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| Organizations (1242 Posts)
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USSSF Phone
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On 11/5/2002
USSSF
wrote in from
(68.49.nnn.nnn)
The USSSF phone number is currently my home phone, but hopefully not for long. In the meanwhile, Mark, you must have a bad number for me. My bill is, and has consistently been paid. Check your e-mail for the correct number. GBJ
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LEMMING #1
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On 11/5/2002
MARK MCCREE
wrote in from
(207.30.nnn.nnn)
I will take the leap of faith so to speak and donate-through pay pal- $100.00.
Andy- PAY YOUR PHONE BILL !!
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USSSF
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On 11/5/2002 slappy
wrote in from
(64.236.nnn.nnn)
Thanks Gareth.
That was exactly the type of reply I was hoping to get.
Thanks for starting it all up Andy.
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USSSF
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On 11/5/2002
Gareth
wrote in from
(63.226.nnn.nnn)
The question has been asked with regards to the formulation of the USSSF and what it is trying to do; How is all of this suppose to effect me as a racer?
To start off, what the USSSF is trying to do now in its infancy, will ensure that; there are organized races to attend across the country, that there are manufacturers willing to make products to support the relatively small number of slalom racers, and that the sport continues to grow steadily well into the future.
I understand that the geographical boundaries that define the regions were based on a lot of rational thought and solid reasoning. (Andy, I may be stepping out of sync here with you a little on this one issue, but please bear with me.) Lines have to be drawn somewhere as a starting point, but who's to say that these lines can't be adjusted in the future for specific reasons such as what has been pointed out here by Slappy. Adjustments and realignment of regional boundaries should reflect the collective current state of what is happening within those regions. However, I agree with the notion that adjusting a boundary for one particular person is likely not a good idea.
In short, the defined boundaries have to start somewhere. Having different regions ensures that there is a "local" program or structure for as many racers as possible. I don’t believe that it has been written in stone that the regional boundaries cannot be changed to account for local circumstances. Hopefully, there will be a method or procedure to implement any proposed boundary changes as deemed appropriate. This is not really a big issue in my point of view, merely an administrative housekeeping item that can be taken care of easily.
The USSSF's goal is to make sure that the sport of slalom skateboard racing thrives to its full potential well past the skating days of this small group. To be a visionary and see far ahead into the future, beyond the here & now, takes a certain amount of risk. Andy, in his formulation of the USSSF, has stepped up and stuck his neck out, opened himself (and his vision) up to a lot of scrutiny with one goal in mind - to keep slalom skateboard racing growing and thriving. The sky’s the limit for our sport, but someone has to be willing to take the first step and head out on that long journey. I for one, am very appreciative of Andy's vision and will do whatever I can to help foster and promote the goals of the USSSF.
No one has ever said that what is being proposed is perfect or the only way things can be done. The important thing is that the USSSF is making an effort!! The minor details, such as regional boundaries, can – and will – be worked out along the way.
So, to get back to the question at hand. Everything about the USSSF is geared towards growing the sport and making sure it survives, bottom line. That is how this whole thing affects you as a racer.
Now lets all get out there and find some "Charter Members" to help support these efforts! They are out there just waiting for the opportunity to help! Nothing of any value comes for free and without lots of hard work.
Gareth Roe
Vice President
United States Slalom Skateboard Federation
PS. I tried to keep it short...
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U Triple S F
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On 11/5/2002 lbk
wrote in from
(63.215.nnn.nnn)
The region thing seems to be a small glitch to get over. As I see it from the event promoter’s point of view, something needs to be done to grow the sport of slalom skateboarding be it traditional slalom, banked slalom or whatever. It takes a lot of effort to put on even the most simplistic slalom race. We shouldn’t have to reinvent the wheel each time. Also I think that the promoters are starting to get burnt out.
I think that the USSF will probably be the best shot we have at keeping slalom skateboarding alive! Not to say Slappy and I can’t start up our own organization/club to promote skateboarding in the DC area. What I predict is the USSF will be is some sort of central point for the affiliation of all types of skateboard groups & related entities be it GRASS, DC Downhill Club, EDI, or even Red Bull.
So lets get together on this USSF thing and make it work out. I’m tired of having to make my daily offerings to my Brian Parsons Buddha (all due respect to my bro Brian). Also, I’d hate to see slalom dead as soon as us 30 to 40+ year olds have no knees to skate any more.
DR
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USSSF
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On 11/4/2002
Brady
wrote in from
(66.21.nnn.nnn)
Did I miss something? Where was it proposed that the purpose of the USSSF was to create regions for points awarding races? Heck, I`d be lucky to race in my region unless I hold my own race or want to travel 10+ hours. If DC was a hop skip and bump from me, I`d be there every weekend too.
GO BP!!!
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USSSF
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On 11/4/2002 slappy
wrote in from
(64.236.nnn.nnn)
First, I'm not angry. If you post to me in a condescending tone, I'll be the first to goof on it. (Yes, I DO speak for all NOVA skaters.)
Second, I'm not into a private email because you're not listening to me here. What's going to make you listen privately?
Again...Are you intending riders that live in the '1990 census population figures regions' to eventually compete for points in that region?
What is the benefit for a racer to be in the USSSF?
Did THIS board of directors vote or have input on the regions? What is the 'different organization'? (I could care less what the United States Plumbers Federation thinks.)
I'm sorry you took my post as advocating censorship. I'm saying your message is being lost to the ordinary slalom skater that you are trying to serve.
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Re: Regions
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On 11/4/2002
GBJ
wrote in from
(68.49.nnn.nnn)
Slappy, I'm suggesting that it ain't broke. Are you suggesting otherwise? Are you suggesting that northern Virginia skaters would rather drive to Maine to compete for regional points? Are you speaking for ALL northern Virginia skaters when you make that statement?
To answer your next question, the regions were hashed out over a period of several years by a very capable team of members, and officers of a different organization, and have subsequently served that other organization well. Having been present as this process took place, and recognizing that the current and potential demographic for slalom skateboarding is not significantly, numerically different from the target community of this other organization, I recommended them to this organization. For the meanwhile, they've been accepted. The USSSF is, most importantly an organization that will be driven by the majority opinion of its' membership, not by me.
As for whether I'm posting too many words, well... look at the name of the forum. At least I'm doing it in the right place. What are we supposed to be posting about here, Slappy? If Adam would prefer less words on this forum, or otherwise finds what I'm posting inappropriate, I certainly hope he'll feel free to let me know. I thought this was what this particular forum was about. I can't tell you about all of the rider programs the USSSF is going to have, because those issues are in the hands of the Board of Directors. I make suggestions, mostly about structure, association principle and association management concepts. You may not care about a 501(c)(3), or whomever else it is you are presuming to speak for may not care about a 501(c)(3). However, I can assure you that some of the people who are currently contemplating contributing funds in the five-figure range are very concerned that those contributions are tax-deductible, and how is that going to happen? You got it, R2D2.
Aren't you glad there are people out there who are even willing to consider FREELY DONATING as much as some of us make in a year, purely for the potential of the advancement of slalom skateboarding? (without direct recompense, controlling influence, or chance from direct profit from the disbursement)
As for what you're saying about Brian... I don't understand the point of the statement. From this point on I will be directing my responses to what seem to be angry statements from you directly to whatever e-mail addresses I have for you. I have no quarrel with you, and do not want to be perceived as engaging in an angry exchange online. I've just tried to answer your questions, which don't really submit themselves to quick, simple answers, and all that seems to do is to make you act angrier.
I hope, as the membership programs become available, that you will join promptly and begin applying your energy for change from within, instead of from the outside. Thanks.
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Regions
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On 11/4/2002 slappy
wrote in from
(64.236.nnn.nnn)
I'm suggesting 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'.
There appear to be too many words on systems and bureaucracy (and this is coming from liberal, commie, tree hugger.)
Keep it short and simple. How is all of this suppose to effect me as a racer?
Are you intending riders that live in the '1990 census population figures regions' to eventually compete for points in that region?
I can tell you right now that Northern Virginia skaters aren't driving their asses down to Florida to compete for regional points when they can go 15 miles and skate in the other region.
Who came up with the regions besides one person? Was there a vote among the directors for these regions?
If you want buy in, you should start thinking of the skaters that don't care about the USGA, AAU, 501(c)3, C3PO, and R2D2.
And yes, I'm very glad Brian Parsons is involved. I pray to my Brian Parsons' shrine every night and thank God for his involvement.
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USSSF Regions
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On 11/3/2002
USSSF
wrote in from
(68.49.nnn.nnn)
So, what are you suggesting as an alternative, Slappy? It is often very easy for people to identify and point out what they feel doesn't or won't work. Where many people come up short is with the presentation of a well thought-out, comprehensive and logical alternative.
The primary purpose for the existence of the USSSF is the stable, balanced development of a sport, and the region system is just a tool therein. The primary function of the region system is the election of representation to the Board of Directors, but one of the primary, practical advantages to the system is to allow us to work small and replicate, resulting in something like co-equal development from region to region.
The very term "Federation" was chosen for this association specifically because it speaks directly to the unifying of disparate groups, not the encouragement and isolation of them. You may ask then, why would we be dividing up groups, like the metropolitan areas to which you have referred? Well, Slappy, there are many different ways of looking at the same situation. What you regard as the dividing of metropolitan areas, and whatever wrong that represents to you, others consider to be the sharing of two strong communities amongst four regions.
Let me assure you of something. So far as I know, the USSSF has no intentions of enforcing that riders from one region not ride, hang out with, or organize events with riders from other regions. Particularly considering that we are building toward a long-term and steady success for the sport, aren't you glad that Brian Parsons is involved?
Considering that the regions were defined with the future in mind, and make more than good sense in many ways (including that sharing of strong communities amongst regions), aren't you glad Brian Parsons wasn't excluded from consideration because he happened to live near a regional border and focuses some of his personal energies across that border?
Besides, Brian may only be Region Two Director until that position comes up for its' first election (1-3 yrs). To make any decision about defining or re-defining regions based on the geographic location of one individual holding a Director's seat would be beyond short-sighted.
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Regions
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On 11/3/2002 slappy
wrote in from
(64.12.nnn.nnn)
Picking the regions by population census seems to be putting square pegs in round holes.
MD & DC in Region 1 and VA in Region 2 ??? Brian Parsons the 'Region 2 director' holds races in MD.
Wisconsin in Region 5 and Illinois in Region 3???
You're separating two major metropolitan areas (Chicago and DC) that actually currently have groups of skaters.
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USSSF Launch Ramp Contributions
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On 11/2/2002
USSSF
wrote in from
(68.49.nnn.nnn)
The U.S. Slalom Skateboarding Federation would like to offer a very sincere "Thank You!", to the first three contributors to the USSSF Launch Ramp Campaign.
Thank you, Glenn Shotwell.
Thank you, Kevin and Yvonne Gamble.
Please note that name of the USSSF PayPal account has been changed to:
contributions@usssf.org
Donatio ns can also be confirmed at that same e-mail address, contributions@usssf.org.
USSSF... Racing Into The Future!
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Curling in the U.S.
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On 11/2/2002
GBJ
wrote in from
(68.49.nnn.nnn)
You said it, not me. I can tell you this... following last winter's Winter Olympic coverage, of which there was actually a considerable amount on CNBC, our club held a two-day, weekend Open House and entertained over 700 prospective new curlers during eight hours with the doors open. There are currently more than 100,000 active curlers in the U.S., and the top professionals in Canadian curling are approaching the ability to make quite a comfortable living of off the game. How long did it take curling to reach this level of success? Well, the historians are really unclear as to when the whole thing started, but the best guesses are somewhere in the vicinity of 700 years. Hmmm... still here after 700 years, pretty impressive. I guess success can be gauged in many ways.
But... let's get back to slalom skateboarding.
Support the USSSF! We've got a long way to go.
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curling
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On 11/2/2002
Brady
wrote in from
(66.21.nnn.nnn)
Hey Andy,
Doesn`t that kwirky sport have a large membership in their organization? And don`t they have bigger cash prize awards at ther championships than what we see at currnet slalom gigs?
Maybe it`s not something we want to shake a stick at :-)
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Curling and Slalom
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On 11/2/2002
GBJ
wrote in from
(68.49.nnn.nnn)
Well, Hugh, one can't be a curler from a pre-teen on and not develop a very thick skin about it. In fact, it was probably the thick skin and indivualism I developed as a nationally competitive junior curler, that enabled me to take all the ribbing I got for slaloming through the 80s, while everyone else was riding vert. In fact, not that I think of it, compared to "mainstream" skateboarding, slalom looks pretty damned silly too. Obviously, I don't get overly concerned about how other people see me, because if I did, I probably would've given up curling AND slalom a long time ago. Of course, Hugh, despite how silly it must look, you know it's gotta be fun, somehow, because by now you should know what a fun junkie I am!
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holding your Tongue
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On 11/2/2002
CKnuck
wrote in from
(24.103.nnn.nnn)
Well Hugh, I don't know how long you can go around holding your tongue, but please make sure you wash your hands and have a good supply of anti perspirent.
Another thing make sure you eat well beforehand because you may have a hard time doing both at once.
Good luck, EH!
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curling up...
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On 11/1/2002 psYch0Lloyd
wrote in from
(24.148.nnn.nnn)
Therein lies the skill Hugh, imagine trying to organize a group of people who enjoy throwing rocks and then go about sweeping after themselves...
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Time to make Andy angry!
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On 11/1/2002
hugh r
wrote in from
(205.216.nnn.nnn)
I don't care how much skill it takes...
Curling is one of the silliest looking sports I have ever seen!
Now lets see how long it takes for that to get under your skin! ;/ HR
PS I wouldn't have mentioned it, but this is the third time in a year that he brought it up! How long can I possibly be expected to hold my tongue?
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Profit or Not - USSSF
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On 11/1/2002
USSSF
wrote in from
(68.49.nnn.nnn)
The root reason for the choice is the obvious one. Profit motive makes the entire operation fundamentally different.
You ask how we can call ourselves a charity, but not all 501(c)3 organizations are what anyone would call a charity, particularly when applied to sport governance, amateur athletics, or the ever popular "educational" institution.
The National College Atheletic Association (NCAA) is a 501(c)3 Educutional Association, but not necessarily what most people consider a charity. The curling club that my father helped charter over 40 years ago also just went through getting their 501(c)3 on the "educational" angle.
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has its' 501(c)3 for its' focus on amateurism.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) is also a 501(c)3, as a sport governing/sanctioning body. I know there's hardly anyone out there that considers the USGA a charity! Whether you happen to appreciate golf or not, the USGA would be the closest call to the direction being taken by the USSSF. It's a sterling example to follow too. In the past 104 years, the USGA developed golf in the U.S. from extreme obscurity in 1898, to the mega-sporting activity that it is today. In fact, it was until 18 years later that the USGA had developed enough of a sport to make the Professional Golfers Association of America necessary.
If the founding members of the USGA had based the total potential and total value of their effort on their level of success in the first two years, and had held expectations that golf was suddenly going to become an ultra-recognized, global sport in that time, they would've quit. I'd also bet that, if we were able to ask those same people just how good they thought it could possibly get, they couldn't even possibly imagine how successful they and the sport have subsequently become. Slalom skateboarding, in this stage of its' existence, can hardly dare to hope.
Now that you mention it... The U.S. Slalom Skateboarding Federation IS seeking pro bono service from attorneys and/or CPAs, to help us through this chartering period. Contact SlalomFederation@hotmail.com.
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USSSF
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On 11/1/2002
CKnuck
wrote in from
(24.103.nnn.nnn)
Well George if your non-profit you qualify for grants and subsidies. You musy prove numbers, howeveIf it were to ever get accepted into the Olympics or World Summer Games you need governing bodies. Non-Profit is the only way to go.
Since this is a sports group it is even more important. The companies,sponsors and businesses can even write off contributions ad a write-off. So can the lawyers.
Promoters and Manufacturers on the other hand do not need to be non-profit and will prosper by a sound association to support.
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U 3-S F
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On 11/1/2002
george g
wrote in from
(159.87.nnn.nnn)
Andy, a group my town struggled with getting a 501-3c for 4 years to bring in a skatepark (a lot of wasting time and money imo). in the beginning why does it have to be non-prof when loosing money would probably help you more? i don't know, but how can we say we are a charity? or are we just going for a non prof thing? it will cost about 1K if we got a cheap/free lawyer. can anybody reading give us a hand, don't any lawyers skate???
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USSSF... Want To Help?
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On 10/31/2002
USSSF
wrote in from
(68.49.nnn.nnn)
This is a very exciting time for slalom skateboarding and the U.S. Slalom Skateboarding Federation, because the potential for success is greater now than it ever has been. With issues ahead such as regional amateur racing programs, rules standardization, and volunteer coordination programs to support national racing events, it is extremely important for slalom skateboarders of all interest levels, from across the country, to become involved with the USSSF (get used to saying “U, triple-S, F”… it’s easier that way!).
It is equally important that those who have supported the USSSF with their membership dues make an additional effort to support the organization with some time and effort too. That time and effort needn’t be as demanding as serving on the Board of Directors or a committee. The efforts and interests of the U.S. Slalom Skateboarding Federation can be well served by the committed reading of all USSSF materials that you receive, understanding the intentions, issues and direction that the organization is taking, informed voting for members of the Board of Directors (when that option comes to fruition) and communication of your concerns to those directors whom you’ve elected.
What the U.S. Slalom Skateboarding Federation needs right now is money. I’ve made no bones about this fact elsewhere, and I’m going to re-assert it now. We are actively seeking major benefactor to distinguish themselves as part of the USSSF’s Charter Member Program, but that is very slow going. That’s unfortunate, because the Charter Member Program is a limited-time offer and I’d hate to see the opportunity pass with nobody getting involved.
Of course, while this has been going on, it has been pointed out to me that there are people out there who do wish to make contributions to launching the U.S. Slalom Skateboarding Federation, but don’t necessarily have the financial independence to be contributing capital funds. Apparently these contributions amount to a figure that is not insignificant to our purposes, so I am initiating the Launch Ramp Program. Not knowing how much funding we will have on hand the day we commence our first membership year, January 1, 2003, there is very little we can promise in return for Launch Ramp contributions. All I can really do is promise that EVERY person making a contribution to the USSSF’s Launch Ramp Program will have his or her name listed here, as well as in Volume 1, Issue 1 of the USSSF’s first major magazine-type publication.
As directed by the Executive Committee of the USSSF, I have now created a PayPal account under the name,
SlalomFederation@hotmail.com
Please feel free to direct your contributions to the USSSF Launch Ramp Program to that PayPal account, or make your check payable to: USSSF
and send to:
USSSF
c/o Andy Bittner
105 Middle Point Court
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Please confirm your contribution at SlalomFederation@hotmail.com.
Thank you
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Region 8
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On 10/31/2002 george g
wrote in from
(159.87.nnn.nnn)
cool on the cones. because all i really want from a cone is for it to get out of my way when i criddle/hit it.
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Re: Religion 8
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On 10/31/2002
USSSF
wrote in from
(68.49.nnn.nnn)
George, Your calling USSSF Region Eight "Religion 8" just made me laugh harder than I've laughed in a very long time. Hilarious! Nothing could more appropriately describe the strength of the energy I expect to feel from Region Eight than that!
As for the question of cone standardization, I'd like to refer you to an earlier post that noted, "Everything won't happen immediately either. It is not, and never will be, the intention of the USSSF to foist anything on anyone."
What this means is that there is no one person in this organization with the unilateral power to simply pronounce some cone size as being "standard". Eventually, recommending a cone standard will probably come out of a Rules Committee of some kind of Events Committee. In the meanwhile, we will continue to observe and learn from the experiences and choices made by race organizers across the whole slalom community.
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cones
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On 10/31/2002 george g
wrote in from
(159.87.nnn.nnn)
in referencing the search engine here i notice there is still no cone standard. this was an arguement from last year. it went away and i am the first to dredge it back up. now that it is almost winter and the USSSF is back can we get a ruling? or at least a three week discussion to be shelved in the spring.
okay i am being a little bit of a jerk, but you gotta admit we should keep a sense of humor and optimism about us. what about the cones.
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