From the USFA Nominees, "The first 100 days in Office."

[Inquartata]

Change is overrated, and risks running afoul of the law of unintended consequences. So no.

[mdstasinos]

Change is overrated, and risks running afoul of the law of unintended consequences. So no.

Change is a constant, that can't be changed. With growth comes change, experimentation, innovation, tweaking and improvements. If this were not so, for example, you would still be fencing three rounds of pools, DE/with rep. and finals; fencing beginning at 9:00 am after 4 reseeds and conclude after 2:00 am the next morning. This, by the way, would include 5 to 6 hour delays at times between rounds( Because of multiple events needing the same number of strips at the same time). Yes, in many ways things have improved greatly at the National events and I have listed some of them earlier in this thread.
This is a rare time in our Associations history where we as membership and leaders can make changes for the betterment of the fencers and sport. The last Administration did not work well together, much was keep from the membership of what was really going on and the end result is not much was accomplished and as a result of non accountability in our budget with a number of committees and mismanagement or non-management in the National Office. It is time for change and change will happen regardless if you vote or not but if you use your vote you will be saying you support and want to help to effect the change we need to insure the health and growth of our Association.
By electing our entire slate, USFA Nominees, you will be electing a group of individuals who are committed in working together, listening to the membership, developing a balanced budget with checks and balances, better training and opportunities for our membership in areas of responsibilities, accountability for our committees, developing and implementing plans to insure growth in all levels in our Association and much more. Go to our website, http://www.usfanominees.com, and read the latest plans, goals, outlines for your benefit as fencers and members of the USFA. We are committed to serve this membership! There has been a lot of talk from the other slate about needing to hire more professionals and pull away for our volunteer base, but the one item always overlooked in that discussion is that the positions they are all running for are volunteer positions not paid! If they contend the greatest problem is accountability with our volunteers, I would counter that in the fact that it is a group of Volunteers that will comprise the EC, the BOD, the Congress, all the Section and Division Officers. Our strength is our membership and volunteers! The weakness is and has been accountability. We require in this next administration accountability! From our responsibilities on the EC, BOD, Congress and all levels of leadership. when this is done positive change will happen.
Again, elect those with leadership experience, elect those who have a proven record of being active contributors in many levels to our sport, Elect those who have a understanding of where we been and where we need to go, look to our records of service to our Association and see how we have freely given of our time and talents for the love of this sport. Our slate has served in our local clubs, divisions, section, with the BOD and Congress. This is not true of the other slate. Experience in our sport, with our sport and the understanding of the processes to get things done has an irreplaceable value that can't just be learned by walking in the door and saying, "OK I'm ready to make change, so how exactly do we do this?" Elect those with the experience of leadership.
Mark Stasinos
http:www.usfanominees.com

And the question still stands: what are your top three thing you would like to see the next administration accomplish or change?

[yeoldearmourer]

Mark as been involed with fencing for a long time and he love this sport. Mark and I dont see eye to eye on some issue but we have talked about them and how to reslove the problem. Mark is a honest person.

[Swordmaster]

I would like to see the following:
1.Cadre of NAC tournaments, from within the region (West, Central, East) be given first shot at the NAC that would be held in that region. To reduce cost of travel and give the local cadre a chance to improve or shine at these jobs. Hire from the other regions as a last resort, but no later than 45 days before the NAC to give time for economical travel arrangements to be made.

2. Technical Director, FOC and Head Armourer posted at the beginning of each season for each national tournament in one place. So if someone had an interest in posting for a job at one of these tournaments they would know whom to contact way in advance of the tournament.

3. Evaluation of committee assignments so that committees which were not performing the basic tasks of supplying reports on their given activities or posting of leadership positions in a timely manner would be reorganized.

4. Form a vendor advisory panel so that needs and suggestions of the vendors that not only sell to the USFA but through the USFA have a voice to the national office. Instead of the "he with bucks makes rules" system. This group could also work to field grievances and mediate between the vendors and the USFA.

5. As travel costs have continued to increase, and the security of your belongings and equipment becomes less the responsibility of the hotel chains; some vendors have chosen to bring their place to live with them (RVs), Provide for parking at venues so that vendors (and others with RVs for that matter) will be able to stay a reasonable distance from the venue (in some cases I have stayed over 20miles away - not reasonable). This is done for other industries (dog shows, livestock shows, rodeos, car races, etc..) It would seem that this would be available for the asking at many of the venues.

[mdstasinos]

Change is a constant, that can't be changed. With growth comes change, experimentation, innovation, tweaking and improvements. If this were not so, for example, you would still be fencing three rounds of pools, DE/with rep. and finals; fencing beginning at 9:00 am after 4 reseeds and conclude after 2:00 am the next morning. This, by the way, would include 5 to 6 hour delays at times between rounds( Because of multiple events needing the same number of strips at the same time). Yes, in many ways things have improved greatly at the National events and I have listed some of them earlier in this thread.
This is a rare time in our Associations history where we as membership and leaders can make changes for the betterment of the fencers and sport. The last Administration did not work well together, much was keep from the membership of what was really going on and the end result is not much was accomplished and as a result of non accountability in our budget with a number of committees and mismanagement or non-management in the National Office. It is time for change and change will happen regardless if you vote or not but if you use your vote you will be saying you support and want to help to effect the change we need to insure the health and growth of our Association.
By electing our entire slate, USFA Nominees, you will be electing a group of individuals who are committed in working together, listening to the membership, developing a balanced budget with checks and balances, better training and opportunities for our membership in areas of responsibilities, accountability for our committees, developing and implementing plans to insure growth in all levels in our Association and much more. Go to our website, http://www.usfanominees.com, and read the latest plans, goals, outlines for your benefit as fencers and members of the USFA. We are committed to serve this membership! There has been a lot of talk from the other slate about needing to hire more professionals and pull away for our volunteer base, but the one item always overlooked in that discussion is that the positions they are all running for are volunteer positions not paid! If they contend the greatest problem is accountability with our volunteers, I would counter that in the fact that it is a group of Volunteers that will comprise the EC, the BOD, the Congress, all the Section and Division Officers. Our strength is our membership and volunteers! The weakness is and has been accountability. We require in this next administration accountability! From our responsibilities on the EC, BOD, Congress and all levels of leadership. when this is done positive change will happen.
Again, elect those with leadership experience, elect those who have a proven record of being active contributors in many levels to our sport, Elect those who have a understanding of where we been and where we need to go, look to our records of service to our Association and see how we have freely given of our time and talents for the love of this sport. Our slate has served in our local clubs, divisions, section, with the BOD and Congress. This is not true of the other slate. Experience in our sport, with our sport and the understanding of the processes to get things done has an irreplaceable value that can't just be learned by walking in the door and saying, "OK I'm ready to make change, so how exactly do we do this?" Elect those with the experience of leadership.
Mark Stasinos
http:www.usfanominees.com

And the question still stands: what are your top three thing you would like to see the next administration accomplish or change?

The last question still stands! Let's hear you ideas!
MD Stasinos
http://www.usfanominees.com

[mdstasinos]

I would like to see the following:
1.Cadre of NAC tournaments, from within the region (West, Central, East) be given first shot at the NAC that would be held in that region. To reduce cost of travel and give the local cadre a chance to improve or shine at these jobs. Hire from the other regions as a last resort, but no later than 45 days before the NAC to give time for economical travel arrangements to be made.

2. Technical Director, FOC and Head Armourer posted at the beginning of each season for each national tournament in one place. So if someone had an interest in posting for a job at one of these tournaments they would know whom to contact way in advance of the tournament.

3. Evaluation of committee assignments so that committees which were not performing the basic tasks of supplying reports on their given activities or posting of leadership positions in a timely manner would be reorganized.

4. Form a vendor advisory panel so that needs and suggestions of the vendors that not only sell to the USFA but through the USFA have a voice to the national office. Instead of the "he with bucks makes rules" system. This group could also work to field grievances and mediate between the vendors and the USFA.

5. As travel costs have continued to increase, and the security of your belongings and equipment becomes less the responsibility of the hotel chains; some vendors have chosen to bring their place to live with them (RVs), Provide for parking at venues so that vendors (and others with RVs for that matter) will be able to stay a reasonable distance from the venue (in some cases I have stayed over 20miles away - not reasonable). This is done for other industries (dog shows, livestock shows, rodeos, car races, etc..) It would seem that this would be available for the asking at many of the venues.

Great suggestions! Reasonable and I believe implementable. (we'll talk!)
Keep the suggestions coming.
MD Stasinos
http://www.usfanominess.com

[Inquartata]

Change is a constant, that can't be changed.

Stuff and nonsense, as anyone knows who has seen my haircut and sunglasses, which are the same as they were 25 years ago.

If this were not so, for example, you would still be fencing three rounds of pools, DE/with rep. and finals; fencing beginning at 9:00 am after 4 reseeds and conclude after 2:00 am the next morning.

I wish! SO much more fencing that way.

So you see why I mislike change.

It is time for change and change will happen regardless if you vote or not

Egad, does everyone have a working crystal ball except me?!

I don't see how anyone can predict the future so confidently, given history. It is equally possible that bureaucracy, penury and fortune will conspire to prevent any change, however sedulously attempted. This business of "It's gonna no matter what happen so just act like it will" is a specious argument...


However, I will vote and I confess that I am leaning your way. Now if only Tracy would stop saying the occasional sensible thing, it would be ever so much easier.

[epeemike81]

I wish! SO much more fencing that way.

So you see why I mislike change.

not more fencing, just more wasted time.

Egad, does everyone have a working crystal ball except me?!

I don't see how anyone can predict the future so confidently, given history. It is equally possible that bureaucracy, penury and fortune will conspire to prevent any change, however sedulously attempted. This business of "It's gonna no matter what happen so just act like it will" is a specious argument...

Demographic trends in USFA membership and tournament entries (both expanding dramatically) indicate that if change doesn't come thanks to planned actions it is likely come by way of the system collapsing and not being able to support the growth.

However, I will vote and I confess that I am leaning your way. Now if only Tracy would stop saying the occasional sensible thing, it would be ever so much easier.

Just remind yourself that the sensible things are stolen from prior ideas (many of them proposed by Greg and/or Brad).

-m

[tchwojko]

However, I will vote and I confess that I am leaning your way. Now if only Tracy would stop saying the occasional sensible thing, it would be ever so much easier.

[Inquartata]

not more fencing, just more wasted time.

OK, so explain to me how "three rounds of pools, DEs with repechage" is not more fencing than one round of pools and DEs with no repechage?

I admit freely that I am math-challenged, but...

[KD5MDK]

Obviously you'd be cut in the first round.

[Inquartata]

Avaunt, taunter of curmudgeons!

[mdstasinos]

Regardless who is elected change will happen! You can't prevent it, it must be.
Yes, the days of three rounds of pools and DE with Rep. were great, (by the way, I made the the third round of pools and from time to time the DE's, not first round contributor and victim), but time have changed and our formats have evolved and the numbers have dramatically changed, (that word again). Regardless of the same hair cut and set of glasses you are a victim of change, breath deep, now slowly exhale. Do this a number of times, you'll feel better.
MD Stasinos
http://www.usfanominees.com

[Mr Epee]

Mark,

Could you please provide your feedback on my top three?

[mdstasinos]

Thanks for asking Mark!

Here's my short-list.

1. The adoption of additional tournament formats that allow for more competitive bouts at all levels. Organizers would be free to select the event format they feel would be most appropriate for their event and the fencers they desire to attract.

To some degree this exists. Example, Saber is the only weapon fenced without rep by their choice. It is possible that additional formats can be reviewed and adopted for different competitions, the brazilian format, for example, that we used a couple of years ago for DIV2/3 competitions, but as in the past any format to be used in a national season must be adopted prior to that season, so the first possible changes wouldn't take place until the 2009-2010 season. As far as organizers for regional, national and selection/qualifying events, those formats should be uniform and set by the national organization.

2. Standardization of tournament sanctioning requirements across the country. Remove sanctioning power from divisions. Sanctioning would be granted by the national office once a set of established conditions are met.

I do not think power should be removed from the division to sanction a local or divisional tournament. If you remove it and make it the responsibility of the National office, who would be responsible for it, are you suggesting adding this responsibility to a staff member in our strained office therefore are you also saying this should be a paid position? How can it be managed considering how many events are fenced on a division, sectional, regional level at the moment. I have been a division chair for 20 years, section chair for 16 years and not once did I or any of the clubs have any issue with the sanctioning of a tournament in our geographical area. This problem seems to be only in very few divisions and sections but by far most do not have this problem.

3. Encourage privatization of tournament and regional circuit creation/management. I believe that this would result in the rapid/efficient development of profitable/sustainable events and circuits around the country.

Are you speaking of only the regional tournaments or are you stating all current NAC'S, JO's, and NAtionals as well? This is our main product and a source of revenue. I do believe it needs to be managed closely, but I do not believe privatizing it would create "rapid/efficient development of profitable/sustainable events." There is no evidence to be able to support this statement. On the contrary, it could also go horribly the other direction as well, then what, fire the person, firm, company and start again? I am not in favor of changing this until I see a detailed plan, with the specified cost and profits and what it would cost the association to do so, and how it can be managed, checks and balances to guarantee our events. I have been active on all levels of organizing, staffing, running and improving our national tournaments for over 25 years. As I had stated earlier in this thread, through my leadership many improvements to our national tournaments have taken place and I know that that there is more that can be done and I am looking forward to the opportunity.
MD Stasinos
http://www.usfanominees.com

[piste off]

So you see why I mislike change.

Ah, but if the FIE decided to change back to traditional rather than Lexan masks and fencers could only wear white you would be rather happy, right?

Change can be good. It is only when it ***ks up something good that it is bad.

Rick

[Mr Epee]

Mark,

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I should have stated more clearly that in all cases I was thinking purely in terms of local and regional tournaments and circuits.

None of my suggestions were meant to be directed towards National Championships, NAC's, or any qualifying events... those events demand standardization and are pretty much off-limits for all the obvious reasons you mentioned and I'm sure a few others.

I'm glad to hear that you've encountered so few problems and conflicts in your USFA political career. This serves as a positive reflection on your leadership ability and interpersonal skills, however, as I'm sure you are aware, individuals of your quality are a rare rare commodity. The absence of such a quality individual in many Divisions and Sections opens the door some truly strange things.

Another thought, if sanctioning were granted through the national office, it would be completely reasonable to require a sanctioning fee. Most Divisions I've interacted with already charge a sanctioning fee, so this wouldn't be a major change. This would allow every sanctioned event to become a source of revenue for the national office. It wouldn't take much effort to demonstrate how the revenue generated could rather easily finance an additional staff member, if required.

[gorgie101]

Mark,

Another thought, if sanctioning were granted through the national office, it would be completely reasonable to require a sanctioning fee. Most Divisions I've interacted with already charge a sanctioning fee, so this wouldn't be a major change. This would allow every sanctioned event to become a source of revenue for the national office. It wouldn't take much effort to demonstrate how the revenue generated could rather easily finance an additional staff member, if required.

There are divisions that charge to sanction tournaments? Our division requires all tournaments to be sanctioned at the beginning of the season; when we finalize our division calendar. If a club wants to add a tournament after that date they must do so two weeks before the event and it must be approved by the division ex-com. I would think charging to sanction a tournament would be a questionable business practice. IMHO.

[Mr Epee]

There are divisions that charge to sanction tournaments?

Yep... well, actually, I don't think anyone charges an up-front fee. The common method, I believe, is to collect a portion of the event revenue, after the event is held.

Our division requires all tournaments to be sanctioned at the beginning of the season; when we finalize our division calendar. If a club wants to add a tournament after that date they must do so two weeks before the event and it must be approved by the division ex-com.

That works, too.

I would think charging to sanction a tournament would be a questionable business practice. IMHO.

I'm not sure why it would be a questionable business practice. It seems pretty straight forward to me.

BUT it is an excellent example of how there are some extreme variations in event sanctioning procedures and requirements across the United States.

[Fencergrl]

In Canada, to have a CFF sanctioned tournament you must pay up front and then follow the rest of the guidelines. You pay for each event you want to have as a sanctioned event.

At one tournament, you will have sanctioned and non-sanctioned events. Usually the non-sanctioned events are usually the ones the organizers didn't feel confident with getting the minimum number of fencers required or recognized that the participants are less concerned about their ranking (such as Y10 or Y12).