Jimmie Santee is Over the Edge

Willful Tolerance

2012-02-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

In the Loop, PSA E-Magazine - Issue 1, February 2012

In my “Over the Edge” editorial in last months PS Magazine, I wrote about abuse in coaching, emphasizing that it is imperative that coaches be diligent in keeping an eye out for suspect or abusive relationships. As it was reported regarding the Penn State fiasco, this was not always the case. Many adults in positions of authority ignored the signs of abuse or simply didn’t report what they saw. While it could be considered a criminal act in some instances, willful tolerance, as it is being called, definitely exposes the observer to civil liability.
As I understand the term, willful tolerance is the practice or act of ignoring wrongful deeds. Willful implies intent or purpose. Tolerance implies the allowance or sufferance of conduct with which one is not in accord.
My concern is that coaches and club officials, who understand that they have a duty to protect the skaters, do not report abusive situations to the proper authorities, but instead choose to share the information with their peers. This does little to end a bad situation and generally makes it worse. But why do we not report these issues? It made me curious as to why this happens so I did a little research.Mark Levine, a social psychologist at Lancaster University in the U.K., was quoted in a recent Time.com article by Maia Szalavitz regarding the Penn State crisis. She asserts “… that somehow, when we’re with other people, we lose our rational capacity or personal identity, which controls our behavior.” In comparison, coaches and officials are often more concerned with the public fallout of an issue.Penn State football coach Joe Paterno appeared to have either looked the other way or maybe even covered up for the accused Sandusky, rather than reporting him to the police. Said Levine, “[This] suggests that group solidarity with the football team still takes priority over support for abused children at the school.” That is, in a nutshell, willful tolerance.
Another possible factor identified by social psychologist Stanley Cohen is denial. Often, bystanders repress the information or refuse to admit that an incident has occurred. What happened to the witness in the Sandusky case is what Cohen labeled “interpretive” denial – trying to transform or minimize the significance of the action. Research suggests that when a witness’s own perception of the world around them changes negatively, “they often create accounts that deny reality, blame the victim or otherwise rationalize the situation.”
Finally, Levine refers to the ‘50s when all adults took responsibility for all children. Today it is every family for themselves. Most people would think twice before acting, fearful of being condemned for stepping in.
Hopefully, in the future when witnessing an abusive or illegal act, the outcome will be different. The author Szalavitz concludes, “Understanding the psychology of these situations can help increase the chances that bystanders will step up when people need assistance, but it does not excuse the failures of those who do nothing.” We have a duty to put the needs of the skater first; doing everything in our power to protect them from harm. As a person of authority, this is our responsibility ALWAYS!

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2011/11/11/bystander-psychology-why-some-witnesses-to-crime-do-nothing/#ixzz1jMc2TI2p

Doing the Right Thing

2012-01-11T07:34:00.000-08:00

2012 Jan/Feb PS Magazine

Watching Mike & Mike in the Morning on ESPN 2, Mike Greenburg quoted a line from the movie, A Few Good Men, surmising that the excerpt represents the people that sat by for years and let dozens of children be sexually assaulted by former Penn State coach, Jerry Sandusky. If you recall, the movie is about a group of Marines who following orders, unintentionally kill another soldier and then is covered up by the superiors. At the end of the movie, Judge Randolph finds the accused guilty of conduct unbecoming a US Marine and orders Lance Corporal Dawson and Private Downey to be dishonorably discharged. A bewildered Downey asks Dawson what that means. Downey doesn’t seem to understand that they have done something wrong…they were just following orders. Dawson answers that as Marines, they were to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves and on this occasion, they failed.

I agree with Mike and the screen writer; we are here to protect those who can’t protect themselves. But what does it take to do the right thing? Even Joe Paterno said he wished he had done more. I think the most disturbing fact surrounding Sandusky was that he got away with his predatory behavior for over 13 years and it was not a secret! Reading the Grand Jury investigation report, there were many opportunities for witnesses to do the right thing. Even when investigated by authorities, they dropped the ball. How many children were abused because know one stepped up in 1998 when the first allegations came to light?

Significantly, this is not a new problem and not one you would generally associate with football but in society in general. As I wrote last year, USA Swimming reported that they banned 36 coaches over the previous 10 years for sexual misconduct. Literally as I write this, a lawsuit has been filed in Indiana targeting USA Swimming, Indiana Swimming and a school district. In addition to looking for financial compensation, the suit seeks the firing of top officials at USA and Indiana Swimming. It was reported in the Indianapolis Star, that officials had a couple of chances to stop the coach from molesting the child. Again, what does it take to do the right thing? Burying your head in the sand and making believe that nothing happened or that someone else will report the activity… is just unacceptable.

Three years ago, US Figure Skating passed a motion that all coaches and officials must pass a background screening. Many professionals criticized the plan; felt it was unfair and too expensive.

Two years ago, PS Magazine published an issue entirely on Ethics, its featured article Tough Times written by Olympian and PSA Governor, Paul Wylie. An unforgettable quote from the feature, “What can we do to daily live up to our best intentions? Obviously we must adhere to a minimum standard of ethics.”

A year and a half ago, at the request of Paul Wylie, the PSA met with Sheldon Kennedy, a former NHL hockey player who had been subjected to years of sexual abuse by his junior coach. Sheldon was a co-founder of Respect in Sport, a Canadian company whose mission is to educate athletes, coaches, officials, and parents on appropriate contact. They met with US Figure Skating as well. Following this meeting, US Figure Skating and PSA decided to produce a sport specific e-course on abuse. Just completed, PSA partnered with several noted experts, Dr. Clark Power of the University of Notre Dame's "Play Like a Champion TM" program, Dr. Max Trenerry of Mayo Clinic, and Dr. Gloria Balague from the University of Illinois – Chicago Circle. The objective of this two-part course, CER ET 201/SS 206 “2 GRO-W Champions”, is to provide coaches' education on the definition, recognition, elimination, and prevention of abusive coaching, and the building of safe training environments.

At the Annual Conference and Trade Show in Dallas this year, PSA presented a panel discussion regarding abuse in sport which included Paul Wylie, Sheldon Kennedy, Pat St. Peter, USA Today columnist Christine Brennan, and Nancy Hogshead-Makar. A three time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, Professor Hogshead-Makar is Professor of Law at Florida Coastal School of Law, and an authority on Title IX, the NCAA rule on equal play.

Also this year, PSA reached out to ISI and implemented a combined grievance process. By signing this deal, the PSA was able to help ISI close a loophole that had allowed the opportunity for questionable coaches to keep teaching once they were excused from either PSA or US Figure Skating. Also this year, ISI has implemented their own requirement for coaches to pass a background check.

I am proud of the fact that PSA has long taken a stance to promote ethical coaching. I am also proud that together with US Figure Skating we were able to produce the CER course on abuse as well as support US Figure Skating’s commitment to producing a safe training and competitive environment. While no system is perfect, we understand that a motivated pedophile can get past our safeguards. This is why it is imperative that coaches be diligent in keeping an eye out for suspect or abusive relationships. We owe it to the children to do our utmost to protect them. I suggest that you take 2 GRO-W Champions sooner than later…It is never the wrong time to do the right thing.

Under Siege – Our Youth

2011-11-29T12:48:00.001-08:00

It’s not figure skating. It’s not hockey. It’s not gymnastics or swimming, nor football or basketball…it is our children who are under siege. In 2010, a jury awarded a former scout $18.5 million dollars after the Boy Scouts of America was accused of covering up decades of child abuse. The Catholic Church has had to defend accusations from Canada, Ireland, United States, Britain, Mexico, Belgium, France, and Germany. Every year there is a plethora of accusations against school teachers….as recently as yesterday, a university professor was accused of watching child pornography on an airplane!

As a father I used to worry about the influence of drinking and drugs to my children…as a culture, we turn to the church, the scouts, school activities, or sports to help keep our children off the streets and away from harm. But that seems not to be the case… and quite honestly, it is very difficult if not impossible to protect our children from the “landmines” that surround them. It’s not these activities that are the root of the evil…it’s the fact that that’s where the children are. If you are a drunk, you know where to get the booze. If you are an addict you know where to get your fix. For pedophiles they go where the children are. Six years ago I managed an ice rink and all the outdoor pools for my community. While the rink had its own unique problems, they were nothing like the pool business. You not only have to protect the swimmers from drowning but the scantily dressed patrons from the sick-minded people whom prey upon unsuspecting children. More than once I had to chase away adults who were taking photos of children in swimwear from outside the fence. I have worse stories that I choose not to share…the point is wherever there are kids, especially unattended, these people will be there.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the following: Seventy-one percent of children were classified as victims of child neglect; 16 percent as victims of physical abuse; 9 percent as victims of sexual abuse; and 7 percent as victims of emotional abuse (http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/CM-DataSheet-a.pdf) . My question…how many of the 71% of children who are victims of neglect, make up the victims of sexual abuse? Another thought is that these are NOT specifically children who participate in any one sport or activity…this is a problem of society as a whole!

If any good can come of these continued crises, it is that we as that same community must be vigilant in the protection of our children. As a parent, your really have to think hard about who you allow access to your children, especially unattended. The CDC also reported that the vast majority of abusers (90%) are male, and 71% of the time, the abuser knows the victim. As written in the new PSA CER course on abuse, 2 GRO-W Champions, “It stands to reason that skating as an industry would be no different than the general population, especially when there is ample opportunity for predators to assert authority over a victim.”
Dr. Max Trenerry, a friend and colleague from the Mayo Clinic and co-author of the 2 GRO-W Champions course, has said that it is important as coaches not to put ourselves in circumstances that can be questioned…driving skaters from school to the rink, traveling to competitions, sharing accommodations with your students. No matter how noble the gesture, the appearance to others is suspect and the danger of damaging your reputation or worse is not worth the risk. Honestly, coaches should never be in a closed room or in an environment that is unobserved.

Coaches and all those who assist them have a special obligation to protect children and adolescents from any form of exploitation. Given the abuse that has occurred, coaches, judges and club officials should go out of their way to protect all young people from potentially harmful situations.
"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children." - Nelson Mandela

A Lack of Communication

2011-10-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

PS Magazine Nov/Dec 2011 Issue

"Any problem, big or small, within a family, always seems to start with bad communication. Someone isn't listening" - Emma Thompson

I just returned from a business trip to find ten voice messages awaiting my attention. Eight of those messages were from coaches or skating directors seeking my counsel regarding a wide range of topics but all centering on poor ethical behavior. Some were perpetrated by management, some by parents and few; by fellow coaches… this is not an unusual occurrence. Most Mondays I spend the morning talking on the phone. That being said, eight messages are a little more than typical. I have to reason that as the economy continues to sputter, anxiety among the general skating population grows. Honestly, some of the skating community, PSA members AND non-members alike, are doing whatever it takes to stay in business, regardless of ethics.

There lies the problem. As we have all heard, "Adversity does not build character, it reveals it." It seems in a number of instances it is revealing a lack of character. Why does this happen? This can not be a phenomenon exclusive to the skating industry. A study conducted in January of 2010 by the Police Executive Research Forum reported that 44% of police departments believed that they were seeing an increase in crimes that were directly related to the poor state of the economy…Ok, it’s a stretch from high crime to ethical issues in figure skating but tight funds create bad decisions.

And bad decisions almost always come from poor or no communication at all. The reality as I see it is when times get tough, we stop communicating. A major majority of those problems come from a lack of direct communication. Would you believe something you heard from Sarah’s brother’s girlfriend’s hairdresser who was talking to a client who told her that Jimmie was talking smack about Jamie’s teaching style…really? But this is what I often hear and my advice is almost always to do the following – communicate!

Remove all emotion from the equation
Write down the facts and review
Sleep on it…a good decision today is a better one tomorrow!
Ask for a one on one meeting with the opposite party. Invite a third party as a mediator if warranted
Lay out the issues, again leaving out the emotion…don’t make it personal.
Listen and don’t interrupt
Listen some more
Hopefully come to a resolution that works

Even if you don’t come to a mutual decision, at least you have done your due diligence.

This works when your problem is with the arena as well. Poor communication is not exclusive to coach to coach tribulations. Often a lack of information to coaches from their club or rink management is just as much to blame. Your arena or club has an obligation to tell the coaches what is expected of them; a written “job description” and the policies and procedures of the organization. How can you be expected to follow those rules if you have never seen them? The coach should know what to expect from the arena and vice verse.

There are some other unique issues when dealing with a club or rink. In fact the list is long. Is your rink public or private? Is it a school or co-op? Does the club buy the ice or is it sold by the rink? Each ownership type will have its own style of management and rules to follow.

State laws are another matter. Do you teach in an “at-will” state? According to Employeeissues.com, it essentially means that employers may fire employees for any reasons, no reasons and even unfair reasons, as long as they are not illegal reasons. One thing we know for certain, “He who has the gold makes the rules.”
To cut a long story short, communication is the key to any successful relationship. If you don’t communicate, or even more importantly, make yourself available for communication, you should not be surprised when you find yourself in the middle of a huge predicament.

Secondhand TV

2011-10-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

I read an interesting article in the Monday, October 24th, USA Today regarding "secondhand" exposure to TV. Intersting in the way that researchers are warning us about the dangers of watching TV when young children are with in eye or earshot. The Americn Academy of Pediatrics says that it hurts their language development....interesting!

It also reminded me of an interview I conducted for the soon to be released online course, 2 GRO-W Champions, with Dr. Max Trenerry, a noted consultant in Psychology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and a Sport Psychology Consultant for US Youth Soccer’s Region II Girls Olympic Development Program.

The course which explores the topic of abuse, exposes a unique consequence of being a bystander to an abusive relationship. Dr. Trenerry say's, "The issue of secondhand abuse or background anger or unresolved anger in the coaching or training environment is really important, especially for young athletes. ... And we know that when young athletes, that are not even involved in the situation, witness and experience, an angry conversation between two adults or between a coach and another athlete, that the athletes around that are adversely affected. What seems to happen is that if the situation is left unresolved so that the anger and the issue surrounding it are not brought to some sort of resolution; there isn’t some sort of agreement and the relationship is left hanging, hanging and angry. That adversely affects the athlete's mood and that will affect their performance. It will be diminished by that. So in situations where a coach has an angry interaction with an athlete, or for that matter a parent having an angry interaction with a coach, another parent, their own child, or another athlete, that will affect everyone around them. It affects the younger athletes more, of course, because they have less experience in life. So their sense of themselves isn't as secure as an adult. An adult might walk away from one of these things, and may feel bad about it. But the child is left in a situation where the authorities around them have been angry and they haven't brought the issue to any kind of focus or resolution that's productive, and so it turns out to be harmful."

After conducting the interview with Dr. Trenerry, I talked to my youngest daughter asking her about how she feels when a coach yells at a skater on a session in which she is practicing. "It makes me sad for them (the skater) and I try to stay away from that end of the ice," she said. When I asked her about future session, she said she just stays away. Interestingly enough I recalled telling her she needed to use all the ice and not just one end one time and I remember her telling me she didn't like skating on the other side. I really didn't put two and two together until today.

This is an interesting concept. Does anyone out there have an opinion on this?

Is it Fair?

2011-10-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this web site do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Professional Skaters Association or official policies of the PSA.

ISU Communication No. 1700 just came out and the US has just one judge at this year's ISU World Championships...in pairs no less. Yes you read that right...one judge... although that pair judge gets to judge the preliminary round of ladies as well. Great...in comparison, Turkey has 2 judges, as does Russia, Japan, Italy, Canada, Austria, Denmark, Czechoslovakia and Israel. Belarus, Germany, and Great Britain have 3 each. But the big winner is China with 4! FOUR! How does this happen? This is how that happens ...

ISU Rule 582.4 states:

Principles of entries and restrictions
a) Each ISU Member may enter one Judge by number (not by name) in each discipline in which Judges of this Member are qualified to judge and in which that Member has participated with at least one (1) Skater/Couple in the same Championships or its Preliminary Rounds (see subparagraphs 6.d), 7.c) and 8.d)) of the preceding year, who has/have finished at least one segment of the individual competition or reached in the Preliminary Round the minimal number of points established for that year.
b) An ISU Member can be represented with Judges in all four (4) disciplines within one Championships (This rule does not apply for the World Synchronized Championships).

Is this really the best way to judge our most important event? In my opinion this selection process is more like a lottery and you have about the same odds of winning. I'm sure this is done so the ISU can stand back and throw up their arms in defense and say it's a fair and impartial draw. I understand that...they go to great lengths to convince everyone that this is a fair process....even going so far as to pay for an independent certified Swiss auditor to witness the draw, but by doing that the ISU have introduced randomness to this very important process.

Also, is this the best way to get the best judges to evaluate an event? Maybe this needs tweaking a bit.

How about the way the NBA does its lottery? The basketball team with the worst win/loss record gets more ping pong balls in the hopper than the team that has the best record, increasing there chances of the number one pick in the draft. We could reverse that and countries with the best skaters could have better odds of having a judge drawn. It could be exactly the way they do it for the number of skaters each country gets to send! If we get 3 competitors at worlds, then we get to put up to three judges in the pool. It's not a guarantee but it would increase the odds.

How about tracking the deviations (the number of places between the actual placement of the entire judging panel compared to the placement by the particular judge) over a required number of competitions and then taking the top judges regardless of nationality? This would reward the most consistent judges. What is one of the most important attributes of excellence...experience!

Regardless of the process, the outcome of the draw DOES influence the makeup of the panels. Just because everyone gets an even shot at a spot does not mean that we get the best panel. It's left to chance and although it protects the integrity of the leadership from media scrutiny, I don't think this helps the outcome. We all expect our leadership to stand tall and lead...not to hide behind a process that gives the same odds as you get in Vegas.

Words to Live By

2011-09-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

PS Magazine September October Issue

“To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.”

While often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson or Robert Louis Stevenson or Hallmark, it was actually written by Bessie Stanley in 1904…I think. I have the readers digest version painted on walls all over my house, “live well, laugh often, love much.” I’ve even used it as the toast at 5 different marriages. While I would like to know who really wrote it in order to give credit where credit is due, the important part is the words themselves. They have a deep meaning for me, one that brings tears to my eyes every time I read it…it is that powerful.

I think we all struggle from time to time to find meaning in our lives. What is our purpose here? Five years ago I took on the position of executive director here at PSA…I wanted to make a profound difference on a larger scale for both myself and the sport I love. What I found is that many of you feel the same way… just looking for an opportunity to make a difference, either large or small.

The words to live by written above are beautiful, but as we all know I like to do, I need to tweak it just a little bit. In the magazine industry we call it editorial license…

“To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of coaching peers and the affection of my students; to earn the approbation of honest officials and endure the betrayal of solicitation; to appreciate the beauty of skating; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a better person, a better skater or both; to have skated and laughed with enthusiasm and performed with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have transferred the love of skating to others—this is to have succeeded.”

To be or not to be…that is the question…

2011-05-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

PS Magazine May/Jun 2011

Here’s another one - to skate or not to skate…compete or not to compete. As I write this, a decision was made regarding the staging of the 2011 World Championships … I’m glad I didn’t have to make it…talk to twelve people and get twelve different opinions. From a humanitarian position, this is a tragedy of epic proportions and regardless of the decision to compete or not to compete; someone will be disappointed, if not enraged, and some will be relieved.

Some pundits felt that the competition should have been cancelled out of respect for the Japanese people. I can see that point; the precedent was set when the ISU cancelled the 1961 championships in response to the loss of the entire US delegation. The ISU president in 1961 was Dr. James Koch. Even with a request from the US that the championships go on as scheduled, Dr. Koch and the executive committee voted to cancel the competition. The vote of the committee was not unanimous. As reported in various American newspapers and in Patricia Shelly Bushman’s “Indelible Tracings”, Dr. Koch said, “The tragedy is too enormous to go on…” Later, when visiting the United States, Dr. Koch told Michael Kirby that no sporting event should ever trump a tragedy.
On the other hand, Phil Hersch of the Chicago Tribune who is on record wanting to cancel Worlds pointed out, “… that World Series games took place in New York less than two months after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, that the 1972 Munich Olympics continued after the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches.”
Reigning U.S. Women’s Champion, Alissa Czisney had this to say in a blog about cancelling the event:
“My sincere hope is that this is the last option. From a skater's perspective, skating is our career, our job, our livelihood, and canceling worlds would disrespect all the hard work we have put in… have you canceled your job, your work, due to the tragedy? Most likely, you have continued on with your work, while doing your best to help our friends in Japan. I only ask that we might be given the same opportunity to continue on with our work, while at the same time doing what we can to honor those in Japan and helping as much as we are able.”
I remember the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics and how upset I would have been if that been the winter games.
I think the hardest part is to truly understand what was at stake. While Alissa and her fellow competitors have worked their whole lives for this moment, the decision to cancel or move the competition is going to be about money and pride as much as it is about the skaters. These events are expensive and complicated…to host as well as compete in. Can you imagine how many contracts there are: hotels, arenas, travel, television, media, and sponsorship and more? The LOC has contracts, ISU does and how about all the competitors who have commitments to tour? Yu Na Kim has her own show and the Canadian an US tour of Stars are filled with top skaters. Those contracts represent millions of dollars!
In comparison, if you have ever purchased a house and have attended a closing, you have a general idea on the amount of paperwork that goes into it. Can you imagine the amount of paperwork when the dollars are around 20 million mark and you have to come to terms with so many stake holders? Yikes!
Another matter to consider is that of cultural customs. In Japan, the loss of face from having someone else host the championships would be extremely important to their society. Face is a mark of personal dignity and the Japanese will try never to do anything to cause loss of face.
But what about if this scenario involved the US or Russia? In Russia; they are proud of their country. They accept that their lives are difficult and pride themselves on being able to thrive in circumstances that others could not. Would they allow the competition to be moved anywhere else? Probably not.
“The show must go on” would be the rallying cry in the US. We would also say, “Time is money.” A decision would be made very quickly, and if all possible the competition would move forward. As a practicable note though, if we needed to move the event out of the US we would do it. It’s not that our beliefs are better than anyone else’s. As with our personal liberties that we enjoy here, the needs of the skaters come first.
The truly amazing thing is that multiple countries stepped up to the plate, organizing bids that included available dates in April or May, a main arena with a MINIMUM of 8,000 seats, 700 available hotel rooms, and provide the TV production and signal ``free of charge'' to the ISU and its TV rights holders. Phil Hersch reported that “…a person familiar with TV production of figure skating said that would cost between $1 million and $2 million, and costs likely would move to the higher end…”
When Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin became publicly involved, it was almost certain that Russia would be awarded the bid. Sure enough, Moscow was awarded the competition and as you are receiving this issue, World’s is over. I guess you could say pride overcame the money.

The Skater Comes First

2011-03-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

PS Magazine, March/April 2011 Recently, I went through the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program. From head to toe, it was three days of constant probing, groping, and pricking …no love handle left unturned. I saw 16 doctors and countless nurses, technicians, dietitians and trainers. After it was all said and done I received a 38 page report! I was so impressed with the quality of care and the efficiency of the complex scheduling that I purchased the book “Management Lessons from Mayo Clinic”. Published by McGraw-Hill (2008) the book outlines the core values that make Mayo one of the top brands in the world. While I was familiar with mottos, credo’s and mission statements, the books thesis revolves around their “value” statement - “the needs of the patient comes first.” The simple concept derived from a speech that Dr. William J. Mayo delivered to Rush Medical School in 1910. “The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered, and in order that the sick may have the benefit of advancing knowledge, union of forces is necessary ... It has become necessary to develop medicine as a cooperative science; the clinician, the specialist, and the laboratory workers uniting for the good of the patient, each assisting in elucidation of the problem at hand, and each dependent upon the other for support." The clinic value statement that Mayo delivers on a daily basis is “woven into the fabric – the culture” of the clinic. The systems and procedures, architecture of the campus, the doctors and medical team – all reflect and reinforce the value. All while moving tens of thousands of patients each day around their campus. While reading the book, I kept seeing similarities between the clinics’ patient comes first attitude and what should be obvious to those that serve figure skating, the needs of the skater comes first. How many times have you called a rink to find out when there’s ice time and the person who answers the phone, (that is if someone actually answers the phone) puts you on hold, only to have to listen to twenty minutes of Yannie and his magical pan flute playing “Hooked on Classics”! Finally, some disgruntled rink rat with a voice that sounds like two cats fighting in an alley picks up the phone, “what do ya want?” Why is it that the people answering the phone always make you feel like you’re interrupting something more important than anything you might possibly need? As coaches, do we do this to our clients? When the lessons are over, do you sneak out the side door? Do you not answer your home phone when the caller ID indentifies a skating parent? I know I’ve done it! All joking aside, we are not doing ourselves or our clients any favors. The sad truth is that this is a way too common occurrence and I’m sure that at some point, even the PSA has failed to live up to our own expectations. There should be no excuse for that… Another management lesson I learned from the book is the “authority to serve” or “value’s-based authority”. Value’s Based Authority gives the employee the “power and authority to act in unique situations.” The authority to make decisions based on their own core beliefs and the value belief that “the patient comes first” allows employees to act in the best interest of the patient. This is another concept that I believe relates to the coaching – skater relationship. Coaches should be making decisions that reflect what is best for their skater. Here’s an example: A coach wants to take an advanced level skater to an out of state competition but traveling with only one skater is cost prohibitive. A parent of a new – low level skater who hasn’t competed before thinks that traveling out of state would be fun. The problem is that this non qualifying competition is known for the excellent level of competition. Many coaches would take the low level skater along to help subsidize the expenses for the advanced skater. But is that the best “first competition” for the other? If you relied on you own core values and believe in the “skater comes first” mentality, you would look for a better solution. I often write about the challenges we face every day and on occasion I come across an idea that will make our sport better. I believe adopting the skater comes first and the value’s based authority philosophies can improve our sport and your image. In fact, I believe that here at PSA, if we can implement a “coaches come first” attitude and “value’s based authority” procedures for the PSA employee’s, your experience with the organization will be better. Borrowing from Dr. Mayo, the best interest for our clients is the only interest to be considered.

Two Generations Lost

2011-01-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

PS Magazine, January/February 2011

Just as the February 13, 1961 issue of Sports Illustrated was reaching the homes of subscribers, its cover girl, 16 year old newly crowned U.S. Women’s Champion Laurence Owen, was glancing down at the beautiful Brussels countryside from Sabena Flight 548. Laurence and the rest of the U.S. delegation were on their way to the World Championships, hopefully to continue the domination of U.S. skaters as they had for the previous decade. Following the greatness of Tenley Albright, Carol Heiss, Dick Button, Hayes Jenkins, and David Jenkins, Laurence and her teammates looked forward to continuing their success. But in less time than it took to skate a long program, the dream wretchedly turned to nightmare. In one heart wrenching moment, a generation of talented skaters, coaches and judges were gone…
"It is often in times of tragedy that the finest and most unselfish aspects of human character become evident,” said USFSA President F. Ritter Shumway, at an Ice Capades performance to benefit the Memorial Fund on September 18, 1961.
Ironically, it was another tragedy that thrust Ritter into the Presidency in the first place. A week before the 1961 National championships, and only three weeks prior to the crash, USFSA President Howard Herbert died suddenly. As written in Benjamin Wright’s, Skating in America, “...Ritter took immediate charge and exercised outstanding leadership throughout the crisis.” Unfortunately, misfortune struck the USFSA again in April of that year when the Association Secretary, Col. Harold “Pete” Storke also passed. The subsequent Governing Council meeting held in New York was preceded by a memorial service for the late President, Secretary, and World team.
In retrospect, extraordinary circumstances saw a third of the USFSA Executive Board, 18 athlete members of the US World team, 6 elite coaches, 4 World Judges (Team Manager Deane McMinn was a judge at the 1960 Olympics) and 1 World Referee… all gone! As noted in Skating in America, “In effect, while one generation of skaters was lost, there were two generations of coaches taken away as, since many of the top skaters in 1961 would themselves have eventually become coaches.” Mr. Wright also commented that the standard of skating never fully recovered from the loss of so much talent, especially in the Boston area. In fact, PSA Hall of Fame inductee Montgomery “Bud” Wilson, who elected not to travel to worlds on the ill fated flight but instead, was to fly later that week, died in 1964.
Also spared by a strange twist of fate were Ron Luddington and Sonja Dunfield. They coached the Dinneens who couldn’t afford to pay for their expenses so they stayed behind. Pierre Brunet was supposed to be one the flight as well as future US Champion Laurie Hanlon, the Jelinek’s from Canada, and even Ben Wright’s wife Louise.

As seems to be the case most often, my research at this point took my story in an unexpected direction…
When I started this piece, I assumed that there was some sort of a larger plan by U.S. Figure Skating. To my surprise, when I contacted Ben Wright, he told me he was unaware of any plan for the “reconstruction” of the USFSA during this period. As I begun to dig deeper, I realized that an organized reconstruction of the era was in reality, “everybody for themselves.” Those that came to the United States where seeking opportunities. Clubs mostly looked out for themselves, making decisions based on each unique situation.
While the Boston Skating Club had chosen not to bring in any additional coaches after the crash, many of the great European coaches were invited to move to the US. The Broadmoor hired Carlo Fassi to replace Edi Scholdan, and John Nicks ended up at the Zamboni families Iceland in Paramount, California where Billy Kipp taught.
In Indianapolis at the Winter Club, Rose Anne Ryan, widow of Danny Ryan and a coach herself, was left with 5 children under the age of 6. Past PSA President Sandy Lamb who was coached by the Ryan’s recall’s, “Winter club members were with her most of the time, taking care of the kids, keeping the house straightened up, cooking, etc. etc.” For the next season after the tragedy, Rose Anne brought in a male British dance coach who tried to change the skaters style from Danny’s to the British Style. The situation was difficult at best and did not last long. Rose Anne took over for the rest of the season and the following year brought in Ron Luddington, only two years after he won his Olympic medal.
According to Jerod Swallow, managing director of the Detroit Skating Club, one of their skaters, Doug Ramsay, did perish along his coach, Bill Swallender. Bill wasn’t a resident coach at DSC at the time but taught and operated his own studio rink, as did the Hadley’s in Seattle. Bill would work with Doug on the days Doug skated at DSC. “Bill taught a number of DSC skaters over the years and his death was no less a terrible loss to the club and skating community in Detroit,” said Mr. Swallow. Predictably, both Bill’s and the Hadley’s studio rinks did not prosper for long after the crash.
As far as the void of top skaters, the ranks were filled with future stars, judges, and coaches like Monty Hoyt, Scott Allen, Gary Visconti, Tommy Litz, Richard Callaghan, Tim Wood, Pieter Kollen, Stan Urban, Billy Chapel, Tina Noyes, Christine Haigler (Krall), Louise Wakefield, Karen Howland (Jones), Cynthia and Ron Kauffman, Howard Taylor, Jan Serafine, and perhaps the celebrated of all, Peggy Fleming. Even though the depth was impressive, the period from 1961 – 1965 was extremely unstable. As Patty Bushman, author of the soon to be released book on the 1961 team, Indelible Tracings told me, only the pair team of Judianne and Jerry Fotheringill in 1964 and Peggy Fleming in 1965 were able to defend their US titles.
The only association move that I could personally confirm was that the association was pleading for skaters to come out of retirement. According to Barbara Roles, someone of authority from USFSA had called her mother and asked Barbara to come out of retirement. Honoring those friends she lost, Barbara did come back, placing 5th in the 1962 World Championships, securing a spot for three American skaters at the next World Championships. Patty Bushman confirmed for me that the USFSA did make contact with many former skaters, including Aileen Kahre who had been retired for 6 years! Patty wrote in her book, “… Kahre came back to support U.S. figure skating. Bill Kipp had coached her in Los Angeles when she won the 1956 U.S. silver dance title, and had since returned to her native San Francisco. The USFSA invited silver dance competitors Howard and Georgia Taylor, who had two sets of twins, ages ten and thirteen, to compete in gold dance. When Georgia declined, Howard approached Aileen.” Not much of a plan I’d say.
Ok, that’s not totally accurate or fair…Mr. Shumway did do something that impacted the sport more than bringing back retired skaters; he established the memorial fund. As Ritter said at the Ice Capades benefit performance, “We will take our Memorial Fund a giant skating stroke forward toward our goal of perpetuating the memory of our gallant 1961 World Team skaters, not so much by statuary and plaques, as by giving us the means to assist talented young skaters - many of them yet 'undiscovered' - to get started, to develop and advance, and eventually to represent our country in future years, and to be ranked at the top of the world in the art of figure skating."
My brother David and I, as well as my son Ryan, have all received financial assistance from the memorial fund. By this time, I’m sure the fund has touched the lives of thousands of skaters…it is a lasting memorial to those that died and an important legacy to support. Please ask your skating families to go and see “Rise” or read “Indelible Tracings”. Take the opportunity to discuss the past and the tradition of skating with them. This is a great opportunity to show them why skating is so special and why it’s the greatest sport on earth.

The Forgotten Art of Skating Etiquette

2010-11-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

PS Magazine, OCT/NOV 2010

This past September, I was in San Francisco for both the PSA Nationwide and ISI seminars. I was excited to be there as I was unveiling a new presentation/soapbox, "The Forgotten Art of Skating Etiquette." But before I was scheduled to deliver my new PowerPoint, I had an on-ice presentation to do. Standing in the middle of the rink finishing up my session, you can imagine my surprise as I was interrupted by this gentle voice from behind.
"Excuse me Mr. Santee, I am sorry to interrupt…I’m warming up for my test and I need to use the middle of the ice…Is that OK?"
I turned and just stared at him in stunned silence…Did he just call me Mr. Santee? Is he asking my permission to use ice he already had a right too? WOW was all I could think, and "Sure" was all I managed to say. Turning toward the coaches standing there, I said, "I’ll even get out of his way." I was so impressed with his demeanor that I thought to myself that if I taught there, I would probably always make it a habit to look out for him.
What really excited me was that this was a great example to what I believe is a major problem today– the lack of "Skating Etiquette." It seems that hardly a day goes by where my own children don’t complain about someone getting in their way during their program. Or maybe it’s a kid working on an axel in the lutz corner or someone practicing moves in the field in the opposite direction on a crowded session. It’s the beginner who never moves for anyone, or worse the coach who follows their skaters throughout the lesson, oblivious to anyone else on the ice. There are probably a hundred examples of poor etiquette. And almost everybody has an excuse. I wish I had a dime for every time I hear, "…so and so never moves for me. Why should I move for them?"
Why? First, respect - as a society in general, there is a lack of respect for anything or anyone. Do we let in a merging driver or speed up? Second is safety – two skaters playing chicken on who is going to get their jump in first. Someone has to take the high road or there will be a collision. And finally, there is an economic component to this issue. Mayhem on a session creates an unsafe atmosphere and a total lack of productivity. Frustrated skaters are just going to search out a free style with fewer people. Fewer people on a session are not profitable for a rink. How long will it take for a manager to take away an hour of ice and sell it to hockey?
We can’t change the world but as coaches, we can begin to change the skating one…one skater, one coach, one parent, one club, one rink at a time. We can do this by making it a focus to teach our skaters the history, traditions and etiquette of our sport.
Here are some thoughts on what to teach:
1. The Right of Way (rīt'əv-wā') The customary or legal right of a person, vessel, or vehicle to pass in front of another.
2. Programs have the 1st priority to the right of way. The program skater should be easily identifiable. Use a fluorescent colored vest or material that can be tied around the waist
3. Do not restart programs. A protocol should be developed regarding double run through’s prior to competitions.
4. Coaches should NOT make a habit of following a skater during their program
5. Lessons have the 2nd priority to the right of way. This means the skater having the lesson, not the coach!
6. Seniority has the 3rd right of way and the responsibility to avoid collisions
7. Be Courteous – "Excuse me, Thanks"
8. When passing slower skaters, always pass to the outside of the skater
9. When skating towards another skater, when in doubt skate to the right.
10. Look both ways before skating away from the barrier
　
Suggested Area’s of Instruction

Closer to competition time, coaching should be done from the side or off the ice completely. Practice as you compete, compete as you practice.
As a general practice, do not let skaters skate behind you.
Coaches have the ultimate responsibility to control the safety of a session
When teaching spins, it is advantageous to do so in the center of the ice. This cuts down on the skater having to travel straight across the traffic pattern to the barrier and less disruptive to the flow of traffic
Coaching corners- a great spot to teach younger skaters who need closer attention.
Avoid standing jumps using the blue lines or the center red line. This can be very disruptive to the flow of traffic and dangerous for the skater. If required, use the area in the second half of the session. The rationale being that generally there is less skating activity as the session progresses
　
The following are some diagrams that are handy for teaching skaters traffic flow protocol. As a disclaimer, these are suggested. Each individual arena will have exceptions based on the skill level of skaters, and the individual needs of the arena and skating program. Copies of these diagrams can be downloaded at www.skatepsa.com/forms.

“PSA + C-E-R'S = GREED”

2010-09-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

PS Magazine, Sept/Oct 2010
On June 10 at 11:45 am pacific coast time a coach from the LA area updated his Facebook status with the following words, “PSA + C-E-R'S = GREED”. By that night, six more coaches weighed in with comments like, “yep its called lets suck all the money we can out of the coaches” and “thief” and finally, “The smell of corruption is powerful to allow so many ‘required’ fees.” You can imagine how I felt reading those words. You can imagine as the e-mail made the rounds how those on the board of governors felt and those committee volunteers who give hundreds of hours of there time to this “greedy” organization. Unfortunately, while a majority of LA coaches have worked hard to improve their “product”, a loud vocal minority continues to misstate the current facts regarding membership to PSA, required CER’s, criminal background checks and in general, the purpose and mission of the PSA.

For over 70 years, the PSA mission has been: “Dedicated to providing continuing education and accreditation to ice skating professionals. That has not changed, nor will it and I don’t believe I need to apologize for doing just that. Additionally, the PSA is “owned” by the membership. Full members vote for their representation on the Board of Governors, and those on the board vote for the leadership. While there seems to be some confusion regarding the position of the Executive Director, I am a paid employee who works at the pleasure of your elected president. My job is not making policy but to follow the direction of the executive board. Interesting enough, while my “Facebook friend” believes me to be greedy and corrupt, he has never attended a single PSA event, purchased anything from the site, nor voted in any election. My “Facebook friends” continue however, to complain about myself and my predecessor, Carole Shulman. If they really wanted to change the way the association operates, maybe they should do their own research as opposed to gossiping online and rehashing issues from the 80’s. Since my “Facebook friends” didn’t bother, I will enlighten them here.

As reported during the business meeting at the recent conference, the greedy PSA showed a net operating profit of $1,417. I know we are supposed to be a not for profit organization, but I couldn’t help squeezing that $1500 dollars out of the coaches. But really, nearly all of the money generated from Educational Programs is spent on those programs themselves. For example, last year we earned $321,450 presenting our seminars, Workshops and PACE and had expenses of just under $310,000. The sales of Educational material such as manuals and DVD’s, were $129,000 with expenses of $123,500; a net profit of less than 5%.
In regards to CER’s, this program is a US Figure Skating rule, under the direction of the US Figure Skating Coaches committee. It is not a requirement of PSA membership but of US Figure Skating. The PSA supports and delivers the CER’s for US Figure Skating. Interesting enough, while my “Facebook friends” think that there is no need for continuing education, the results of the exams say otherwise. The CER US Rules 101 course has been taken by 6064 coaches with a passing rate of 71%. In laymen’s terms, 1,800 American coaches could not pass the test on how to read the rulebook… To be fair, most attempted the exam without the aid of the rulebook. Comparatively, the Ethics Course passed at a 97% rate and Sport Science at 98%. The second most difficult CER test was IJS 101 in which 12% failed, a total of over 360 coaches of the 3000 plus Category A coaches. While my “Facebook friends” may feel that there is no need for them to know the rules, I’m sure the parents of their skaters might think otherwise.

In spite of the fact that being a professional is becoming increasingly expensive, requiring education is considered necessary by U.S Figure Skating’s Governing Council and by our own PSA Board of Governors. We have gone too long thinking that the world revolves around figure skating. In Minnesota, woman’s hockey has replaced figure skating as the ice sport of choice for many of young girls. Michigan, Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois have lost many skaters to hockey as well. In 1992 USA Hockey had 10,000 girls registered; by 2009 they had registered over 59,500! While ISI and Basic Skills have been trading skaters, USA Hockey has been siphoning our girls off at an alarming rate. Adding to that the drop in enrolment at the novice/grade 9 level you can see why many coaches and clubs are struggling.
We need to keep those girls in the sport. We need to continue to work hard to improve the image of our sport and the profession of coaching. Having a professional membership, liability insurance, a criminal background check, continuing education, ratings or rankings should be considered a marketing tool; not a punishment! In today’s market, to be competitive we must be the very best.

"Nothing is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Wisdom of Wooden

2010-09-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

July/August 2010

On June 4, 2010, the world’s greatest coach died at the age of 99. “Quietly, with dignity, as if the Lord had personally and gently embraced and carried his spirit away”, said close personal friend and co-author of several of John Wooden’s 10 books, Steve Jamison. “Coach,” as he was referred to by most, was not a figure skating teacher but the legendary basketball coach of the UCLA Bruins. Among his achievements included 10 NCAA Championships, a winning streak of 88 games that spanned three seasons and the President’s Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor America can bestow.
I knew of John Wooden, just as most sports fans would; a reference quoted by a TV or radio commentator to one of his many “Woodenisms” like, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” It wasn’t until just before his death however, when Tom Zakrajsek presented his keynote address at the annual PSA Conference in Colorado Springs, that I was really enlightened. Tom talked a lot about reading and self improvement. He quoted John Wooden often and at one point, showed John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. The Coaches Pyramid is reprinted in the center of this magazine, and a more detailed version can be found at CoachWooden.com.
Curiosity over John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success and Tom’s words drove me to Wooden’s official website. The Pyramid of Success is made up of 15 blocks; from Enthusiasm to Competitive Greatness. On the website you can “open” each block and get a detailed explanation and commentary. Ironically, the first block I opened up was “Self Control,” something that I struggled with as a competitor, performer, coach, and even as Executive Director. Wooden describes the difficulty of getting to the “top” and staying there and in his own experiences, “…both getting there and staying there present unique and formable challenges.” Both necessitate self control. For someone to achieve greatness, a mastery of your emotions and discipline is vital. Coach Wooden was careful not to engage in pregame pep talks that would spike his players’ emotions. Those peaks make it difficult for players to control their actions leading to lackadaisical play and mistakes. Coach goes on to say that for “every contrived peak you create, there is a subsequent valley...Self-control provides emotional stability and fewer valleys.” An easy comparison is this year’s Coach of the Year, Frank Carroll. Mr. Carroll has said that it is important not to overwhelm a skater at the gate prior to their program. Generally, he portrays a calming demeanor, with positive phrases and almost no technical advice. Like John Wooden, Frank prefers “controlled focus and directed energy.”
Surfing through Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, it’s easy to see his influence on Tom Zakrajsek, Frank Carroll, and most probably, all teachers and coaches. I have picked my ten favorite “Woodenisms,” many of which you may have heard before…all are inspirational. When you get a chance, check out his website or the next time you’re in a book store, check out one of his books.

1. “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
2. “You can’t let praise or criticisms get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.”
3. “Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character.”
4. “A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.”
5. “If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes.”
6. “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.”
7. “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”
8. “Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”
9. “Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
10. “Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.” v

Source: CoachWooden.com

“Vintage Platinum Medal”

2010-06-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

PS Magazine, May/June 2010

For Immediate Release:

Dateline: April 1, 2010, Rochester, MN

Jimmie Santee Awarded “Vintage Platinum Medal”

In a touching ceremony attended by no one, but beamed by satellite to certain areas in Russia, Jimmie Santee was awarded the Vintage Platinum Medal for his performance during the 1988 Calgary games. “The fact that I was performing with Disney on Ice during those Olympics doesn’t mean anything… I mean I did beat Brian Boitano once in 1977. I’m sure if I was given a spot on that Calgary team I could of won" said Santee. Following the lead of the Vancouver Games Platinum Medal winner, Evgeni Plushenko, a secret but select committee of former non-medaling Olympians felt the need to recognize Jimmie as the true winner. When asked for a comment regarding the award, a former Olympic Silver medalist who asked to remain anonymous said, “Fantastic! Perhaps a note from Obama and a visit to the White House comes next!” When asked what he going to do now, Jimmie responded, “I’m going to the PSA Conference and Trade Show in Colorado Springs, May 27 – 29!”

…For those of you who missed the original Platinum Medal ceremony, Evgeni Plushenko allegedly awarded himself the medal following his 2nd place performance in Vancouver. I say allegedly because his agent, Ari Zakarian claimed that it was unauthorized and that Evgeni knew nothing of it. That contradicted what was reported on Yahoo sports; a picture of Evgeni wearing a platinum medal was found on his official site. The caption read, “Silver of Salt Lake, Gold of Torino, Platinum of Vancouver.” Regardless, the actions and words of the silver medalist made the claim believable. It was also one of the worst examples of sportsmanship…ever!

It also brought back a flood of memories of poor sportsmanship; the South Korean short track skater who threw his countries flag to the ground following disqualification after winning a race for gold in Torino. How about the Isaiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer of the Detroit Pistons walking off the court before the end of game 4 of the 1991 Eastern Conference Championships? Following the 1988 Olympics, Debi Thomas was being interviewed on live television said, “Anybody want to trade an ABC pin for a bronze medal?” I remember how mad I was when I heard that statement…I would have given anything just to be on the Olympic team. I thought how could anyone be so disrespectful?

If Plushenko had only made one bad quote, it would be easier to forgive him, but he went on and on. An article in USA Today by Steve Wieberg, may explain his behavior. In his article, a study by three U.S. academics shows that bronze-medal winners, on average, are happier with their finishes than silver medalists. Those scholars analyzed heat-of-the-moment reactions and interviews of Olympians, during the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
“When we documented the trend, there were some silver medalists who were delighted and some bronze medalists who were crushed,” said Thomas Gilovich, chairman of Cornell's psychology department and one of the study's co-authors. “But on average, the weight of the data showed there was this significant tendency for bronze medalists to be happier.” Steve Wieberg reported of the study “…that expectations, who was favored, who wasn't — were taken into account.”
Back in the early 90’s, I had to the chance to meet Debi Thomas and have dinner with her and a few of the other skaters from the Sun Valley show in Idaho. While sitting across from her, I brought up the quote. How she replied really changed my opinion of her. Debi had been a favorite going into the games. As the first black U.S. and World Champion in 1986, there was an enormous build-up of pressure prior to the games; not only from the skating society and media but by the black community as well. Debi was sitting in first place heading into the long, but a poor performance dropped her to the bronze. Her feelings Debi told me, was not that she thought she should have won, but of not doing her best. Her comment meant to be funny, came off as flippant and disrespectful. I don’t think her reaction would nave been different in she won the silver…she just didn’t skater her best and was crushed. Sometimes a lifetime of emotion just come out at the wrong moment.
Comparing Debi to Plushenko - In spite of of what Evgeni claimed, he also did not skate his best. In fact, go to u-tube and watch his long from Torino and compare it to Vancouver. I find it amusing that he was quoted as saying, “Quad is quad. If the Olympic champion doesn't know how to jump the quad, I don't know…Now it's not men's figure skating, it's dancing. That's my point.” My point Evgeni is your Vancouver program was – A. a dummied down version of your Torino program. Where was the quad/triple combination? Where was the Triple Axel/ Triple toe combination? And – B. the worst choreographed IJS program …ever! Unfortunately for Evgeni and his coach Alexei Mishin, in the four years they were out of the sport, it passed them by. They did not take the opportunity to grow with the system. Either through arrogance or stupidity, they decided that he was “owed” the gold. One thing Evgeni said was right, this isn’t dance. He had to earn his gold on the ice. Forget about a platinum medal, he should get Roger Ebert’s “Rotten Tomato” award.

The Big Disconnect

2010-03-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

PS Magazine, March/April 2010

As exhausting as it was to attend the Spokane marathon, better known as the 2010 AT&T U.S. Figure Skating Championships, it has reaffirmed to me that the skating has never been better. I know there are people out there who will disagree with me. Sonia Bianchetti, ISU judge and referee, frequently blogs about the poor quality she sees in events that she attends or watches on TV. I can’t speak for what she sees in Europe, but if she is referring to the United States, I need someone to explain it to me! What I saw in EVERY event at the U.S. Championships was truly inspiring. I was proud to have been a witness to more great performances and well-choreographed programs than I have ever seen in a single event. That being said...
We have a big disconnect. We rely too heavily on what we read. Many of us read Phil Hirsch, Nancy Armour or Christine Brennan—and some actually enjoy reading what they write. But when they keep writing things like ‘bring back Tonya Harding,’ or ‘there are no stars in skating,’ all it does is encourage our fans to change the channel. What really got me going was watching press row during the events in Spokane. During the Original Dance event, at the conclusion of Meryl and Charlie’s program, press row emptied out. That wouldn’t be a problem if there weren’t seven more teams left to skate. Marie Milliken of Associated Press was the only writer to watch every skater in every event. How can the rest of these writers describe skaters and programs that they didn’t even watch? Phil Hirsch himself writes about the great bike trails he rode while in Spokane. Was he there on vacation or to cover the U.S. Championships?
Maybe if they were paying attention they could have broken the storm that rumbled over Johnny Weir’s costume. I googled “Johnny Weir fox costume” and had 320,000 hits; the guy can’t get a break. Evan’s costume had feathers on it. Is the difference being real or fake? Regardless, Johnny had this to say following his decision to change the fur; “I hope these activists can understand that my decision to change my costume is in no way a victory for them, but a draw. I am not changing in order to appease them, but to protect my integrity and the integrity of the Olympic Games as well as my fellow competitors.” Bravo Johnny! Plus two on the GOE!
A second costume hullabaloo involved the Russian dance team of Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin whose tribute to Australian Aborigines at the European Championships created a stir. Their original dance to Australian Aboriginal music, they performed it wearing brown face, tribal paint and costumes with clumps of faux foliage. Thank the lord that they went with “faux” foliage or we could have added Tree Huggers of America to the list of offended.
And then the avalanche. Evgeni Plushenko, the defending Olympic champion, was quoted as saying, “If the judges want someone to place high, they can arrange it. Like (at the European championships) in Tallinn, (France’s) Brian Joubert got more points for his transitions than me, although we did exactly the same transitions on the ice. In fact, we don’t have any transitions because we focus on our jumps.” In response, American judge Joe Inman forwarded the quote to a group of friends, writing: “I find this an interesting observation of his own skating and the judges’ marking of his transitions.” I can only assume the e-mail fast-forwarded beyond the intended group as Toronto’s The Globe and Mail referred to the e-mail and reported that there is a “North American bias against European figure skaters.”
In response to The Globe and Mail article, French skating federation president, Didier Gailhaguet told French sports magazine, L’Equipe, “It just proves that the North American lobby is on its way.” Huh? What the heck does that mean? What a ludicrous statement from someone with no credibility. Wasn’t Gailhaguet suspended for his role in the judging controversy at the Salt Lake Games? Isn’t he part of the reason we have this new judging system? And then making matters worse, Mr. Weir had to weigh in on the controversy. Following is the direct quote by Johnny on USA Today online:
Weir joined the chorus of criticism after his first practice, saying, “I am very offended that an American judge started this whole thing. I think it’s a smear on my face and my reputation as an American figure skater and I hope he’s banned from judging for the rest of his life. Coming into the Olympic Games, America already has an iffy public image and for him to basically attack every other skater in the world …
“Even though he did that trying to support American skaters, it’s my reputation. Am I going to be judged differently because of what some stupid American judge did? Because I’m an American, am I going to be judged more harshly than somebody else? It wasn’t the time or the place. Politics in figure skating isn’t an abnormal thing but you don’t do it and smear your team a week before the Olympic Games.”
In all respect, Mrs. Weir, I have to give Johnny a minus three on that one. First off, I don’t believe that Joe Inman started anything. He made a personal observation, one that many would point out. Second, if Johnny is worried about his “reputation as an American figure skater,” maybe he shouldn’t have worn a Russian warm-up jacket during an event. Third, “I hope he’s banned from judging for the rest of his life”… not even the villains from Salt Lake were banned for life. Four, “…basically attack every other skater in the world…” How did Johnny get that from “…an interesting observation of his own skating…” Actually, that’s a minus four for the first paragraph alone.
So, let me total up the scorecard… Johnny is sitting at a minus two for this column! I had great hopes for him as I began this editorial . I guess the moral of the story is that we are who we are and we should learn to celebrate our own unique personalities. In this case, I wish Johnny had followed Jeremy Abbott’s lead. When asked about the e-mail controversy by USA Today, he said he had heard about it but didn’t know any details. But that isn’t Johnny and unfortunately as I spoke earlier, what we have is a “big disconnect.” We are reacting to sound bites and online media, not getting all our facts straight before opening our mouths. I just pray the next time someone sticks their foot in their mouth, they’re not wearing skates.

25 Years

2010-01-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

Jan/Feb 2010 PS Magazine

The year was 1985. My first year as a performer with Disney on Ice and the year I met my wife, Jamie. You may recall the Chicago Bears won Superbowl XX that year, embarrassing the Patriots 46 – 10. In 1985, Windows 1.0 was introduced and the first .com registered. Brian Boitano won the first of his four consecutive national titles. Sandy Lamb was president of the Professional Skaters Guild of America; the first woman to hold that position. But two of the most fruitful changes of that time were the move of the PSGA from Buffalo, New York to Rochester, Minnesota and the hiring of Carole Shulman as its executive director; not only a change of address but a new beginning for the association and facelift for the newsletter.
The “Professional Skater” – PS Magazine was introduced with the March/ April Issue. In 1985, PS Magazine had a circulation of 1100, with the membership of the PSGA at 925. The two-color magazine continued to publish six times per year. Twenty-five years later, we have almost topped 6500 members and the magazine is printed in full color. It continues to be the face of the PSA and one of our more significant contributions to keeping the coaches up to date with the constant changes in our industry.
But more importantly, looking back to 1985, there has never been a greater time of growth and change in skating. Our sport transformed itself in 1990, when school figures were eliminated from all International and World competitions. Although the PSA spoke out strongly against it, by 1999 figures were gone and moves of the field were in. Also in 1990, the eligibility rules were rewritten by the ISU, allowing skaters to earn considerable amounts of income from appearance fees in shows like Tom Collins Champions on Ice, IMG’s Stars on Ice, Witt and Boitano’s “Skating” or even teaching fellow skaters (“considerable income” does not refer to teaching).
Both decisions were meant to popularize competitive skating on TV, but paled when compared to two major events that rocketed the popularity of skating to the stratosphere. First, the obvious: the “whack heard around the world” at the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating National Championships in Detroit. The second, although subtle, was more discerning as CBS lost the rights to NFL football. Catching the network somewhat unprepared for the open football slots, CBS scrambled to fill the air-time with a plethora of made for TV competitions and shows, competing directly against ABC, who had been broadcasting figure skating on Wide World of Sports since 1962. The PSA’s own competition, the U.S. Open Professional Championships, was established in 1981 and first shown on ESPN in 1988, and continuing until 1995 on CBS, USA, and TBS. That year while the “amateurs” and their new TV partners enjoyed their popularity, Ice Capades quietly went out of business as their attendance fell, a consequence of skating’s novel popularity on TV, Disney on Ice, and the “Stars” and “Champions” tours. Although most industry leaders failed to recognize it, this was the first sign that the ISU’s 1990 Congress had made a grave error. Still the money and the popularity of “made for TV” skating competitions continued to rise, helping to create a building boom of rinks and skating schools. It didn’t take long for the ISU to learn, along with U.S.Figure Skating, that their “product” was being neglected as much of this new income was going to outsiders; agents and producers attracted to this emerging market.
So in 1995 the ISU introduced the ISU Champions Series, which would later change its name to the Grand Prix of Figure Skating. It was a game saving decision for the ISU, but a severe blow to the long established pro competitions like the U.S. Open, the World Professional Ice Skating Championships in Jaca, Spain and to another popular skating event, Candid Productions “The World Professional Championships.” Candid Productions, founded by Dick Button, produced the first championship in 1973. Mr. Button’s competitions, which included the World Challenge of Champions on ABC’s Wide World of Sports, continued to grow in both popularity and participation until it hit its high water mark in the mid 90’s. With the ISU’s Grand Prix and the influx of made for TV competitions, such as “The Ice Wars” and “The Rock and Roll Championships,” increased competition created havoc in an increasingly over-saturated market. At the height of popularity, U.S. Figure Skating and ABC signed a deal to televise U.S. Figure Skating events which ran from 1998 to 2007 for a sum reported as $10 million annually. Considering the run that Michelle Kwan had, I’m sure ABC was happy to pay, expecting the ratings to keep climbing.
ABC’s Doug Wilson said, “Skating is a marvelous, sweet pie. And when the popularity of it grew, a heck of a lot more people, driven by a buck, became interested. But the pie didn’t get bigger. The quality events didn’t get any bigger. So the pie got bigger with created events. Created for not necessarily the good of skating, but for the profit of those who were putting them on...”
U.S. Figure Skating was in great financial shape during the time of the ABC contract, with basic skills numbers almost doubling during that time. But there were warning signs; growth slowed considerably among the regular members with a total increase of just over 5%. Around the millennium, Nielsen ratings for professional skating competitions were declining and the TV networks were shifting towards a time-buy model. Prior to this model being introduced, producers would shop the rights to their programs, with most production expenses being picked up by the network. There was little risk for the producers as they got paid whether the network could sell the advertising or not. With the time-buy model, the producers would purchase the air time, pay for the production, and sell the ad space; they assumed all the risk and made less revenue.
While U.S.Figure Skating was on top of the world, the rest of the industry went through a phase of acquisitions and closings. Looking back at the demise of Ice Capades in February 1995, the company was sold for $10 million to International Family Entertainment Inc., whom announced plans to sell Capades six months later, and was then closed shortly after. The PSA’s U.S. Open did not have a television contract for 1996 but with their partner, Sports Marketing Marque Group, was broadcast on UPN in ’97 and NBC in ’98. There was no 1999 U.S. Open, as the Marque Group paid the PSA $100,000 and walked away, being bought by SFX for $100 million. Less than a month later, Magicworks sold to SFX for $118 million. Magicworks Entertainment, the producers of “Nutcracker on Ice” and the ill-fated Warner Brothers Family Ice Show, in 1998 purchased the largest independent figure skating management firm in the world, MARCO Entertainment for an undisclosed figure. Michael Rosenberg, MARCO president and CEO, took over Magicworks winter sports division. Rosenberg at the time represented Dorothy Hamill, Oksana Baiul, Linda Fratianne, Viktor Petrenko and Pasha Grishuk/Evgeny Platov and Elizabeth Manley to name a few. Candid Productions mirrored a similar fate. By 1999 Dick Button had also sold to SFX, who the following year sold to Clear Channel, who did nothing with the brand. Clear Channel paid $3 billion to SFX stockholders and assumed 1.1 billion in SFX debt. Kind of like buying a goldmine that you discover is pyrite. The gold rush was over.
During this same time, the PSA, under the guidance of Carole Shulman, PSA President Bob Mock and the future president, Gerry Lane, made a very bold move to purchase land in Rochester to build our own building. Dividing the land and selling two parcels of the original property more than paid for the original piece of land. In 2000 the PSA moved into the new building.
In the winter of 2002, hopes were high that Michele Kwan would finally grab her gold and lead the next wave of growth for the sport in the U.S. Unfortunately; she fell short of her goal, earning the bronze and making matters worse, a judge’s scandal of epic proportions exploded after the pair event. It’s not like anyone ever thought that there weren’t deals being made to fix competitions, but to have someone admit it was something else. The ISU made the only ruling it could choosing not to punish either team but to award them both gold medals. But the fact still remains that the people responsible went for the most part unpunished. With the popularity of the sport waning, the judge’s scandal of Salt Lake City did nothing to endear our sport to it fans.
Shortly thereafter, the ISU announced the new International Judging System. Designed to focus on the skaters rather than the judges, IJS evaluates a skater’s performance as opposed to comparing each skater to the next. Further more, the IJS judges’ marks are referred to by its detractors as “secret judging,” as each judge is anonymous. I’m sure that the ISU was hoping to take the focus off the judges, but that has not happened. Arguably, this has frustrated a shrinking fan base who have had difficulty understanding the results and no one to blame when their favorite skater doesn’t place. Fortunately, during this period of time, the U.S. Figure Skating Board of Directors recognized the current trend in ratings and determined that the ABC contract could not be duplicated, made plans to begin cutting costs and preparing for business with less capital.
In 2006 Carole Shulman retired, opening the door for myself. Carole left a legacy few could match, including the growth of the organization to over 6000 members and the building of our beautiful office in Rochester. Almost at the same time, U.S.Figure Skating hired their new Executive Director, David Raith, whose broad experience in television has allowed U.S. Figure Skating to return to broadcast television as well as launch icenetwork.com. Also during that time, Mitch Moyer was hired as the High Performance Director encouraging the growing cooperation between U.S.Figure Skating and the PSA.
Today the PSA is operating debt-free, having paid off the mortgage in 2008. Additionally, the association was able to move our investments from stocks to cash during the last year, realizing only a 7% loss of the value. The PSA continues to prepare for the future; first purchasing the current e-learning management system and developing a PSA/Dartfish.TV channel, available soon via the World Wide Web. Continuing our mission of coach’s education and accreditation, PSA added ISI as a partner. Together with U.S. Figure Skating and ISI, PSA hopes to improve the quality of coaching in the U.S. and beyond.
As Yogi Berra said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” Our sport has changed enough that those “business models” that were successful in the past may not necessarily work today. That being said, the U.S. Championships will be shown on NBC live, in primetime and produced by U.S. Figure Skating and NBC; finally an opportunity to sell the sport on our terms. Looking back, the biggest decision made, debatably a mistake, was cashing in on the popularity of the sport with the ABC deal and if I were in that same position with the cash offered, I’m not sure that I wouldn’t make those same decisions. I think an interesting point to make is that by the time SFX sold itself to Clear Channel, they had acquired over 200 entertainment companies worldwide. SFX, who had no background in skating, had come along and spent at least $218 millions dollars to buy up Candid Productions, The Marquee Group, Magicworks (MARCO); three major players in the skating industry who cashed in and walked away.
Regardless, as we all know, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. The PSA is prepared to grow; we are prepared to ride out the current storm, ready to catch the next big wave forward. So too I believe are ISI and U.S. Figure Skating. We are in control of our destiny and as our motto says, “Teamwork makes the dream work!”

Twisted Metal

2009-10-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

PS Magazine, November/September 2009

Just a short time ago, US Figure Skating held their annual Champs Camp. Thirty of the 46 attendee's had their boots and blades analyzed focusing on what possible affect poor equipment could have on their performance. In order to protect the innocent, I will not share any names… those doing the checking, the skaters, or the boot or blade manufacturers. The skate technician at the camp looked for bent blades, blades that were not in vertical alignment with the boot, sharpening which covered radius of hollow and edge level, and the use of orthotics.

Interesting enough, 11 of the 30 skaters had some sort of bend in at least one blade. Those who do mount blades know that blades can be twisted or bent during the mounting process. As it was explained to me, it only takes one screw put in at an angle to cause this problem. Skaters can bend their blades while skating. It’s not hard to imagine the amount of pressure put on boots and blades when you see the speed and height needed to land triples, or in the case of pairs, watching those girls sail 20 feet across the ice and from a height higher than the boards.

Thirty-three percent of this elite group of skaters had mounting problems. As a general rule, blades should be vertical under the foot. There are exceptions where a blade is placed off vertical on purpose, but the consequences should be well thought out prior.

But of these issues, sharpening appeared to be the worst problem with nearly 67% of the blades out of level. Comparing these figures to the ones above, it makes total sense. A bent blade won't sharpen with level edges and it is the responsibility of the technician to make sure the blades are straight before sharpening. Most of the time out of level edges are the result of inaccurate sharpening. This is a problem.

I think about NASCAR and how they “tune“ their cars before and during a race to reach optimal balance to achieve the greatest speed and performance of the car. The US Olympic Committee goes on and on about “Sustained Competitive Excellence.” Do you think having a bent blade will help your skater achieve that? How often as a coach do you look at your student’s equipment? Do you check them when they just get them sharpened? Do you mount their blades or do you have someone else do it? More importantly, do you know HOW to mount a blade correctly, or even check if a blade is bent or has uneven edges?

Kind of reminds me of a recent problem I had with my computer at home… I could not for the life of me figure out why the computer would not turn on. My son asked me if it was plugged in... Oops! I know, Wedding Crashers rule number 5, “I’m an idiot!” But seriously, sometimes we get so caught up with an inconsistent jump, we search for answers by changing patterns, positions, timing…generally chasing our tails when in fact it could be something as simple as a bent blade, bad sharpening or poor mounting. I am going to venture a guess but I am willing to state for the record that most coaches do not know how to do any of those things…

Solution? This is a PSA problem to solve and I promise you that we will. Look for articles in future PS magazines, e-learning courses and presentations at seminars, workshops, and conference. I’m not guaranteeing you’ll be mounting or sharpening blades, but you will learn how to recognize the problem.

Danger, Danger

2009-09-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

PS Magazine, Sept / Oct 2009

You may have seen on ESPN’s show E:60 a scary story regarding the hospitalization of a number of high school hockey players allegedly due to high carbon dioxide levels in the rink from a poorly maintained ice resurfacer. As quoted at ESPN.com, "E:60 conducted its own series of tests at 34 rinks in 14 states. Of the 28 rinks that used propane or natural gas resurfacers, nearly one-third were found to have dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, or ultrafine particles.” Did you know that Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are the only states to require arenas to monitor the air in their facility and to maintain specific levels? Do you know if your arena is one of the “clean air” buildings? Does your rink have its resurfacer tuned up regularly?

To me, while carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are extremely hazardous, the most dangerous safety issue could end up being ammonia. Ammonia is a common refrigerant and with the government phasing out the use of Freon, many new rinks are being built with ammonia-based compressors. Ammonia is an extremely efficient (almost 10 times more efficient at 1/5th of the cost of Freon R-22!) refrigerant that lost its favor in the late sixties and early seventies because of the fear of ammonia leaks. Ammonia is extremely irritating and may severely burn your skin and eyes upon contact. Ammonia can be used safely, but only if the proper precautions are taken. All ammonia areas should be well-ventilated and posted with warning signs. Emergency exits should be well-marked and easy to get to. Do you know what kind of a refrigerant your arena uses? Does the facility have an ammonia or Freon alarm? Do you know the arenas evacuation plan? Does the rink even have one? The building should have a written emergency plan which is not only required reading but should be periodically drilled. For internal threats like fire, gas leaks, etc; know your way out of the building quickly. For external threats as severe storms and tornadoes, know the safest location within the building.

I always talk about the importance of educating ourselves, generally with the thought of improving our coaching and technical skills, but in reality we need to know much more about our “office.” We are responsible for our students when they are in the facility and understanding how the rink operates will help you be a better and safer coach. I’m not suggesting that you run into the manager’s office tomorrow and tell him what he’s doing wrong, but if given the opportunity to share some thoughts on how the facility can produce a better experience for the skaters, here are some other thoughts.

Ice maintenance and ice quality are one and the same. The best arenas do maintenance everyday and have a flat, level surface that does not chip excessively and allows for effortless gliding. Remember in the day when our coaches would tell us to lay out our paragraph figures in the center of the ice and away from the boards? I also remember standing next to my coach discussing a technique to finally recognize the fact that I had drifted about 5 feet away…

To get a flat surface it takes commitment from the resurfacing drivers and the person who “edges” against the boards. A good measurement regarding the levelness of the rink is the kick-plate at the bottom of the boards. Kick-plates are 8 or 10 inches in height and based on a preferred ice depth of 1.25 to 1.5 inches, you should see about 7.5 to 8.5 inches of the kick plate. Additionally, the arena should be measuring the thickness of the ice throughout the floor. This is done by drilling into the ice at predetermined areas and measuring. Another important piece is the quality of the water itself. Water that has been de-mineralized is preferred and the ice-making water should be at a minimum of 160 degrees to minimize the oxygen content of the water. The temperature of the ice should be between 24 -28 degrees. Ice that is too cold or is high in mineral counts will “tear” on edge jumps and increase the size of the holes on toe jumps.

Some managers will need convincing that having perfect ice doesn’t cost more money. While it may increase some man hours, having thinner ice lowers the heat load on the compressors. Three inches of ice could cost as much as $7200 more a year than a 1 inch ice depth. Additionally, when someone gets hurt skating and they file a lawsuit, often they blame it on the quality of the ice. Having a well-maintained ice surface and a log of what maintenance was performed and when; is the first line of defense.

Back to Basics

2009-07-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

PS Magazine, July/Aug 2009

At the governing council in Buffalo, an important step was taken that I believe is the most encouraging news to promote the growth of our sport…the limiting of the number of double jumps and which doubles can be attempted at the Preliminary level, rule 3701. Another rule change (Rule 3691) was passed to decrease the number of jump elements from six to five at the pre-juvenile level.

I am excited by these changes quite frankly; we need to get back to basics…we need to prioritize skill and athletic development over winning at the entry levels. The need to win at the Juvenile and Intermediate levels have led to the drop off in numbers at the novice level. Why are we in such a rush to push children out of our sport? As the saying goes, “The race is not always won by the fastest, but the one who runs the longest.” This should just be the beginning. Many of you will recall the Preliminary/Pre-Juvenile survey that was sent to PSA members, with the results published in the March/April 2009 Ethics Edition. Interestingly enough, the results of that survey had been delivered to the chair of the Singles committee and two of those survey questions ended up on the ballot. Thank you to those on the Singles committee who listened!

As keyed up as I am, there is still more to do. If we can take a step back and look at the sport as a whole, where are we and where are we going? Have we made the right decisions over the last 20 years… 10 years? Even though U.S. Figure Skating has taken positive steps to consolidate leadership at the board level, the governing process still has too many components, too many chiefs with their own independents agenda, with no thought as to the consequences of their actions (pun intended). Over and over again, one of the biggest complaints is the inconsistency of the rule book; the result of the afore mentioned problem…to many cooks in the kitchen.

First and foremost, I believe the group coordinators of the U.S. Figure Skating Board of Directors together must look to the chronological progression of our sport and determine if it does in fact “work.” A logical, well thought out progression of skill and athletic development from U.S. Figure Skating Basic 1 or ISI weSkate Tot 1, through the U.S. bridge program, to the competitive and test tracks, and eventually to the senior elite level. The appropriately named “bridge” program itself identified an existing problem, a gap between skill development and competitive skating. My issue is the competitive track has gotten away from skill and athletic development. Jr. Nationals has become the “baby pageant.” Parents are spending tens of thousands of dollars to buy the dream we are selling …to be America’s sweetheart. We have created a culture in which the defining moment of our lives happens before the age of 12. Again, because U.S. Figure Skating is so big, there is not one person who oversees the progression of our skaters from the first timers to the Olympics. There are huge holes in the development of skills, whereas basic skills have a deliberate and well thought out plan, the competitive track that makes no sense. While the bridge program has begun the task of standardizing the transition to competitive skating, those who do use it have chosen to interpret and edit the program to “their” needs. Once a skater has reached the test levels, until the rule 3701 change, there was little difference between preliminary, pre-juvenile and juvenile. There is almost no difference between novice, junior, and seniors.

I always use the analogy that U.S. Figure Skating is like a cruise ship, not a ski boat. We are just not going to stop quickly and change direction. That being said, I respectfully submit to new U.S. Figure Skating President, Pat St. Peters, that she create a new position at U.S. Figure Skating – “the Skating Czar”. One “skating” person, under the direction of Executive Director David Raith, to oversee both basic skills and athlete development, from the first day of class to the moment they step onto the Olympic podium.

There is No "I" in Team

2009-06-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

PS Magazine May/June 2009

Why do some coaches and elite skaters feel they have a sense of entitlement? In the April 2009 International Figure Skating Magazine, a reader wrote a letter to the editor saying, “Shame on U.S. Figure Skating for not naming Johnny Weir to the world team….It is just good old skating politics again.” Is that not what we are trying to get a way from? Is it not the point to let the best skater on that day win? Why do so many of us believe that we are owed something for past production?

Current coach and former US Pairs Champion, World and Olympic team member Melissa Militano was quoted in the same IFS Magazine in an article penned by Tai Babilonia as saying,

I’d like to see a system implemented in which skating associations honor coaches who have reached a certain level of achievement, whether medaling at nationals, Worlds, Olympics or coaching skaters at these levels. We must stay informed of current changes and methods of training, but I find it disrespectful and demeaning to require these credible coaches to be tested and rated in order to participate in U.S.-sanctioned events.

First of all, it is a U.S. Figure skating program that requires coaches to educate themselves. The PSA ratings are a voluntary program. Secondly, I called Melissa to ask her if the quote I attributed to her was accurate. Yes, she told me the comment was accurate. Melissa was very gracious and we had an excellent 30 minute conversation in which we debated her comment. We ended up mostly in agreement, but that leads to what really bothered me about her quote. I am struggling with the words “disrespectful and demeaning.”

Why is it disrespectful that U.S. Figure Skating wants their coaches to understand the current ISU and U.S. Rules? I have a national title from 1977 and 1979… what does that have to do with being a good coach some 30 years later or for that matter understanding anything about the current judging system? All that means is that I have a novice and junior championship. Now by that same token, Melissa has been a member of the PSA since 1995 and has years of coaching experience. That could lead one to say that through experience and a great competitive record she is a “credible” coach. But by who’s barometer? The coaches themselves? Is it possible then, that every foreign coach in the U.S. is credible? They are almost all champions…. where do we draw the line? More importantly, who draws the line? Do we let those with a title “skate” and those without be required to educate themselves? Now from the perspective of coaches who have coached someone at that level. We can argue that point because they have a strong leg to stand on. They have earned their credibility. Those that have multiple skaters over multiple years not only have the credibility but have earned the respect of their peers. There is no comparing of apples to oranges here. You either can coach or not. Your body of work will speak to that. We need to get past the point of “I” and do what’s right for our profession, for all that practice it. The only way to make sure that each and every child is getting the most from their coach is to enforce the rules equitably and without bias. All must participate.

And why do some coaches have a hard time wearing their credentials at competition? This rule has been in force for almost a year. Coaches must be registered with U.S. Figure Skating and pass a criminal background check. Recently at the Southport competition held in Gurnee, Illinois, it was bought to the attention of PSA as well as U.S. Figure Skating that there were approximately “ten coaches who objected to wearing a nametag in the restricted ice entry area--with four of those behaving in a belligerent fashion.” My guess is that if they were wearing their name on their chest they never would have gone off on a set of volunteers who are just trying to do their job. Why is it so hard to understand that we need to do this for the safety of the children! Have they not seen the list of banned coaches? Unfortunately this is not an isolated case. Coaches have been giving LOC volunteers earfuls since Tonya whacked Nancy and security tightened at all events. The days of just walking into a competition is over and we will never go back. We need to follow the rules and start treating these volunteers in a respectful manner.

Men are respectable only as they respect. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Skating on thin ice

2009-04-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

PS Magazine, March/April 2009

It is not a question of whether our sport is skating on thin ice or not… the question is will there be anyone around to save us when we fall through?

The U.S. Figure Skating Strategic Planning committee, of which I am a member, has been hard at work, focusing on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing U.S. Figure Skating and the industry in general. My sources also tell me that ISI has been meeting as well. But as we all work to discover an achievable solution to the current issues at hand, they are quite honestly, issues that no one has been able to identify with any certainty. We know the symptoms, but we have not yet discovered the cause or cure. It reminds me of a recent e-mail going around. “Due to the current economic issues - high oil prices, high cost of electricity, plunging stock prices, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off. We regret the inconvenience.”

My opinion is that there are three distinct issues that are contributing to the existing struggles in our sport. A fourth, the IJS is thought by many to be the only issue, but I am not going to go there. We were skating on thin ice long before IJS was a thought in any mind. My first fear is that while looking for a solution, we will continue to “diworsify,” a term coined by investment guru Peter Lynch regarding the diversifying of assets in poorly chosen investments that strain companies or investors. In a nut shell, are we making our “ice” too thin, trying to be too many things to too many people? Singles, pairs, dance, synchronized skating, showcase, theater on ice, adults, collegiate’s, basic skills, well balanced program, test track, judges and coaches education; that’s just U.S. Figure Skating. Add ISI into the mix and we have double the opportunities but the same size pie. As more programs are implemented, staff and expenses increase while the revenue remains the same. Yes, these extra programs keep skaters in both U.S. Figure Skating and ISI, and obviously keep the coaches busy… that’s a good thing, but they don’t attract new skaters and moreover, take an unbelievable amount of resources to manage, both financially and in the way of staff and volunteer hours. Already, a common complaint from these user groups is the lack of funding and attention. If the association were to increase the funding, where would the money come from and at whose expense? Either from increased participation or fees, the latter creating more tension among the already taxed stakeholders.

My second issue is the ISU. On the world stage, I believe it is time that figure skating and speed skating seek a divorce from each other and form two independent international governing bodies. Regardless of what anyone at the ISU believes, having two rival skating sports under the same governing body is counterproductive to the well-being of either sport. Who is supporting who? Resources will never be shared equally and one group will always benefit at the others expense. While one could argue that the sharing of operational expenses is cost affective, those savings do not actually benefit the figure skating side of the organization. I have every confidence that Mr. Dore, the ISU Vice President of Figure Skating could lead the recovery at the realm of an independent organization. Unfortunately, ISU President and former speed skater, Ottavio Cinquanta who has had his hands in many decisions to the detriment of figure skating, i.e. the elimination of school figures and the implementation of the International Judging System, will not let that happen. If Mr. Cinquanta had developed a policy to monitor the judges more closely when he took office in 1994, we never would have developed the poor image that we enjoy today. I want to clarify that I don’t believe that the IJS itself is the issue, but the lack of information and education to the average skating fan on the finer points of the system. At U.S. Nationals in Cleveland, two couples sitting in front of President Morris-Adair, Kelley’s husband and former U.S. Dance Champion, Donny Adair, Carol Rossignol, and myself, turned around and said, “We don’t get it. We heard you talking and figured you knew what was going on.” There was a brief hesitation as we all looked at each other, not saying what we all thought, “it is confusing.” With a confident smile on my face, I explained to them that the judging is a lot like the stock market. Like a stock, each skating program has value, and with good execution, grows in value. Mistakes or poor execution costs the skaters points, just like an investor would devalue a stock when the company underperforms and loses money. I went on to add that there were benchmarks that each maneuver needed to achieve in order to maintain their points. They seemed to understand that concept and enjoyed the rest of the event.

Finally, I don’t believe those in the media that say that the sport has no stars. I realize that the media has their problems to deal with. The print media such as the Chicago Tribune, LA Times, and New York Times are all in serious financial trouble. Broadcast media such as network television is in trouble and cable is just too big. Can I say “diworsification?” Do we really need the Bass channel? Talk about spreading yourself too thin, I can choose between 600 channels, thousands of radio stations and an infinite number of websites. It is not the lack of a skating star but the plethora of choices we have in our lives and a dwindling attention span. U.S. Figure Skating is not in the business of making “stars”; that’s the media’s responsibility. The media has “made’ every skating star since Sonia Henie. If we don’t have a skating star, it’s because the media didn’t do their job. What happened to the old “up close and personal” features that ABC did. I don’t recall even seeing anything in the U.S Championships coverage resembling a human interest story. Also, what is with the “truth booth?” It just looked like NBC did not want to spend any money on someone to interview the skaters. Sticking Jeremy Abbott into the booth and letting him ramble… didn’t do anything for me or Jeremy’s image. As far as I’m concerned, if the media is looking for someone to blame for the lack of a star, don’t point your fingers at us, just turn on the TV and watch your own broadcast or read your own column.

I hope the powers that be do not think that we should become the new X games. It is not what we do. We don’t need to change who and what we are to become popular again by adding more sparkle and flash; its just smoke and mirrors. Let’s continue to look forward to the future by respecting the past, honoring our traditions and staying true to the sport that represents the purest form of art and athleticism. Interestingly enough, I was discussing this editorial with a friend of mine and he reminded me of what the PSA’s mission was - the education and accreditation of coaches.

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

2009-02-13T14:32:00.000-08:00

January –February 2009, PS Magazine

HAVE YOU EVER OPENED a desk drawer and found some notes or maybe a book that has been long forgotten? Searching in vain for a new place to put it, you stuff it back in the same drawer to once again be found at some moment in time when you say to yourself again, “I might need this.” Well, every time I get to cleaning up my office, I find piles of interesting tidbits that I think will make a good article or maybe a presentation… I move it to a new pile …only to be discovered again the next time I decide to clean up. I am always amazed at the plethora of information that we all have right under our very noses.
Case in point: earlier this year, I was reading an article in USA Today about Bill Sands of the US Olympic Training Center, who has been a frequent speaker at PSA Conferences and Seminars. It seems that he was going through some files collected from the Stasi (East German Secret Police) and he found some drawings of a device to improve flexibility. After some trial and error, he developed it and was amazed at the results. It got me thinking. What stuff do we have lying around the PSA office in files that haven’t seen the light of day in years and might have invaluable information? Not to stop there, I began to think about all the knowledge that has been passed down from coach to student regarding figures and how in a short time this information is going to be gone. I started to think that it might make some good reading if the PSA started to research our history, and as we go along see if there are some older, forgotten techniques that could still be relevant today. Our first installment of our history is in this issue and it covers the inception of the PSA in 1938 up to World War II. The interesting morsel that really caught my attention was a quote from an article written in Skating Magazine in 1938.
It was the strong feeling of those present at the meeting that some very definite action should be taken to put an end to the practice of professional show promoters in inducing amateurs to turn professional for the purpose of skating in haphazard skating shows which failed and left them stranded as professionals without experience in teaching ...
As Kent McDill writes in his article, “… hearkens back to a time when skaters were being drawn into the ‘professional’ ranks for reasons considered improper by the figure skating establishment.” After Tonya whacked Nancy, it wasn’t the show promoters we had to worry about but the ‘agents.’ Like sharks circling in for the kill, agents signed anyone and everyone. Televised specials by the dozen, professional competitions, endorsements all made a select few wealthy. Even though record numbers of children began to skate, did anyone else get rich?
In order to save our “amateur” sport (and themselves), the ISU made the only decision it could to survive - cash prizes and the Grand Prix Series. Competitors could now be “professional” and this dysfunctional family known as the “skating industry,” stood by and counted the cash as our rinks filled, memberships soared, not by design but simply by being the right sport at the right time.
Now we swim among new prey: a global recession. Where are those agents now? Many have abandoned the industry and moved on, leaving those behind to try and pick up the pieces. Our top skaters who have been earning a good living as “amateurs” and spending large sums of money on training, choreography and costumes, suddenly are in jeopardy of losing the revenue required to compete as an elite skater. The ISU this year is reducing the number of judges at four of its premier events, citing economic reasons. IJS is not killing our sport… it’s been on life support for a long time. As observed so long ago in 1938, we have allowed money to cloud our judgment. Skating has once again become about money…perhaps it always has and always will.

COACH DRIVEN

2009-02-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

November-December 2008,PS Magazine

Going over the minutes from the May Board of Governors meeting in Chicago, I found a gem of an analogy from then PSA Vice President, Christy Krall, “…with so much to know…Coaches now feel like a plate spinner on the Sullivan show.” For those of us that remember the Ed Sullivan show, I can hear the Sabre Dance playing in the background as the tuxedoed circus performer ran from plate to plate, frantically trying to keep the china from hitting the floor. Well, as our industry becomes more competitive in an unstable market, coaches are running from rink to rink, trying to find ice time and students, learn the IJS, and fulfill their Continuing Education Requirement, I can see her point. What we have to remember is that if we are going to keep those plates from crashing to the floor, we must learn to work together; arena’s, coaches, parents, skater’s, clubs, PSA, U.S. Figure Skating, ISI, STAR, and the U.S Olympic Committee. As I have often pointed out, it is the coaches who drive our industry. Rinks may provide the ice, skaters may provide the TV ratings, clubs may provide the testing, and U.S. Figure Skating provides the stage…but it is the coaches that find the talent, nurture the talent and mold them into tomorrow’s champions, all the while providing a vital lifeline of income to the rinks and clubs. Guiding skaters through a mine field of issues takes a skill set that must be learned. Although many feel pressured from both the PSA and U.S. Figure Skating to spend more of their hard earned money on education and registration, it is imperative that coaches take advantage of what is offered. Last year, the PSA asked our members to invest in yourself. Most purchased liability insurance, attended educational programs, took ratings, applied for rankings, and networked with fellow coaches…all of these programs are here to help you.
For this year, PSA and one of our insurance partner’s, Association Marketing Group (AMG) is working on affordable health care plans with savings in many areas of up to 50%. By January 1, AMG will hope to be making available this insurance in over 18 states. AMG now offer’s PSA members dental and vision plans in all 50 states. The PSA has worked hard to improve communication to members through the Area Representative Outreach program, mass e-mails from the office and IJS alerts to your telephone. As CER classes come online, the joint PSA and U.S. Figure Skating CER committee plans to launch up to 36 more online courses in which to choose from. The key word although is “choose.” For you to be successful, you as a coach must “choose” to participate. The USOC calls this model for victory, “Athlete Centered, Coach Driven.” Coaches must make the decision to participate. Coaches must make the decision to be ethical. Coaches must make the decision to take the steps necessary to ensure their own achievement and the success of their athletes. The PSA, U.S. Figure Skating, ISI, STAR, and the USOC will provide you with the opportunities and tools required. You have to make the choice to accept it.

WE FALL, WE GET UP, and WE TRY AGAIN

2009-02-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

September-October 2008, PS Magazine

Like a true competitor, the beginning of every season starts off full of hope and excitement. Programs are completed, tests passed, and this time every year, skaters across the country are beginning their final preparations for Regionals. This year, sitting in the stands is a single parent staring at her checkbook… 342 miles to Regionals at .58 cents a mile, $14 in tolls, and $417 for 3 nights lodging. Coaching fees of $300, costume and music…lessons, ice time…and maybe there will be something left over for food. Looking up from her checkbook, she watches for the umpteenth time as her daughter gears up for what is going to be another attempt at a double splat. How can she fall and fall and fall, and keep getting up? Because skating is life; we fall, we get up, and we try again. This is why I love skating. In times of adversity, we always get up, wipe the snow from our backside and do it again. Everything I have learned and achieved in life is because of skating.
The current state of the skating economy both real and imagined has us all nervous. Gas at $4.41 a gallon, the stock market down, airfare up 30%, war; will anyone come to skate? But when I think I’m at the breaking point, I close my eyes and think of the words of my coach… “Ya big baby!” Ok, well not that one particularly, but there are so many to choose from; “do it again until it's perfect”, “one thing at a time”, “practice as you compete, compete as you practice”, and one of my favorites, “you want to meet your toughest competitor? Go look in the mirror.” The principles I learned at the rink are the ones that will help me get through the times. They will for you too, and it all revolves around effort and education. Just like competing as a skater, we are competing for skaters. Only those who do everything it takes to be the best will make it. It is so important to give yourself every advantage. Can you believe 12% of those who replied to the PSA survey don’t believe it is worthwhile to be rated? Ratings are about what you know and how well you can communicate your philosophy of coaching to a group of Master rated peers. Also, many coaches are upset at having to submit to a background check. My thoughts are that passing a background check is something to add to your resume. I have used the analogy before regarding Doctors and the certificates that they have hanging in their office. Doesn’t that make you feel a little better when you see Harvard Medical School instead of the Grenada School of Medicine?

It’s Just Not Funny Anymore!

2009-02-13T14:29:00.001-08:00

July-August 2008, PS Magizine

Those of you who frequently read my editorials know that I often use quotes to drive home certain points within my column. Recently, while putting some quotes together for the awards dinner at conference, I began to realize that often in current history, Figure Skating has become the target of late night humorists, bloggers, and columnists.

Here are examples of three recent quotes:

Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov, under U.S. indictment for allegedly creating the skating judging scandal at the 2002 Winter Olympics, gave an interview for ESPN’s Outside the Lines. He said “…all that’s being written about me is completely untrue.” Responded Dennis Bolles, of the FBI: “Well, John Gotti said that. Although Gotti never specifically denied rigging figure-skating.”

Wrote Janice Hough, a frequent blogger on NYtimes.com, “With the steroids in Major League Baseball, the dog fighting and other arrests in the NFL, the disqualification of so many Tour de France riders, the game-fixing in the NBA, who knows, maybe the least controversial sport might just turn out to be figure skating.”

Ray Ratto, a CBS.com columnist wrote in reference to Tim Donaghy, a National Basketball Association Referee who claimed that other Championship series had been fixed by officials, “They’re like figure skating fans, who learned to factor in the idea that the judges were straight from Enron Central Casting, and kept coming back for more.”

As often with humor, there in itself lies the truth. We have become the joke. Although much of what is written centers around the reputation of our Judges, Tiffany Chin laid it out plainly when during the Governing Council of U.S. Figure Skating in May said, “…the reputation of coaches is not what it should be.” Based on the countless calls and e-mail I have been receiving recently, I unfortunately have to agree. But it’s not just the coaches and judges. We ALL have to look to ourselves and know that we are doing everything in our power to act morally and ethically. The internet makes this a small world…too small. Another recent article to make its way around is the alleged rape of a 13 year old skater by her coach in Japan. This year, a former World Champion was involved in a fatal car accident while driving drunk. Another skater was drugged with a date rape drug by a business partner. Also in Japan, a national competitor arrested for drunk driving and of course the untimely death of Christopher Bowman which had initially reported to be under suspicious circumstances. As a group we have become selfish; the great enablers who believe that all press is good press. Does the end justify the means? What type of people are we going to attract to this sport when this is the perception of who we are? We need to turn this ship around NOW…immediately. We may not get a second chance! I’ll leave you with this final quote:
Two Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

The Nature of the Beast

2009-02-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

May-June-2008, PS Magizine

I can’t stress enough as a former arena manager, the importance of having qualified, well trained skating school and competitive figure skating coaches. Having an untrained professional on staff is like handing over the key to the ice resurfacer (or someone) just because they have a driver’s license. Furthermore, being a good competitive skater did not necessarily guarantee that I would be a good coach. Arguably, arena owners and managers, who are frequently hockey enthusiasts, have difficulty understanding the business of figure skating; they often hire 16 year old skaters or former competitors who have no formal training. The same goes with US Figure Skating Clubs. Club Boards are often filled with parents whose only mission is to look out for the best interest of THEIR child. How many coaches encourage their skaters' parents to join the board? More significantly, these are the people who hire the skating school staff.
I hear increasingly how coaches feel that they are being treated unfairly, either by their club or rink management. Some of this I can chalk up to personality conflicts but as I hear of more and more “issues,” I’m wondering if there isn’t a bigger problem.

Here is an excerpt of one recent e-mail.

“…you have unqualified teachers watering the sport down, … who are interfering with “real coaches” livelihoods to teachers who can’t do a three-turn well, literally, who are teaching freestyle private lessons, because some Club let them, due to the fact that they don’t have to have accomplished anything in skating to be able to join the PSA in the first place. If they are book smart and talk to enough Pros, they can learn enough to pass a PSA exam, but still can’t skate worth a darn.”

My first thought was that Gus Lussi was a Ski Jumper. Arguably the greatest technical coach of any time, a member of the PSA Hall of Fame, Mr. Lussi taught from a stool, no skates. My second thought was that I had recently taken my first exams; the BA followed by the Certified Program Director. I don’t believe that by having a few “conversations” with a coach is going to help someone pass a PSA certification test. What I do know is not having a certification program would be worse. We must have standards. We all know that not every judge’s panel will judge a Moves test the same. How many times have we heard of skaters going to a particular club because “they pass everything.” Comparatively, we know that not all Master rated coaches are great teachers just as we know there are great teachers who have no ratings. There are plenty of doctors in the world. Would you allow any of them to operate on you or a loved one? NO, you would ask for referrals and if you are smart would ask them if they have been recently recertified in the area of their expertise. We must have a way to establish the coaches from the pretenders. The PSA continues to work hard on improving our profession, the key to all relationships.
Two more important cogs in this wheel are education and communication. The education of rink management and clubs on our business practices and what to expect from a Figure Skating program are essential. A PSA rated coach is going to be an asset to their facility. They will keep skaters in their programs longer and provide a professional level of stability that will create a revenue stream during non-prime hours. Although many managers believe that their hourly rate must be achieved in order to be successful, competitive figure skaters will spend on average $3600 on ice and programs annually (2 sessions daily @ $7, M-F for twelve months). One coach, PSA rated hopefully, with 20 students can generate annual revenue for non- prime ice in excess of $70,000. If you compare that to one hockey team who has an average of 3 hours of ice a week from September to March and at a rate of $200 per hour, revenue will top out at $16,800. The difference is obviously the amount of ice used, but a well balanced program can see equal revenue between hockey and the LTS/Competitive Figure Skating program. Even more importantly, coaches need to understand what the rinks and clubs expect and need from us. Rinks and Clubs expect coaches to sell their programs, not just promote private lessons. In the words of PSA Master rated Coach Janice Forbes, “A rink can’t be successful without you; you can’t be successful without the rink.”

Is This the Last Tango?

2009-02-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

March-April 2008, PS Magazine

If rumors heard at Nationals are correct, the ISU is contemplating the end of compulsory dances at ISU events. Although I could find no written record anywhere, enough people in the know believe that it will happen. When or if it does, will that spell the end of compulsory dances as it did for figures everywhere else in the world? Piece by piece, skating’s identity is slipping away, one discipline at a time. But more importantly, who is deciding all these changes? I can’t imagine it is someone who knows anything about skating and our reliance on tradition. As it did with the elimination of figures, removing compulsory dance will only accelerate the gymnastic aspects of figure skating while destroying the artistry and maturity that sets our sport apart from most. With the possible removal of compulsory dances and the way current rules are written, dancers could easily compete in pairs as well. Sitting at Nationals this year I had to ask Robbie Kaine if I was watching the OD or Free Dance. I couldn’t tell the difference. If you take away compulsory dances, you might as well combine dance and pairs into one event… we could call it two people synchronized skating. Bob Mock and Carol Rossignol suggest that we put up to four teams on the ice at once during compulsories. Kind of a “Roller Derby” meets “Dancing with the Stars.” But seriously, this is not a knock at the IJS, nor dancers, pairs, or Synchro, but at the leadership of the ISU. I understand the need to accommodate the TV crowd by changing dates or schedules, but are we going to allow them to reshape our sport to such an extreme degree? These are the same small screen people dictating the direction of our sport that gave us Hee Haw. Comparatively, if the ISU is so concerned about appeasing television, why don’t they get rid of long track speed skating? Come on, they just skate in circles against the clock…tick…tock…snore! (My apologies in advance to Bob Crowley, Executive Director of US Speed Skating and former PSA Governor). TV didn’t want figures. Now they don’t want compulsory dance. All but the purest skating enthusiasts know that compulsories don’t sell more Campbell’s soup, but arguably, even American Idol shows the compulsory “a cappella” auditions. If someone doesn’t stand up at some point, we won’t be skating at all!

Just a Few Thoughts…

2009-02-13T14:25:00.000-08:00

January-February 2008, PS Magazine

Last January, right after Nationals, Chicago Tribune writer Philip Hersch forecast a bleak future for our sport in the United States due to dwindling TV money and ratings, and the lack of recognizable skating superstars. Less than a year later, Hersch wrote in an article published December 5 in various Tribune Co. newspapers that the “Dearth of new talent is what ails ice skating. While the focus is on judging issues, the fact that the U.S. is so dominant while other countries’ programs falter threatens the future of the sport.” Hmm, interesting…first, I had to look up dearth (–noun 1. an inadequate supply; scarcity; lack). So I guess he’s clarifying his statement from last winter, it’s not the lack of talent in the US, but the rest of the world. OK…Maybe someone can help me here...I’m not too clear on the good/bad thing. I thought that the object was to dominate. I’m curious, do you think there were many Soviet sports writers who complained about the lack of competition for the last 30 or so years in pairs? Just asking.
Another mania that has been bothering me is the continued badgering of the international judging system on the internet. I admit that I have taken a few shots at it, but really can we just get over it? Here is an excerpt from an open letter from Sonia Bianchetti published in Tom Sobell’s Skating Group on Yahoo.
…Is it conceivable that a World or Olympic title may depend on the personal impression (because it can only be an impression) of a couple of callers that there was or was not “a weight transfer” in the touch down or in the three turns between two jumps? Crazy! And so unfair to the skaters. Wasn’t the new system invented to limit personal opinions of the individual judges?... A tragic comedy!...
First, you can blow any amount of smoke, but it is a competition ultimately scored by judges regardless of ANY system we have used in the past, present or future. The truth is people do not like to lose and when they do, they will blame anyone, least of all themselves, but mostly the judges. If you are keeping scores, that only makes about six people who are happy after each competition. Comparing the old to the new, the two scores in the 6.0 system reveal nothing of how the numbers were reached. When coaching under that system and a parent asked why their child received their particular marks, the coach could only guess what was wrong. At least IJS shows the math. Just looking at the protocol will tell you exactly where someone won or lost.
Secondly, as it has always been, a great program is easy to judge… in any system. Nevertheless, if three technical panellists cannot decide whether a “transfer of weight” has happened while looking at a replay just as Ms. Bianchetti refers, are the judges better suited to make a judgment from memory? The IJS system gives the panel multiple opportunities to get it right, the 6.0 system only ONE.
Another vocal critic of the IJS is National Judge Jack Curtis. Although his style of writing is amusingly sarcastic, I believe some of his statements are misleading, inaccurate or at least tweaked a little to help him make a point (I know I like to do this too). Jack writes in his article, The Emperor’s New Judging System, that at last year’s world championships, Asada attained 38% of her score from jumping. In the 6.0, 50% of the mark was the technical score. Comparatively using Jack’s 38% figure, that leaves 12% for spins and any other technical element. Considering there are only four spins allowed compared to seven jump elements at the senior level, I don’t see the issue. Some will recall that last year I did a study of over 295 Jr. Ladies Long Programs. Quoting myself from the IJS article from the February/March 2007 PS Magazine, “The average Jr. Lady’s PCS (Program Component Score) is 4.12 points greater than the Total Element Score.” If the jumps are overtaking the programs, shouldn’t the TES be greater than the component scores?
Finally, Mr. Curtis adds, “For jumping, it helps to be juvenile and skinny. A good orthopedist will come in handy too as Lipinski, Galindo, Yagudin, Plushenko and others have learned while shopping for their joint repairs.” What does this have to do with the IJS? Especially when three of the four mentioned skated in the 6.0 system.
Judging competitions are just that…judging. Getting out my dictionary again, a judge is, “a person appointed to decide any competition, contest or matter at issue.” Whether the criteria for judging are decided by the ISU, or the judges themselves, whether it’s the 6.0 or the IJS, it is supposed to be fair and unbiased…but under any system, those who have been in this sport for a lifetime know the truth. Just as Tom Weir wrote a long time ago in USA Today, “skating is not a sport, it is an opinion.” Like Sonia Bianchetti, Jack Curtis holds the same opinion that the old system provides accountability for the judges. “With 6.0, the judges’ names come with their work. If you want to bother, you can compute the outcome yourself. You know exactly who is doing what to whom.” Yes, maybe the “who,” but never the “why!”
For a copy of the entire Jack Curtis’s, The Emperor’s New Judging System article and the Sonia Bianchetti letter please e-mail me at jsantee@skatepsa.com or you can Google them.

+1

2009-02-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

November-December 2007, PS Magazine

Making dinner earlier this fall, (yes, I make dinner) a commercial came on for Planters Peanuts in which the Planters mascot is break dancing. My son, Ryan, say’s to me, “Dad, did you see the broken leg spin” to which I responded 'no'. My wife Jamie chimes in, “Did it count?” “Yes,” Ryan say’s, “he was definitely low enough.” “I don’t think he achieved the 2 full turns,” she says. Ryan replies, “I don’t know Mom…” I put down the meat, turned and gave my wife Jamie “the look”; you know, the one with one eyebrow raised and the head tilted slightly to the right. I was thinking that it might be a little early for her to be drinking…10 minutes later the commercial plays again. “I told you Mom, he made the turns” to which Jamie replies that he didn’t get enough upper body twist to get the core body change. At this point, I am thinking that IJS has made us all just a little too crazy. It has consumed the lives of many and I am not sure that we can recover. Another example; I was driving home from work this past summer and saw two bicyclists run into each other. One went flying over the handlebars superman style then tucked and rolled and came up with out a scratch. I’m thinking Level II, + one (he was a little out of control in the air!). I can’t go a day without cracking wise about someone outside of skating achieving some level of difficulty.
All joking aside, it has consumed us. Although many of us are frustrated with the system, it is here to stay and we had better get used to it. Think about it this way. During the late spring and summer, while the Europeans are resting, we are hard at work competing with the new and untested IJS changes. Thousands of American coaches, judges, callers, and skaters begin attacking the changes, pushing the envelope and seeking clarifications. When clarifications do come out, more often than not, they create more questions. When we do finally get it, the Europeans will start competing, all with the benefit of the “beta testing” completed by the North Americans.
Here are some changes I’d like to see:
• Make footwork a component and not an element to be “boxed.” As it is now, it is too labor intensive for the callers and too easy for them to miss something. And really, aren’t judges qualified to do this?
• Get rid of jump sequences altogether. Sequences are not difficult. Each full rotation jump in a sequence should be a box, period
• Limit the levels for spins in a program at the lower levels Juvenile should be made to do developing spins, i.e. sit change sit or camel change camel.
I’m just wondering…why is the elevated crotch in the face position illegal in ice dance but legal in pairs? If it’s offensive in one discipline, it’s offensive period.
As a final point, I wonder if the same people who pushed to have figures eliminated, are the same ones who believe that the IJS doesn’t work? I hear the complaints often about the poor quality of turns, brackets, counters, rockers, etc in footwork. One positive note; the current rules are forcing skaters to learn proper turns…just remember, for those of us who did figures, it took us thousands of hours over a period of years to get them right.
I guess what I’m saying is that this sport is making me crazy!

When it’s Time to Say Goodbye

2009-02-13T14:22:00.001-08:00

September-October 2007, PS Magazine

I have to say I am getting quite good at spewing out all of the problems in our sport, but I think it is time for me to put my money where my mouth is. It is time to start talking about how we are going to change… how we are going to improve our image and ourselves! One of the issues that consistently comes up in our lives, and I am frequently questioned about, is what happens when we gain or lose a student. Here is a portion of an e-mail we received at PSA:
"… Could you please clarify an ethical situation for me: I was approached by a parent to coach her skater. They are no longer taking lessons from a previous coach. I spoke with her and she says they have an outstanding bill yet to pay. My understanding is that I must wait until this is paid prior to starting lessons. There also seems to be some controversy over some charges. What is my role in all this? Your website says: Prior to acting as a coach the member shall determine the nature and extent of any earlier teaching relationship with that skater and other members. However, I don’t see any guidelines regarding the financial part. Can you please help me follow the correct procedure?"
The issue is one of professionalism and not automatically one of ethics. Our tenants of professionalism dictate how we wish to act with each other within our coaching community. Teaching a new client before his or her final bill is paid is not necessarily a breach of the PSA’s code of ethics, but a behavior referred to in some PSA communications as unprofessional. Regardless of the PSA’s interpretation, your peers alone could determine this to be unprofessional, which would not only create tension in the rink, but undermine your credibility as well. Your reputation will be tarnished and regaining the trust of the other coaches in the rink will be a time consuming act. I believe the best way to handle this issue is to open a dialogue with the previous coach to work out a compromise. Obviously, the controversial charges will be the question that needs to be answered. A coach who keeps immaculate records of lesson times, bills regularly, and doesn’t allow balances to get too high, will be in a much better position to collect his or her final payment. When a former coach hands an invoice to a parent for $1000, how many can pay that off in one chunk? For a coach who charges $60 an hour, $1000 represents 16 hours of lessons. Three lessons a week could mean that the coach hadn’t billed in 4 months. How accurate is that statement going to be? Did the skater show up for all the lessons? Did the coach show up for all the lessons? (Here’s a hint. Check with the rink and ask for copies of the attendance forms. Most rinks know who is on the ice.) Another issue is the coach who provides services such as editing music, etc and doesn’t charge…until the skater leaves them. I received one letter where coaches were teaching a skater for “free.” When the skater decided to move on, the family was given a bill for $6000! Motivational speaker Brian Dodge says, “People presume that because dishonesty often brings short-term advantages, it does not have long-term consequences; but time always tells the truth.”
If you are the coach on the losing end of this arrangement, please think of your own image in the eyes of your peers. Your actions will scream loudly if you act childishly. Losing a skater is never fun; our pride takes a hit and we feel all eyes are upon us. The truth of the matter is that we all lose students. In fact, how many times did you change coaches as an amateur? As a young man, I was very hurt personally by a coach I left who called me a has-been from the day I left until I finally said something to her only a few years ago. Is it the child’s fault or the new coach’s fault that the parents have terminated your services? Why make a thorny situation worse by being difficult? We promote and teach sportsmanship; be a good sport!
To prevent much of this from transpiring, a good idea is to have a written policy regarding your lesson fee structure, payment procedures, missed lessons and in the event of a parting of the ways, a termination policy. A termination policy could be worded to include that all balances must be paid before beginning with a new professional. Another clause could be to include the option of an independent arbitrator for disputed charges. You should have a signed copy of the policies from the parents. This will help you in the recovery of payment for services. It’s also cheaper than going to court or using a collection agency.
In reference to any one of the examples in this editorial, here’s a closing thought: assume that you will be teaching in your arena, as will the other coach, for years to come. Your relationship with your fellow coaches will span an extensive period of time. The students come and go. The actions you take will have consequences either way.

“Try not to become a person of success but a person of value.”
Albert Einstein 1875-1955)

Where are we heading?

2009-02-13T14:16:00.001-08:00

July-August 2007, PS Magazine

The image of the coaching profession must improve. Recently, I was talking with a coach from Southern California. She relayed to me that there are unaffiliated coaches in her area who charge up to $95 per lesson. These coaches have neither teaching credentials nor experience, but just charge what the market will bear; more likely what they can get. This is an issue that hurts us all as coaches. Really, why bother to educate ourselves when others do nothing and charge the same or more? The reality of the matter is that if the skating market declines, only those professional coaches who produce quality skaters will survive. Those who misrepresent themselves will find their business shrinking as parents question their professionalism or their child’s lack of progress and performance.
Bob Mock wrote in his March/April 2007 article entitled ‘Is Coaching Figure Skating Still an Honorable Profession’, he states, “…it is our responsibility to approach every day as a new opportunity to raise the standards of coaching.” As usual, Bob’s writings always generate an abundance of debate. One response to Bob’s article was from this coach:

We have had three skating directors in the 10 years that our rink has been open. Each director has continued to successfully build the program where the other has left off. We took pride in our profession and our coaching staff of seven has attended seminars, workshops and the last PSA Conference together. Instructors new to coaching were expected to apprentice in group classes until the director felt they were ready to take on their own class. They would have to teach up to one year in group classes during which time they were expected to attend available seminars/workshops and complete their written exam [basic accreditation] successfully before being eligible to teach private lessons. We earned an [Excellence on Ice] certificate to proudly display in our rink.
Management (a hockey mom driven to be at the rink because of her two children) has decided this year that the rink does not need a Skating Director and has promoted and positioned five teens to start teaching groups classes and now private lessons with no real apprenticing or accreditation all within two months time. One of these teens has now been positioned to run the Learn to Skate classes and now responsible to continue the skate camps and competitions that have been organized and run by experienced and knowledgeable Skating Directors. These girls have given up competing, testing and have not shown any interest in participating or assisting the skating camps or ice shows/productions during the past 2-4 years. Yet, here they are back as if they’ve never left to add respect and credibility to the profession and build the program. The parents of these girls feel that their girls are finally where they belong … entitled to join the coaching staff. There have been many parents who have expressed concern and disappointment to see the direction the Skating School has taken yet management seems intent on proving that these girls can replace the credible coaching staff that has developed respectably during the employment of the past three Skating Directors.

Another story; a coach who handed out her resume complete with a web based article about herself featuring her “professional” relationship with Toller Cranston, complete with a picture of the two. One of the rink moms was curious about Toller and “googled” his name. You can imagine her shock when she found the article and it contained a different name and picture. It was alleged that the coach had photo-shopped her face over the girl in the picture and inserted her own name in place of the girls. I couldn’t confirm this story, but which is worse: the alleged misconduct of the coach or maybe a parent who made up the story. Regardless, all coaches pay the price. I truly wish people would just take responsibility for their own actions. The ice skating world would be a better place. I could say that these are isolated cases but unfortunately, I receive many calls and e-mails each week regarding the behavior of our members.
As discerning as these examples are, not all is lost. We can change. To accomplish that ideal, there will be no one more important than you. Each and every one of us must take up the torch and move forward. For most of us, just being a member of the Professional Skaters Association has shown that we have already chosen to make an investment in our future and to be part of the solution. Investing in your education empowers you to become the best coach that you can be. The time and resources we devote will not only directly increase our value to the skaters, clubs and arenas we represent, but will improve the image of the coaching profession as well.
And finally, it is that positive image that we must sell. Do you promote yourself? The PSA offers a variety of ways to promote and sell you as a competent professional. A PSA accredited coach is certified for basic skills and knowledge. A PSA rated coach has experience and proven skills to earn Registered, Certified, Senior and Master Ratings. PSA regional, national and international rankings are also a useful tool in proving your proficiency. Ratings and Rankings are standardized methods for proving to the consumers that you care enough about them to invest in yourself. How else can you convince them to spend their hard earned money on your professional knowledge?

Is the Sky Falling?

2009-02-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

March-April 2007, PS Magazine

If you were to have read any of the US national articles by Chicago Tribune writer Philip Hersch or USA Today’s Christine Brennan, you might think that the sky is falling on US Figure Skating. Dwindling TV money and ratings, the lack of recognizable skating stars forecast a bleak future for our sport. The fact that we were in Spokane, a small market they wrote, predicted the fall of the empire. I might have actually believed it if I had not had the chance to be in Spokane and observe the record breaking attendance, and what was one of the best skated Nationals of all time.
First and foremost, Spokane is a wonderful city whose entire population embraced the event. Being a Chicago guy it took me a few days to get over the over the top friendliness. People were so nice that it was nearly uncomfortable. Not only did the people of Spokane, self-proclaimed “Skate City, USA,” display a “can do” attitude they came to the events in record numbers. Ticket sales topped 154,000 fans shattering the previous record of 125,000 set in LA in 2002. Ted Miller of the SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER quoted Scott Hamilton who said, “The sport right now is healthy. It’s the networks that are changing more than skating is changing. ESPN swallowed ABC whole.” I always knew that Scott was a smart guy!
The skating itself was unbelievable! Never have there been so many great performances. From Novice to Senior; singles, dance, or pairs, it was just incredible. Choosing the winners of the PSA’s “Edi” award for the best performances of each discipline proved easier said than done only by the volume of great programs. That being said the winners were; Evan Lysachek, Alissa Czisney, Brooke Castile & Ben Okolski for Pairs and Melissa Gregory & Denis Petukhov for Dance. Other notable favorites were junior ladies Mirai Nagasu and Caroline Zhang, U.S. junior men’s champion Eliot Halverson, Naomi Nari Nam & Themi Leftheris , U.S. junior pair champions Keauna McLaughlin & Rockne Brubaker, dancers Meryl Davis & Charlie White, and my personal favorite Ryan Bradley.
It’s hard for me to buy into the doom and gloom spin the national media writes. In contrast, Ted Miller also wrote, “The real problem with figure skating is the belief the sport has a problem...” I agree with this. Of skating’s lack of a super star, Amy Rosewater, a contributor to ESPN.com wrote, “Life went on in football after Johnny Unitas. Baseball moved ahead without the Babe. Basketball even survived without Michael Jordan. Skating moved ahead after Peggy Fleming. After Dorothy. After Kristi. After Scott. After Brian. Even after Tonya and Nancy.” Yes we have issues, but it’s no where as bad as the print and TV media have portrayed it. The bottom line is that learn to skate classes are growing across the country, the bridge program is making a difference, we’ve just broken the National attendance record, and we swept the junior grand prix finals, and a novice man landed a triple Axel. I’d say the future looks bright!

There’s Always Next Year!

2009-02-13T14:12:00.000-08:00

November-December 2006

About this time each year, coaches have returned from Regionals; the culmination of 12 months of blood, sweat and tears. The skilled (parents perspective) or lucky (fellow coaches perspective) coaches are continuing the competitive season, getting ready for Jr. Nationals or for Sectionals, but unfortunately most are planning for next year. Being a Chicago Cub fan, I have always been a huge believer in next year.

Each year after Regionals, I would always take a step back, evaluating not only my students’ weaknesses and strengths, but the strengths and weaknesses of my own coaching philosophy and technique. This self evaluation was critical in my improvement as a coach. How many coaches actually go through this process of self evaluation? If you were a believer of the 20-60-20 theory (20% does the work, 20% won’t work, and 60% row with the current) referenced in my first editorial in the July/August issue of PS Magazine, I would say 20 percent or even less. Why would we think that only our students are making mistakes? Is it possible that some coaches will misinterpret the rules for the IJS or maybe have a fatal flaw in a jump technique?

A popular buzz word for evaluation is critical thinking. Critical thinking: who, what, where, and why of the thought process. Who will help me improve? Where is my technique lacking? Why do my skaters cheat jumps? This process allowed me to set goals and to create a plan to improve my teaching skills. To improve as a coach, you MUST WANT to improve as a coach. And that means doing whatever it takes to learn. I continue to preach about attending continuing educational programs. “Give a man a fish; feed him for a day. Teach him to fish; feed him for life.”

In response, I continue to hear how difficult it is to attend, how expensive it is to participate. The income of many professional coaches is tied to the performance of their skaters at competition. Most would agree that the week after Regionals can be the most nerve-racking. A poor performance or placement gets coaches fired. One skater who takes a lesson a day would cost a loss of over $5000 annually ($60 per hour). THAT is expensive!

Our skaters go through a rigorous testing procedure to qualify to compete at a particular level. Our judges and officials go through schools and test annually to achieve their various appointments and are annually re-tested to keep those appointments. Interesting thought when you think about it. Skaters pay for the privilege; Judges give up most of their vacation time, volunteer to judge…the only professionals are the coaches and many choose to have no training at all or, if at all, want it for free. I just don’t understand why coaches don’t want to get better or at least SHARE their knowledge with their peers. As professionals it is time to give back to the group. Get involved. You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem.

Remembering our Sports Past to Inspire its Future

2009-02-13T14:04:00.000-08:00

September-October 2006

Recently, one of our interns came across an original copy of a Memorial Service program. This program was for the official USFSA services in memory of our 1961 World team held at the Hotel Roosevelt in New York City, May 6, 1961. Inside that program was a type written, slightly yellowed, but remarkably well preserved copy of the eulogy written by the acting President, Ritter Shumway. I decided to reprint the speech in its entirety, as I felt an overwhelming sense of both sorrow and, more importantly, pride in our sport. Change a line or two and it could have been written for those who fell on 9/11.

I grew up skating in Memorial Fund Shows and sold more than my fair share of booster buttons. I heard stories of the crash, the tragedy of losing so many skaters and family, coaches and officials. I sat on the memorial bench out front of the original Broadmoor arena and I've seen our own memorial here at our offices yet, until I read Mr. Shumway's eulogy I just didn't get it. His words painted a clear picture, one that I didn't see before. One particular paragraph that really struck home is the third from the end. "… to a deeper dedication to serving our fellows through serving our sport, can we start to build a living memorial, not of brick and mortar and silver trophies… appropriate as these might be… but of what they expect of us …" I believe this to be serving others, not for our own self-serving goals, but in making a difference in someone's life, our community, our sport, our earth.

USFSA Memorial Service
New York City, May 6, 1961

"On the table before us are 36 American Beauty Roses - - one for each of our dear friends whose memory we have gathered here today to honor."

These were our friends, our loved ones, the flower of America’s young manhood and womanhood, their devoted mentors: teachers, leaders, parents, relatives, friends, and admirers - - the finest that our nation, our culture, our way of life can produce, not only as technicians of consummate skill in their chosen field, their beloved sport of figure skating, but also the finest in character, in lovable personality and in sportsmanship. And they were on a mission, not only to match their skill against that of their opposite numbers from many lands throughout the world, in demonstration of what excellence in art and athletic ability our way of life can develop, but more importantly, through their natural friendliness, to be true representatives to of America and thereby to helping their own and most important way - person to person - to dispel some of the misunderstanding that is such a source of friction that it threatens to envelop us in a war that could destroy our whole civilization. No less important than this was their mission. And so it is understandable that our Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, should have said in his telegram to us that this "only increases the tragedy of their loss"… a loss from which our sport will be years in recovering, and a personal loss which will never be erased from our consciousness. Our feelings and our sympathies have gone out, and will always continue to go out, to their families to whom they were so particularly dear and precious.

We came here, however, not to grieve, but to honor, not to look back upon what cannot be changed, but to look forward to a future which lies within our power to shape, not to lament but to try to find in this experience the lessons for life that God wants us who remain to learn.
To do this, we must re-examine and re-confirm our faith, for only on this foundation can our life be renewed and built into a tower of strength, to honor our friends and our loved ones.

If we truly believe what God would teach us through the scriptures, of the miracles wrought, and the strength that we can find by faith, we must understand that what for us is a sorrowful human parting from friends and loved ones is for them a release from the weights and errors that beset them here, and prevented them from realizing that perfection… that perfect circle 8… that perfect judgment… that perfect understanding for which they were always striving, and which they can now experience. Just as they, and we too, rejoiced greatly as they took each step closer and closer to perfection, and passed each test in their progress, from the preliminary to the eighth or the gold test in skating, from Low Test to World Judge, from member to top officer, so should we also rejoice for them… now that they have passed the Supreme Test and are at the very fountain-head of perfect judgment, discernment and understanding.

They have attained the perfection that they wanted so much.
If such be our faith, then what happens now to our friends and loved ones, we can, with that faith, and with complete confidence, entrust entirely to God and His love and care. What should concern us, and what is of concern to God, is what happens to us who remain; for He has given us freedom to choose whether we go forward or go backward, whether we allow these experiences to make us finer, more useful people, or whether we allow them to crush us.

I know that those who are represented here by these roses want us to go forward. Should we not, then, with our faith, dry our tears, turning our thoughts not in upon ourselves and on what has happened to us, but outward to them and their friends as we did when they were materially with us. This as we know from life, is the way of true love and devotion - - not to think of ourselves, but of others.

On this foundation, then, of lives that are not consumed in sorrow grief, but on lives that have been challenged and spurred by these experiences, to a deeper resolution to seeing God's will and to a deeper dedication to serving our fellows through serving our sport, can we start to build a living memorial, not of brick and mortar and silver trophies… appropriate as these might be… but of what they expect of us - - finer, more understanding, more tender, more useful and more loving people to honor them and to serve their memory in our lives.

Wherefore, seeing that we are encompassed by so great a cloud of witnesses, thirty-six of our friends whom we would honor and cherish, let us put aside all weights and hindrances that so easily beset us, and let us run the race that is set before us. Let us accept, like true competitors, and in the spirit of our 1961 World Team, the challenge that is presented to us. Let us here dedicate ourselves in their memory to carry on the high traditions of excellence, of sportsmanship, of devotion, that they so well exemplified and have now entrusted to us.

For their sake, in their memory, to do honor and glory, and to the honor and glory of God, let us go forward as they would have us go.

Ritter F. Shumway, President
U.S.F.S.A.

Bobby Knight is out of control

2006-11-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

"Coach Knight did not slap Michael," Texas Tech Athletic Director Myers said in a statement. "Michael came off the court with his head down and coach Knight quickly lifted Michael's chin and said, 'Hold your head up and don't worry about your mistakes. Just play the game." AP Newsday.com

This is the first time that I have seen a transcript to what was said but if you were to watch the video, it sure looked like he popped him one. It still amazes me though that people will defend that type of coaching or "motivation." Thats not coaching but a lack of control...period. Any idiot can scream and holler at an athelete. All you have to do is let it rip. I look at the quote again and then the image of Knight jerking Michael Princes chin upward. They just don't match. Did he need to wack him to get his attention? ... Maybe he should of just said "look at me!"

Bobby Knight does many wonderful things for his students or so his supporters claim, but that can't make up for his continued poor behavior. What kind of an example is this? What is he teaching these kids? "Ok kids, heres the plan. If your parents aren't listening to you, get in their face, scream at them, maybe slap'em around a bit. They'll thank you for it." So what happens when the shouting is over? Absolutley nothing and nothing will happen until you scream at them again. They are practicing a Pavlovian reflex. Ring a bell and they come. Scream at them and they do. They are not responding to coaching but the negative energy. "If I play harder, maybe he will leave me alone." That's coaching through fear and intimidation.

American Sports Terrorism

2006-08-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hot off the wire!

Russian hockey coach Gennady Velchkin is upset that his best player and top NHL prospect Evengi Malkin is gone and headed to the Pittsburgh Penguins. "They all like to talk about democracy, the American way and then they shamelessly steal our best players. This is pure sports terrorism," Velichkin said. Hmm, intersecting choice of words when if you believe internet reports, that say the Russian league is run or at least greatly influence by organized crime. Over the last few years the Russian mob has been linked in the media/internet to many professional athletes. Accurate or not where there's smoke...There's fire. A prominent Russian Figure Skater had their car blown up or so says the news. The Russian sports executive who was investigated for his alleged involvement in the Salt Lake City judging scandal was found shot to death gangland style. There are well documented cases of the Russian mobs attempt to extort money from Russian born NHL hockey players. Now that's sports terrorism! Mr. Velchkin, the American way is to allow the individual the FREEDOM OF CHOICE! Take a look in the mirror, I think some of your countrymen wrote the book on "Sports terrorism".

Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way

2006-08-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a portion of an editorial I wrote in the Professional Skaters Magazine. I took some crap from some of my skating friends but many were supportive of my "shake the tree" mentality. Well I finally got a response to me at work from someone who thought I had no clue... Which in reality might be accurate, but I'll let the reader be the judge. Below is the offending editorial, the e-mail and my rebuttal. Enjoy!

Now, as I sit and reflect on the new direction my life has recently taken and the path I would like to see the PSA follow, I keep coming back to one of my favorite saying's, Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way. It reminds me of a recent article written by leadership author, Brent Filson called, The 20/60/20 Rule of Leadership. Don't Go Solving the Wrong Problems. Not that there are problems but if the PSA has 6000 members and only 400 come to conference ...
The 20/60/20 Rule of Leadership goes like this. About 20 percent of the people in a group won't do, or at least won't want to do, what is essential to get the job done. In comparison, these are the coaches that won't spend a dime to learn what they believe they already know; especially from those coaches they feel are inferior. These are the coaches that complain about the unfairness of ratings; ratings that they have never taken. (Did you know that examiners are all master rated, attend a mandatory training and take an exam?) Another 20 percent will be your leaders in getting the work done; the tireless volunteers who work a thousand hours a year for little acknowledgement, who in many cases spend their own money to get the job done right. The final 60 percent will be sitting on the fence so to speak, waiting for strong leadership to push them in one direction or another. This majority makes up the bulk of our organization, goes to just enough seminars to get their credits and generally supports the association. The percentages say's the author, are approximate.

In Filson's second topic, he wrote about solving the wrong problem. The author tells a story of a pilot and co-pilot who struggled to fix what they thought was a malfunctioning landing gear as they prepared for a landing at a Florida Airport. The landing-gear light was on, signaling that the gear was deployed; but both men did not hear it actually deploy. As the men sought to understand whether they had a defective landing-gear light or defective landing gear, the aircraft kept losing altitude. Too late, the plane crashed, killing everyone aboard. That tragedy has subsequently saved many lives, for the pilot and co-pilot's actions have been used in flight simulation training programs to demonstrate how NOT to troubleshoot problems in the cockpit. The incident has become known as the Landing-gear Fix, a diligent attempt to solve the wrong problem.

How will the 20/60/20 rule help Staff and the Board focus on the right problem? First and foremost, it will help them decipher where to put the PSA's time and limited resources. The lowest 20 percent I believe would be the wrong problem to solve. Obviously, the coaches in the bottom 20 percent may never change and no matter how much pleading or prodding we do, they will most likely never participate. Calvin Coolidge (1872 - 1933) said, "nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent" I guess we could ask them to follow or get out of the way. In contrast, leaders in the top 20 percent need very little in the way of management. They participate in almost every educational opportunity and volunteer often. I will follow those leaders and support them, as they need very little in the way of motivation if given just a small amount of direction and an ultimate goal.

This brings us to the 60 percent in the middle. As many in this group love what they do, they need strong leadership to show them the way. It is this group that we shall lead. Putting this all together, Filson exclaims, Don't get caught applying diligent solutions to the wrong problems. Apply the 20/60/20 Rule and focus on getting the right results in the right way at the right time.

The PSA mission is simple; to educate and accredit professional coaches. Those who want to better themselves will do what they have to do to succeed. In reality those who fall in the lower 20 percent probably think they are doing a lot more and believe they are members of the 60 percent group. I challenge everyone to take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are doing everything to make yourself the best. If we are going to ask our skaters to act that way, should we not practice what we preach?

To: jsantee@skatepsa.com
Subject: Inside Edge - Editorial Comment

Mr. Santee,
I'd like to respond to your editorial on how many PSA members attend a conference etc. First of all, I think you forget that many of us that teach skating are NOT doing it as a full time job, but also work a full time job, have families and responsibilities. PLUS, in many instances we are teaching skating because we need the extra income to survive and do not have discretionary funds to attend a conference.
I think the basic concept of the PSA is great, however, I and many of my fellow PSA members in the lower Connecticut area also find it hard to give up a full day to drive 150 mi. to Boston yearly to get the necessary credits and take exams etc. The program there is exceptional, but I wonder why nothing is ever offered in Springfield MA, Hartford, Stamford, or any other place in Connecticut. It's now picnic getting to the Boston area even on a Sunday.
Last but not least - the unfairness of ratings. If you don't think that bias and prejudice does NOT exist between the examiners in some instances and those that are taking their rating exams, you are greatly mistaken. You have some people in those positions that should never be an examiner. I think you need to get a clue.
Sincerely,
Richard

Richard,
Thank you for your response. When I wrote that editorial 8 weeks ago, I was not the Executive Director yet. I was managing an Ice arena, 4 outdoor pools, a Driving Range, Batting cages, a members only dog park, teaching Learn to Skate and power skating classes, privates, coaching a short track speed skating club, performing as the mascot for the Chicago Wolves and trying to be a husband and father of three very active children. I KNOW how hard it is to make a living teaching skating. So its not like I sit in my office and don't know what's going on in the real skating world. I sat on the Board of Directors of the Ice Skating Institute, the ISIA Education Foundation, the PSA Board, and the Board of my former town's Civic Orchestra. I believe all of the above plus the fact that not only was I a National competitor in Speed Skating, a two time US figure skating champion and International competitor and 11 years as a principal skater in Disney, that this does allow me to have an opinion. In fact many people who haven't done anything have an opinion and that is extremely important. I can't fix it if I don't know what the membership thinks... I know Blah, Blah, Blah. When this job became open I decided I would apply and if chosen, I would take it head on. In life, we can choose to be part of the problem or part of the solution... More yada, yada, yada.
Sorry, I do get on a soap box. By the way, look next to my name in the directory and you won't see any ratings. That is because for many years I listened to my "friends" who said it was the ratings were unfair and biased. In fact those who know me best are amazed that the PSA would hire me at all as I was not a supporter. Unfortunately those who feel the system is unfair are those who have failed an exam or the friends they shared their experience with. How many skating judges do you in fact like or dislike and what are the reasons behind it. The examiners or skating judges we don't like usually have judged us or our skaters poorly. I do believe though that the process and selection of examiners has gotten better as well as the quality of education. We both know though as long as your asking for an opinion, there will be issues, just like in our sport itself.
OK, now let me actually get to your points. True Boston does host seminars annually, usually because they offer to do so and there is a huge PSA following in Boston itself. We would love to come to Springfield or anywhere we are needed. We are always looking for hosts. Attendance at conference is another thing. Lets change the word "conference" to "State workshop". There are currently 299 members in the state of Connecticut. In 2005, 29 coaches attended the state workshop or 10% of the state membership. There was no workshop in 2006. All I want to know is why of the 299 members, know one in the state offered to organize a state workshop this year; or clubs or arenas for that matter? What about the E-learning we offer? Have you tried that? We give education credits to any ISI and US Figure Skating as well.
I hope I don't sound to much like an *%%, that is not my intention. My intention was to get every member to look at themselves in the mirror and be able to say "I'm doing everything I can to be the best coach for my skaters." I love this sport as it has given my life purpose, to make a difference in lives of those I touch.
In closing, I hope you won't judge me to harshly by my words but want you to know that I hear what you say and agree that for those who teach period, part-time or full, it is difficult and expensive to participate. Just remember that it is even more expensive for your skaters to participate and you owe them the best of yourself.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Santee

I'm melting...

2006-08-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

I had a great life...3 jobs that I loved, a nice house in a great community, 3 kids, a wife that tolerates me and my Harley...Not the bike but my wife's idea of humor... A Tibetan spaniel. Sounds good until I tell you that hitting the 40 hour mark on Wednesday evening wasn't all that its cracked up to be. Take away the punishing hours, I really loved what I did. I managed an ice rink, swimming pools, driving range, batting cages, members only dog park, all for a suburban Chicago community. I coached competitive figure skaters, short track speed skaters, Hockey/Power skating and in my spare time worked for the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League as their mascot "Skates". Each and every job was rewarding but as a whole it just beat me up. I had enough as the cost of living in Chicago just squeezed my bank account dry.

Recently I walked away from it all and I in my would like subsequent blogs to share my experiences to shed some light on numerous ice related topicsas well as the craziness surronding the recreation field. Some will be funny, some will be edgy, all will have good spelling and proper sentance structure.