Topic: The Most Urgent Need in USA Weightlifting

[Mike Wittmer]

Could be that many don't know about the rule change yet.  They will when they miss their session or a fight.  

As for video recording BOD meetings......................................seriously?
They would just go into executive session, permanently!

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

As for video recording BOD meetings......................................seriously?

They would just go into executive session, permanently!

Mike, I believe that would be blatantly illegal, and the video of such an action would certainly be unappetizing to those in charge....Yes, I am serious, very serious. Its something I have been planning for some time.

[Mike Wittmer]

Chris, that would be interesting, I'd like to know just how some decisions came about.  I know they put out minutes that list how each member voted, but the actual video or a transcript would add much more.  

I was on the BOD for the junior football league in St. Louis.  We had a rule that the BOD rulings were to be presented as just that, BOD decisions.  For example, "the board voted to......", instead of "the board voted 6-3 to......"   I was opposed to that since I thought those electing the BOD should be able to access the voting records of individual members.  

The transcripts would be much more enlightening, but I don't think that will ever happen.  To start, that would change the dynamics of the whole thing.  Again, for example, when I was on the football BOD, there were times when I could tell by the discussion that I was outnumbered, say 8-1 or 7-2.  I would vote my conscious, but not enter the debate reasoning that there was no way I could turn enough to get the vote my way.  No need to waste time on that particular issue, just let it go and pick another battle.  I think you might see some long meetings with everyone wanting to look good on the video and weight in from a political standpoint.    

A moot point anyway.  As you may recall, when I ran for the USAW BOD I stressed  openness.  I believe Marty Schnorf lost support for the BOD because he posted on the goheavy forum, much to the disapproval of the other BOD members.  Even now, when at least some, if not most or all, of the BOD read that forum, they (with the exception of Dennis) will not respond to questions.  I don't understand it.   And, with our current system, that will not change.   In fact, when Dennis is gone, it will get worse.  I just don't think there is any chance for your idea to come see the light of day.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Mike,

Thanks for taking the time for such a serious response.

The transcripts would be much more enlightening, but I don't think that will ever happen.

Agreed. I think the secretary has her hands full right now just taking notes. Of course, video would be useful in that regard as well- ensuring accuracy and speeding up the entire process.

I think you might see some long meetings with everyone wanting to look good on the video and weight in from a political standpoint.

Perhaps, but there is limited time for the meetings and an agenda that must be completed. I could see the video slowing it down because of more executive sessions (when potentially justified), but I also think the video would discourage executive sessions when not appropriate.

Even now, when at least some, if not most or all, of the BOD read that forum, they (with the exception of Dennis) will not respond to questions.  I don't understand it.  

Well, I do. Many of the worst critics on GoH don't even go to meets, lift, coach, ref, or are involved in the sport in any way other than criticizing anything the USAW does. They often start complaining without even getting most, let alone all, of the facts. Its a hostile audience and I can understand the BOD and USAW staff not wanting to waste their time trying to deal with them.

I just don't think there is any chance for your idea to come see the light of day.

Its only a matter of me having the money for the airfare and hotel. No one can stop me from filming. Its a public meeting according to USOC and Federal law. There have been accusations in the past of meetings being conducted without proper notice, including notice to members, but then the video (or lack therof) would demonstrate these instances. And, this is only possible at competition meetings. Further, if you keep an eye on the BOD members, it is possible to know when they are going to have a meeting even when its not annouced. It just takes diligence. For instance, I attended one BOD meeting at a nationals which the athlete reps claimed not to know about. This was because I made the effort.  The scheduled meetings would be impossible to hide. And, I am more optimistic about the BOD. I believe they might be a little uncomfortable but would be understanding and would get used to it. I think it would be a very good thing.

[Nick Albert]

so, if i decide to go to the schoolage champioships. and it is scheduled from let say.....june 20-24. my tentative lift date is the 23. i need to be there on the 20th just in case?? thats just plain out stupid. there is already a lack of hard working american lifters and now they are punished by haveing to spend 1-2 more nights in a hotel and 1-2 more days off of work. if there is a schedule change it should be done at LEAST one week ahead of time and every lifter MUST be notified.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

if there is a schedule change it should be done at LEAST one week ahead of time and every lifter MUST be notified.

I actually wouldn't see this as being any better than the current rule. The competition date needs to be set at the time you need to make plane and hotel reservations, or you have to stay for the whole event.

Its not stupid though, if you are an official. It just isn't pro-athlete, from my view. But, hey, what do I know? I have only been doing this 20 years and got blown out in the athlete rep elections.