LAIFC Invitational 2009
Link to AskFred here
An Open Letter to the Section
Folks -
I want to make you aware of an item being considered by the USFA board that could impact everyone who travels to national competitions. The USFA is considering requiring that all competitors stay at THS-arranged housing at national events.
This affects our section disproportionately. We must travel halfway or all the way across the country for nearly all events (this upcoming season, only one NAC is on the west coast – everything else is in Central or Eastern time). Doing so is expensive, so many of us look for money-saving alternatives. This rule will foreclose those alternatives.
This also has the effect of increasing the cost (and decreasing the choice) of food available to most of us (THS hotels usually have very high parking charges, meaning that we’re “stuck” in their facility). For those with specific dietary needs (vegetarians, those keeping Halal or Kosher), this is a further hardship.
Why are they doing this? Obviously, they get some financial benefit from THS (a kickback?), but have not been getting the occupancy rates that they had hoped for. Why? Service and cost are the two reasons most mentioned.
Instead of asking THS to improve in these areas, they have come up with a scheme that would require us to use this overpriced, underperforming vendor, or somehow acquire a “waiver” from THS, before our competitors would be allowed to fence. For those utilizing THS normally, this may be inconsequential, but for those who have discovered that THS’s prices are too high (often by 30-50% at the venue hotel, up to 80% if you choose alternative accommodations), and service too poor (few economical choices, high error rates, etc.), this change represents a dangerous consequence.
I’m not often a proponent of “slippery slope” arguments, but in this case, we are seeing what could be the beginning of a number of “revenue enhancing” exercises that increase the overall cost of fencing, attending or coaching at a national event. One can, for example, foresee “spectator fees.” Before you start laughing, right now the only spectators we have are our families… who would still come if they charged $5/head. What about a $50/day coaching credential? Why not? This isn’t unthinkable.
We all know that the USFA is in tough financial times. However, the USFA must be made to realize that its fencers and their families also face significant financial challenges. The USFA’s ham-fisted efforts to extract more from every aspect of our attendance must be stopped before it starts, period.
I would like to suggest that you contact Kurt Aichele and voice your outrage regarding this proposal.
Kurt’s email address is: kurt.aichele(at)usfencing.org
Thank you.
Gary Zeiss
Abby Schifferle
In May, we learned of the tragic loss of Abigail (Abby) Schifferle in a tragic accident on Maui. Daughter of Kathryn and John Schifferle of Chico, Abby was a light to all of us. She will be dearly missed by all of us in the Section. Abby’s friends and family have organized a memorial at Nationals, the notice of which can be found here. Also, the web site, http://www.abigailschifferle.com/ has more information on how each of us can celebrate Abby’s life.
Abby’s smile and good nature will be greatly missed. We are deeply saddened by her loss.
Pacific Coast Championships
Qualifiers
Results
LAIFC Wins the Hurst once again!
Final Youth Sectional Points Competition
NOTE THAT THIS EVENT DOES NOT OFFER NATIONAL POINTS, NOR DOES IT ACT AS A QUALIFIER FOR Y14 FENCERS. IT IS A QUALIFIER FOR Y10 & Y12 FENCERS.
On May 9-10, in cooperation with the Nevada division, the final Youth Section Circuit of the season will be held. At that event, the points leader in each event will be recognized. For more information, look here.
Pacific Coast Championships
Team Competition
Yes, there will be a team event this year! It will be held on Sunday, May 17 at Mira Costa College in Oceanside, California (between San Diego county and Orange County). Registration information will be posted shortly.
San Diego division has also scheduled an open event for Saturday, May 16. This event will be a great warmup for individual nationals – and will make it a great fencing weekend.
Registration information will be posted on AskFred shortly.
_______________________________________
Report from the Board of Director’s Meeting
Join the PCS Fencing Yahoo Group
Join and feel free to add comments, notices, questions, etc.
CALL FOR ARTICLES, PHOTOS, ETC.
Are you an established or aspiring fencing writer or photographer? Would you like your words or photos seen by literally 10s of people? If so, send them along. Assuming they are neither obscene or inappropriate (and if you know me, you know that offers a reasonably wide berth), you’ll be well on your way to being a published author or photographer (complete with attribution). Just make sure you check spelling and grammer first – and then send your best fencing stories and photos to me at chair@pcsfencing.com.
Gary.
__________________________
A Note to Rated Referees
If you’re a rated referee, please send me your contact information (name, email and telephone). Thanks!
__________________________
Welcome
Welcome to the Pacific Coast Section – the Section governing body for fencing in California, Hawaii and Nevada. The Section holds two events a year – the Junior and Senior Pacific Coast Championships, both qualifiers for the National Championships, and also partners with our divisions to hold a variety of other events throughout the year including the Pacific Coast Section Circuit Events (PCS Circuit). The Pacific Coast Section is a California Public Benefit Corporation.
The Pacific Coast Section is the third-most populous section of the USFA, with over 3,100 members. Within our boundaries, you will find nearly 100 clubs and fencing programs – each with its own unique character and series of proud accomplishments. We are a geographically spread-out division as well, with 1,410 members in the four Southern California Divisions, 1,359 members in the Northern California Divisions, 275 members in the Nevada Division and 82 members in the Hawaii Division.
Our section also boasts five Olympians participating in the Beijing games and is the home to a number of former Olympians, World Cup participants, National team members and national champions. Our fencers and coaches are rightfully proud of their achievements.
Whether you’re new to fencing, coming back from a hiatus, or visiting our area, feel free to check out our clubs and events. You’ll be glad you did!
Best regards,
Chair
Pacific Coast Section
