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Post by schlager7 on Aug 13, 2003 22:35:12 GMT -6
Okay, guys. Here is an attempt to actually get someone to say something, or at least to pick a fight (apologies to the scriptwriters of Braveheart.)
What is, or should be the role of the Gulf Coast Division? What do the fencers think it should do that it has not?
Now I want someone to respond. Use a psuedonym/alias if needs be, but say SOMETHING! The worst-kept secret in our corner of the USFA has been how moribund our division has been. Everyone complains. How about some suggestions?
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Post by schlager7 on Aug 13, 2003 22:36:23 GMT -6
Original post by "Fair Fencing for All"
It is my opinion that in the aspects of a division such as ours that we need some fair representation from all clubs maybe one to two from each club or maybe even a per member basis and hold virual or occasional live meetings and have one person be the chair to organize the meetings. We have way to much personal pollitics tied to our divison we could have a great divison!
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Post by schlager7 on Aug 13, 2003 22:37:42 GMT -6
Original reply by William Satterwhite
1. Coordinate between clubs. 2. Mediate and referee between clubs in conflict. 3. Hold convienent tourmament(s) for all member clubs to use for qualifications. 4. Supply a convienent forum to address all member(s) issues. 5. Supply all current USFA information to members on events, rules, coaching, and referees. 6. Be an instrument of impartial and neutral council between clubs and/or members.
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Post by SamIAm on Aug 21, 2003 7:37:25 GMT -6
Just from talking to other clubs, it does appear that there have been a general consensus that the clubs (ones not headed by a division officer) in the division feel they do not have control over what goes on. While I know it would be nearly impossible to keep in personal contact with every club in the division to let them know what's going on, perhaps all the clubs could be emailed to inform them when a division meeting will take place, that way they can go. This would allow them to 1) see what goes on at the meetings 2)have more confidence in the divions officers 3)feel more equally represented. I know I would like to go to meetings, but I usually don't find out about them until like the day before and, being the social butterfly that I am, I usually have plans. Of course, I am blind sometimes, so if there is some notification process of the meetings, just ignore me.
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Post by Ivanhoe on Aug 29, 2003 11:27:47 GMT -6
No taxation without representation.
Being out on the Bmt/ Pt. Arthur area I feel like Houston is England and I am part of the colonies. I am an e-mail junkie so I have no problem with having a little more communication.
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Post by Geezer on Sept 1, 2003 15:56:43 GMT -6
Way out in Left Field stands a guy with a sign: PROXY. When it's voting time in the division be sure to collect all you can within your club, then come to the meeting for electing officers.
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Post by Dan Gorman on Sept 2, 2003 15:15:26 GMT -6
You know, the members of the division can call a membership meeting if they want. There should actually be one this weekend at UofH's tournament. Until more than 5-10 people show up at one of these though, I'm not going to buy all this talk about people wanting more communication in the division.
And proxies ain't the answer. Showing up and taking part in the discussion is.
Dan
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Post by schlager7 on Oct 2, 2003 16:18:33 GMT -6
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Post by Passing Through on Oct 6, 2003 6:27:00 GMT -6
Geez! Looks like you started a Virginia Flame War on Fencing Net. I guess we're not the only division with strife.
On that note, any chance the division can at least broker a peace treaty between SM and BCFA? I'm guessing not since SM has two division officers and BCFA none, but it would be something USEFUL the div could do.
I really don't see why they can't just call it quits and go on their own ways.
It WAS an eye opener on Fencing Net to find out all the division is required to do is host two qualifiers. I guess they also choose the SSCC tourney. No wonder SM wants it all, who wouldn't.
Too much politics. Let's just fence!
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Post by schlager7 on Oct 6, 2003 23:33:14 GMT -6
I can't speak to issues in the Virginia Division, but being stuck as an officer HERE, what should the division be doing for its member fencers and clubs that it currently is not. CONSTRUCTIVE criticisms are welcome.
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Post by LC Foil on Oct 8, 2003 15:29:58 GMT -6
I'm still a newbie and won't presume to suggest what folks should be doing.
I did peek at the Fencing Net link. Somewhat obviously OTHER divisions have issues to deal with, as well. Then, too, it's probably the same all over. People love to bitch.
(BTW: Schlager, if you're "stuck" why not quit and be done with it?)
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Post by schlager7 on Oct 8, 2003 21:34:35 GMT -6
Actually, I did tender a resignation that no one replied to.
I figure I'll get the financial reports in to the USFA; post them for the membership's perusal; and, check out in short order.
Frankly, I seem to be more useful to the division membership OUTSIDE my official role. Maybe this is a clue.
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Post by Passing Through on Oct 9, 2003 6:25:15 GMT -6
I disagree, Schlager.
First, for whatever reasons, you agreed to the post and should finish it out. We all, occasionally, find ourselves on strip with someone who we have no chance against. We don't concede, though, we fence the bout to the end.
Second, if you have disagreements with (all or some of) the other officers, so be it. You just need to do the job the office requires. You don't have to like or agree with someone to work with them.
I don't pretend to know what your issues or concerns are, but I think you should stick it out.
Maybe you'll get lucky and lose next Spring. ;D
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