and Javelin, among others. He serves each year as the referee of the National NCAA Indoor Championships. Among his close friends are some of the more legendary names of track and field.