Topic: Start now! How to evaluate candidates for USAW president.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

I just re-read this thread and had a couple more comments. First, I noticed that I earlier agreed with Don's summation of my preferred BOD member requirements/qualifications. But, I did not mean to say that a BOD member or USAW president must have been a competitive lifter. I don't think this is ultimately important. But, I do think they should coach competitive weightlifters. I think this is important experience for the BOD.

Also, I have one other point about BOD openness and responding to public criticism- with the current Jim Moser attacks on Peter, Wes, and Dennis on goheavy as examples. Responding to such things may set a counterproductive precedent and actually increase the demand for more and more involvement in it. So, the BOD might find themselves actually feeding the demand for more and more public discussion of every decision and the demand for more participation in a medium controlled by a political minority on the constant attack. It would also probably serve to increase the critics credibility, and waste the BOD members time by focusing it on the minority of mostly uninvolved dissenters instead of the agenda approved when they were elected.

[Mike Wittmer]

Chris, so let's say, hypothetically, a coach in the USAW, make him the head coach for the world team, questioned BOD members on a specific issue and asked for clarification and a response.  Let's suppose he disagreed with a policy decision and asked if it could be changed and if not, why?  Let's also say he does it in private so it is not a public question on any particular internet forum.   Therefore, a public response would not be required and the medium could be controlled by those directly involved.

Do you think it would be OK to respond to the coach?  Would it be counter productive and encourage more questions from the coach requiring more time and more involvement by our elected leaders?  Would it be a waste of time responding to just one question from one coach?  Do you think a response would increase the coach's credibility?

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Mike,

Yes, in the situation you describe I think it is okay to respond. No, I do not think such communication would be counterproductive or a waste of time at all. I also think increased communication would most likely increase the coach's credibility. I think increased communication inside the community can be a wonderful thing and I think communication outside the community can also be a wonderful thing. That is why I started this forum. But, I do think the manner in which the medium is administrated is very important. Goheavy has a nasty track-record and the administrators follow no rules. Here, I have made a contract with our members and consider myself accountable. I must be fair or the members will quote the rules to me and point out my error. Who is controlling the controllers in that other place? Here, all viewpoints are allowed as long as one attacks arguments rather than individuals. I hope that under this format, we can increase understanding and cooperation rather than bicker and squabble, and that means increasing communication. I hope that everyone will, in time, feel welcome to express themselves here since the rules and software protect everyone equally.