USAT Petition, an epiphany

Triathlon Forum
1

Ever experienced one of those moments when something became clear? I just did, so I thought I’d share it with others who may (or may not) be pondering about the same thing.

Since I’m involved with USAT, I’ve been actively following the original election, the aftermath, the new election as well as the petition put forth by Dan and Lew.

I also think it’s important to include here that I am NOT anyone’s lackey. I’m not on a side. I do know a number of the candidates running on both sides of the equation, but I have my own opinions with respect to what’s best for the federation. I make my decisions based on that judgment, and it has served me well thus far.

From the prospective of a Regional Federation President, the elections, although important, will bring us candidates that will either work with us, or leave us alone (relatively speaking), so I have no bones to pick in that regard. Yes, there are certainly sides to take, and I have my own personal opinions, but even those aren’t set in stone enough to solidly recommend a slate of candidates publicly. If someone is interested in finding out what I think, they are welcome to email me and I’ll be happy to pass along my thoughts.

The petition, however, is a different story. The petition has a wide reaching impact on everything that has to do with our national governing body and it’s board. Sure, it covers elections procedures, which has been the hot button topic as of late, but it also deals with underlying issues to prevent such indiscretions from happening in the future.

The fact that in the past pretty much everything dealing with OUR federation has happened behind closed doors has kept the membership at bay. Sort of a Wizard of Oz effect, if you will. “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain,” I like to call it. What we don’t know, won’t hurt us, or so some have you believe. Certain individuals, namely Dan and Lew, recognized this and wrote changes to make sure that it doesn’t happen anymore.

Do I agree with all the changes? No, I don’t. In fact there are a few things that I’m dead-set against. However that’s the best part about the petition: IT ALLOWS MEMBERSHIP TO PERMANENTLY HAVE A VOICE.

If there is something you don’t like about our federation, two things now happen. First, you will know about it. I can’t even begin to explain how important this is. If anyone has read USAT’s Board Minutes, they know what I’m talking about, it’s like hieroglyphics, piecing the minutes together. Even then you often have no idea of who voted for what. It’s hard to have any accountability if you don’t know what’s going on.

Which brings up why the sunshine policy is so important: accountability. Going forward, you and I will be able to do something about what we don’t like. If it’s term limits, you can do something about it. If it’s regions, sponsorships, funding, officiating, or even sanctioning issues, with passage of this petition you and I will both know and be able to take action to change that which you don’t like.

I know that I had my apprehensions regarding the petition due to various regional outlining issues. I’m still not a big fan of them. With respect to the entire position, however I had an epiphany.

I urge you to vote “YES” to pass the petition. It is what is best for the sport.

Whew, that feels better. I’m going for a bike ride. :o)

Respectfully submitted,

2

Hear, hear, Jeff. And next election Mr. Weiss will not have to worry about my lost vote.

Bob Sigerson

3

Jeff: If the petition passes, it will be because enough people like you recognize the core issue. Dan and I are grateful for your support.

4

I have no vote this time around because I’m not a member, but you can bet my buttons that I’ll be hoping that it passes… If not, I’ll have to hold off on joining until I’m sure serious changes are possible.

Thanks for posting your opinions/observations JstTriN

Oreo

5

Oreo,

Thanks for your comments. Keep in mind that changes are always possible. One thing that I think is going unrealized is how important this election has really become. Being the economics major (not a passion, just the quickest way to get finished with what I had started), I always tend to think of things in scenarios:

Scenario 1: The petition passes. Regardless of which candidates win, we’ll have few worries, we’ll know what’s going on and gain the ability to respond.

Scenario 2: The petition doesn’t pass, but a majority of board members favor the petition or something similar. Still a good result, perhaps not all issues are implemented, but many would be adopted and we’re still “all good”.

Scenario 3: The petition doesn’t pass and a majority of board members are anti-petition. Not what we would hope, however, you can damn well bet the the likes of Dan and other parties are going to be on that sitting board like stink on sh*t. This whole experience puts whomever wins under a microscope, which in the end is a good thing. We are all more aware.

One last thing. I’ve seen quite a number of posts that have a sentiment of, “if this bad thing happens (whatever that might be), I’m not going to become an annual member” or “I’m never going to support USAT because of this sort of stuff” or “I’m going to stop doing sanctioned races because USAT can’t get there act together”.

I do what I do with USAT because I love the sport of triathlon. I enjoy the lifestyle and the people that are involved with that lifestyle. I’m passionate about it. I would be foolish to say that USAT is perfect, it’s not, far from it in many respects. However there are many, many good things that come from our governing body that we take for granted, or don’t even realize.

Of course there’s the basic list of benefits that are now posted at every sanctioning table across the country. But beyond that there is a ton of stuff. Did you know that of your annual membership as much at $3.25 (or so) will go directly to your region to be spent on programs for you? Things like regional championship awards, regional rankings, official development, youth development, grass roots efforts all come from this funding.

How about the new program the Age Group Commission has developed and will soon be rolling out to have triathlon and multisport offered as part of school curriculum (sp?)? To me, this is all exciting stuff, and it’s only the tip of the iceberg, especially if we get a solid BOD that can focus on the proper things.

So, even if things in this election don’t go as you or I hope, please don’t lose faith. There are a lot of reasons to support USAT, and I’m hoping we’ll have the opportunity to be talking about a lot more in the very near future.

The point is, stay active, in whatever capacity you can. Get involved with your region, become an official, work an event’s sanctioning table. In the very least, spending $30 a year is a small price to pay to promote a lifestyle you love.

That’s what I think anyhow.

;o)

6

That helps a great deal Jeff, thanks for the summary.

I didn’t mean to sound totally defeated in my last post should the petition not pass, and regardless, I suspect I’ll be joining no matter what for at least the simple fact that I’m getting sick of paying the $9 one-day fee, lol.

But really, my true interest in the USAT goes much deeper than that. I’m giving a serious look into starting a new race in the Spring of 2005 and I would love to bring it in as a USAT event. I personally feel it is VERY important to be associated in a positive way with a nationally recognized and respected sanctioning body. However, as you may or may not know, in the PNW Region, most “sanctioned” races are not held in the highest regard for reasons too numerous to itemize in this post without going off topic. In a word, I could sum it up by saying inconsistent.

I well say that I’m excited to see The Grand Columbian and “IO” stepping up to the plate and hopefully setting a new standard for the USAT events in the PNW…I feel it’s critical for this event to go off well and I honestly have every reason to believe it will be a huge success.

What I want from the USAT as a new RD is… HELP. The way I see it, if I’m willing to make the effort to do it right the first time and give the USAT it’s props by putting on a safe, quality event, then the USAT had better be willing to point me in the right direction and help me to help them. What I don’t want is some fluffy incentive program that leaves the RD busting his or her rump for the USAT, but the USAT doing little more than providing insurance and collecting money.

I’ve seen Dan’s RD series and believe me, I’m studying it hard for every possible detail… That’s a great start, even though it’s not a USAT document .

Anyway, I’m obviously rambling… I must be hungry again.

Oreo

7

Lew - I just sent my Yes vote in for the petition. I hope it passes. Reminds me of the early 90’s when your RD program and a vocal group of RD’s saved USAT. I still have nightmares about the $13.00 one days! Z

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Epiphany: Jeff is a terrific guy that puts heart and soul into his commitment to makng sure USAT means something great to the sport. We’ve had some great debates. I believe, that I too have the same commitment. I got involved as a referee and then regional volunteer because of a commitment to ensuring the age group athletes are served well and races meet minimum standards.

I’ve come around on the petition myself. My inital opposition - too much, too broad and too soon. I still disagree with aspects of the petition and am sure the new board wouldn’t have the balls to mess with the petition by-law standard given all of the debate. However, I am more convinced over the last week of the need for the shakeup. The behavior of many of the candidates has been petty and deplorable. I am more convinced of the need for regional based structure than ever, but not entirely for the reasons Dan gives of voter equality. I believe that region candidates are much more likely to be ‘known’ by their electorate. The voters are more likely to have run into or experienced the candidate at the local level if the regions are smaller, more equally distributed and more manageable. This will hopefully insure more informed voting rather than simple reliance on position statements. Better accountability is good for all. This organization has been completely hamstrung by political intrigues, manipulations, and power struggles over the last few years – as revealed over the last fews weeks. I have spent many more hours as a regional volunteer trying to deal with politics, intrigues, misinformation, and accountability issues than furthering the goals of the federation. I am excited to be thinking we may be moving beyond that soon.

I still believe the ‘work’ of the region needs to remain intact and more is better. 8 regions would not be effective at the grass roots level. Geographic challenges overcome effective advocacy at the local level. Its been difficult enough to ensure geographic fairness in the PNW already – we are spread over thousands of miles (especially if you think of Hawaii and Alaska). Even trying to put together a meaningful annual meeting has been a nightmare. The midwest struggles with an area 2/3 rd the size of the Lousiana Purchase.

I am already looking forward to the next election when the petition passes. I want to see candidates finally talk about thier “vision” and guiding sense of purpose for USAT, and how thier record reflects that vision – “Deeds not words”. Way too much contradiction between current candidates purported commitments and values versus the record and prior behavior. Everybody who has been a board member or executive has thier finger prints on the current situation.

So yes, I am finally coming to the place of supporting the petition. I was already comfortable with voting for Dan.

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I was conflicted on what to do with this issue, but was tempted to sign on just because I respect Dan. After reading this, I agree with your take 100% and now feel totally at one with the decision to vote yes.

Thanks

10

I am still a bit confused regarding the petition which is why I’m waiting to vote on it.

A lot of it seems to go over my head but I’ve seen some of the antics her in the NW & don’t like what I’ve seen so it basically seems like a good thing. But I struggle with the 1 year terms. I’ve been involved on boards etc & that seem to short to really be effective getting something passed. I also question the only 6x in a lifetime given the 1 year terms. That would seem reasonable if the terms were longer. I’d like to see something more on the line of 2-3 year terms with 6 yr lifetime max with a period of 3yrs between terms.

If the petition is passed can the term time periods and as other things one may not totally like be revisited.

Also one major issue that isn’t being nor has been addressed is the race transfer or lack of it policy and the no refunds. With the high fees wanted by IMNA its unacceptable. But as long as folks are dumb enough go along with it they can get away with it. Other consumer groups don’t put up with it.

I’ve had the personal experience with IMNA where they had the entire $375 entry for a year and then due injuries received in an accident caused by another person’s carelesness I wasn’t allowed to participate. They refused repeated to refund anything nor send me my race entry goodies which I paid for and was entitled as part of my entry. Basically they hqave given them selves the right to steal.

For those kinds of things were the race director isn’t left in the lurch there should be some kind of policy that is required as a part of sanctioning.

11

“But I struggle with the 1 year terms.”

my advice? don’t struggle with it. it’s almost a certainty that during the very next election there will be, on the ballot, the question of 1yr versus 2yr terms. why? because almost certainly 100 people will sign a petition mandating that this question is on the next ballot you receive.

this assumes, of course, that the next board you elect doesn’t do away with your right of petition. since the previous board was almost unanimous in its dislike of the petition process, and since it almost universally dislikes the right members now have of petitioning for a direct vote, a no on this petition almost guarantees it’s the only initiative you’ll ever see.

as regards 1yr versus 2yr terms, valid question. however, that may not be the option open to you. the most recent board was talking about upping the terms of office from 2yr to 6yr. you’re a PNW person. want tim becker as your at-large board member for a 6yr stretch? californians can sit him right back in office, just like the did last time. that’s what happens if you vote no.

“If the petition is passed can the term time periods and as other things one may not totally like be revisited.”

the answer is yes. the question is, if the petition is voted down will you ever get another chance to visit any issue directly?

“Also one major issue that isn’t being nor has been addressed is the race transfer or lack of it policy and the no refunds.”

sounds like an excellent issue for a petition.

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Thanks for the reply. Sounds like the petition is the foundation against which other items can then be dealt with later which is what I was hoping would happen.