The USTSF meeting was well attended and seemed to be mostly well received. I treated the meeting more like an orientation. I went over the importance of player representation and the need for communication both between the USTSF and the players, as well as between various areas of the country to better coordinate our collective efforts. Many players were concerned that the USTSF or ITSF is trying to dictate or mandate things to the players. And that whatever needed to be done on any level needed USTSF approval. I restated that the USTSF is about the players and really by and for the players. The direction the USTSF takes and the position on various issues is to be determined by the players, not some group of people who are disconnected from the goings on at the local level. The need for USTSF sanctioning of tournaments was briefly discussed, so that the players would have a minumum set of expectations from any sanctioned tournament, anywhere within the US. A few questions were also fielded regarding the structure of the USTSF, and where the players really fit in. I discussed the collection of player data and the need to know who is really playing foosball and how many there are. The importance of one single voice for the players of the US, in affairs both domestic and international.
Everyone seemed open to the concept of self governance, some were understandably reserved about the USTSF, but left the meeting with an open mind, an the intention to discuss the matter with their local players for feedback. Suprisingly, there were very few hard questions (I was prepared for the worse, and expected more pointed questions regarding the roles of the USTSF and the ITSF in domestic affairs), but I tried to cover those things in the opening dialogue.
The important thing now, is to continue to walk the walk, so to speak. Lip service will not get anyone very far, the USTSF needs to continue down the path of real player representation and involvement, if it has any chance to succeed.
If I have some time, I will try to post some more later.
And my blood pressure was back to normal by Sunday afternoon. I was more disappointed, than mad, after I had time to reflect on the ENTIRE circumstance at the meeting.
For the record, I don't have any problem with Mary's decision to use Warrior tables for her tournaments. That is her gamble to take, and I wish her well. I'll play on any table. I only took issue with the circumstances surrounding the time and place of the announcement. I thought it was not fair to the players who were brought together for what I thought was a single purpose, which was to discuss the USTSF, player self governance and the structure and commitment needed to make it happen.
And that is enough for that topic.
If you have any specific questions about the USTSF part of the meeting, I will try to answer as best I can.
Pat
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