Tracy Marek succeeds Ramsey Baker as USFS' CEO

[Tesla]

What they need is a way for fans to watch figure skating on demand, either via YouTube or a streaming service.

 

[Coco]

And some kind of fantasy team competition.

 

[Carolla5501]

What they need is a way for fans to watch figure skating on demand, either via YouTube or a streaming service.

What?? Why should they actually pretend that there's technology that allows something like this. (And NO I don't buy the music license theory.... NBC pulled the same stunt for gymnastics!)

 

[BittyBug]

They don't care. About 7-8 years ago they made a drastic rule change solely on the word of the big East Coast synchro teams that ended up killing off a lot of midwest and west coast teams - including shrinking several big name midwest teams and all the West Coast Senior teams (including one coached by one of USFS's top synchro judges that had made a splash internationally). They still haven't reversed the rule. They also changed the cross skating rules in a way that heavily benefits big organizations while steamrolling smaller teams (Junior skaters competing both Junior and Open Juv). Again, they couldn't care less.

USFS is not an authoritarian entity - it’s a consortium of members who collectively make the rules. And while there is definitely political influence within the membership, Colorado Springs cannot act unilaterally - everything is up for vote at Governing Council.

Where USFS does have latitude and ownership is in the siting and management of competitions, within the structure approved by Governing Council, but even there, for all the grousing people do about the location of competitions, USFS can only choose from locations that bid. So while I generally loathe the mother ship for many reasons, I'm not sure that "corporate" is to be blamed for the issues you raise.

 

[Willin]

@BittyBug But they can certainly be blamed for placing undue influence on those bigger synchro clubs. The biggest problem being a lot of the representatives are singles and dance focused, so they only listen to the loudest/only synchro voices in the room: those East Coast teams. They could instead do what the ISU does and hold a separate synchro governing council with interests from both larger clubs/countries and much smaller federations. Instead USFS makes it a system where only large clubs have a voice by not inviting synchro representatives.

One of the reasons only those smaller places bid is because USFS places a lot of very strict limits on how synchro qualifying can be held - they create a lot of extra work for the hosts. For instance, the competition organizers must now make deals with enough hotels to host 2000+ people - and then they must do all the groundwork of booking hotels for the teams. (Teams cannot choose their hotel themselves and must pay a several hundred dollar fine if they don't go through USFS). In addition, I know many West Coast cities have wanted to bid, but they know they won't win because of the influence of the midwest/east coast. USFS has sent that message loud and clear.

 

[BittyBug]

@Willin I agree that it would seem to make sense for synchro to have its own separate leadership structure. It's simply a different sport (albeit one that has common roots with figure skating), and the needs are different.

And it's a shame that they are so rigid about lodging, but I believe it's a revenue issue - they receive rebates from the hotels for each room booked.

My biggest frustrations with US Figure Skating "corporate" is that the lack of vision, leadership, or communications (the deafening silence amid Peacock pulling replays being just one example). They're amateur hour, when the sport deserves professionals.

 

[peibeck]

@barbk Your story about the Girl Scouts is exactly the kind of thing which DRIVES ME CRAZY about USFS. Obviously, I could see if the event was close to being sold out they wouldn't want to discount hundreds of tickets, but when an event is not selling, they should be doing everything humanly possible to get butts in seats, not just for that day's income, but if say 3% of the young attendees decide to start lessons... pay it forward and grow the organization. Sigh.

I'm sure there are USFS higher ups who read the skating forums. One has to wonder if they don't potentially, at least, see a few good ideas among the more "out there" ones people have on the boards. (Where are MY SHUTTLES?!?!? ) I mean, canning Rusty isn't going to make or break the USFS's budget. I hope one the new ED's priorities will be in establishing (or re-establishing) more corporate sponsorship. I realize that can be a double-edged sword, but it would also free up more funding for everyday (not big event) activities and marketing their programs for younger skaters.

 

[MacMadame]

The GS story is annoying but USFS is mostly volunteer run with a small staff so sometimes a good idea just doesn't have anyone to take charge of it.

 

[Sylvia]

"In celebration of International Women’s Day [March 8, 2023], U.S. Figure Skating’s first female CEO Tracy Marek discusses making history, her future goals and her positive impressions of the sport within her first two months in the job."

Meet U.S. Figure Skating’s First Female CEO, Tracy Marek | U.S. Figure Skating

www.usfigureskating.org

 

[LeafOnTheWind]

I find it a little disheartening to know that she is the first female CEO for US Figure Skating given how there are so many more women in the sport that also has a higher female fan base.

I hope that her reign helps move the sport forward in positive directions.

 

[Frau Muller]

USFS has had female Presidents in the past, like Claire Ferguson during the Nancy-Tonya debacle.

 

[Sylvia]

USFS has had female Presidents in the past

USFS President is a volunteer position (elected at the Governing Council meeting). From: https://www.usfigureskating.org/about/leadership-and-staff

Beginning in 2023, all directors, except for the President and USOPC AAC representative serve a two-year term. However, since this is the first year of a new Board of Directors structure, in order to establish that rotation, some directors will begin a two-year term and some will serve a one-year term. The President serves a four-year term, and the USOPC AAC Representative typically serves a four-year term, dependent upon election to that position.

Boston University published a profile by Kat Cornetta last month on alum Tracy Marek (original 'Malek' typo was corrected in the article but not in the URL):

BU Alum Is the First Woman to Head US Figure Skating

BU alum Tracy Malek is the new CEO of US Figure Skating—and the first woman to helm the organization.

www.bu.edu

Excerpts:

Marek also inherits an organization that has grappled with several highly publicized cases within the US Center for SafeSport, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in sports and promoting education and accountability. Rebuilding the public’s trust is an important part of her to-do list.
“We can never, ever take our eye off the ball,” says Marek. “We keep very sensitive to it. I think we can never take any issue, complaint, or comment for granted.”

US Figure Skating also has to expand its popularity by getting more skaters on the ice in a variety of ways (think collegiate skating, an area of the sport that has thrived at BU) and sparking a rebirth in the fandom of elite skaters. In her first few weeks at work, Marek has been trying to find a balance between the two tasks.
“We don’t get to the Olympic space if we don’t have the youth space, right?” she asks. [...]
Marek’s to-do list in Colorado Springs looks far different than it did in Cleveland, but her passion is the same.
“I love the fact that the sport is so focused on passion, interest, and engagement at all levels,” says Marek. “If you’re a person who wants to get into the competitive space at any age, there’s a forum for you. If you’re a person like me, who just wants to have fun when they put the outdoor ice rink out during the holidays, there’s gonna be a place for you, too.”

 

[ice coverage]

Letter from CEO Tracy Marek is on USFS site today:

Athletes First. Two bold words that are the driving mission of U.S. Figure Skating.

After a defining first century, we are embarking on a transformative change across the organization and the entire sport. This change is being led by athletes who have shared tangible solutions and positive ideas as to how U.S. Figure Skating will better support them and grow the sport. Their voices and real-world experiences also compel us to do more to protect them from the myriad of abuses athletes can face, up to and including sexual abuse.

Since 2000, U.S. Figure Skating has been a leader in the adoption and implementation of SafeSport, pre-dating the creation of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. We believe and support survivors of abuse, painfully knowing they carry this trauma their entire lives. We have invested in a dedicated SkateSafe® staff to advocate for athletes, train our membership and encourage all to report suspected or known abuse.

But, as our athletes tell us, we can do more.

Recognizing this need, the Board of Directors embarked on this mission of transformative change in 2022 and made it the cornerstone of its CEO search. As that new CEO, I am committed to this mission and, since entering this role in January, have spent numerous hours listening to all levels of athletes. Their directive is clear: create change and move U.S. Figure Skating forward.

While much is in the works, I can share several steps we are taking:

• Convening a revolutionary Athletes Commission to elevate their voices and participation beyond the governance role of the existing Athletes Advisory Committee.
• Integrating the coaches’ program under the U.S. Figure Skating umbrella to establish consistent standards for certification, education, training and SafeSport reporting of more than 5,000 coaches.
• Creation of an Athlete Advocate staff position that will actively integrate the athlete voice into our decision making and put in place the processes and infrastructure to achieve real transformation.

In my short time as CEO, I have learned so much from speaking with athletes, volunteers, coaches, officials and fans. I’m energized by the tremendous sense of community, passion and desire to grow the sport and its fanbase.

As we take these next steps toward our bold and exciting future, I look forward to connecting with you. Please reach out to me or a member of our staff at [email protected].

But first, as one athlete said to me, we must “get better faster.” That mission is one we can all embrace.

Tracy Marek
CEO

https://www.usfigureskating.org/news/article/letter-ceo (Jun 13)​

 

[Debbie S]

This all sounds good on paper, but it's their actions that make the difference (or not). If this truly serves the athletes better and leads to positive change, then great. But if protecting athletes from abuse is really a top priority, why did they hire an abuse apologist/defender who publicly attacked those who came forward?

 

[ice coverage]

... But, as our athletes tell us, we can do more.

Recognizing this need, the Board of Directors embarked on this mission of transformative change in 2022 and made it the cornerstone of its CEO search. As that new CEO, I am committed to this mission and, since entering this role in January, have spent numerous hours listening to all levels of athletes. Their directive is clear: create change and move U.S. Figure Skating forward. ...​

This all sounds good on paper, but it's their actions that make the difference (or not). ...

Agree that actions speak louder than words.

If the USFS Board of Directors really did make dealing with abuse a cornerstone of its CEO search, I think that is good to hear.
And I think it is good that Marek is making public acknowledgment of the need for transformative change, instead of staying completely silent.
I hope that USFS will be able to live up to her words.

 

[Theoreticalgirl]

When she says, "Integrating the coaches’ program under the U.S. Figure Skating umbrella to establish consistent standards for certification, education, training and SafeSport reporting of more than 5,000 coaches," does that mean a merger of PSA with USFS, a refresh of their credentialing process/system, or something else entirely?

 

[MacMadame]

Creation of an Athlete Advocate staff position that will actively integrate the athlete voice into our decision making and put in place the processes and infrastructure to achieve real transformation.

Ashley Wagnor would be great at this!

When she says, "Integrating the coaches’ program under the U.S. Figure Skating umbrella to establish consistent standards for certification, education, training and SafeSport reporting of more than 5,000 coaches," does that mean a merger of PSA with USFS, a refresh of their credentialing process/system, or something else entirely?

I was wondering what exactly they meant too. We have seen how having a PSA and a USFS both dealing with coaching credentials, certifications, and discipline has caused issues in the past. USFS getting more control over their own coaches seems like a good thing to me but the devil is, as always, in the details.

 

[gkelly]

Here's an announcement about the new coaching membership initiative:

U.S. Figure Skating Integrates Coaches into Membership Starting July 2024 | U.S. Figure Skating

www.usfigureskating.org

Hopefully more information will be available to coaches shortly.

 

[MacMadame]

Excerpt:

The transition from the Professional Skaters Association (PSA) to a U.S. Figure Skating membership will take place during the 2023-24 skating season, with U.S. Figure Skating delivering continuing education requirements (CERs) starting January 1, 2024, and taking over fully by July 1, 2024.

So it does look like they are either subsuming or breaking away from the PSA. It's not clear if the PSA will continue to exist for coaches outside the USFS system but I think there is a need as ISI coaches need a professional org and while some of them are also USFS coaches, they aren't all.

 

[bardtoob]

Here's an announcement about the new coaching membership initiative:

U.S. Figure Skating Integrates Coaches into Membership Starting July 2024 | U.S. Figure Skating

www.usfigureskating.org

Hopefully more information will be available to coaches shortly.

Excerpt:

So it does look like they are either subsuming or breaking away from the PSA. It's not clear if the PSA will continue to exist for coaches outside the USFS system but I think there is a need as ISI coaches need a professional org and while some of them are also USFS coaches, they aren't all.

Has PSA issued a statement?

Having USFS separate from PSA, in my opinion, is good in a sort of old-fashioned American/British way. It is much like USOC is an NGO.

 

[MacMadame]

Has PSA issued a statement?

I couldn't find anything. I was hoping someone who was at GC could tell us what was discussed. There is probably a link to the actual decision somewhere that might also enlighten.

 

[overedge]

This all sounds good on paper, but it's their actions that make the difference (or not). If this truly serves the athletes better and leads to positive change, then great. But if protecting athletes from abuse is really a top priority, why did they hire an abuse apologist/defender who publicly attacked those who came forward?

And then refuse to give an explanation when asked about why that specific person was hired.

 

[ice coverage]

Here's an announcement about the new coaching membership initiative:

U.S. Figure Skating Integrates Coaches into Membership Starting July 2024 | U.S. Figure Skating

www.usfigureskating.org

Hopefully more information will be available to coaches shortly.

Has PSA issued a statement?

Having USFS separate from PSA, in my opinion, is good in a sort of old-fashioned American/British way. It is much like USOC is an NGO.

I couldn't find anything. I was hoping someone who was at GC could tell us what was discussed. There is probably a link to the actual decision somewhere that might also enlighten.

The new USFS coaching membership category was the topic of a Zoom webinar in advance of Governing Council; also of a seminar at Governing Council. I have no idea how many coaches took part in the webinar and/or seminar, but opportunities to learn about the plans for the coaching membership were offered. (I am not saying that every detail already has been ironed out or that every possible question already has been answered.)

Also: 2023 Governing Council is covered in the 2022-23 USFS Combined Report of Action.
Within the very long document, I can see some parts about the new coaching membership.

https://www.usfigureskating.org/sites/default/files/media-files/2022-23%20Combined%20Report%20of%20Action.pdf

My understanding is that PSA worked with USFS on the plans for the new coaching membership that were voted on at Governing Council. Seems that PSA and USFS had a meeting of the minds.

 

[ice coverage]

Bringing these posts from Sylvia about #MoreThanMedals over here to the Marek thread because ...

Associated Press article by Eddie Pells:

Olympic skaters still missing medals 500 days later

On display at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum are nine empty boxes that should be holding medals.

apnews.com

I think it is Marek who is standing with the USOPM display of empty medal boxes as seen in AP Photos #2 and #8?
Which I take as a sign (along with her comments in the article) that she is "all in" with her support for the Olympians waiting for their medals.

Today USFS shared a photo & 2 clips of the empty medal boxes being prepared for display at the USOPC museum in Colorado Springs: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct1nelYAZP_/
Full video (June 23): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aXPHYV6TpU ...

My heart goes out to the athletes who are still waiting for their medals, and who did not have the joy and recognition of a medal ceremony at 2022 Games.
Although part of me is not crazy about dwelling on the empty-boxes aspect of the bigger-picture issues, I found myself in tears when I watched the video of the making of the museum display. Especially powerful to me are the shots of the gloved hands carefully wiping and positioning the empty boxes. The solemn imagery of the empty boxes is even more profound in juxtaposition with Bing Dwen Dwen, who in happier circumstances brought so many smiles to Olympic fans worldwide.

I would say that it took some visionary thinking to conceive the idea of having a museum display in the first place.
If(?) the museum display and the making-of video were the brainchild(ren) of Marek, then good for her.
(And good for the creative team for excellent execution of the vision.)

 

[Sylvia]

I think it is Marek who is standing with the USOPM display of empty medal boxes as seen in AP Photos #2 and #8?

Yes.

 

[ice coverage]

Yes.

Thank you for responding to my question, Sylvia.
Lest I seem like a complete idiot, I swear that none of the captions had showed up on my screen the first time I scrolled thru the AP photos.
When I took another look today, I was pleasantly surprised that long captioning now appears under each photo. ?
(I know that you did not need to rely on captioning. For me, Marek was 90% recognizable yesterday, and then your reply made me feel sure.)