HPD (Michael Pederson) Resigns

[jespada]

Mike Pederson is an amazing coach! He knowledge of the sport on every level is amazing. He is a fencing genius and we would be lucky to have him as the national WF coach. If he says he wants to focus on coaching I believe him.

I am glad you have a good relationship with him.
What you fail to understand is that the "national coach" position wasn't created so that all the fencers in contention show up at that person's club, get great lessons, get great feedback, and then get great strip coaching during national competitions.

Not meant to be a criticism but the failure to understand is perhaps also that evaluna is the face and voice of GGFC. "Understand" has no part in the discussion.

[hello?]

nothing of what you have stated here is not happening.

Mark Stasinos
Vice-President
US Fencing Association

This is probably not what you meant.

[flechewounds]

Someone is in dire need of a sarcasm-o-meter readjusting...

that's not funny

[flechewounds]

Yay, now I can finally join in this thread.

UK Fencers must also be careful if they experience a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure.

They should also discuss their general fencing status with their coach to ensure that they are good enough to use a stiffer blade. If, while fencing, they experience (or cause) chest pain, nausea, or any other discomforts, they should seek immediate medical help.

In the rare event of an en garde lasting more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical help to avoid long-term injury.

If you are in Vet 60, then you may start with a less stiff blade to determine your tolerance for full stiffness.

UK refereees have reported a sudden decrease or loss of vision. This is not a problem for epee referees, as they are easily replaced by cacti. If they experience sudden decrease or loss of vision, call a doctor right away.

Sudden decreases or loss of hearing have been rarely reported, as well. This will make it difficult for the referee to listen with his/her ears, as instructed by FOC member Atillio Tass. If they experience sudden decrease or loss of hearing contact a doctor right away.

[hello?]

In other words, a "pop-up" ad.

R-

There was a mention in another thread about possible lucrative 'sponsorships.' This might be a natural one to approach for certain age championships.

[hello?]

If, while fencing, they experience (or cause) chest pain, nausea, or any other discomforts during sex.

Is this a black card or a gold medal?

[flechewounds]

Is this a black card or a gold medal?

Depends on if they score enough

[Mr.MightyMouse]

This is probably not what you meant.

but it's a bit more entertaining in it's original form

[Grasshopper]

Obviously, he was a zombie and coudn't find any brains to eat in the USFA.

[Fiat Slug]

Obviously, he was a zombie and coudn't find any brains to eat in the USFA.

You know, he does look a little like the zombie with the clipboard.

http://www.usfencing.org/multimedia/...gallery-header
.

[evaluna]

The national coach is expected to take fencers that that coach may see every day and worry about their needs, and also take fencers that coach may not know at all, or even personally dislike, and worry about their needs. And actually be fair about it.

Didn't his decision at the Olympics prove that he can put aside his personal preferences and make an unbiased decision?

Part of the politics involved are that if it *looks* like there was impropriety in his hiring--- even if there in fact is no impropriety anywhere--- there will be a whole lot of sour grapes that will make it harder for him to do his job.

I'm hearing all the sour grapes already. That's apparent by the comments on this thread.

There are plenty of people who can coach well, but are bad or dislike the politics, and plenty of politically minded people who just don't have enough coaching background.

Could that be the reason there's been a problem filling the position?

[evaluna]

Not meant to be a criticism but the failure to understand is perhaps also that evaluna is the face and voice of GGFC. "Understand" has no part in the discussion.

I made it clear in my initial post that I was biased because I was at GGFC. Go back and check.

Also, I only speak for myself. I don't presume to be the voice of any group.

[fdad]

Didn't his decision at the Olympics prove that he can put aside his personal preferences and make an unbiased decision?

One *might* say he made the decision not to sub in his fencer to preclude any accusation of bias against him. If he subbed her in and they lost the gold, some would have said it was because of bias. If that were the reason, then it was a decision not made in the best interest of the team, but in the best interest of the coach (I realize that left him in a no win position - but that's why you avoid conflicts of interest in the first place).

[Craig]

One *might* say he made the decision not to sub in his fencer to preclude any accusation of bias against him.

The whole issue of the non-substitution in Women's Foil and Women's Sabre was discussed during the Olympics on those threads.

From what I know being on the scene was that once the Italian team got their sub in via injury, the FIE came down hard on all of the teams. Later that night the French team had an injury. (I believe it was Jerome Jeannet). There was an injury to the hand. The referee made Jeannet show if he could hold (not wield, just hold) the epee. Since he could - Robieri was not allowed to come in as an injury sub.

The FIE (Roche) then told all of the remaining team coaches that if they tried to get an injury sub that the injured fencer would be taken to the hospital to have the injury verified. The implication (though I do not believe this was specifically said) was that the team would receive a black card if the injury was faked.

Talking to Michael after the event, everyone (at the US celebration) was torn up about Doris not getting to fence. Michael said that he felt that the team had a shot at Russia, which is why Doris didn't start in that match.

The scare tactics from the FIE seem to have gotten to him (and maybe the WS coaches), preventing the substitution for the last bout.

Craig

[Craig]

Mods: Any chance we can get this merged with the original and more active thread?

Done.....

[Gav]

Is it a matter of the way the board/website is being run or is it the usual British reticence?

Quite a complex topic this. The Brit reputation for reticence is undeserved these days. The days of the stiff upper lip are long long gone.

The British press gives the impression of saying anything about everything. Last controversial post I saw on the UK board was a reference to someone who might have coached at one time having had a sexual encounter with an ? underage ? person who was not a student of his or connected to fencing. Most of the controversy was from one person who didn't believe anything should be commented on until the courts and parliament had passed on the matter. And then only after a 3 year cooling off period to ensure that nothing controversial was said.

Some people just don't get that times have changed.

Anyway we need a spot to hold the Roswell alien inductees. Could you suggest an appropriate parliamentary borough? They'd be fine for back benchers.

Try Livingston here in Scotland. It was a UFO hotspot back in the 80s.

[fdad]

The whole issue of the non-substitution in Women's Foil and Women's Sabre was discussed during the Olympics on those threads.

From what I know being on the scene was that once the Italian team got their sub in via injury, the FIE came down hard on all of the teams. Later that night the French team had an injury. (I believe it was Jerome Jeannet). There was an injury to the hand. The referee made Jeannet show if he could hold (not wield, just hold) the epee. Since he could - Robieri was not allowed to come in as an injury sub.

The FIE (Roche) then told all of the remaining team coaches that if they tried to get an injury sub that the injured fencer would be taken to the hospital to have the injury verified. The implication (though I do not believe this was specifically said) was that the team would receive a black card if the injury was faked.

Talking to Michael after the event, everyone (at the US celebration) was torn up about Doris not getting to fence. Michael said that he felt that the team had a shot at Russia, which is why Doris didn't start in that match.

The scare tactics from the FIE seem to have gotten to him (and maybe the WS coaches), preventing the substitution for the last bout.

Craig

I was not talking about subbing during the bout, but before, which would not require an injury. After the extremely emotional experience during the semifinal, you could easily justify subbing out Erinn for tactical purposes before the final bout began.

WS was a completely different situation, they were not guaranteed a medal going into their last bout.

[darius]

Michael Marx just sent me an email, he wanted to weigh in on this thread, and provide some clarity. These are not my opinions, though they parallel what I've witnessed.

darius
------
The National Coach position began with my tenure as USFA VP. There was a tremendous amount of time and effort put into putting into place and it did stray or develop wings as it progressed over the years. There were a few certainties that most everyone agreed upon:

1) Conflict of interest:

A qualified candidate (as the job description is written) will invariably have a variety of conflicts of interests. This was due to the amount of knowledge they would need to have and apply. We often found that the person with the most conflict of interest was the best choice. This was due to the amount of time and success they had working in their field. The key was to hire someone whose desire to achieve was stronger than any conflict that would arise. Basically, the will to succeed trumps the conflict. I strongly believe that this occurs a majority of the time.

2) Hind sight:

We all at times (after the play or pitch) have something to say such as "that running play has never worked, what were they thinking" or "Why didn't he swing, Cole always throw across the plate on the first pitch". To those of you that see where I am going with this, try making the call prior to the play or pitch and see if you hedge a bit or miss a few now and again. Our national coaches and HPDs have to make these call over and over again and they tend to get most of them correct. I have had to chose for and against my students at times and know what goes through your head. In the end, you must do what is best at that moment. Each decision was criticized and there were consequences for my choices.

3) Accountability:

We are lacking here. Most conflicts involve only a few people and therefore don't seem to have enough steam to be regarded unless the person goes to the USOC which is not in the USFAs best interest as we look like we are not handling our affairs.

4) Follow through:

The USFA is a mostly volunteer organization and therefore (unfortunately) many things slip through the cracks and these non-actions become:
A) an excuse for many as why they have not done their job
B) a cause for many to not be able to do their job.
C) a reason why many throw up their hands with frustration and quit.

5) A strong front:

All too often, when someone stands up to something or pushes for a reasonable change, others stand by and just watch. Although the person may be correct they feels alone in their quest and slowly or quickly their efforts get squashed. I have seen all too many well intentioned people do all they can to only be worn down and eventually decide to do the best they can somewhere else. We need more people to stand and say "I am Sparticus"!

On a more personal note, I have known Mike Pederson for a very long time and in my opinion his motivation for being the HPD were for all the right reasons. What we need from him now is to ask him to offer up his suggestions on what we the USFA need to do to move forward.

In conclusion, I would like offer my sincere thanks to Mike and numerous other members of the USFA who take on positions for our sport.

Respectfully,

Michael Marx

[misha]

I was not talking about subbing during the bout, but before, which would not require an injury. After the extremely emotional experience during the semifinal, you could easily justify subbing out Erinn for tactical purposes before the final bout began.

Rules of substitution in Olympics are different from all other events.
I believe you can not just substitute for tactical reasons.

.

[fdad]

Rules of substitution in Olympics are different from all other events.
I believe you can not just substitute for tactical reasons.

.

I beleive that before the bout starts you can (but the subbed out fencer is done and have to leave the village - dumb) sub for tactical reasons. Once the bout starts its only for an injury.