ISSA Board Announces Joe Iacovelli As Ombudsman
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 4:39 pm
In response to the need to address any issues arising from racer and/or race organizer dissatisfaction with an event or the ISSA, the ISSA Board Of Directors has asked Joe Iacovelli to act as an Ombudsman. He will work both as an advocate for race participants and race organizers alike.
What is an Ombudsman? The best definition is the dictionary's:
"An ombudsman is an official, usually appointed by government or by a non-governmental public body, who is charged with investigating complaints by citizens and, where possible, resolving them, usually by making recommendations (which may or may not be binding) but sometimes through mediation."
So, Joe I is now the go-to guy if anyone has a complaint or concern. Please understand, however, Joe's ability to address issues are only related to ISSA-sanctioned events. All racers and organizers, though, are encouraged to contact Joe if there is any matter needing to be addressed, not just ISSA members.
Also, remember that part of Joe's duties is to also weigh the complaint against the best interest of the sport. Yes, you can contact Joe and state your case but don't assume heads will roll and great judgments will come down from on high. As the Ombudsman he can determine the severity OR the frivolousness nature of the issue. In other words, if you complain that you didn't like the free Budweiser at the party because you're a Heineken drinker, don't be shocked when Joe ignores you. On the other hand, if you feel a time was recorded wrong or you got screwed big time out of the podium because the organizer is an idiot then Joe certainly wants to hear from you.
Before any skepticism arises it should be known the Board is not "passing the buck" with this appointment. Joe Iacovelli came to us to volunteer for this position. The Board is composed of seven members and realized having a single go-to guy would be in everyone's best interest. Also, it's in the ISSA's best interest to have an independent and non-elected Ombudsman who's only responsibility is resolving conflict, not advancing a personal agenda.
The Ombudsman position was Joe's idea and we wholeheartedly supported his desire to volunteer to follow through on his own. It's a great example of a skater who says "someone should do something" becomes the person doing something. That's the way to grow this sport.
In conclusion forthwith and heretofore, an update is in order regarding the ISSA Board of Director's efforts to improve both the race experience for the racer and the logistical complications for the race promoter. 2009 will see some significant changes proposed for the ISSA. Be forewarned these changes MAY cost money (but not too much). More importantly, though, the Board is working to see the ISSA evolve from an Internet association with a website handing out race sanctions to a working sports organization striving to grow and improve slalom skateboard racing around the world.
What is an Ombudsman? The best definition is the dictionary's:
"An ombudsman is an official, usually appointed by government or by a non-governmental public body, who is charged with investigating complaints by citizens and, where possible, resolving them, usually by making recommendations (which may or may not be binding) but sometimes through mediation."
So, Joe I is now the go-to guy if anyone has a complaint or concern. Please understand, however, Joe's ability to address issues are only related to ISSA-sanctioned events. All racers and organizers, though, are encouraged to contact Joe if there is any matter needing to be addressed, not just ISSA members.
Also, remember that part of Joe's duties is to also weigh the complaint against the best interest of the sport. Yes, you can contact Joe and state your case but don't assume heads will roll and great judgments will come down from on high. As the Ombudsman he can determine the severity OR the frivolousness nature of the issue. In other words, if you complain that you didn't like the free Budweiser at the party because you're a Heineken drinker, don't be shocked when Joe ignores you. On the other hand, if you feel a time was recorded wrong or you got screwed big time out of the podium because the organizer is an idiot then Joe certainly wants to hear from you.
Before any skepticism arises it should be known the Board is not "passing the buck" with this appointment. Joe Iacovelli came to us to volunteer for this position. The Board is composed of seven members and realized having a single go-to guy would be in everyone's best interest. Also, it's in the ISSA's best interest to have an independent and non-elected Ombudsman who's only responsibility is resolving conflict, not advancing a personal agenda.
The Ombudsman position was Joe's idea and we wholeheartedly supported his desire to volunteer to follow through on his own. It's a great example of a skater who says "someone should do something" becomes the person doing something. That's the way to grow this sport.
In conclusion forthwith and heretofore, an update is in order regarding the ISSA Board of Director's efforts to improve both the race experience for the racer and the logistical complications for the race promoter. 2009 will see some significant changes proposed for the ISSA. Be forewarned these changes MAY cost money (but not too much). More importantly, though, the Board is working to see the ISSA evolve from an Internet association with a website handing out race sanctions to a working sports organization striving to grow and improve slalom skateboard racing around the world.