This past weekend was the NC Division’s annual fall meeting. As an organization we usually meet in August (planning session) and at Divisional Qualifiers (to vote in officers). We had average attendance, a small group, but mostly “the core.” Most of the usual things (scheduling) had been tidied up and we had a great planning/brainstorming session about developing coaching clinics in the state, how to/can we better serve collegiate clubs and a nice patting on the back for ‘hangin’ in there’ with some radical management changes in how our organization works. And boy, does it work a lot better.
But, there has been a big ol’ purple elephant in the Division, and it’s been letting us know passively of its existence by little participation in hosting or leading in the coordination of qualifying events, as well as, lack of attendance in events across the state. Purpleness shined in late July, just before the NC Board transition occurred, the NC Division was notified that there was a petition sent to the USFA to create a new Division called the “Coastal Carolina Division.” This proposal divides the state geographically, mostly down the middle. The line was drawn right between the Wake and Durham County lines, for you locals. For you non-locals, this area divides the one of the most populated areas of the state and would separate many Mid-South members into two Divisions.
The logic of their proposal made sense on one level, “we are too long, other Divisions have divided over smaller distances.” But they lost me when the petitioners decided, mid-conversation, to justify their actions: “It’s better for fencing.” Huh? What fencing? Whose fencing? Certainly not competitive fencing- in this state? Certianly not for the smaller events – women and youth fencers. I tried very hard to understand the point of view of these petitioners (it should be noted that much of the USFA members along the coast are divided on this change as well). Overall, there were too many inconsistencies in their discussion points, and any rebuttals made to address these inconsistencies were met with denial and an “oh no, we just want what’s best for fencing, it’s not about ——.” Well, if you wanted what’s best for fencing don’t you think you would have consulted with the rest of the Division? Consulted with other Divisions who have divided? Perhaps brought this up to the Board? Had some planning or brainstorming sessions, or, something that was inclusive to fencing in this state and not exclusive? Post factco, their decision justification to the other half of the state looked like this at the meeting: “I want to take my ball and play in my own court, but we still all want to play on the same team.”
The divide would place no Masters of Arms, high level rated referees for qualifying events on “their side.” They would start out with no money, BUT THEY COULD QUALFITY MORE FENCERS TO NATIONAL EVENTS!!! Nothing in their vision (honestly, I wasn’t sure about a vision) was built on the Mission Statement of the USFA… justification to divide before we grow sounded like, “if the Division got 20 more fencers, we would be strained.” The Division will get 20 more fencers next year, we are counting on this growth! Again- hunh?
BUT I HAVE A SOLUTION to this uncomfortable situation our fencing state now finds itself in. Now that the fate of our fencing state lies with two outside members of our state, Bill Becker and Brad Baker, we need to simultaneously help prop up this new Division, yet ease their feelings of isolation in case they do stay attached to the NC Division. I propose the petitioners of the Coastal Carolina Division step up and host NC Divisional Qualifiers this year. I know the rest of the state will step up and support them and work with them. Even though it would be very tempting to wave a finger of “be careful, you just might get what you wish for!” I am sure the state will work for the event in the same way we have worked for other events. PLUS, IT WILL BE AT THE BEACH, and fun! I want to play in the sand at another fencing tournament… vacation write off!
Going forward, I think the board must insist to alternate where qualifying events are held by region in our long state. Let’s divided into thirds, just like the USFA did with the USA, and force each of our regions to rotate hosting JO Qualifiers, Divisional Qualifiers and Team Summer National Qualifiers. We already do a great job of maintaining a diverse board. Forcing the coast to get more involved with the qualifying events will ease their feelings of isolation and grow their appreciation for the cooperative work that is required of many to run a quality volunteer organization- no matter how big or small, long or competitive we get.
Thanks for reading and remember, if you are fencing in NC, “the Division” means YOU! You’re it! Get involved.
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