Coaches College canceled for sessions 1 & 2

[jjefferies]

Just got the call that sessions 1 & 2 of USFA's coaches college were canceled for this year. Apparently not enough coaches signed up to make the minimum numbers needed to make the event self supporting. Session 3 is still on and they're apparently hoping to have enough folks transfer from sessions 1 & 2 to make it more robust financially.

Now I have to wait for my $500. back from the USFA. Based on how fast they've been about repaying the directors perhaps I should just ask to apply it against next year. Might be faster.

Tried to express my appreciation of all the work they've been doing for coaching in the USFA but sounded like they're scrambling as fast as they can to hold it together. Perhaps to look into the USFCA a bit more closely.

[catwood1]

Yup, I just got the call. Excellent, considering I have already bought plane tickets. I was told that it was CC policy to wait until you get the confirmation packet to buy tickets. I don't think anyone ever said that...

Now, to decide if I want to go out and do a week of epee for $950, or stay home and forfeit 300.

Son of a !@# $#%^ &*(^$% #$%&*(^ !#*%$!

[seak]

Catwood, try changing the plane ticket? Sometimes it's not to expensive.

[jjefferies]

Catwood, try changing the plane ticket? Sometimes it's not to expensive.

Yes, last time I got caught like this it cost me $100. to make the change but that was better than losing the time and the money. And I usually book through Orbitz with non-refundable tickets. Suggest looking at an event that you are sure to want to go to, NAC or such.

Best of luck.

[RITFencing]

Wow, that blows. I had no idea there was a minimum, but I suppose that does make sense.

[MdA]

.... Perhaps to look into the USFCA a bit more closely.

You may want to look into the USFCA's National Conference, in San Diego on July 24 - 26, 2009.

Complete information is at:
http://www.usfca.org/Default.aspx?tabid=135

Check out info on other clinics offered by the USFCA in the latest newsletter:

http://pointinline.blogspot.com

[MdA]

..... Personally, I find your 'it is very likely that the CC will not happen' to be rather presumptive and yes, a bit irksome. Put the black crepe away and turn the mirrors back around for a little while longer, hm?

Can a put some of my black crepe out....and turn some of my mirrors around?

[Regret d'Vie]

jjefferies: You mentioned the time-table for refunds.

During an e-mail exchange I had last Wednesday (June 10) with Teri Holt, USFA Director of Finance and Business Services, she informed me that:

"The USFA has not yet been provided with a list of names/amounts that would need to adjusted. Normally all reimbursements are issued after the close of Coaches College, so that any further changes are included in the reimbursements batch. I can understand your frustration, and apologize for the inconvenience this causes."

I responded:

"You're telling me that I won't receive a refund until sometime after August 9? Surely, I'm misunderstanding what you mean by 'after the close of Coaches College.'"

To which she replied:

"I have forwarded your email, along with both of our concerns, to Michael
Pederson and Andrea Lagan as they are the USFA representatives who
coordinate with the Beguinet's. Standard procedure for any event is to
process all refunds after the close of the event. This concern has been
communicated to Michael and Andrea."

It's not a refund, but for what it's worth, Teri replied to both of my e-mails within minutes, was polite throughout, and (perhaps I'm naive in this last point) seemingly agreed with my concerns and made an attempt to bring them to others' attention instead of dismissing, rejecting, ignoring, or denying them.

Regret

[MdA]

Any reports on Coaches College Session 3? Did anyone attend?

[oiuyt]

Any reports on Coaches College Session 3? Did anyone attend?

About 43 total participants. Foil 1, Epee 2, Armorer's College.

Foil 1 was smaller than usual (18 or 19 people?), Epee 2 was larger than normal (17 people). 8 Armorers of various levels (1-3).

-B

[MdA]

About 43 total participants. Foil 1, Epee 2, Armorer's College.

Foil 1 was smaller than usual (18 or 19 people?), Epee 2 was larger than normal (17 people). 8 Armorers of various levels (1-3).

-B

Thanks. That looks like a healthy number of participants. Any other comments...suggestions?

[catwood1]

I was there for the epee 2 and thought it was excellent. Oiuyt, our instructor, did an excellent job of giving the coaches alot of freedom in exactly what they did, so we all learned a huge amount about building lessons, as well as just individual drills.

Nothing in particular of note. I'm fairly certain that everyone passed in both classes. Food was excellent. Will definitely return next year. (hopefully)

[jschoena]

I was there for Foil 1, it was a great week, learned a lot, met a lot of great people, Alex B is one of a kind!