A Letter to the USA Swimming Board

I recieved this letter from Mike Saltzstein, former member of the USA Swimming board. He gave me permission to reprint it on my blog. It makes a number of strong points. It is also f more constructive than the blog I wrote recommending Wielgus step down. Read below for one man's take on what the USA Swimming Board of Directors should consider when they meet today:

Mr. Jim Wood                                                                        Members of the Executive Committee

President, USA Swimming                                           USA Swimming

June 28, 2010

Jim:

I understand there will be a telephone meeting of USA Swimming's Board of Directors on June 30, 2010. It is my further understanding that this call is planned to be discussion of the collapse of the USA Swimming Foundation Board, and appointing members of the Swimming Board in number sufficient to run the Foundation.

While complete control over the assets of the Foundation is certainly an important topic, I urge you to use this meeting as well, to discuss the recent revelations of certain violations of trust, good, and transparent leadership of the organization (including www.mercurynews.com/ci_15386751?IADID). And, to break the silence from you, our elected leaders. It is simply unfathomable to wait any longer to protect our athletes and the coaches who lead them.

In specific, the following suggestions for topics at the June 30 call include:

             1. An update from staff on any staff member (up to & including the Executive Director) disciplined on the basis of the Uchiyama employment reference.[i]

             2. Action(s) to be immediately implemented to protect minor athletes & their coaches.[ii]

             3. A membership update of real actions you have taken - other than the single list           of names - including costs of consultants, resources & CWLA, and any reports produced.

             4. Direction to the Executive Director that any and all press releases MUST be:

                        a) honest,        b) accurate, and,         c) truthful.

             5. A PUBLIC discussion of the unauthorized removal of the Child Protection Program,       including the updates you (Jim) made when the Board directed implementation in 2004.            This document is far beyond policy that any staff member has the right to modify,           change or delete. There must be accountability for this expressly prohibited action.[iii]

Please contact me with any questions. From their public statements, know that the abuse victims and their counsel, and I too, stand ready to help in any way possible, and certainly would be available (given reasonable notice) if participation will be allowed during this meeting.

Swimming is a good and decent sport, its clubs, coaches and volunteers provide needed lifetime benefits to many.  It is looking to you for leadership - please use this opportunity.

Regards,

        Mike                   

mikesaltzstein@att.net 

copy:   Chuck Wielgus-Executive Director,  Rich Young-HRO,  USA Swimming Board of Directors

[i] While the specific person or action may be confidential, a general disclosure is certainly within the Board's duties.

[ii] For immediate steps, see also the "Call for Cultural Change/True Call To Action", April 22, 2010.

[iii] The document itself states "No exceptions, changes or deletions can be made to this manual without the prior approval of the USA Swimming Board of Directors."  Document dated 8/28/2008 and supplied by USA Swimming.

[1] While the specific person or action may be confidential, a general disclosure is certainly within the Board's duties.

[1] For immediate steps, see also the "Call for Cultural Change/True Call To Action", April 22, 2010.

[1] The document itself states "No exceptions, changes or deletions can be made to this manual without the prior approval of the USA Swimming Board of Directors."  Document dated 8/28/2008 and supplied by USA Swimming

Whatever your opinion is, make sure that the USA Swimming Board of Directors hers from you. They are volunteer leaders that are elected to serve their membership.