I haven't read this thread, but a cursory review of the situation, as it currently stands, leaves me with the following impressions.
A) This is much ado about nothing.
B) This program is simply illegal and can safely be ignored.
What I do feel comfortable asking is it time to revisit the "100 DAY'S PROMISES" of the current Executive Committee made during their election bid?
I don't get the impression that services promised represent services delivered.
I actually found the "100 Day" stuff by using Google recently. It's quite amusing if you look at what was promised and what has been done (or not done).
I actually found the "100 Day" stuff by using Google recently. It's quite amusing if you look at what was promised and what has been done (or not done).
Perhaps true, but at least they're promising to get you a $50 hotel room for $79. That's progress!
Let THS know we are going to boycott them by calling their customer service line (888-536-TEAM (8326)) and emailing their management (links can be found here: http://www.thsweb.com/contactnames.cfm?contact=ind).
We do not have to use them for NAC A and NAC B (or any other NAC this year) so lets not use them. Tell your friends that are fencing in division 2 and 3, and in the youth, cadet and junior events (Des Moines and Kansas City) not to use them.
Make sure that THS and the USFA know that their bookings and revenue will be down for that event. Make your dissatisfaction clear.
If THS provided excellent service and value no one would be required to compel us to use them.
I suspect that nearly every fencing.netter who is complaining in this "forum tempest" has their own personal experience that drove them away from THS.
We tried them and each of us personally found better vendors. So apparently THS decided that, rather than upgrade their service/value proposition, they would devise programs that removed competition and choice with the collusion of USOC governing bodies. Not surprisingly, Americans are balking.
In an attempt to hijack my own message, I am disappointed that the new USFA leadership jumped on this as their first visible fund raising venture. I suspect most of us feel that it would have been much more transparent and understandable to just raise membership fees or registration fees for national events rather than this circuitous fundraising. Certainly there should be some consideration at the headquarters of the universal outrage that this has inspired. Even de Toqueville recognized that Americans will pay anything to maintain their freedom and that was about 175 years ago.
It seems to me there is a REALLY easy way to accomplish the goals of this program without pissing everyone off:
1) Raise the fee to go to a National event $15 or $20 dollars (yes, I know this alone will annoy lots of people)
2) Offer a rebate of the same amount, if you use THS.
No waivers, no enforcement issues, smooth... If THS (continues to) sucks, even the $15.00 penalty won't entice additional members to use it... and the USFA will learn this fact. If THS becomes price & service competitive, everyone will want to take advantage of the "discount". This approach encourages THS to be better. The current proposal doesn't.
I actually found the "100 Day" stuff by using Google recently. It's quite amusing if you look at what was promised and what has been done (or not done).
Oiuyt actually posted this in the thread about ref tracking that was moved to the water cooler, but given this statement I felt like cross-posting here was a good idea, esp since most people don't read the water cooler.
Quote:
Originally Posted by oiuyt
It's not being maintained and eventually the domain registration will expire, but I appreciate the confidence that you're expressing about how we might just "disappear" it some dark night....
Going briefly through the proposals:
* Office reorganization and changes to budgetary responsibilities.
We have a new ED, who has restructured the organizational chart of the National Office, shifting job responsibilities around and hiring new staff where necessary. The current structure appears considerably better at accomplishing the work and the goals necessary for National Office functioning than our previous systems.
Much of the budgetary responsibility has been given to the National Office staff. Their work this season has already shown how effective and useful this choice has been, as they were able to use that flexibility within an overall scheme to adjust throughout the year to account for a financial environment significantly different than that envisioned last June when the 08-09 budget was crafted. Their work and the changes in budgetary responsibilities that allowed them the flexibility are significant contributory factors to this past season going as well as it did financially. With the addition of Teri Holt late in the season I expect there to be continued improvements moving forward.
* Veteran Fencing. This document was more a Q&A status analysis than a specific set of proposals. Looking at the issues addressed and what has or has not changed might be useful. National competitions have added a 70+ category as a trial for SN09 and 09-10. Since then Vet Worlds has also added that category for Moscow in the men's weapons. It is not yet clear whether this will be a permanent change internationally or is a 1-year trial.
Support for our Worlds team has been increased. The LP sponsorship deal now includes uniforms for our Vet team. We will have a significant cadre attending the Championships in Moscow, including coaching, armoring, and National Team personnel. While it is still well below the level of Cadet/Junior/Senior World Teams, and is reliant on volunteer efforts, it has to be taken as a significant sign of progress.
Most of the rest of the document is either talking about current strengths, which still are, or about expanding numbers and opportunities for veterans competitions. The ROC Advisory Group has put forward a plan, now approved by the Board, for veterans events to start being included alongside ROC events starting in the 10-11 season. Just as the ROC system should provide a number of high-quality sub-NAC-level tournaments for senior fencers, this program should also provide a number of high-quality sub-NAC-level tournaments for our veterans. This can help expand the options on the calendar, reduce travel distances, while still ensuring quality veteran-only tournaments, and help encourage more veteran fencers to participate at levels beyond club/local fencing.
* Technology. The process outlined in this document has been started. The National Office, in collaboration with the Technology Planning Task Force, solicited a number of bids, analyzed the various offerings and selected a vendor. The vendor, Hang-a-Star, has begun building the first stages of a multi-year project to help move us forward in this area. While the initial delivery date of July 1 has slipped, the most recent indication I have is that we should be live this month. That first portion should include membership options, with tournament registration to follow shortly in a second phase.
* Volunteer Development. While we've successfully expanded to include some new blood in the volunteer ranks, this is an area where we have no made significant progress. We (the officers) need to revisit this proposal and determine action plans to implement the suggestions included, which are still necessary and relevant.
* Scholastic and Collegiate. Another area where we have no made the envisioned progress. As the officer with oversight for this area I take responsibility. We'll be revisiting this over the summer and will likely come up with a more specific and measureable plan of 09-10.
* Parents. A newly-constituted parents committee was formed. Further efforts are clearly needed in this area as well.
* Referee Development. Some of this plan was put into place this season. There were a series of clinics for high national-level foil referees put on in the mornings at NAC C, D, and F by Bill Oliver and Derek Cotton. The lessons learned from those seminars will hopefully be used to expand the program to all three weapons next season. The overall program is really the domain of the FOC, and I assume that they will be evaluating what was done this season and make plans for next season at their annual meeting next month. I fully expect continued growth in this area as they have a number of motivated people working hard on the program.
* Youth Development. The National Office staff now includes someone specifically tasked with overseeing the youth programs, funded out of a program support fee from the RYC and SYC tournaments. The SYC bid process continues incremental improvements and the calendar for 09-10 has been available for months now. This is significantly improved from just a couple of years ago when the calendar was not published until January.
* High Performance. US Fencing now has a full-time Director of High Performance. The policy groups, as outlined in the proposal, have been created and put into place. Having had a number of discussions with Mike Pederson since his appointment, I'm very confident that he's the right person and will significantly contribute to our further and continued success in the high performance arena. Our athletes and teams will be getting the support required to help them achieve their optimal performance, while still managing the various requirements of the Association.
* National Circuit Events. The NOC system had its inaugural year. As a result of the lessons learned it has been recrafted slightly into the ROC system. It has been expanded from the initial 4 tournaments in 08-09 to 8 in 09-10 and 12 in 10-11. It is also being expanded to include Div II events and veterans events.
* Club Growth. Another area which we need to revisit and formulate specific, actionable and measurable plans for this coming season.
So there are a few areas where there was minimal, if any, progress. Several others which mapped nearly exactly to the proposals. And yet more where we have made considerable progress and as a result of lessons learned in the process modified our plans from what was written last spring.
I think that a check-up such as this is appropriate at least annually. I expect that the officers will have a discussion evaluating what has happened this season, areas we need to improve, areas where we've accomplished goals, and areas where we've had success but should follow up to expand on that success in the future. We'll also come up with new ideas that were not listed last year. I welcome any suggestions of areas we should be examining as a part of that process.
-B
__________________
What's the "real" world again? I don't think I can see it from my window
I was a little tired last night and upon reading this now, it sounds a tad snarky. I meant in no way to imply that I was the only one working those hours. I've both see and heard about the staff...
* working long hours on weekdays
* bringing their kids in, setting up a table for coloring, and then working all weekend
* dropping by the office multiple times on a weekend to make sure the fax machine was full
* taking work home with them
* coming in on holidays to get work done when the phones were quiet
* going without vacation
* taking laptops and office cell phones with them on their vacations
* using their personal laptops for travel because the office can't afford new computers
* coming in sick or injured so things wouldn't get backed up
* etc, etc, etc
This goes for everyone I worked with in the office. They are a special group of people that have learned a hard way to make do with less. The bottom line for all of us was, do what it takes to get it done. Such dedication deserves medals, but also causes burn-out. When your physical and mental health start and/or continue to suffer, sometimes you just have to move on, no matter how much you want to stay.
Corinne
Quote:
Originally Posted by CorinneG
Keep in mind, things might have changed since I left the national office, but I don't think so.
Yes, you pay for the office staff's time, 40 hours a week. That doesn't change if I worked 80 hours, I'm still paid for 40. The last year I was there, I averaged between 60 and 70 hours a week.
I was a little tired last night and upon reading this now, it sounds a tad snarky. I meant in no way to imply that I was the only one working those hours. I've both see and heard about the staff...
* working long hours on weekdays
* bringing their kids in, setting up a table for coloring, and then working all weekend
* dropping by the office multiple times on a weekend to make sure the fax machine was full
* taking work home with them
* coming in on holidays to get work done when the phones were quiet
* going without vacation
* taking laptops and office cell phones with them on their vacations
* using their personal laptops for travel because the office can't afford new computers
* coming in sick or injured so things wouldn't get backed up
* etc, etc, etc
This goes for everyone I worked with in the office. They are a special group of people that have learned a hard way to make do with less. The bottom line for all of us was, do what it takes to get it done. Such dedication deserves medals, but also causes burn-out. When your physical and mental health start and/or continue to suffer, sometimes you just have to move on, no matter how much you want to stay.
Corinne
Corrine -
I don't think that anyone was questioning the dedication of the office staff - in fact, one of the concerns raised by Stay & Pay is that it will require additional staff resources during the entire tournament cycle. With the hours that you describe comes burnout, frustration and errors - does the staff really need the additional work dealing with what is inherently going to be a dissatisfied group?
I don't think that anyone was questioning the dedication of the office staff - in fact, one of the concerns raised by Stay & Pay is that it will require additional staff resources during the entire tournament cycle. With the hours that you describe comes burnout, frustration and errors - does the staff really need the additional work dealing with what is inherently going to be a dissatisfied group?
G
I didn't think you were, I was just clarifying my tired ramblings from last night. I don't think there are many people out there that don't realize how dedicated the staff is.
I don't know how the staff does what it does now, so additional work will be difficult. That said, it's been over a year since I've worked in the office, so things may be better, and they may have a plan for this that will limit/reduce their work. I hope they do.
Let THS know we are going to boycott them by calling their customer service line (888-536-TEAM (8326)) and emailing their management (links can be found here: http://www.thsweb.com/contactnames.cfm?contact=ind).
We do not have to use them for NAC A and NAC B (or any other NAC this year) so lets not use them. Tell your friends that are fencing in division 2 and 3, and in the youth, cadet and junior events (Des Moines and Kansas City) not to use them.
Make sure that THS and the USFA know that their bookings and revenue will be down for that event. Make your dissatisfaction clear.
Spread the word.
Interesting idea, but I don't know if it is necessary to cut into our already compromised revenue stream to simply make a point. Instead, I hope that our leadership recognizes that this thing may not be the best idea and takes it back to the drawing board - without the need for boycotts, lawsuits or any of the other individual or collective actions threatened on this board.
How about this:
- Try THS out, see what rates they can offer
- Shop around and find better rates at those hotels (or the one next door)
- Contact THS and show them the rate
- See if THS can put their money where their mouth is.
- Email THS, Christine and Kalle with the result (positive or negative)
If the only people who use THS for NAC A and B are the same people that are already using THS, then it's pretty much a done deal that it will roll out fully.
How about this:
- Try THS out, see what rates they can offer
- Shop around and find better rates at those hotels (or the one next door)
- Contact THS and show them the rate
- See if THS can put their money where their mouth is.
- Email THS, Christine and Kalle with the result (positive or negative)
If the only people who use THS for NAC A and B are the same people that are already using THS, then it's pretty much a done deal that it will roll out fully.
Craig
I have to agree. If THS gives me the best value, I am going to use THS. Of course when calculating that value I have to factor in the amount of time I'll need to spend calling the hotel directly to independently verify my reservation details immediately after booking, and a few days before the event (since I have no confidence that THS won't cancel my reservation by mistake at the last minute).
I'm in favor of NOT cutting off your nose in order to spite your face.
While I could be misunderstanding, the "soft roll" is designed so that currently THS booking is NOT mandatory this season. Therefor, if you want to really stick it to THS, figure out if you can find a better deal than that and let THS and the USFA management know about it. Don't skip the NACs, it won't prove a thing.
I didn't think you were, I was just clarifying my tired ramblings from last night. I don't think there are many people out there that don't realize how dedicated the staff is.
I don't know how the staff does what it does now, so additional work will be difficult. That said, it's been over a year since I've worked in the office, so things may be better, and they may have a plan for this that will limit/reduce their work. I hope they do.
Corinne
It is dismaying to me to have you confirm what I thought, which is that the staff at USFA normally works overtime. I have said repeatedly that one of my concerns with this whole program is that it will (not might) greatly increase the workload, at the very least by the necessity of processing waivers. It is not reasonable to think that the already overworked staff could take on another load. Either people will just give up, or you will have to hire more staff. Either way, it significantly reduces the savings forecast.
compose a calm, factual, understanding email to the email address linked in the article on the webpage. state your concerns and suggest alternatives. harsh words, yelling or pointing fingers will guarantee that your message won't get heard.
I have to agree. If THS gives me the best value, I am going to use THS. Of course when calculating that value I have to factor in the amount of time I'll need to spend calling the hotel directly to independently verify my reservation details immediately after booking, and a few days before the event (since I have no confidence that THS won't cancel my reservation by mistake at the last minute).
Part of the reservation confirmation process will include something like a double-opt-in process for a mailing list.
As I understand it:
1 - Place booking online, I give THS my email address
2 - I receive an email address with a link to click to confirm that I really want to book that room
3 - When I click, THS receives a confirmation that yes, I really do want that room
4 - THS emails me with the confirmation
If I then don't get that confirmation or something happens, I have THS and Christine's email address handy.
• Members could see a reduction in room cost when attending a competition?
• The USFA had more leverage to bring competitions into more convenient cities on a regular basis?
What if…
• The USFA could make our events more profitable in an effort to better support our athletes and coaches?
• We could accomplish this with one efficient program?
Seem unlikely or even impossible?
It's not…
The solution…
“Stay & Play”
Overall concept…
• To leverage the economic impact the USFA has on host cities of National competitions resulting in increased member benefits - monetized into actual savings, while increasing the profitability of the event to the USFA.
How‟d we get here?
• We started with Member Benefits, and what we‟ve heard our members say about their experience…Why are we always going into little, hard-to-reach cities for competitions?
– Why aren‟t there more options available in housing at the competitions?
– I prefer to stay at the “___________”…
How'd we get here?
• We then moved to how the USFA
might reduce expenses…
– We know that our greatest expense in running our events is associated with referees, tournament officials, and staff.
– How can we reduce our costs associated with lodging when organizing competitions?
How'd we get here?
• Lastly we looked at how we might increase our overall profitability…
– Communicating our identifiable economic impact within a city helps us negotiate venue costs and other
concessions
– A key is finding a way to benefit from everyone‟s involvement?
Benefit breakdown: Members
• Increased number of contracted hotels with more options
for our members
• Initial room types that will be provided:
– Four-star ($139+)
– Suites
– Suites with breakfast included
– Traditional ($109)
– Traditional with breakfast included
– Economy ($60-$80)
• Lower contracted room rates
– Organizations who are already participating in a similar program have experienced a decrease in room rates between $10 and $30 per night.
Benefit breakdown: Members (cont.)
• “Live” example… Des Moines (Oct.
2009)
Before S&P After S&P
Room Rate $129 $109
Number nights 3 3
Total Cost to
member: $387 $327
Savings to member: $60
Benefit breakdown: Members (cont.)
• Season example… 2009 (avg. 3 nights/event)
Before S&P After S&P
Des Moines $129 $109
Kansas City $109 $109
Pittsburg $119 $119
San Jose $129 $109
Memphis $129 $119
Dallas $129 $109
Virginia Beach $119 $109
Atlanta $129 $109
Season cost: $2976 $2646
Member Savings: $330
Benefit breakdown: USFA expenses
• “Live” example… Des Moines (Oct. 2009)
Before S&P After S&P
Room Rate $129 $109
Number nights 4 4
Number rooms/night 40 40
Total Cost to USFA: $20,640 $17,440
Savings to USFA: $3,200
Benefit breakdown: USFA expenses (cont.)
• Season example… 2009
Before S&P After S&P
Season cost: $215,480 $189,080
USFA Savings: $26,400
Benefit breakdown: USFA profitability
• Some may ask, “What‟s the difference between USFA expenses and its profitability?”
– There‟s two additional aspects of tournaments that goes beyond hard costs for lodging…
• Venue cost
• RebatesBenefit breakdown: USFA profitability (cont.)
• Venue cost:
– Since cities desire for hotel rooms, convention centers, and restaurants to be filled, they are willing to negotiate lower venue costs and increase the concessions granted to the USFA.
• Rebates:
– Contracted hotels provide a rebate to the USFA on total room nights sold. As room nights increase, rebates increase.
Benefit breakdown: USFA profitability (cont.)
• Venue costs “Live” example… Atlanta
(July 2010)
Before S&P After S&P
Initial Venue Cost $55,000 $30,000
Savings to USFA: $25,000
Benefit breakdown: USFA profitability (cont.)
• Rebate “Live” example…Atlanta
(July 2010)
Before S&P After S&P
Total Rooms 4402 6162
Rebate/Room $13 $18
Rebate to USFA: $57,226 $110,916
Benefit to USFA: $53,690
Benefit breakdown: USFA profitability (cont.)
• Rebate Season example… 2009
• Total Benefit to USFA in savings &
rebate: $118,882
Before S&P After S&P
Season rebate: $143,130 $235,612
USFA Savings: $92,482
How's it work?
• Members would register for the event just as they do now.
– Members would then book their lodging
through THS as many do now.
– THS compares these lists…any participant without a THS lodging is contacted to make a reservation or request a waiver.
– Waivers allow athletes and their families to bypass the Stay and Play program for a variety of reasons
Some possible reasons for waiver…
• live within a 100-mile radius
• have family, friends, teammates who live
within 100-miles
• have a time share
• using points to secure rooms
• want to rent an RV and stay in the Wal-Mart
parking lot
• have a tent and want to camp
• etc.How do we know it works?
• USA Volleyball has already
implemented this program.
– USAV has seen hotel room rates drop by
an average of $19.85 this season.
– USAV has realized a 60-100% increase
in room nights for their events, resulting
in a rebate of economic significance.
Sounds great…but I think you said THS!
• We're aware some of our members
have had some problems in the past…
– The reality is that THS has handled more than 92% of our reservations last year correctly.
– Given the number of room nights they have booked for us, it's actually pretty impressive.
– However, THS is committed to working with us to reduce that margin.
Sounds great…but I think you said THS!
• Some of you may have experienced…
– Reservations being cancelled or not confirmed…and participants learning about it once they arrive.
– Lack of consistency between what the web site displays as available rooms and what is actually available.
– Lack of price integrity in the contracted hotels.
Here‟s what they‟ve done, or are currently changing to address those very concerns…
– New reservation system – requires email confirmation
– Consistency is also addressed in the new registration system
– More frequent rate integrity checks.
• Currently contracted to check monthly
• This will be increased with the new program to ensure rate integrity
What if the hotel I want to stay at is not listed?
– This is where we have an opportunity to work together.
• THS guarantees the ability to provide that hotel, or one of equal service at the same or lower rate than a member was quoted.
• By letting THS know, they can negotiate that same rate with the hotel and have them included into the block.
• Members are no longer limited to a small number of properties and still contribute to the larger organization.
What about…?
– What about the Surf-n-Turf Indigo Moon motel for $39…
• Let „em know…
– What about the all-inclusive Hilton Head
Villas…
• Let „em know…
– And if they can‟t deliver, we can still get
you a waiver.
Stay & Play
There it is…
The USFA‟s solution designed to leverage the economic impact the USFA has on host cities of National competitions resulting in increased member benefits -monetized into actual savings, while increasing the profitability of the event to the USFA.
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