USA Boxing Upheaval - Here We Go Again

[boxmel]

Just commenting......

2. Find a Director of Coaching (maybe this really isn't needed as using volunteers may be the way to go until their fiscal problems are solved).

I belive that having a National Coaching Director was a directive from the USOC some years ago. I don't think rotating volunteers in the position would work well with regard to continuity, planning, etc.

4. Get sponsors - start small if they have to and do what the USOC is doing and get "in kind" donations.

They have this. Everlast pays USAB to be their official equipment sponsor; United gives low cost certificates for flights; clothing sponsor and Jordan shoes are in-kind donations. Not everyone cares to sponsor amateur boxing.

5. Get sponsors for the USA National Championshipsincluding television. Make it profitable. There is no reason the attendance isn't much better and that it should at least break even.

USAB was given money to hold the US Championships in Denver for two years. Television is very hard to get because there is no interest. The big reason for lack of attendance, other than friends, families, boxers and coaches, is lack of interest. It is the job of the Events Department to "sell" dual meets and national championships as a means of income, and to procure television. No one has done that job in the past 9 or so years.

6. Work out a better financial arrangement with the USOC. The USOC wants and needs a boxing NGB so they should help pay some of the operating costs.

I'll bet if you look at the USOC C&BL you will find they can't pay for operating costs for a NGB.

If the membership numbers increase, it will ease the financial problems.

Per our C&BL, membership monies can only be applied to membership services.

The gym where I coach registers 150-200 members per year. If every gym did that,

Although it's an excellent suggestion, I think a gym in a sparsley populated area would have a hard time getting these numbers. And even in an area as large as the Southern California Assn., it would be hard for our 100 registered gyms to get 150-200 boxers each - some of those clubs are in smaller populated areas; the larger the area, the more clubs are found.

[Dennis]

Mel - it can be done. It just takes a lot of hard work and partnering with the right groups/people. Publicity is a key factor. Getting the media involved is everyone's job. Getting stories in the local newspaper about a club show or tournament can make a huge difference. There are many boxing shows that have good crowds, but it doesn't just happen. You can't just put up a ring in some building and have boxers compete and expect people to know about it.

[john F]

USA Boxing is in DIRE condition because the AIBA scoring system is an absolute joke. If I was a fighter with ability, why would I ever sacrifice my prime years to train to win a gold metal and have the results based on a system that cannot reward a combination? In Beijing we were by FAR the most hated country in a nation that does not come close to speaking English and the fighters we had, that could compete, were despised by the audience and the judges. Makes Deontay's Bronze that much more impressive. Don't believe me, look at Cuba...you think it's a coincidence that they lost all 4 finals? They were the road team as well.

There was no way Jim Millman could sell a sponsorship for this sinking ship even with his 30+ years of selling sports sponsorships and he wasn't even around long enough to try. Firing him makes no difference, it allows whomever fired him to use him as the scape goat while the real problems are ignored. Sponsors in this economy want a sure thing like Phelps and even if we had Ali on the team, there is no sure thing with this sports scoring system.

Sad because while the heads of USA Boxing bring in a new CEO and media staff, the organization continues to take another step backward and the kids that could be given an alternative to poverty/crime etc. lose another avenue.

[JMac]

USA Boxing is in DIRE condition because the AIBA scoring system is an absolute joke. If I was a fighter with ability, why would I ever sacrifice my prime years to train to win a gold metal and have the results based on a system that cannot reward a combination? In Beijing we were by FAR the most hated country in a nation that does not come close to speaking English and the fighters we had, that could compete, were despised by the audience and the judges. Makes Deontay's Bronze that much more impressive. Don't believe me, look at Cuba...you think it's a coincidence that they lost all 4 finals? They were the road team as well.

There was no way Jim Millman could sell a sponsorship for this sinking ship even with his 30+ years of selling sports sponsorships and he wasn't even around long enough to try. Firing him makes no difference, it allows whomever fired him to use him as the scape goat while the real problems are ignored. Sponsors in this economy want a sure thing like Phelps and even if we had Ali on the team, there is no sure thing with this sports scoring system.

Sad because while the heads of USA Boxing bring in a new CEO and media staff, the organization continues to take another step backward and the kids that could be given an alternative to poverty/crime etc. lose another avenue.

John,
About the only thing you got right in what you said is that the AIBA scoring system sucks. I agree with that. You don't have a clue in what you are talking about in your other statements.
I won't waist my time explaining. You can read previous post as to why USAB is in a dire condition. Millman waisted money like no tomorrow and got nothing in return. I was in Beijing as a R/J representing USA and your statements are a joke. USA boxers did not do well for many reasons other than what you said. It starts with the coaching and ability to box to the crap scoring system. It had nothing to due with the audience and judges disliking us.
USAB is in a mess at the moment and it doesn't help that one Board member is out to try and take over in a coup. I hope along with you that USAB gets back to where it belongs but in the meantime, it shouldn't effect what coaches are doing on the local level. Boxing shows are still going on and kids are still being helped. The problems of USAB will eventually be worked out. If you are a coach, keep doing what you do. All the best.

[Dennis]

Jim - you are correct. The fact that USAB has problems is not affecting our gym much. Yes, the registration cards take longer to get from USAB. Getting info from USAB may be harder to obtain. The website isn't being updated. The rankings aren't posted. USAB doesn't have anyone contacting the media and a few other things, but most of that really doesn't impact the gyms much.

A downsized USAB isn't going to destroy amateur boxing in the U.S.

[squarering]

Is it just me or does anyone else feel like we are shoveling coal like crazy into a locomotive with no conductor. Who is running what, in Co. and what is happening to to correct the problems. Like Dennis, I can say the the turmoil isn't affecting the gym environment right now, but it will if something doesn't happen soon. We can't just sit back and hope for things to right themselves or we may be in for a shocker. Having done such a great job this year with Jordan makes it even more important for you to keep a finger on the pulse of USAB so you and he can see more fruition of your work.

[boxmel]

If any of you are NOT getting the current round of dysfunctional emails from USAB BOD members, let me know and I'll be happy to forward. It's a mess. John Brown is blaming "the office" for the postponement of the Womens' Pan Ams (how about the fact we don't have any money?); Frank Filiberto is trying to take over and bring back LBC voting (ain't gonna happen). It's like a soap opera, without the sex.

BTW - no national coach for at least a year - that's been put on indefinite hold.

[JMac]

If any of you are NOT getting the current round of dysfunctional emails from USAB BOD members, let me know and I'll be happy to forward. It's a mess. John Brown is blaming "the office" for the postponement of the Womens' Pan Ams (how about the fact we don't have any money?); Frank Filiberto is trying to take over and bring back LBC voting (ain't gonna happen). It's like a soap opera, without the sex.

BTW - no national coach for at least a year - that's been put on indefinite hold.

Mel, the info you have on the national coach is not correct. As far as the womens Pan Am goes, Martino is supposed to get info out but has been busy. The long and short of it is, the main reason is because Millman sat on the contract for so long and did not sign it, by the time Martino signed it and said make it happen, the state dept came in and said there is not enough time for most of the countries coming to get visas so they recomended postponing it to a later date. Money was not that big of an issue since the host of the tournament was paying much of it.

[boxmel]

Mel, the info you have on the national coach is not correct.

Jim, that's what Joe Zanders was told in Colorado Springs.

As far as the womens Pan Am goes, Martino is supposed to get info out but has been busy. The long and short of it is, the main reason is because Millman sat on the contract for so long and did not sign it, by the time Martino signed it and said make it happen, the state dept came in and said there is not enough time for most of the countries coming to get visas so they recomended postponing it to a later date. Money was not that big of an issue since the host of the tournament was paying much of it.

Then that should have been made clear from the start, rather than the generally vague announcement on the USAB web site and the emails currently circulating. You're currently the best source - too bad those in charge can't follow your example. Total, complete and honest communication from the Powers would be a welcome addition to whatever USAB is trying to accomplish.

[Kolya]

Argh! Now Patrick Borkowski quit?!

[Dennis]

Is it just me or does anyone else feel like we are shoveling coal like crazy into a locomotive with no conductor. Who is running what, in Co. and what is happening to to correct the problems. Like Dennis, I can say the the turmoil isn't affecting the gym environment right now, but it will if something doesn't happen soon. We can't just sit back and hope for things to right themselves or we may be in for a shocker. Having done such a great job this year with Jordan makes it even more important for you to keep a finger on the pulse of USAB so you and he can see more fruition of your work.

Hal, I'm trying to keep a finger on the pulse of USAB. I'm out here in Colo Springs right now for a camp. I'm one of three coaches training the 81, 91 and 91+kg boxers. We have 12 boxers here at the camp. There isn't much of a pulse here. It is very feint. I met the interim CEO, but the guys making the decisions, the BOD, aren't here. One of the bright lights at the end of the tunnel has been snuffed out, what a shame. I don't think they realize the mistakes they are making.

[byrdman66]

I met the interim CEO, but the guys making the decisions, the BOD, aren't here. One of the bright lights at the end of the tunnel has been snuffed out, what a shame. I don't think they realize the mistakes they are making.[/quote]

Dennis,
I agree;
He is a breath of freash that USA BOXING needed !!!!!
BOD has shown that they can not make the right decisions for USA BOXING or the ATHLETES.

[Kolya]

Was that Patrick that you guys are referring to as the breath of fresh air or light at the end of the tunnel?

[boxmel]

Now Patrick Borkowski quit?!

Yes - but you have to remember that he is a USOC employee being paid by the USOC. BOD members are usually not at training camps, nor are they at the office doing business. That's why we have a CEO/ED, whatever.

[Dennis]

I met the interim CEO, but the guys making the decisions, the BOD, aren't here. One of the bright lights at the end of the tunnel has been snuffed out, what a shame. I don't think they realize the mistakes they are making.

Dennis,
I agree;
He is a breath of freash that USA BOXING needed !!!!!
BOD has shown that they can not make the right decisions for USA BOXING or the ATHLETES.[/quote]
You're right Jeff.

[Dennis]

Was that Patrick that you guys are referring to as the breath of fresh air or light at the end of the tunnel?

Yes. It is a real shame that he won't be around. Having met him about 5 months ago and worked a camp with him around and I can tell you that he was putting his heart and soul into the program. I was skeptical at first and I was the first person to tell him so. I gave him a chance and he proved to be an honest person, hard working and knowledgeable. Just what USAB needed and still needs.

[Dennis]

Now Patrick Borkowski quit?!

Yes - but you have to remember that he is a USOC employee being paid by the USOC. BOD members are usually not at training camps, nor are they at the office doing business. That's why we have a CEO/ED, whatever.

So what Mel. I would love to have an employee who works his butt off and is devoted to the job and then have somebody else pay his salary.

There are a lot of rumors out there about Patrick. Most if not all are absolutely untrue. He does not interfere with the boxing training. He will help out anyway he can, but he lets the coaches do their jobs and train the boxers. He will run them through some agility, conditioning and strength exercises which are great. He is an asset to this program and I wish the BOD would see the light. I have told him that although I was skeptical at first that I kept an open mind and have come to realize that he can really help the boxing organization. I do no want him to resign and have told him so. I wish the BOD would not have accepted it and asked him to change his mind and withdraw the letter of resignation. He is another person who is basically being "pushed out" by the BOD and yet he is here helping us in any way he can. How many "lame duck" employees work that hard?

[DCAmateurBoxing]

I do no want him to resign and have told him so. I wish the BOD would have not accepted it and asked his to change his mind and withdraw the letter of resignation. He is another person who is basically being "pushed out" by the BOD and yet he is here helping us in any way he can. How many "lame duck" employees work that hard?

The truth of the matter is that Patrick is very talented and he doesn't need to deal with any drama or negativity in the workplace. He can get a job in two seconds and while I really was looking forward to him incorporating more of the science of strength and conditioning into a sport that has generally had archaic strength programs-I completely understand the move. My motives were purely selfish because I wanted to learn more new programs to put in place for our boxers :)

Good luck to him and this is just another one of many eye-openers to come-hopefully someone will wake up soon!!

[squarering]

I must agree with Dennis, Patrick seemed very dedicated to getting the boxers in peak physical condition. He never claimed to know the ins and outs of the sport and only needed to know enough to formulate the right training routine. That said, he was interested enough to continue to learn so that he could do his job better. I have worked with a number of conditioning trainers and Patrick was good at what he did. I believe it will be hard to replace him with someone better.

[big ed]

i cant believe what im reading? my kid who was jst in camp last week, told me that Pat was a cool dude and easy to get along with. Man im trippn on this! thx for the info fellas. :(

[boxmel]

So what Mel. I would love to have an employee who works his butt off and is devoted to the job and then have somebody else pay his salary.

Sorry, Dennis, but I don't understand your above statement. My point was that Patrick was a USOC employee getting paid by the USOC and was not under the umbrella/jurisdiction/thumb of being a USAB employee. I don't know why he resigned - although with the current BOD, I can understand if he'd had enough.

[Dennis]

I do no want him to resign and have told him so. I wish the BOD would have not accepted it and asked his to change his mind and withdraw the letter of resignation. He is another person who is basically being "pushed out" by the BOD and yet he is here helping us in any way he can. How many "lame duck" employees work that hard?

The truth of the matter is that Patrick is very talented and he doesn't need to deal with any drama or negativity in the workplace. He can get a job in two seconds and while I really was looking forward to him incorporating more of the science of strength and conditioning into a sport that has generally had archaic strength programs-I completely understand the move. My motives were purely selfish because I wanted to learn more new programs to put in place for our boxers :)

Good luck to him and this is just another one of many eye-openers to come-hopefully someone will wake up soon!!

DC - I agree.

[Dennis]

i cant believe what im reading? my kid who was jst in camp last week, told me that Pat was a cool dude and easy to get along with. Man im trippn on this! thx for the info fellas. :(

I forgot to mention that aspect about Patrick. He has a great rapport with the boxers. They all seem to like him even though he works their butts off.

[Dennis]

Mel - read DC's post above. Patrick doesn't need the headaches, hassles and crap that he has been dealing with from the BOD. You can make a person resign no matter who is paying their salary. Patrick did work for USAB, he was an USAB employee, paid by USAB and his title was the High Performance Director of USAB. The USOC just reimbursed USAB for his salary. That was the agreement between USAB and USOC to continue to get additional funding. Now that USAB forced him to resign by not doing certain things that they were required to do, the USOC is going to be less willing to help USAB out financially. SMART MOVE - bite the hand that feeds you!
Please note the sarcasm indicated by the all caps.

[JMac]

Mel - read DC's post above. Patrick doesn't need the headaches, hassles and crap that he has been dealing with from the BOD. You can make a person resign no matter who is paying their salary. Patrick did work for USAB, he was an USAB employee, paid by USAB and his title was the High Performance Director of USAB. The USOC just reimbursed USAB for his salary. That was the agreement between USAB and USOC to continue to get additional funding. Now that USAB forced him to resign by not doing certain things that they were required to do, the USOC is going to be less willing to help USAB out financially. SMART MOVE - bite the hand that feeds you!
Please note the sarcasm indicated by the all caps.

No one forced him to resign. He is leaving on his own.