Post by schlager7 on Jun 21, 2006 10:42:17 GMT -6
Augie was kind enough to forward this letter to me. I was posting it on the Rogue site (Yes! I HAVE gotten back into weekly updates!) and I thought this would also be a good place to run it as it is both a matter of USFA governance and presents issues for coaches:
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June 15, 2006
Dear Colleagues,
You may have received previous communications from the USFA regarding a proposal that will be voted on at National Championships in Atlanta. As a coach, I am concerned that this potential change to the USFA by laws locks coaches out of the USFA’s governance.
The proposal, forwarded by Board of Directors member Joseph Streb, would prevent virtually any professional coach form holding a position on the Executive Committee. Direct input to into the affairs of our sport would be lost to those who are most experienced, most qualified, and among the most affected by the actions of the organization - the professionals.
The following excerpt clearly shows the cause of my concern. It is from a response written by Mr. Streb to questions about the proposal posed by Mr. George Masin, the longtime USFA Parliamentarian:
Mr. Masin – The presence of the national level coaches on the Board allows them to provide input to the entire Board, not just the President. Do you believe that the advice of national level coaches is of no interest to the Board?
Mr. Streb – National coaches, like any other coaches, have the ear of the Board anytime through the committee heads appointed by the President or through the President who may head the relevant committee, or through their section chairs who are members of the Board or by becoming section chairs themselves.
All of us know how difficult it can be to get our positions heard within the current structure of the USFA. We now face being excluded all together and allowed input only through other parties who might or might not understand our concerns and priorities. Mr. Streb’s confusion about the difference between national level coaches and the six National Coaches currently managing our teams makes this more alarming.
Many of you know me personally, or professionally through the athletes I work with. As a USFA Vice President, I have worked hard to represent us, the club professionals who teach at all levels, beginner to elite and youth to veteran, as we all must do in club programs. I had assumed that when my term was done, another professional would hold the position to continue our presence at the highest level of USFA governance. If we do not work together to defeat this proposal, then this will not be possible and we will be marginalized.
Please vote NO on this amendment and encourage the members of your clubs to vote no. Make sure that proxies go into the National Office as soon as possible, bring them to the meeting at Nationals or you can send them to me at the following address:
Ro Sobalvarro
1838 Summit Ave
St. Paul MN 55105
It is very important that we work together to ensure our rights in the organization. Time is short, so please act quickly. If you have any questions you can reach me at 651-335-6342 or at my club evenings at 651-225-1990
Thank you,
Ro Sobalvarro
Head Coach, Twin Cities Fencing Club
Vice President, USFA
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June 15, 2006
Dear Colleagues,
You may have received previous communications from the USFA regarding a proposal that will be voted on at National Championships in Atlanta. As a coach, I am concerned that this potential change to the USFA by laws locks coaches out of the USFA’s governance.
The proposal, forwarded by Board of Directors member Joseph Streb, would prevent virtually any professional coach form holding a position on the Executive Committee. Direct input to into the affairs of our sport would be lost to those who are most experienced, most qualified, and among the most affected by the actions of the organization - the professionals.
The following excerpt clearly shows the cause of my concern. It is from a response written by Mr. Streb to questions about the proposal posed by Mr. George Masin, the longtime USFA Parliamentarian:
Mr. Masin – The presence of the national level coaches on the Board allows them to provide input to the entire Board, not just the President. Do you believe that the advice of national level coaches is of no interest to the Board?
Mr. Streb – National coaches, like any other coaches, have the ear of the Board anytime through the committee heads appointed by the President or through the President who may head the relevant committee, or through their section chairs who are members of the Board or by becoming section chairs themselves.
All of us know how difficult it can be to get our positions heard within the current structure of the USFA. We now face being excluded all together and allowed input only through other parties who might or might not understand our concerns and priorities. Mr. Streb’s confusion about the difference between national level coaches and the six National Coaches currently managing our teams makes this more alarming.
Many of you know me personally, or professionally through the athletes I work with. As a USFA Vice President, I have worked hard to represent us, the club professionals who teach at all levels, beginner to elite and youth to veteran, as we all must do in club programs. I had assumed that when my term was done, another professional would hold the position to continue our presence at the highest level of USFA governance. If we do not work together to defeat this proposal, then this will not be possible and we will be marginalized.
Please vote NO on this amendment and encourage the members of your clubs to vote no. Make sure that proxies go into the National Office as soon as possible, bring them to the meeting at Nationals or you can send them to me at the following address:
Ro Sobalvarro
1838 Summit Ave
St. Paul MN 55105
It is very important that we work together to ensure our rights in the organization. Time is short, so please act quickly. If you have any questions you can reach me at 651-335-6342 or at my club evenings at 651-225-1990
Thank you,
Ro Sobalvarro
Head Coach, Twin Cities Fencing Club
Vice President, USFA