Am I the only one that has a problem with this?

[DCAmateurBoxing]

Ok, so I decided to read the latest USAB NL The WRITE-HOOK, that was sent to me via email and at first glance it appears to be the same content that is on the newly redesigned USAB site (which, I'm starting to get used to after finally mastering all the hidden gems of the old site) - until I see "Golden Boy Event Updates", so my initial (and by initial I mean the split second that I read the headline) reaction was "Oh, great, we have some Golden Boy Amateur Events in the works . . ." but what it is is an add for the upcoming Pacquiao Fight with the PPV costs of $54.95. So, again, my next reaction was ok, cool USAB members are getting a discount because my eye caught the words "$20". Oh, they also say that they're is a $20 rebate being offered on the PPV. That's really great, right. WRONG. Uh, oh . . .the $20 rebate is for Coke Full Energy Throttle drinks (what every elite athletes needs) AND TECATE OR TECATE LIGHT BEER!!!!!! Ok, maybe it's not beer and someone bought the name and changed it to a sports drink, so I had to find a website, because I could be jumping to conclusions. So, I google it and find http://tecatelight.com/ and click the link. I feel much better now. It is a beer (still), but they have the site protected from any young boxers who saw the add for Tecate next to an energy drink in the USAB NL and wanted to investigate where to get this new Tecate stuff because surely Oscar must use it since he's pushing it. Thankfully, it's fully protected from those youngsters. You can only get into the site if you verify your birthday by typing in when you were born. Phewwww, that was close. Surely, no underage athlete that boxes would ever 1) figure out that high-end security feature or 2) lie about their age online.

Ok, so did USAB not read the fine print on their deal with Golden Boy or did they knowingly understand what they would have to do in order to get the Golden Boy partnership in place. Ok, so far, I have not heard of or seen on thing that GB has done to promote amateur boxing. They just bought some advertising, when I was hoping it would be USAB that would get in from of the GB audience. Not the other way around.

There is also mention that Octagon has been secured as their sponsorship agency and I quote "Octagon, through its Multicultural Marketing Group, will further assist USA Boxing fulfill its mission to serve as a catalyst for positive social development and character-building among inner city youth through focused sponsorship and grassroots initiatives"

So, I hope this isn't a sign of things to come. What's next cigarette ads on the back of passbooks?
Check it out for youselves: http://assets.teamusa.org/assets/docume ... aller_.pdf

[Ouch] I twisted my ankle stepping off my soap box. . .

[boxmel]

I found nothing concrete or much of interest in the newest rag. And, DC, you're right - most of it is already posted on the web site. Yawn.

[Sportssummary]

I read the newsletter, ever so briefly, looking more for results of national and Int'l competition, so I initially missed the GB mention. I would agree it appears to be little more than an ad for the upcoming December fight and is probably contractual between GB and USAB as part of their agreement but it looks bad. And a discount on beer and energy drinks? mmmm Let me know if you see one for Rip It, my personal choice.

I have found the USAB staffers too often to be of little help, at least in my view as a journalist. Perhaps thats because, as such, all my inquiries have to go thru their media rep who is kept pretty busy responding to inquiries from around the country as well as traveling to report on the various events, maintain the newsletter and website, etc. etc. However, their habit of sending so many people to the events that they are not available for other matters is a practice of poor management. And alot of it appears to be disinterest in doing anything other than what they WANT to do.

I wanted to write a story about the scholarship program but repeated requests for the most basic of information have gone unanswered. And, the lack of publicity that amateur boxing receives from the media is largely due to USAB's failure to be proactive and this lack of response when media does inquire.

What has USAB done for your club lately? Okay, now I'M off MY soapbox, too.

[boxmel]

Perhaps thats because, as such, all my inquiries have to go thru their media rep who is kept pretty busy responding to inquiries from around the country as well as traveling to report on the various events, maintain the newsletter and website, etc. etc.

I'm really not sure what the "media rep" does these days, but she no longer is responsible for the website or the newsletter - two people were hired to take care of those areas. Staff is now up to 21.

The clubs? Millman is visiting throughout the country. Not sure what that will do, however.

[Dennis]

I read the newsletter, ever so briefly, looking more for results of national and Int'l competition, so I initially missed the GB mention. I would agree it appears to be little more than an ad for the upcoming December fight and is probably contractual between GB and USAB as part of their agreement but it looks bad. And a discount on beer and energy drinks? mmmm Let me know if you see one for Rip It, my personal choice.

I have found the USAB staffers too often to be of little help, at least in my view as a journalist. Perhaps thats because, as such, all my inquiries have to go thru their media rep who is kept pretty busy responding to inquiries from around the country as well as traveling to report on the various events, maintain the newsletter and website, etc. etc. However, their habit of sending so many people to the events that they are not available for other matters is a practice of poor management. And alot of it appears to be disinterest in doing anything other than what they WANT to do.

I wanted to write a story about the scholarship program but repeated requests for the most basic of information have gone unanswered. And, the lack of publicity that amateur boxing receives from the media is largely due to USAB's failure to be proactive and this lack of response when media does inquire.

What has USAB done for your club lately? Okay, now I'M off MY soapbox, too.

Good post Kevin. I think you should send a copy of it to USAB, specifically to Jim Millman. The problem always seems to be accountability or lack thereof. Maybe some complaints from the media people will help.