In defense of USFCA

[pjsise1]

MdA has been for some time fighting an uphill battle here trying to convince people that there is value in being a USFCA member. I figured I'd chime in here to help support him. Some of you know me, maybe others not, so I'll just tell you I'm in my 30's and have been coaching for about 9 years. I own a small club and coach at a high school for kids with learning disabilities. I have level 3 certs from the coaches college in all three weapons and armorers college and I'm also a USFCA Prevot working on my Master certification. I'm a grassroots coach. I do not train Olympians, but I've trained some decent fencers, mostly teenagers, and I'm quite content doing just that.

When I finished grad school I became somewhat depressed. "What am I going to do now?" I quickly realized that in fencing there were always going to be challenges and all I had to do was pick a goal to keep me happy. I had already made it a goal to continually improve my coaching, since it would benefit my students as well as serve as a challenge to keep me sharp, but I decided that I would also work towards certification as Fencing Master. For me, FM certification is not currently necessary (though perhaps in the future it may prove useful). I will not fire myself from my club for not getting it by a certain date, etc. It has served me though as a goal in the sense that it has been fuel for going to usfca clinics, attending coaches college, reading, experimenting, refining, and essentially becoming a better coach. FM certification requires a thesis, so, I have written a 70 page thesis. Would I have done that if I were not working toward the goal of FM certification? Certainly not! Has the process of researching, experimenting, and writing the thesis benefitted me and my students? Of course it has!

As a club owner, I see myself as a professional. I'm not just a professional coach, but also a professional businessman. To me, that means constantly trying to improve the product or service I offer as well as being part of the professional community of my industry, and that means being a USFCA member and attending the USFCA functions as I can. As a coach and as a business owner I have benefitted from doing so. How? The benefit comes in proportion to my involvement. When I spend 3 days with a bunch of coaches, chit chatting, trading stories, taking part in demonstrations, and listening to lectures, I certainly come away with a lot more than perhaps a 6 month stretch where I may only read a Swordmaster. I don't come back from these clinics a super-coach, but I may have brought back a different training method, technique, or inspiring story to pass on to my club. Perhaps most beneficial have been the discussions about how to run a profitable fencing club... the "this worked for me but that didn't" stories. It is one thing to read an article about the topic, but so much better to have a bunch of coaches sitting around actually discussing it. It is more fun too.

Is USFCA certification necessary? Is certification as a FM necessary? I would think that carrying some sort of certification is useful. It did help me secure my position at the school I coach at as well as the pay I get, and I think that for many coaches having the Moniteur is a good idea. Parents may not know the difference between various certifications, but they do want to know that their kids have a coach with some sort of training and certification. Whether or not to advance beyond the Moniteur is much more personal and individual. I can certainly understand and respect that for some people it just isn't necessary, but I do not understand or respect that some people go out of their way to insult those who do make the effort to take and pass the exams. (That's like how kids might tease someone for being good at math.)

We all realize that the USFCA has had problems in the organization. When I joined it, the USFCA was in shambles. (Yes, truly aweful organizational problems were the norm at the USFCA, and I've had my qualms with them too.) It is much better now, and over the last few years it really has been working towards being better organized and being a teaching and certifying organization.

For those coaches, particularly the experienced and successful ones, who say "The USFCA has nothing that will benefit me and I see no need to join." I respond that perhaps the best reason for you to join is so that you can give others the benefit of your experience. If you think you're so hot a coach because you've seen, done, and know it all, you're better off sharing it so what you know won't be lost. Simply teaching your competitors isn't enough. For knowledge to be passed on it must be taught to the next generation of teachers.

[noodle]

hey, there is no doubt that there is value. don't think anyone says otherwise.

the question that i feel has been raised is, is there value in pushing yourself to get to the upper levels? and will the value you obtain from it outweigh the costs and opportunity costs that you put in?

[MdA]

Originally Posted by pjsise1

...... Perhaps most beneficial have been the discussions about how to run a profitable fencing club... the "this worked for me but that didn't" stories. It is one thing to read an article about the topic, but so much better to have a bunch of coaches sitting around actually discussing it. It is more fun too.

Is USFCA certification necessary? Is certification as a FM necessary? I would think that carrying some sort of certification is useful. It did help me secure my position at the school I coach at as well as the pay I get, and I think that for many coaches having the Moniteur is a good idea. Parents may not know the difference between various certifications, but they do want to know that their kids have a coach with some sort of training and certification. .......
For those coaches, particularly the experienced and successful ones, who say "The USFCA has nothing that will benefit me and I see no need to join." I respond that perhaps the best reason for you to join is so that you can give others the benefit of your experience. If you think you're so hot a coach because you've seen, done, and know it all, you're better off sharing it so what you know won't be lost. Simply teaching your competitors isn't enough. For knowledge to be passed on it must be taught to the next generation of teachers.

Thanks Paul for your support of the USFCA.

I don’t think any coach has ever asked me why I belong to the USFCA. My kids (who are fencers) have asked me and I have given them a variety of answers. I think other American coaches think I am too much of a zealot to give them something less than a sales pitch. But, I am really not a salesman.

I think I have boiled it down to history. I have attached a history.

Photo of the site of the founding of the USFCA

The 67 years of the USFCA is short when compared to the other traditional fencing nations. The Trekanten Fencing club in Copenhagen, which is advertising for a FM in another thread, is 80 years old.

Paul mentions the fraternal nature of the USFCA…sharing ideas with people engaged in the same profession. I have experienced this during my time studying with the German Academy…especially when they hosted their annual meeting at the Corps Teutonia zu Marburg.

The NCFCAA, now the USFCA was founded by some of the greatest fencing coaches in the history of the USA. These men and women were the pioneers of American Fencing. Grasson, Deladrier, Castello, Garret, Schmitter, Halberstadt, Sieja, DeCicco, Alaux, Lucia, Dekoff, Gillet, Bower, Toth, O’Connor, Donasi, and D'Asaro. These were the coaches of many of our current coaches, referees, armorers, and administrators.

If you read the original Handbook and the Constitution and By-Laws, you can tell they intended for us to have the type of organization that Paul has described in this thread. They thought it was a good idea to have an organization to support the concerns of fencing coaches and promote the development of younger coaches.

I remain an active member because I agree with them. I am dedicated to keeping the USFCA alive as a part of our shared American fencing tradition. I am proud to be associated with these coaches who have gone before us.

[MdA]

Originally Posted by Phrogger

....
Does the USFCA have a code of ethics like the FOC does?

The USFCA does not have a Code of Ethics like the FOC. Ethics are incorporated into the Constitution and By-Laws. Rather than succumb to thread drift, I will post the relevant sections in the following thread along with a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws.

SECTION 1: To offer a national organization for fencing coaches, and others who are interested in
the teaching, coaching, and welfare of the sport of fencing in the United States of America.

SECTION 2: Conditions and Obligations for Membership: The members of this Association agree
to establish and maintain professional standards of personal honor, ethical relationships with
colleagues, good sportsmanship, fair play, and to work for the welfare of the Association.

SECTION 9: Expulsion: Members may be expelled for just cause by a two-thirds majority vote of
the membership voting at the Annual General Meeting. A written statement and evidence of the
cause shall be submitted to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall conduct an
investigation, giving the parties involved opportunity to be heard. After giving notice in writing of
its findings and recommendations to the parties involved, the Executive Committee may present its
report to the membership at the Annual General Meeting for disposition.

SECTION 4: Duties of Members: It shall be the duty of every member of the Association to
support, aid and assist whenever called upon to do so for the common welfare and benefit of the
Association. It shall be the further duty of every member to foster and promote the principles and
purposes for which this Association is founded.

[Mr Epee]

The USFCA can't have a Professional Code of Ethics, because it would probably have to include at least loose suggestions about why coaches shouldn't date, or even fondle, their students. The reality is that a great many fencing coaches have no particular qualms about romantic relationships with students.

Originally Posted by MdA

SECTION 2: Conditions and Obligations for Membership: The members of this Association agree to establish and maintain professional standards of personal honor, ethical relationships with colleagues, good sportsmanship, fair play, and to work for the welfare of the Association.

Is there an organization for unprofessional, unethical, unsportsmanlike, fair-play haters? Some might say things like not publishing the newsletter on a regular basis is working against the welfare of the Association.

Are charges being brought to the Kangaroo Court?

Originally Posted by MdA

SECTION 4: Duties of Members: It shall be the duty of every member of the Association to support, aid and assist whenever called upon to do so for the common welfare and benefit of the Association. It shall be the further duty of every member to foster and promote the principles and purposes for which this Association is founded.

I am SO incorporating this paragraph into organizational document I draft.

Talk about foresight aplenty. Man, it covers everything.

Pure Genius. Pure unadulterated Genius.

[ivlobane]

Originally Posted by pjsise1

For those coaches, particularly the experienced and successful ones, who say "The USFCA has nothing that will benefit me and I see no need to join." I respond that perhaps the best reason for you to join is so that you can give others the benefit of your experience.

Wow, so not only do you want them to work for free, you also want them to miss out on their own program, and pay dues, and travel expenses for the benefit of others? Awesome, I'll take two...

[oso97]

Originally Posted by ivlobane

Wow, so not only do you want them to work for free, you also want them to miss out on their own program, and pay dues, and travel expenses for the benefit of others? Awesome, I'll take two...

M'thinks you've missed the point entirely.

Not something unexpected, given your history and background.

[MdA]

Originally Posted by Mr Epee

.... The reality is that a great many fencing coaches have no particular qualms about romantic relationships with students.
.... Some might say things like not publishing the newsletter on a regular basis is working against the welfare of the Association.

The FOC code of ethics does not specifically cover "romantic relationships"
IMO, as soon as they put it in their code, we should put it in our By-Laws

The Swordmaster editor is an unpaid volunteer who is contributing to the welfare of the Association and the fencing community....with the time that he has available as a full time fencing coach. The USFCA recently introduced a new email newsletter, the "Point-in-Line", that will be produced on a bi-monthly basis to provide more timely info. We are working on modifying the type of content that will go in each of these publications....so we are in transition. Here is a link to the first one.

In Memoriam Eric Sollee - Point in Line Vol 1

[Allen Evans]

Originally Posted by MdA

The FOC code of ethics does not specifically cover "romantic relationships" IMO, as soon as they put it in their code, we should put it in our By-Laws

...or, the USFCA could simply adopt the USOC code of coaching ethics as a part of their bylaws.

AE

[Mr Epee]

Originally Posted by MdA

The FOC code of ethics does not specifically cover "romantic relationships" IMO, as soon as they put it in their code, we should put it in our By-Lawsl

What do you think referee ethics have to do with coaching ethics?

Ethics are not universal.

Now, that said, Allen's suggestion is correct. Other coaching organizations have adopted the USOC's Coaching Ethics Codes. In fact, I would support the idea of the document being signed by all USFA "Coach" members. Just reading the document would be an educational experience for some, I would imagine.

Adopting the USOC Coaching Ethics Codes is exactly the sort of thing that would make the USFCA appear to be the progressive, proactive, and supportive organization that it allegedly aspires to become.

MdA, if you can get the USFCA to adopt those codes (I'm trying really hard to get through this without mocking your 'pirate codes', so bear with me), then you would have my membership application (one year) the next day.

[MdA]

Originally Posted by Allen Evans

...or, the USFCA could simply adopt the USOC code of coaching ethics as a part of their bylaws.
AE

It is not that simple. How many other USA coaching organizations have adopted that code?

[MdA]

Originally Posted by Mr Epee

....Other coaching organizations have adopted the USOC's Coaching Ethics Codes.

Do you know specifically, how many USA coaching orgs have adopted this code? Give me some examples.

[Mr Epee]

Originally Posted by MdA

It is not that simple. How many other USA coaching organizations have adopted that code?

Why isn't it that simple?

I really can't believe you just said that.

* if your internet is anything like mine, then a quick Google search will provide you with a list of organizations. Actually, there are at least excerpts of it showing up in OTHER COUNTRIES *

[MdA]

Originally Posted by Mr Epee

Why isn't it that simple?

I really can't believe you just said that.

* if your internet is anything like mine, then a quick Google search will provide you with a list of organizations. Actually, there are at least excerpts of it showing up in OTHER COUNTRIES *

Let me start out by saying that I signed the code....so I have no problem with it.

Any fencing coach, is free to download a copy, sign this code and post a copy in his/her Salle for all to see.....assuming their internet is anything like yours....I was unable to download the code just now....In some ways this issue is the same (in America) as one raised about the diploma. Do fencers demand that their coach sign this code before they will work with her/him?

My point is that not all coaching organizations have adopted this code for a variety of reasons. It would be interesting to see what percentage of all Olympic sports have not adopted the code in full. Of course, this info is not readily available.

Some have used the code to develop their own code of ethics....which I personally think is a good idea...and the best way for the USFCA to go.

For many coaching organizations, this is a matter of principle. Not all coaching organizations participated in the development of the USOC code.

[Allen Evans]

Originally Posted by MdA

It is not that simple. How many other USA coaching organizations have adopted that code?

Not relevant.

And, yes, I think it IS that simple.

AE

[jBirch]

As a small aside, Canadian Coaches have to write an exam entitled "Making Ethical Decisions in Sport" in order to keep/get their credentials.

http://nccpeval.coach.ca/production/...nguage=English

James.

[MdA]

Originally Posted by Allen Evans

Not relevant.

And, yes, I think it IS that simple.

AE

Have you signed a copy of the USOC code?

"It is the individual responsibility of each coach to aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct." USOC website

* the download form the USOC website is still not working...is it working on your internet?

[Mr Epee]

Originally Posted by MdA

Let me start out by saying that I signed the code....so I have no problem with it.

This is good news.

Any fencing coach, is free to download a copy, sign this code and post a copy in his/her Salle for all to see.....assuming their internet is anything like yours....I was unable to download the code just now....

Correct. Freedom rocks.
And bad news (re:your inability to dl the file)

In some ways this issue is the same (in America) as one raised about the diploma. Do fencers demand that their coach sign this code before they will work with her/him?

And yet you think that an organization that clearly states its purpose as the establishment and maintainance of professional standards and ethical behavior would prioritize the creation, or adoption of a document, that identifies what professional/ethical behavior implies. One would think.

My point is that not all coaching organizations have adopted this code for a variety of reasons. It would be interesting to see what percentage of all Olympic sports have not adopted the code in full. Of course, this info is not readily available.

And here's the thing. An organization, or even an individual, need not explicitly adopt a particular code of industry for them to be judged by it.

So really it doesn't ultimately matter whether the USFCA, or individual coaches, adopt this particular code; however, as coaches in the United States, they can, and should, expect to be evaluated according to it. Remember this is true regardless of signatures in a file drawer.

NOW the point is that through adoption, the USFCA would act as an educational institution that doesn't leave it's members with the task of exploring coaching ethics on their own, and prescribing myopic, self-serving, uneducated solutions.

Some have used the code to develop their own code of ethics....which I personally think is a good idea...and the best way for the USFCA to go.

Yes, fair enough. But I happen to like the way it's currently written. However, if the USFCA wanted to keep the content, but put it in their own words, that would be acceptable. PROVIDED that they didn't omit significant content (i.e., sexual harassment, romantic relationships, promotion of drug free sport, honest promotion, etc.)

For many coaching organizations, this is a matter of principle. Not all coaching organizations participated in the development of the USOC code.

This is not a valid excuse/explanation.
In fact, it's more than little sad, if you really believe this to be a major factor in what you believe to be an institutional unwillingness to adopt an industry standard code of ethics.

'No, cause they didn't ask OUR esteemed opinion first.'

Ladies and Gentlemen your 2008 USFCA

Lack of professionalism and pettiness in full effect at one fell swoop.

[Allen Evans]

Originally Posted by MdA

Have you signed a copy of the USOC code?

Again, not relevant. But yes, I do remember signing the document quite a few years ago, when it was discussed by the USFA at Coaches College. I might still have my copies of the handout and the booklet I recieved. You gotta think that if a rinky-dink organization like the USFA think's the code is important, the USFCA should at least disucss it. Or have they, already, and rejected it?

I would find it very odd that the USFCA would object on the grounds of "not invented here" when it might be one of the few tenets of coaching that the USFCA could adopt that isn't out of whole cloth from one of the European traditions.

Look, MdA, you're not the USFCA. I understand that, even if Mr. E doesn't always get it. But I'm curious why you think adopting this code would be so difficult for the USFCA?

[MdA]

As Allen says, I don’t speak for the organization. I am just some guy on the “internets” that knows some stuff.

1.) Never adopt rules you can’t enforce. Any good coach knows this guideline.
2.) The USFA is financially and operationally dependent on the USOC. This was never more apparent to the average USFA member than when they took over this past summer. The USOC can survive without the USFA but I doubt that the USFA can survive without the USOC. I got my google finger working….and I noticed that most of the organizations that have adopted the USOC Coaching Ethics code are the Amateur Federations like USA Volleyball, USA Rollersports, USA Weightlifting….like USA fencing they are financially and operationally dependent on the USOC….this is a simple decision for these organizations. Not many of the independent professional coaching organizations have adopted the code.
Here is another link for those like me who can’t dl it from the USOC website
3.) Who becomes financially liable for violations of this code? Would the USOC offer funds?
4.) If a financially independent professional organization adopts this USOC code, it would have to commit a substantial amount of its resources to enforcing and investigating suspected violations. These limited funds might be better used on improving training, education, and certification which is the primary focus.
5.) It is sad that in this litigious society, organizations need to be concerned about these things and can’t simply adopt this code.
6.) I stick to my previous advice. Print it, sign it, and post it on the wall of your Salle. An organization can encourage its members to do this…but to require it means that you enforce it….and are financially liable for it.
7.) I think it is best to let the USOC assume responsibility….they may be able to afford it….and they are responsible for coaches involved directly in Olympic activities.