Fastfletch, you're right, somewhere along the way you must have missed it. If you look in the yearbook that you recieved when you became a member, you will see a list of state representatives for the IBO. They pretty much come from all across the states. Find them, familiarize yourself with who they are. Many times they are the eyes and ears of the organization. They are and have been in the field talking and listening to members, clubs, shops, and communities to evaluate what is working and what still needs to be done. Further, on multiple occaisions Ken has made it clear that you are free to call or stop in the office to get whatever information you need. He has also extended several invitations for anyone wishing to invest the time to become a state rep.

Communication, however, is a two way street. This thread is just one example where communication, even when it is tried, just simply fails. There are reasons why they have not extended SOY into the youth or HC. Those reasons have been given. Some individuals fail to recognise this, and because the reasons don't conform to their personal beliefs, or because they weren't personally consulted, that decision must be wrong. Timeing, if you want to critisize anything is all important. I have found the various board members and representatives very receptive to ideas when approached properly. But lets look at this. This is a new program, just inacted this fall to extend the award across the classes. To me it is obvious that the intent was to try to <dare I say it> level the playing field. But instead of thanks for the effort thats a step in the right direction, I'm reading, it wasn't done my way so its wrong.

My opinion is that this is the format we have for this year. Lets play it out and see how things go. Meanwhile, communicate with your state reps or with the IBO office. That is why they are all there. But in doing so, if you or anyone else really wish to "communicate", you will have to learn to listen to the answers, and be willing to give them the same validity that you would wish for your own.

These are just the thoughts and opinions of one IBO member.