USOC and USFencing - Discussion

[noodle]

Too Late...

good point, i changed it.

[fluidfencer]

It always amazes me that when someone like TBean addresses a point in a perfectly logical and business-like way, the comments are essentially passed over for ridiculous comments about forensic accountants.

This is not rocket science. If there aren't people on the Board that are completely comfortable with the business side of things, get the advice of people that are. There is nothing wrong with delegating. Greg knows people on this forum that can help.

And I will add to what many others have said... The biggest problem is our completely disfunctional Board/governance structure.

I don't need a forensic accounting to tell me what went wrong. The problems are apparent. A forensic accounting might pinpoint the exact failure points - so what, the money is still gone. For what purpose has money been spent that we do not have - to find out the what we already know, the USFA spent more money than it made, and had no good way of tracking it. The bottom line then becomes - fix the oversight process, fix the general ledger, fix the accounting and bookeeping - so people are then accountable because they know what it happening with the finances. The ED can manage the process and the Board can govern. The creation of a Financial Handbook, making everyone accountable is probably a wise idea, I have at least one I could offer as a template.

[heretic]

Wow. I’m overwhelmed by the insights of these myriad cyberspace bankruptcy specialists out there standing at the ready to offer their facile analyses.

Why do a forensic audit? Yes, any dolt (possibly even Nancy Anderson and Derek Cotton) can conclude with assurance that the USFA spent more than it earned. Where did we overspend? Were we over-budgeted by referee expenditures? Do big box competitions (NACs, JOs) run at net deficits? Maybe athlete grant programs weren’t effectively projected. How can they be restructured to become more cost efficient? What type of accounting system and controls would best red flag potential overspending? What type of oversight structure would prevent reckless incompetence?

Oh, but look how much it would cost. I know two financial analysts whose kids fence specializing in distressed businesses and bankruptcies. They have the resources and might consider taking a look at our mess pro bono - provided they were given the leeway to work without interference. Were any appeals or outreach made to the membership for such expertise?

This is not about torturing Cotton or Nancy, however much fun that might be. This is about following a systematic process of analysis and action to address the fundamental dysfunction in the USFA.

The Olympics are over. The new administration is in place, allegedly hitting the ground running. If the Dillworths and Bakers are not capable of this level of analysis and refuse to hire professionals, then they will hit the ground with a thud.

PS – why not ask the US Fencing Foundation to fund some of this effort? It would probably be the most significant investment they could make toward the future of the USFA.

[noodle]

here, i fixed it for you.

Why do a forensic audit? Yes, the average person can conclude with assurance that the USFA spent more than it earned. The questions that would be answered by an audit include: Where did we overspend? Were we over-budgeted by referee expenditures? Do big box competitions (NACs, JOs) run at net deficits? Maybe athlete grant programs weren’t effectively projected. How can they be restructured to become more cost efficient? What type of accounting system and controls would best red flag potential overspending? What type of oversight structure would prevent reckless incompetence?

Costs can be mitigated. I know two financial analysts whose kids fence specializing in distressed businesses and bankruptcies. They have the resources and might consider taking a look at our mess pro bono - provided they were given the leeway to work without interference. Were any appeals or outreach made to the membership for such expertise?

This is not about torturing Cotton or Nancy, however much fun that might be. This is about following a systematic process of analysis and action to address the fundamental dysfunction in the USFA.

The Olympics are over. The new administration is in place, allegedly hitting the ground running. If the Dillworths and Bakers are not capable of this level of analysis and refuse to hire professionals, then they will hit the ground with a thud.

PS – why not ask the US Fencing Foundation to fund some of this effort? It would probably be the most significant investment they could make toward the future of the USFA.

see? sounding civil isn't that tough.

[heretic]

I feel like Shakespeare! I've been Bowdlerized!

BTW, how much would you charge to clean my bathroom?

[Guymelef]

I feel like Shakespeare! I've been Bowdlerized!

Read History Play by Rodney Bolt.

[Saberguy]

I have not taken the opportunity often to post here, but in response to Keith's last post I have but little choice to do so. Keith you are the one lacking intelligence and fail to hold a candle to those you mock. I guess you have a vaild reason for not posting your full name, address and telephone number.

[KShan5[PrFC]]

I have not taken the opportunity often to post here, but in response to Keith's last post I have but little choice to do so. Keith you are the one lacking intelligence and fail to hold a candle to those you mock. I guess you have a vaild reason for not posting your full name, address and telephone number.

Actually...it was funny and relevant.

[heretic]

I'm taken to task for my dreadfully insensitve reference to the dietary excesses of one of this site's "sacred cows," yet "Keith's" little exercise in tastelessness is defended by the Mass crowd as wicked funny. They must be Red Sox fans.

[tchwojko]

But Mom! He started it! And all the other kids are doing it too!

[heretic]

But Mom! He started it! And all the other kids are doing it too!

I prefer your Dr Phil approach much more. That style of condescension somehow seems to suit you.

[epeemike81]

I'm taken to task for my dreadfully insensitve reference to the dietary excesses of one of this site's "sacred cows," yet "Keith's" little exercise in tastelessness is defended by the Mass crowd as wicked funny.

It may have something to do with the fact that his post was commenting (acurately, btw, though in a less than PC manner) on the general tone and quality the discourse of the thread has lately taken and not attacking any individual directly.

They must be Red Sox fans.

Yeah, we have picked up a few bandwagoners lately (though KShan certainly isn't one)... success will do that. Look on the bright side: you no longer have to worry about that with your team!

-m

[KShan5[PrFC]]

I'm taken to task for my dreadfully insensitve reference to the dietary excesses of one of this site's "sacred cows," yet "Keith's" little exercise in tastelessness is defended by the Mass crowd as wicked funny. They must be Red Sox fans.

I never said it was wicked funny, it was pretty funny, though it didn't quite reach the proper level of hilarity to qualify as wicked funny.

[KD5MDK]

I never said it was wicked funny, it was pretty funny, though it didn't quite reach the proper level of hilarity to qualify as wicked funny.

It's possible an interpreter is required, to allow someone from the 5 boroughs to understand Yankee*.





* Did they capture that name from you for their team as spoils of war or something?

[Mo]

I'm taken to task for my dreadfully insensitve reference to the dietary excesses of one of this site's "sacred cows," yet "Keith's" little exercise in tastelessness is defended by the Mass crowd as wicked funny. They must be Red Sox fans.

I wasn't going to say anything. Never feed a troll but this has gone far enough.
For a person who thinks he is a "professional fencer" and has done so much for fencing, for someone who thinks he can just go around insulting people in such a juevenile way, you are a total joke.
Thanks so much for pointing out my fatness.
Do you think I don't know I am fat?
Do you think it is some kind of joke to me?
You are attacking me on the one thing that I have never been able to conquer because you don't agree with my views?
Are you in junior high??
Why is an alleged grown man acting this way and why is Craig allowing it?
Dude compared to your problems my fat is nuthin.
If you want to know why the Recall lost, look in the mirror. Your conceitedness, your utter lack of tact and just plain cruelty helped people understand the people behind the recall. They are all just like you.
Screw you, you miserable man. I hope your dick falls off, oh wait I bet it already did, no wonder you are so bitter.

Sincerely,
Beth Ward

[heretic]

Noodle: why not take a crack at bowdlerizing this one?

Must have hit a nerve, huh Beth? Don't take this stuff so seriously, it will wreak havoc on your blood pressure. Lord knows, by your own admission, I can infer that you must be dealing with cholesterol issues as it is.

[KD5MDK]

Must have hit a nerve, huh Beth? Don't take this stuff so seriously, it will wreak havoc on your blood pressure.

That wasn't too hard.

[TBean]

Wow. I’m overwhelmed by the insights of these myriad cyberspace bankruptcy specialists out there standing at the ready to offer their facile analyses.

Why do a forensic audit? Yes, any dolt (possibly even Nancy Anderson and Derek Cotton) can conclude with assurance that the USFA spent more than it earned. Where did we overspend? Were we over-budgeted by referee expenditures? Do big box competitions (NACs, JOs) run at net deficits? Maybe athlete grant programs weren’t effectively projected. How can they be restructured to become more cost efficient? What type of accounting system and controls would best red flag potential overspending? What type of oversight structure would prevent reckless incompetence?

Oh, but look how much it would cost. I know two financial analysts whose kids fence specializing in distressed businesses and bankruptcies. They have the resources and might consider taking a look at our mess pro bono - provided they were given the leeway to work without interference. Were any appeals or outreach made to the membership for such expertise?

This is not about torturing Cotton or Nancy, however much fun that might be. This is about following a systematic process of analysis and action to address the fundamental dysfunction in the USFA.

The Olympics are over. The new administration is in place, allegedly hitting the ground running. If the Dillworths and Bakers are not capable of this level of analysis and refuse to hire professionals, then they will hit the ground with a thud.

PS – why not ask the US Fencing Foundation to fund some of this effort? It would probably be the most significant investment they could make toward the future of the USFA.

While I am not a bankrupty specialist, I am a highly experienced non-profit professional that has worked with an array of organizations in a variety of financial situations. I am not suggesting that careful review of the past financial documentation is not required, but a complete audit of the records is overkill, especially at paid rates.

With a finance committee that is filled with properly qualified individuals - fencers or not - there is no reason they should not be able to undertake this task. They should to set and adhere to a balanced budget, review two years of budgets to identify how the budget variances got so out of hand and come up with mitigating strategies for the future. In doing so, they will naturally identify the weaknesses in oversight, bookeeping and the general ledger. When you find the weaknesses, you can then identify how to fix them.

If you know folks who can help, please ask them if they might be willing to do so. If they are, forward their names to Greg Dillworth letting him know you have opened up the lines of communication, here is their contact information and please follow-up. You can PM Greg Dillworth on this forum - GregD. A general call to membership for expertise will go unheeded - people volunteer because they are asked to do so by someone they know and respect.

It is entirely possible that we could not use Foundation Funds for this purpose as they are mostly likely restricted in use.

[Craig]

Stop with the insults. This *could* have been a useful discussion, but the overuse of the IMG tag, personal ad hominems by multiple parties, and the focus on minutae instead of relevant topics/facts has removed most of the value of this discussion.

More civility, less insults.

While I was in Beijing, other sports professionals commented how intelligent fencers were and how up to speed they are on new sports technology and other issues. I would like to see more examples of how they were correct instead of more of these examples of how wrong they were.

You - as a community - can clean up the act or I can look to hire some full time moderators who will be given some draconian edicts on what stays and what goes. Your choice.

Craig

[noodle]

Noodle: why not take a crack at bowdlerizing this one?

Must have hit a nerve, huh Beth? Don't take this stuff so seriously, it will wreak havoc on your blood pressure. Lord knows, by your own admission, I can infer that you must be dealing with cholesterol issues as it is.

right, do something about that but not do something about the thing you posted to provoke it? grow up.