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Chat Area => Archives => Topic started by: TSR_Brad on April 22, 2008, 09:58:20 PM
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With all the uproar over table defections, etc., I was told that the USTSF meeting was very productive and well attended. Could someone (Pat R. if your blood pressure has returned to normal... or Ed?) fill us in on any news or developments? I sure would like to hear what was covered.
BA
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It was very informative for those who attended and volunteered to be State directors. Mostly it was a positision statement on what the USTSF is with statements from Board Directors Bruce Nardocci and Jim Stevens. Pat did a very good job explaining what was being asked of state directors. He also answered all the questions asked. It was a very positive meeting and it will be interesting to see the follow up in the weeks and months to come.
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Um... I was hoping for a little more info than that, Ed. ;)
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The USTSF meeting was well attended and seemed to be mostly well received. I treated the meeting more like an orientation. I went over the importance of player representation and the need for communication both between the USTSF and the players, as well as between various areas of the country to better coordinate our collective efforts. Many players were concerned that the USTSF or ITSF is trying to dictate or mandate things to the players. And that whatever needed to be done on any level needed USTSF approval. I restated that the USTSF is about the players and really by and for the players. The direction the USTSF takes and the position on various issues is to be determined by the players, not some group of people who are disconnected from the goings on at the local level. The need for USTSF sanctioning of tournaments was briefly discussed, so that the players would have a minumum set of expectations from any sanctioned tournament, anywhere within the US. A few questions were also fielded regarding the structure of the USTSF, and where the players really fit in. I discussed the collection of player data and the need to know who is really playing foosball and how many there are. The importance of one single voice for the players of the US, in affairs both domestic and international.
Everyone seemed open to the concept of self governance, some were understandably reserved about the USTSF, but left the meeting with an open mind, an the intention to discuss the matter with their local players for feedback. Suprisingly, there were very few hard questions (I was prepared for the worse, and expected more pointed questions regarding the roles of the USTSF and the ITSF in domestic affairs), but I tried to cover those things in the opening dialogue.
The important thing now, is to continue to walk the walk, so to speak. Lip service will not get anyone very far, the USTSF needs to continue down the path of real player representation and involvement, if it has any chance to succeed.
If I have some time, I will try to post some more later.
And my blood pressure was back to normal by Sunday afternoon. I was more disappointed, than mad, after I had time to reflect on the ENTIRE circumstance at the meeting.
For the record, I don't have any problem with Mary's decision to use Warrior tables for her tournaments. That is her gamble to take, and I wish her well. I'll play on any table. I only took issue with the circumstances surrounding the time and place of the announcement. I thought it was not fair to the players who were brought together for what I thought was a single purpose, which was to discuss the USTSF, player self governance and the structure and commitment needed to make it happen.
And that is enough for that topic.
If you have any specific questions about the USTSF part of the meeting, I will try to answer as best I can.
Pat
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Yeah, Ed.
Get to the important stuff, like....
...Were the doughnuts fresh or day-old?
And did you volunteer for Texas rep?
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Pat,
I sent you and email...
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No I didn't volunteer for the Texas rep. I am acting as the Treasurer. I have volunteered to help organize North and West Texas though. I could use your help in Witchita Falls and it is possible to group them with Lawton if you want to take the lead.
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Hey all...
I'll get the notes from the meeting typed up and out to...well, whoever wants them, tomorrow. They seem kind of superfluous with the video out there, but I'll do it anyway!
:)
Melissa
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I watched the "announcement" stuff... yeah, whatever. ::) I'm more interested in the important topics that were discussed.
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Hey all...
I'll get the notes from the meeting typed up and out to...well, whoever wants them, tomorrow. They seem kind of superfluous with the video out there, but I'll do it anyway!
:)
Melissa
Is the video of the first hour (the USTSF meeting) posted somewhere? I looked yesterday and didn't see it. I would love a copy of the notes so that I can put them with the USTSF records. Thanks again for taking the notes during the meeting, it is much appreciated.
EDIT
OK, I should have looked TODAY before I post ask if the videos are posted. They seem to have 3/4 of the meeting recorded and posted.
http://www.youtube.com/thisweekinfoosball
go to US OPEN 2008
EDIT
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Melissa,
by the way, welcome to the board, good to have you...thanks for the post and all you do for foos...
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Hi! Glad to be here and thank you for the kind words! Since Jim Waterman and Pat Ryan are just as rediculously optomistic and cheerful as I tend to be, this could be a very positive forum! :)
As for the notes, I am guessing Bruce is going to post them after he makes some changes? He said something to that effect in his last email.
Jim...I know I am terrible at returning phone calls! But I did tell you that upfront! For some reason I just hate talking on the phone. But I will call you tomorrow, I promise.
:)
Melissa