FOFS tiers, change of rates, etc

[moonvine]

So as suggested in another thread I am making a new thread on this topic.

Here is the old reward tier system: https://www.usfigureskating.org/sites/default/files/media-files/Friends of Figure Skating Brochure.pdf

Friends of Figure Skating | U.S. Figure Skating

www.usfigureskating.org

This is the new one: https://www.usfigureskating.org/support/donate/friends-figure-skating

 

[Debbie S]

They've even snuck in 2 fewer issues of Skating Magazine. 8 instead of 10.

8 issues is all they publish now....they had a note in a Skating Mag about a year ago that they would be publishing fewer issues each year due to finances.

 

[moonvine]

8 issues is all they publish now....they had a note in a Skating Mag about a year ago that they would be publishing fewer issues each year due to finances.

Whoops, guess I haven't been counting them

I fixed my post.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Well the FAQ answered a couple of my questions. Still would have been nice to get an email reply as a 20-year donor.

https://7926325.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7926325/FOFS%202023%20FAQ.pdf

 

[moonvine]

Well the FAQ answered a couple of my questions. Still would have been nice to get an email reply as a 20-year donor.

https://7926325.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7926325/FOFS%202023%20FAQ.pdf

I'm done. I don't have $1,000. And if I did I would not spend it on one breakfast. Best of luck to them.

 

[MacMadame]

No more calendar at any level?

I agree about it not being worth $1000 just to attend the FOFS breakfast at Nationals.

 

[once_upon]

The last time I attended a FOFS breakfast was about 15 years ago. There were so many people there that I really only saw figure skaters, no real interactions with them. Didn't feel like it was worth it then
I certainly wouldn't pay $1000 to attend.

 

[Wyliefan]

If it's a $1000 breakfast, I'd better get, to paraphrase Ron Swanson, all the bacon they have.

 

[Debbie S]

They're likely to see a big drop in FOFS members. They really should have had a price point between $300 and $1000 and offered the breakfast at that level. I wonder how much analysis they did in terms of member numbers at the lower levels, not to mention research on why FOFS join. If the breakfast is costing USFS so much money, then either charge the cheaper tiers for the breakfast or do some sort of event that is less expensive. Based on this past season, they don't even have current competitors at the breakfasts anymore anyway.

 

[moonvine]

They're likely to see a big drop in FOFS members. They really should have had a price point between $300 and $1000 and offered the breakfast at that level. I wonder how much analysis they did in terms of member numbers at the lower levels, not to mention research on why FOFS join. If the breakfast is costing USFS so much money, then either charge the cheaper tiers for the breakfast or do some sort of event that is less expensive. Based on this past season, they don't even have current competitors at the breakfasts anymore anyway.

Not only that, but they need to look at the aging of the fan base. Young people (typically) don’t have that kind of scratch to be throwing around. I regularly saw children at the breakfasts, I doubt that would happen now.

It is true that this year there were not many current skaters in attendance. I was warned that anyone who would be advancing in the off season would not be there, so probably no one in the top 6. I was pleased to see Mark Sadusky there as well as two other skaters. We had a nice conversation. I thanked them for coming.

The main thing they had was a panel discussion with former skaters where we were lectured, basically, to give them space and not crowd them or touch them inappropriately. Which I found bizarre. Not that it’s not good information but not particularly well tailored to the audience.

At Nationals in Detroit, I paid maybe $300? Don’t remember for sure to watch the women’s long with Marai Nigasu with good food, wine and beer and the suite was amazing. I’ve been in the suites in Greensboro and San Jose and they were not great but private restrooms were great.

 

[moonvine]

The last time I attended a FOFS breakfast was about 15 years ago. There were so many people there that I really only saw figure skaters, no real interactions with them. Didn't feel like it was worth it then
I certainly wouldn't pay $1000 to attend.

I guess attendance has dropped significantly because I’ve always gotten to interact with figure skaters, get autographs and talk with them a bit. But I think my first one was in Detroit. It’s not super well advertised; I learned about it on a figure skating board.

But I also would not pay $1,000 to attend. For $1,000 you do get 2 tickets. Really USFS? We couldn’t get 1 ticket for $500? It’s absurd

 

[moonvine]

No more calendar at any level?

I agree about it not being worth $1000 just to attend the FOFS breakfast at Nationals.

Nope. No calendar. Many people have complained. No one has been answered that I know of. Maybe they figure we will all just go away.

 

[MacMadame]

The main thing they had was a panel discussion with former skaters where we were lectured, basically, to give them space and not crowd them or touch them inappropriately. Which I found bizarre. Not that it’s not good information but not particularly well tailored to the audience.

Oh, that information is completely tailored to that audience. It was a "super fan" who accosted Kaitlin Hawayek backstage and told her she was fat after all.

I guess attendance has dropped significantly because I’ve always gotten to interact with figure skaters, get autographs and talk with them a bit. But I think my first one was in Detroit. It’s not super well advertised; I learned about it on a figure skating board.

Have you been post-pandemic? The ones I went to were post-pandemic and had the skaters from the panel on Zoom and no one was physically in the room. That was starting to change recently but there still wasn't a ton of mingling.

Nope. No calendar. Many people have complained. No one has been answered that I know of. Maybe they figure we will all just go away.

I'm not complaining. I get so many free calendars and the quality of the FOFS had fallen off in recent years.

Speaking of free calendars, we got one delivered to the former owner of our place that was from the USOC and there were at least four figure skaters in it! That's 25% of the months which is a lot when you consider how many sports there are in the Olympics.

 

[overedge]

I'd suggest changing the title to "USFS Friends of Figure Skating" rather than "FOFS". There might be people who want to discuss Friends but who don't get the acronym.

ETA: Reading the FAQ, this excuse about the donation levels rising because skaters' costs are rising is BS. I'm sure it's true that skaters are facing more expenses, but I can't imagine that total FOFS donations are big enough to offset more of those expenses.

 

[AnnM]

The aging of the fan base is a huge issue they're ignoring, if not making worse by the change in tiers. It's a very short-sighted plan and justification. How are they going to cultivate or maintain relationships with prospective high-level donors by eliminating contact with a good portion of younger donors? Once someone is gone, it's going to be hard to get them back.

The FOFS breakfast starting changing its format in 2019 in my memory. At Four Continents, they started that whole panel format with barely a handful of current competitors mingling in the general crowd and have kept it ever since.

 

[tony]

Oh, that information is completely tailored to that audience. It was a "super fan" who accosted Kaitlin Hawayek backstage and told her she was fat after all.

Pretty sure they were signing autographs following a practice session and it occurred with someone sitting in the stands.

 

[AnnM]

Oh, that information is completely tailored to that audience. It was a "super fan" who accosted Kaitlin Hawayek backstage and told her she was fat after all.

Not to derail this thread, but I've seen that woman at two competitions and while I'm sure she thinks she's a "superfan" I don't believe she a FOFS member.

 

[Karen-W]

Pretty sure they were signing autographs following a practice session and it occurred with someone sitting in the stands.

Yes, it did seem, IIRC from Kaitlin's IG story/post at the time that it happened after the awards ceremony - they were taking the victory lap or mingling with fans around the rink and the fan waved her over and whispered in her ear. It might have happened a little later than that, perhaps after the gala, though. She wasn't super-specific, but it wasn't something that happened backstage or anywhere restricted.

 

[MacMadame]

Pretty sure they were signing autographs following a practice session and it occurred with someone sitting in the stands.

I consider that backstage as it wasn't a practice that the general public was invited to.

 

[tony]

I consider that backstage as it wasn't a practice that the general public was invited to.

I just checked, she said it was the practice before the gala. The general public isn't 'invited' to any of that stuff during competitions, but if anyone gets all-event tickets, they are usually more than free to watch the practices throughout the competition. Still, it's not backstage and buying an all-event ticket was not exclusive to any group.

 

[Debbie S]

There was only about an hour and a half between the end of the dance awards and the start of the ex at SA last year. The arena/SCOB was not cleared, anyone with tickets could have stayed and hung out.

 

[mattiecat13]

They're likely to see a big drop in FOFS members. They really should have had a price point between $300 and $1000 and offered the breakfast at that level. I wonder how much analysis they did in terms of member numbers at the lower levels, not to mention research on why FOFS join. If the breakfast is costing USFS so much money, then either charge the cheaper tiers for the breakfast or do some sort of event that is less expensive. Based on this past season, they don't even have current competitors at the breakfasts anymore anyway.

A $300 donation should get at least one breakfast ticket.

I remember filling out a survey at the end of last season regarding FOFS benefits. Hard to believe, though, that most people volunteered to pay more for fewer benefits.

 

[ice coverage]

... The FOFS breakfast starting changing its format in 2019 in my memory. At Four Continents, they started that whole panel format with barely a handful of current competitors mingling in the general crowd and have kept it ever since.

Many current competitors mingled at the FOFS breakfast at 2020 Nats in Greensboro.
It was in a huge space that was jam-packed both with skaters and with FOFS members. Plenty of senior competitors as well as juniors.
It turned out to be the last breakfast before the pandemic.

(I have not attended an FOFS breakfast since then ... I was waiting for the post-pandemic format to once again offer the opportunity to mingle with current competitors. But now I do not foresee attending another breakfast, regardless of format.)

I'd suggest changing the title to "USFS Friends of Figure Skating" rather than "FOFS". ...

 

[Debbie S]

I just got an email from USFS about joining FOFS (which strikes me as odd since I am a skating member and not the audience for FOFS) and this is their pitch.

• It costs an average of $1,000 for one competitive skating costume.
• On-ice time can cost an average of $5,000-10,000 depending on where a skater lives in the U.S. and how frequently they train.
• It costs an average of $2,500 for boots and blades for one season.

This is where you can help. As part of the Friends of Figure Skating Supporters Club, you can play a pivotal role in a skater's journey while taking your passion for figure skating to new heights. We have opened up registrations for the 2023-24 Friends of Figure Skating Supporters Club and we are thrilled to have you as part of our team. Friends of Figure Skating is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our athletes' lives that offers incredible benefits.



By joining the Friends of Figure Skating program, you'll be joining a community dedicated to empowering our athletes in their pursuit of excellence. Your generous gift to the program not only supports their dreams but also offers you a range of exclusive benefits and experiences that will enhance your own figure skating fan journey.



We have updated our benefits chart below to ensure an enriching and rewarding experience. We can’t wait for you to explore the benefits that await you as a loyal supporter.

 

[ice coverage]

The total goal for 2023-24 FOFS has been significantly reduced to $100,000, per the USFS page with the running counter of donations.
As recently as yesterday, the page showed that the total 2023-24 goal was $250,000.
(The change in the amount of the total goal also makes a difference in the running percentage of the goal that has been reached, which is shown on the page as well.)

Friends of Figure Skating

give.usfigureskating.org

I just got an email from USFS about joining FOFS (which strikes me as odd since I am a skating member and not the audience for FOFS) and this is their pitch.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[overedge]

I just got an email from USFS about joining FOFS (which strikes me as odd since I am a skating member and not the audience for FOFS) and this is their pitch.

This is a very misguided pitch IMO. I think most people who care about skating enough to join FOFS know that ice time, competition outfits, and equipment are expensive. It doesn't explain exactly how joining FOFS is going to help skaters address these costs (and they could have skipped the blah-blah-blah about empowerment and excellence). It also doesn't explain why supporters should join FOFS instead of donating to the Memorial Fund, the Mabel Fairbanks fund, and the other USFS funds that support skaters.

Personally I would have added something that directly addresses the changes. Like "We understand that some FOFS members may no longer receive the benefits that were available at their donation level, but we hope that you will still continue to support FOFS and value the benefits that are provided at whatever level you are able to contribute."

 

[MacMadame]

I just checked, she said it was the practice before the gala. The general public isn't 'invited' to any of that stuff during competitions, but if anyone gets all-event tickets, they are usually more than free to watch the practices throughout the competition. Still, it's not backstage and buying an all-event ticket was not exclusive to any group.

Not the Gala practice. It's specifically not included.

However, it looks like the arena messed up this time and did not clear the arena. That said, there are people who know the person who did this and she is definitely not some random fan who went to Nationals one time because it was in her area. And there are many FOFS who act like her and need to hear that message IMO.

 

[moonvine]

Oh, that information is completely tailored to that audience. It was a "super fan" who accosted Kaitlin Hawayek backstage and told her she was fat after all.

That was one person, who was roundly criticized by just about everyone else. What she did was horribly inappropriate, but I doubt she even would have thought it applied to her. She probably thought she was being helpful. My mother is the exact same way (thanks so much for the EDs, mom).

Have you been post-pandemic? The ones I went to were post-pandemic and had the skaters from the panel on Zoom and no one was physically in the room. That was starting to change recently but there still wasn't a ton of mingling.

Yes, the one I went to was post pandemic. I did not attend Nationals during the pandemic. There was no Zoom panel. There were 3 current skaters (Thanks Mark Sadusky!) I was warned beforehand that no skaters who would be continuing to the post season would be there.

I'm not complaining. I get so many free calendars and the quality of the FOFS had fallen off in recent years.

Speaking of free calendars, we got one delivered to the former owner of our place that was from the USOC and there were at least four figure skaters in it! That's 25% of the months which is a lot when you consider how many sports there are in the Olympics.

Well, I am complaining because I loved them and I don't have $1,000.

 

[moonvine]

This is a very misguided pitch IMO. I think most people who care about skating enough to join FOFS know that ice time, competition outfits, and equipment are expensive. It doesn't explain exactly how joining FOFS is going to help skaters address these costs (and they could have skipped the blah-blah-blah about empowerment and excellence). It also doesn't explain why supporters should join FOFS instead of donating to the Memorial Fund, the Mabel Fairbanks fund, and the other USFS funds that support skaters.

Personally I would have added something that directly addresses the changes. Like "We understand that some FOFS members may no longer receive the benefits that were available at their donation level, but we hope that you will still continue to support FOFS and value the benefits that are provided at whatever level you are able to contribute."

They are not getting a red cent from me. If I see a skater I want to support I will give to them directly. I have tickets to SA, so I'll go to that, but that'll be it.

 

[moonvine]

The aging of the fan base is a huge issue they're ignoring, if not making worse by the change in tiers. It's a very short-sighted plan and justification. How are they going to cultivate or maintain relationships with prospective high-level donors by eliminating contact with a good portion of younger donors? Once someone is gone, it's going to be hard to get them back.

The FOFS breakfast starting changing its format in 2019 in my memory. At Four Continents, they started that whole panel format with barely a handful of current competitors mingling in the general crowd and have kept it ever since.

That’s odd, because I did not go to my first one until Nationals in Detroit, and they had a space blocked off at each table for a skater to come and eat with you. I then attended Greensboro and the skaters were there also. This past year was the first time there have only been a few skaters there (thanks Mark). I have never been to 4CCs and this will be my first SA.