USFA accepts Election

[Jason]

There is also: http://usfanominees.com/proposals/vo...r-development/

Just a few examples, I'm sure more will follow. Those are from the NC Slate's website. They have ideas, but they're also soliciting input from everyone across the membership.

Those are literally the only two proposals on the NC slate's site. One about scholastic outreach and the other about volunteer development.

Are these two things really the two most important issues the new leadership has to deal with? I can think of 5 or so others, myself. Those are certainly important (I would argue volunteer development is, in fact the more important of the two, though the proposal is the less developed), but don't suggest that anyone is doing any actual strategic planning.

[oiuyt]

Those are literally the only two proposals on the NC slate's site. One about scholastic outreach and the other about volunteer development.

Are these two things really the two most important issues the new leadership has to deal with? I can think of 5 or so others, myself. Those are certainly important (I would argue volunteer development is, in fact the more important of the two, though the proposal is the less developed), but don't suggest that anyone is doing any actual strategic planning.

Just to comment on this, those just happen to be the first two posted. The plan is to have more going up this week and throughout the next few months (both before and likely after the election). They are not being posted in priority order.

-B

[Mr Epee]

Just to comment on this, those just happen to be the first two posted. The plan is to have more going up this week and throughout the next few months (both before and likely after the election). They are not being posted in priority order.

-B

Is there any specific effort to get things up on the website prior to the ballots being sent out? It seems that this would go a long way towards allowing members to make an informed decision.

All information is greatly appreciated.

The date for ballot mailing is rapidly approaching.

[KShan5[PrFC]]

Those are literally the only two proposals on the NC slate's site. One about scholastic outreach and the other about volunteer development.

Are these two things really the two most important issues the new leadership has to deal with? I can think of 5 or so others, myself. Those are certainly important (I would argue volunteer development is, in fact the more important of the two, though the proposal is the less developed), but don't suggest that anyone is doing any actual strategic planning.

You're right, cash flow is probably the most important issue. However, the majority of the USFFC proposals are just ideas being tossed around with no real research behind them. Anyone can do that. I would say the cash flow problems in the USFA though would be best handled by Greg Dilworth. So what if there aren't specific proposals on their website yet (though I wouldn't be surprised if there were some up there soon)? If Mr. Dilworth is in charge of the finances then I'm extremely confident that the USFA finances will be turned around in his tenure. Ms. Pestotnik on the other hand hasn't shown throughout her career (at least that posted on the website) that she is qualified to take on the mess that is the USFA.

[T]

Tracy,

You seem to have missed this question in your efforts to reply to this thread. This is completely understandable: there was a lot to respond to.

I'm re-posting it here in the hopes that you will answer it.

-m

Based on the description of the TC in the Operations Manual, the important skills for a TC chair are
1. logistics
2. establishing criteria for NAC proposals (number of strips, etc.)
3. reviewing and evaluating the proposals to establish if they meet the required criteria, etc.
4. Personnel assignments for NAC bout committees
5. knowledge of qualifying procedures that might be relevant

Unfortunately for epeemike81, I’m not going to provide a list of possible TC chairs. I have several people in mind but have not yet discussed it with them and would not consider posting their names absent of their consent. I agree with Jason’s comment that no US Presidential candidates have named any of their cabinet members yet and it is a bit early to be talking about Committee chair positions.

Most importantly, this person needs to have the commitment to establish a fencer-friendly NAC structure that is inline with more frequent but smaller NACs which promotes the idea of ‘more quality bouts’. Some knowledge of running tournaments would also be necessary but it is not required that this person be an automatic bout committee chair at any NACs. But instead be a very good coordinator of people, equipment, and venues.

While traditionally, the TC has been an extremely influential and important committee and I expect this to remain that way to a certain extent, I also envision staff personnel performing many of the functions that the TC has done. This would allow the TC to do what they are actually intended to do: provide oversight, as opposed to what they have evolved into for the USFA: producing our product.

[keith]

...Mr. Dilworth has experience managing finances on a national and global scale, and both an MBA and BS in Economics.

&

Ms. Pestotnik on the other hand hasn't shown throughout her career (at least that posted on the website) that she is qualified to take on the mess that is the USFA.

Of course there is another way of viewing this; does Mr Dilworth actually have the time (in amongst running national and global finances) to sort out the "mess that is the USFA".

The best candidate is not always the most qualified candidate when dealing with a voluntary position, IMHO.

[KShan5[PrFC]]

&



Of course there is another way of viewing this; does Mr Dilworth actually have the time (in amongst running national and global finances) to sort out the "mess that is the USFA".

The best candidate is not always the most qualified candidate when dealing with a voluntary position, IMHO.

Everyone has a job right? Mr. Dilworth's job just leaves him more qualified to run the finances of the USFA.

[keith]

Everyone has a job right? Mr. Dilworth's job just leaves him more qualified to run the finances of the USFA.

If the USFA were hiring a full time treasurer and the applicants were Mr Dilworth and Ms. Pestotnik then sure, but they're not.

Think of it as the volunteer paradox, the people most qualified & able to help are often the people with the least time. Bringing in a highly qualified and able person can be a complete disaster if that person is unable to devote enough of their time to the task at hand*. Ms Pestotnik may not be as 'qualified' as Mr Dilworth but she does not seem to be unqualified.

*and I merely comment based on the characterisation of Mr Dilworth as a lord of international commercial finance. An activity unlikely to leave him much free time .

[epeemike81]

Some knowledge of running tournaments would also be necessary but it is not required that this person be an automatic bout committee chair at any NACs. But instead be a very good coordinator of people, equipment, and venues.

Clearly, you and I disagree about what assets are important in a TC chair. I would consider knowledge of running tournaments paramount in an official who will be in charge of overseeing execution and improvement of tournaments.

-m

[Jason]

Ms. Pestotnik on the other hand hasn't shown throughout her career (at least that posted on the website) that she is qualified to take on the mess that is the USFA.

I would agree with this. I've been wondering about the value of the candidates being grouped as "slates" since they are, in actuality, running independently for their positions and, in my opinion, each slate has some underwhelming candidates.

So what if there aren't specific proposals on their website yet (though I wouldn't be surprised if there were some up there soon)?

The fact that specific proposals aren't up yet is fairly relevant as the election is approaching. If they can't come up with some basic proposals before the election, how can they be expected to be competent leaders? You may be happy to vote for them no matter what information they do or don't provide. I would argue that the membership should expect to be convinced.

[KShan5[PrFC]]

If the USFA were hiring a full time treasurer and the applicants were Mr Dilworth and Ms. Pestotnik then sure, but they're not.

Think of it as the volunteer paradox, the people most qualified & able to help are often the people with the least time. Bringing in a highly qualified and able person can be a complete disaster if that person is unable to devote enough of their time to the task at hand*. Ms Pestotnik may not be as 'qualified' as Mr Dilworth but she does not seem to be unqualified.

*and I merely comment based on the characterisation of Mr Dilworth as a lord of international commercial finance. An activity unlikely to leave him much free time .

Okay...Ms. Pestotnik has 2 jobs, she does bookkeeping/runs or whatever it is she does for the CFA and her own business (whatever that may be). Does that mean she has twice as much work to do, and therefore even less time than Mr. Dilworth? I think it's incredibly simplistic to say because someone has a job that qualifies them for a volunteer organization that they won't have enough time to do the job. I'm sure these are issues the NC took into consideration, and furthermore, if Mr. Dilworth says he has the time for the job then unless you have intimate knowledge with how many hours a week/month he spends in the office it's really only fair to take his word at face value.

[oso97]

*and I merely comment based on the characterisation of Mr Dilworth as a lord of international commercial finance. An activity unlikely to leave him much free time .

I don't think anyone has said that Greg is a "lord of international commercial finance." The skills that he does bring to the table though are considerable. Additionally, Greg has an established history of pulling through on his commitments. He does not take on projects and leave them standing. I am confident that if he agreed to serve as Treasurer, he will make the time necessary to do the job.

[griffindm]

&
Of course there is another way of viewing this; does Mr Dilworth actually have the time (in amongst running national and global finances) to sort out the "mess that is the USFA".

The best candidate is not always the most qualified candidate when dealing with a voluntary position, IMHO.

From my discussions with him last Fall, after a referee clinic he flew in to run, I believe that Greg, who already commits a substantial portion of his free time to the USFA via the FOC, intends to use a substantial block of that time to the treasurer role in the USFA. This will mean he will be less available to the FOC, but given his past contributions, I think it ill-informed to believe he has no available time from his regular work.

Dave

[dberke]

Of course there is another way of viewing this; does Mr Dilworth actually have the time (in amongst running national and global finances) to sort out the "mess that is the USFA".

The best candidate is not always the most qualified candidate when dealing with a voluntary position, IMHO.

One would assume that all of the candidates (on either slate) have the time available to perform their duties in addition to the their "day job". If they weren't willing to do that, I doubt they would have decided to run for office.

Perhaps a more pertinent question would be to ask which candidates have the necessary skills and experience with the organization that will allow them to be maximally efficient with the time they commit to their elected positions.

Dan

[PeterGustafsson]

Hi!

Well, you should vote for the best qualified candidates who will perform as the best team. For example, having (famous executive jerk*) as a VP might obtain a highly skilled individual, but someone who would spend all the Executive Committee meetings undercutting and attacking the other members to the point nothing gets done. So the ability to work with the other ExCom members is an important qualification. For an older example, the USA didn't work as well when the 2nd place Presidential candidate was VP, at least for Aaron Burr.

Here, the USFA election rules perfectly match those of the Phillipine Presidential posts. The current Phillipine President, Gloria Arroyo, was elected as vice-president serving under the previous President, Jose Estrada, despite that they were of opposing parties. Estrada won the Presidential election against Arroyo´s running mate, while she won a landslide against his. The pairing proved to give quite a bit of friction, and she assumed the #1 spot when Estrada was impeached.

The example is not particularly reassuring.


Have a nice time!

Peter Gustafsson

[keith]

...stuff...

I apologize for poking you with a stick, many of the candidates have much experience relevant to the USFA. As I am sure did the current the slate of officers.

Volunteers need qualifications and time - and often far to much is made of the former and to little of the later.

[PeterGustafsson]

Hi!


Question to representatives of the two groups (USFFC vs. NC):

If one accepts the statement that "USFA has serious financial problems that must be tackled right away" at face value, then:

What present costs/outlays do you consider reasonable candidates for immediate stoppage? If you will be faced with a situation in which the balance sheet dictates that you must take away programs/cost centers right now, which would those be?

To turn the question on its head, what costs should be the last to be cut?

I assume that the last ones would be:
1. Repayment of current loans that USFA has taken
2. Outstanding bills to non-fencing entities
3. Wages to current USFA employees
4. Membership fees for FIE and other entities that USFA is member of

If you agree with that prioritization, what would be your #5 - and further - on the list?


Have a nice time!

Peter Gustafsson

[PeterGustafsson]

Hi!

Scholastic and Collegiate Programs


When a group of people in an area such as Northern Virginia are trying to generate interest in high school fencing they should have easily-identifiable points of contact for support, resources, presentation materials, and suggestions. What has worked in Connecticut that can be transferred elsewhere? What can we learn from Chicago? Are there easily-identifiable answers to common concerns posed by school administrators? Studies of the injury risks involved with the sport? How is liability coverage handled? How do we handle the Catch-22 of not being able to create programs in an area until there are other programs to compete against?

My suggestion concerning the problem in bold:

Focus on creating/supporting programs which are on the border of present fencing-rich areas. From there fencing can spread by diffusion until previously separate fencing areas merge. USFA should identify presently unserved/underserved markets which are viable as fencing centers. Here, viability should - among other things - be evaluated based on local population base, local transport situation, etc.

The focusing should also entail that USFA should choose not to financially support upstart fencing clubs in non-promising locations, provided that there are sufficient number of applicants from better places. Focus also means to abstain from spending limited resources on all sorts of stuff. As an example, an upstart fencing club in Point Barrow, Alaska, should only receive limited aid (print material, legal info, etc) while those on the outskirts of the NJ hotbed should get more.

As compensation, fencers from clubs in areas which do not qualified for the enhanced club aid should get easier qualification tracks to SN.


Have a nice time!

Peter Gustafsson

[KShan5[PrFC]]

I apologize for poking you with a stick, many of the candidates have much experience relevant to the USFA. As I am sure did the current the slate of officers.

Volunteers need qualifications and time - and often far to much is made of the former and to little of the later.

enh that first part about having her being twice as busy was supposed to be a joke...guess a smiley woulda worked.

[Wafath]

As an example, an upstart fencing club in Point Barrow, Alaska, should only receive limited aid (print material, legal info, etc) while those on the outskirts of the NJ hotbed should get more.

At this point, all scholastic fencing programs get less than what you describe should be going to PB, Alaska from the USFA.

Also, because of how US schools work, borders tend to be discrete. Yes there are counter-examples, but often schools will not cross city, county or state lines for competition.

I have discussed this in the past, but I think that the USFA, given the people, the time & the money to do it should do the following for high-school fencing expansion.

- Developing simple & straight-forward marketing material targeted at High School Fencing. I would develop at least three sets of pamphlets or letters. One directed at the administrators, teachers, and other school officials. Another aimed at the students (future fencers) and another at their parents. Find out what the concerns are and answer them. The rough draft could be a simple letter. The final edition should be a glossy hand-out. The hard part of this is to actually go out and research the real concerns of schools & parents when it comes to fencing.

- Examine the insurance needs of schools, and verify that we are meeting it for fencing, and if not, modify it so that we are. Same for club and individual memberships.

- Create scholastic league tools & make them readily available online. At the very least, rules, score-sheets, etc. Possibly expand this to fully-interactive websites to include stats, team tracking, scheduling tools, etc. (Maybe for most of this you can simply lift existing products and replace "New Jersey" with "YOUR COUNTY NAME HERE".)

- Data-mine the membership database, talk to divisions & club owners, and pick a school, area, district or county to target. Apply available resources to that area for a fixed period of time. "Resources" is highly variable: it could be as minor as making a few phone calls to see how things are moving along once a month, or it could be as big as providing equipment, arranging for coach training, etc. Ultimately most of the work will have to be done by people on the ground, but national can provide leadership & guidance.

For collegiate fencing I think it is more complicated. In a way, possibly the best thing USFA can do for it is to improve HS fencing. The more students who expect an interesting collegiate fencing experience, the greater the pressure there will be on colleges to have fencing.

To expand varsity fencing, they should probably start cold-calling ADs, and find schools that might be interested in adding a fencing program.

I am not sure to what extent USFA should involve itself with collegiate club fencing. In some ways, focusing on that could mean giving up on varsity fencing. However, collegiate club fencing could be one of the best target vectors to expand NCAA fencing... teams must come from somewhere, and in theory a school with an active club is more likely to go varsity than one without.

I agree that someone should better publicize the collegiate club situation in the US, esp to inform current HS fencers & their coaches, but I am not sure the best way of doing this. Probably start with a few articles about "The Other Collegiate Fencing Experience" in American Fencing.

Given that there are at least 100 collegiate fencing clubs in the US, and their numbers, size, competitiveness, schedule and nature are constantly under flux, I am not sure what the USFA can or should do to support them, beyond what it does to support USFA clubs in general. I have mentioned possible programs like mentoring & coaches college scholarships, but I am no longer convinced that the USFA is the org to do this.

W