|
Post by Laura (Lori) on Sept 17, 2012 20:48:05 GMT -8
2 not pictured - updated photo coming soon The 'Indies' have a Facebook Page, Athletes for a Positive Training Environment: www.facebook.com/4APTE
|
|
|
Post by mtnme on Sept 17, 2012 22:52:32 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by mtnme on Sept 17, 2012 23:09:59 GMT -8
...in response to USS's Q & A today: While reading the responses I managed to popp off with lightning speed a slew of snarky retorts in my head to each and every one. Geez, they just make it toooo easy. Like shooting fish in a barrel...
|
|
|
Post by Laura (Lori) on Sept 18, 2012 7:09:30 GMT -8
Are you inclined to help 'em out? 4APTE has started a GoFundMe page for those who would like to support their training expenses. All proceeds go equally to those in the group, and they've found some creative ways to say "thank you" without dipping into those much-needed funds! I don't know for sure, but keep in mind that any of them who make the World Cup team may very well have to fund their own travel to those competitions... www.gofundme.com/4APTE
|
|
|
Post by Laura (Lori) on Sept 18, 2012 17:25:59 GMT -8
It’s been a few days since the news broke of the skaters’ grievances against USS and their coaches. This is likely to be a long process, and will certainly involve passionate differences of opinion on many different fronts, so as the head admin here at BB I think this is an appropriate time to clarify where our forum administration stands on the matter. We do not pretend to speak for all fans, nor all members here at BB - but my hope is that in writing this, it will clarify to our readers and members our leanings on how this discussion will be moderated.
1) Regarding the allegations of physical abuse, sexual harassment and other personal improprieties by the coaches and USS employees (Edit... also the 'skate-tampering' allegations against Simon Cho): These are the types of things that could destroy reputations, lives and careers - not just those of the accused, but the accusers as well. We will tread lightly and with sensitivity to both sides while the investigation is ongoing - discussion on this subject is welcome, but will be closely monitored.
2) Regarding allegations of overtraining, resulting in increased athlete injuries: Posts on this subject will be moderated only if they violate our board's current overall posting rules.
3) Regarding the allegations of mismanagement against USS as a whole: While many of the specifics of these complaints come as news to us, we have seen this day coming for a long time. We have had misgivings about USS’ governance structure, financial management and lack of transparency from the very beginning of our interest in the sport. Our creation of The Rocker Fund in 2007-08 was a direct result of this mistrust. That being said, we've had amicable relations with USS over the years and have met some fine people. Unfortunately, many of those souls have been the first to get the axe when the pressure is on to clean house - leaving the powers-that-be (i.e., the 'good old boy network') virtually intact. This NGB is broken and it needs to be fixed - from an OUTSIDE source, 'cause they've proven over and over again that they can't do it from the inside out. We believe that this is the root of all of the current problems, and comments on this subject will be moderated only if they violate our board's current overall posting rules.
4) Regarding the skaters making the allegations - and those who opted out of joining them: Although many of us have stated support of 4APTE’s decision to stand up against USS, it does not in any way mean we are ‘against’ those who chose to remain with the status quo. Nothing will change with regard to our support of ALL of these athletes and promotion of their achievements. Whatever the personal dynamics are between the two groups is their private matter, and we will not condone any comments that incite the skaters or their families against each other.
We fully understand that there are two sides to every story - so opposing views to any member’s comments are welcome. I won't censor any healthy debate or challenges to opinions, as long as they are stated with reason and civility and as long as they don't resort to out-of-hand personal attacks. All views will be treated with the same respect as any other, and you will NOT find yourselves in a ‘lion’s den’.
|
|
|
Post by Laura (Lori) on Sept 18, 2012 18:05:04 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by sk8er on Sept 18, 2012 19:43:56 GMT -8
Well said Lori, and I agree. The people who have given so much of their time and energy to running USS believe that they have acted in the best interests of the sport as they see it. Many have given countless hours, grappling with the challenges of constant fundraising and winning medals to satisfy the IOC and donors on the elite side. On the club side all the coaches are volunteers and the level of volunteer involvement keeps the sport alive. Without those club skaters and their programs, the parents and others there would be no elite short track speedskaters to field a National Team. There are two different sides to USS and I hope people will keep that in mind. Much of the "grunt" work...such as revising the coaching manual, working on various committee etc. is done by these folks.
The club skating program grows out of the old ASU and that is truly the amature side of speedskating. The elite program and the National Team is another beast with different priorities. What seems to be lacking at the elite level is a level of professionalism and accountability consistent with the mission and profile of an organization competing on the international stage. When you are too close and involved it is hard to see the issues.
I hope for a more speedy resolution. A whole generation of elite shorttrackers could lose their opportunities, and we have some real talent out there.
|
|
|
Post by Laura (Lori) on Sept 19, 2012 18:47:07 GMT -8
As the friend who sent this link to me said, "Sad, sad day". I agree, 'cause I'm about to cry right now. Speedskater charges coach ordered tampering2010 Olympic bronze medalist Simon Cho, later told a teammate in a written message, 'It is my darkest secret and I regret it'by Philip Hersh / Chicago Tribune / September 19, 2012 Speedskater charges coach ordered tampering
|
|
|
Post by Laura (Lori) on Sept 20, 2012 8:43:59 GMT -8
Regarding the bombshell Chicago Tribune report last night - I'm wondering if we'll be sending a team to Canadian World Cups at all? I would imagine that the ISU will be stepping in soon, and they may well put the skids on any international competition for us until this matter is fully investigated. And if we DO go, I suppose we can expect a pretty chilly reception from our Northern friends. There were a number of other noteworthy articles that I had wanted to post last night, but I got distracted by the breaking news - here they are, a bit late... --------------- The following article seems to have the best overall summary of the story up until (but not including) the most recent skate-tampering allegations. It also contains some new info that I hadn't yet seen, including the link to a police report that was filed against Coach Jae Su: Abuse allegations splinter U.S. speed skating teamby Marc Ambinder / TheWeek.com / September 19, 2012 theweek.com/article/index/233579/abuse-misconduct-allegations-splinter-us-speedskating-team------------- Here is the complete email by Lana and Jessica in support of Coach Jae Su: September 18, 2012 STATEMENT FROM LANA GEHRING AND JESSICA SMITHwww.scribd.com/doc/106379898/In-Defense-of-Chun------------- Allegations of coaching abuse not uniqueby Erik Brady / Detroit Free Press / September 17, 2012 [Nancy] Hogshead-Makar, a three-time gold medalist in swimming who teaches at Florida Coastal School of Law, thinks athletes at the elite level of sport are susceptible to abusive treatment from coaches because their hunger to succeed, and to please, makes it hard for them to say no.www.freep.com/usatoday/article/57798202?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Olympic%20Sports|sNOTE: The above link no longer works and a replacement has not been found.---------------- Coach Jun Hyung Yeo (one of the 3 named in the grievance) has been named as the replacement coach for the upcoming World Cups. U.S. Speedskating promises investigation, but promotes accused assistant by The Associated Press / September 17, 2012 U.S. Speedskating promised a thorough investigation Monday into allegations of abuse against the head coach of the national short track team, even while promoting an assistant also accused of wrongdoing... ...”What we’re concerned about is when my clients make the international World Cup team to represent the U.S., they will be asked about an hour after the team is selected to skate with whoever U.S. Speedskating puts in the coaching position. .¤.¤. I am concerned after the trials are over, Mr. Chun will be taken off administrative leave,” Williams said.... www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/09/us_speedskating_promises_inves.html--------------------- www.dailyhouse.com has posted a complete list of the grievances, as obtained by the Chicago Tribune. Code of Conduct Violation Against Jae Su Chun: www.chicagotribune.com/media/acrobat/2012-09/212727120-14133941.pdfCode of Conduct Violation Against Mark Greenwald: www.chicagotribune.com/media/acrobat/2012-09/206165980-14133655.pdfOfficial Grievance Against USS: www.chicagotribune.com/media/acrobat/2012-09/133629640-14134437.pdfSection 9 Complaint Against USS Sent to the USOC: www.chicagotribune.com/media/acrobat/2012-09/196789800-14134142.pdf
|
|
|
Post by Laura (Lori) on Sept 20, 2012 15:19:11 GMT -8
This is a Canadian article about the skate-tampering allegations. Olivier's reaction was predictably good-natured: Jean told Radio-Canada that he found the allegations "funny" and indicated he was largely unbothered by the result of the race in question. "You can't change the past," he said. "I can't waste energy on something that happened two years ago." However, he also said this: Jean confirmed to Radio-Canada that he recognized a problem with his skates at the start line and suspected foul play. "We had our [suspicions] that [the skates] were tampered with, but we had no proof," he said. Canadian speedskater Olivier Jean victim of sabotage: reportCBC Sports / Sep 20, 2012 www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2012/09/20/sp-speedskating-olivier-jean-skates-sabotage.html
|
|
|
Post by Laura (Lori) on Sept 21, 2012 5:27:46 GMT -8
The SLC Tribune is reporting that an arbitration hearing has been scheduled for Oct 3-5. This article states that the arbiter will be Jeffrey G. Benz, the same arbiter who ruled that Kim Dong Sung be banned from coaching in the US after abuse allegations in Baltimore a couple of years ago. Arbitration scheduled in U.S. Speedskating scandal Scandal involving coach has divided U.S. organization.By Michael C. Lewis | The Salt Lake Tribune / September 20, 2012 m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile2/54938912-218/chun-skaters-speedskating-team.html.csp
|
|
sk8trmom
Member
Dream - Believe - Achieve!!
Posts: 4
|
Post by sk8trmom on Sept 21, 2012 9:11:25 GMT -8
I just wish US Speedskating had dealt with this when it was first brought to their attention. Can't wait for it to be over with. What ever the final ruling is there will be some unhappy skaters, fans and parents I just hope everyone is able to set aside their difference of option regarding this mess - skate clean, no injuries and enjoy racing next weekend.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2012 14:09:44 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by sk8er on Sept 21, 2012 15:54:37 GMT -8
What is really inexcusable is that there were people in the loop who knew.....and failed to act. I'm surprised that the BOD is not named in the suit. A friend of my daughter is at the University of Oregon getting a Master's in Nonprofit Management. Maybe someone (whoever is left standing after this...) should offer her a job!
|
|
|
Post by Laura (Lori) on Sept 21, 2012 21:04:45 GMT -8
Before I get to today's news roundup about the subject at hand, I've been remiss in responding to many good comments out there. This flurry of news comes at the very time my husband and I are in Atlanta helping our son and daughter-in-law construct a nursery for one of our TWO grandchildren due on Oct 19. (Not twins - two sons, and each of their wives is due on the 19th with our first grandbabies!) I've been sneaking upstairs all week between coats of paint to check my Google alerts Musicalmom: Thank you for sharing the subject of your note to USS - I think that your query was (partially) answered with Jae Su being put on administrative leave. This was the proper response under the circumstances, but it hasn't satisfied those who represent 4APTE. As you know, one of the accused coaches, Yeo, is now in charge - and the complainants fear that Chun will be reinstated at the 11th hour. The arbitration hearing (hopefully) will put this issue to rest, one way or another. JReutter - Thank you so much for your contributions to the board, and for your kind words about our efforts. So sorry to hear that Katherine will not be competing, and it goes without saying that our thoughts and prayers are with her for a complete recovery and successful return to competition. She was one of the first skaters I ever met - it was during US Championships in 2007. I had already met her, and during one break I noticed that she was behind the bleachers posing for photos with people. She joined me as we both walked into the stands and I thought it was cute when she told me, "Nobody's ever wanted to take a picture with me before!" She went on to win her first US Championship that weekend. I know that Katherine will be an admirable addition to the board as a spokesperson for the skaters. Your comments about stipends, bonuses, etc., is the greatest issue we have with USS - this is nothing new to us, and we are committed to 'pushing back' until the largesse of USS is devoted first to the skaters, and then to 'growing the sport'. We want to see new blood with new ideas valued and cultivated - rather than viewed as a threat to the status quo. Mtnme ...in response to USS's Q & A today: "McKayla is not impressed"... sk8er - you were the first ST friend that I was ever able to chat with offline, waaaay back in 2006-2007! Your insight is always appreciated. I just hope everyone is able to set aside their difference of opinion regarding this mess - skate clean, no injuries and enjoy racing next weekend. Me too, sk8trmom - me too!
|
|