All-Star Usasf Independence

Emily said:

1. Regarding athletes that do not get the release signed from their gym: I would like to know what the idea was behind the release form that needs to be signed, because there is no way whatsoever to protect athletes from the gym owners. And why is there no "rule" for mid-season gym-mergers, gym-closures, gym owner changes, etc.?

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I can at least partially answer this. For the last 2-3 years before the rule was enacted, athletes were jumping from gym to gym trying to compete on a team getting a bid. I know of some athletes that competed for 6 or 7 different gyms in a single year. There was no protection for the gyms at all from athletes "hopping" from gym to gym.

Was this a perfect solution, perhaps not. But we're in a better place than we were.

I agree with this document wholeheartedly. However since I am a coach/director and not an owner, I don't want my signature on it to be taken as the way the owners feel. I personally feel that there are many, many coaches that may not sign the checks or make the final decisions as to what competitions to attend or whose uniforms to purchase but they do agree with these questions, getting more information and a more transparent USASF.

King said:

I support asking but I ask on behave if fierce board. I no longer work at rays or represent them at all.

To be honest I don't see what the harm is in asking.


The Fierce Board App! || iPhone || Android

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Down the road, there may be a time and place for commentary & opinions. However, this document and the questions are hopefully as neutral as possible. I don't believe we are asking any questions about information that shouldn't be public anyway.

A question that is a bit off topic but concerning is the amount of revenue that is being generated by admission fees for events and most admission fees are now cash only. Has anyone else noticed this trend? I'm just a mom but it seems like a cash only business like this working as a nonprofit leaves a lot of questions. Just looking at cheersport the revenue should have been close to $800,000 (give or take a few bucks). Just some things that make you go hmmmmm

ginasmom said:

I'm just a mom but it seems like a cash only business like this working as a nonprofit leaves a lot of questions. Just looking at cheersport the revenue should have been close to $800,000 (give or take a few bucks). Just some things that make you go hmmmmm

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These competition companies are not working as non-profits... USASF is not the same as the competition companies like Cheersport which are for profit and where the money goes. The only competition put on by USASF is Worlds.

But yes, it's shady.

Thank you!

BlueCat said:

Google Doc

Please let me know of any corrections/suggestions/additions you see.

I hope to send the email to the powers-that-be in the next couple of days. I would like to add other names to the email if possible. If you are willing to add your name in support of the questions, please let me know your name & your gym's name. I will have my name as the first on the list, followed by the other names in alphabetical order. You may post your name/gym here, PM, or email me.

I do not believe that you need to fear any reprisal for this, but I will only put those names on the list with your permission.

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Are you looking for coaches/gym owner's to add to the list or taking names of anybody who are interested...........I don't mind my name being added but I'm just a parent and not a staff member at our gym, and I don't want it to seem like I'm misrepresenting myself in any way.

Missy Pizzino/CEA If you're just looking for official staff then please disregard this message. LOL

I think we need to cut the list of questions down a bit. I have opened up the google doc to editing. Please put in red the questions that you think should be on the short list.

I think 3 K and L are part of a separate concern that involves rules development and seem a little out of place. I do agree that they are important questions that should be asked, but perhaps in a larger context of who sets and ultimately decides on level rules and changes - especially changes mid-cycle.

BlueCat said:

I think we need to cut the list of questions down a bit. I have opened up the google doc to editing. Please put in red the questions that you think should be on the short list.

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Questions 4a and 4e with 3 days time…they have already been asked these questions…. these questions and answers will tell and line up a number of others….

Emily said:

1. Regarding athletes that do not get the release signed from their gym: I would like to know what the idea was behind the release form that needs to be signed, because there is no way whatsoever to protect athletes from the gym owners. And why is there no "rule" for mid-season gym-mergers, gym-closures, gym owner changes, etc.?

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ACEDAD did a good job responding to this. I also wanted to add that the rule only applies to kids that compete after Nov 1 and they only need a release to go to Worlds. They can still compete at any national with the new gym. The rule isn't as restrictive as some make it out to be.

FYI - I sent an email with what I thought to be the most important 10 questions on the list. If/when they answer, I will post those answers and send a new set of questions. The questions I asked are listed in green on the google doc.

I ended up deciding that sending 150 questions at once probably was not a fair or productive way to start.

Questions sent: 3/19/2013
Recipients: Jim Chadwick, Tegan Reeves, Mike Burgess

BlueCat said:

FYI - I sent an email with what I thought to be the most important 10 questions on the list. If/when they answer, I will post those answers and send a new set of questions. The questions I asked are listed in green on the google doc.

I ended up deciding that sending 150 questions at once probably was not a fair or productive way to start.

Questions sent: 3/19/2013
Recipients: Jim Chadwick, Tegan Reeves, Mike Burgess

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Thank you.

tumbleyoda said:

I agree with this document wholeheartedly. However since I am a coach/director and not an owner, I don't want my signature on it to be taken as the way the owners feel. I personally feel that there are many, many coaches that may not sign the checks or make the final decisions as to what competitions to attend or whose uniforms to purchase but they do agree with these questions, getting more information and a more transparent USASF.

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Seriously? With all the stuff you've posted over the years and you don't have the guts to sign your name to a document asking questions? Don't put your gym name on it like I asked.

Over the last 10 years, I've publicly defended USASF in a lot of forums. I've also publicly criticized them when I felt it was necessary. Finally, I've done a bunch of things behind the scenes to try and make a difference, most of which will never be public.

But this needs to be pushed forward. BlueCat has put his name and reputation on the line to make a difference. I'm willing to do the same.

Now's the chance you've waited for to step up and make a difference. Don't sit on the sideline.

ACEDAD said:

Seriously? With all the stuff you've posted over the years and you don't have the guts to sign your name to a document asking questions? Don't put your gym name on it like I asked.

Over the last 10 years, I've publicly defended USASF in a lot of forums. I've also publicly criticized them when I felt it was necessary. Finally, I've done a bunch of things behind the scenes to try and make a difference, most of which will never be public.

But this needs to be pushed forward. BlueCat has put his name and reputation on the line to make a difference. I'm willing to do the same.

Now's the chance you've waited for to step up and make a difference. Don't sit on the sideline.

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Oh I have no problem personally signing it. I just don't want it to reflect on the gym or the owners, that's all.