All-Star Usasf Independence

[Future]

Oops, I found one. The Women's Flat Track Derby Association says it's a 501(C)6 on it's Facebook page. However, it claims it is a 501(c)3 on it's main web site. Not sure which is correct. They may want to check that out - some people frown on misrepresenting your 501 C status.

Women's Flat Track Derby Association a 501(c)(3)…..here are their 990 tax returns where it is designated…good post, BlueCat…..http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/320/328/2011-320328905-08ce0182-9.pdf

 

[BlueCat]

Women's Flat Track Derby Association a 501(c)(3)…..here are their 990 tax returns where it is designated…good post, BlueCat…..http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2011/320/328/2011-320328905-08ce0182-9.pdf

Good. I'm not sure who would have taken more offense to being lumped in with the other - cheer or roller derby.

I assume that there are other US sports groups that consider themselves "national governing bodies" that are 501 (C)6. The only ones I find are all housed in Varsity Headquarters. Maybe someone with better resources/more time can find some? I'm curious how those are set up and how they compare to USASF/IASF/ICU/USA Cheer for reference. I'm also having a bit of trouble locating any official records on IASF.

 

[Bystander]

This post in the Still Not A Sport thread really saddens me:



I've read a lot of official documents an testimony to Varsity's intentions but never solidified AACCAs involvement.

The saddest part of this whole discussion is how it stifles a true safety culture that could happen if cheer became a true sport.

There are too many risks being allowed with kids in my opinion.


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WOW! So glad to see this thread!! Is there anyone from USASF or Varsity that would like to join this discussion??

 

[Cheer Dad]

WOW! So glad to see this thread!! Is there anyone from USASF or Varsity that would like to join this discussion??

ASCheerMan has made his thoughts available on page 6 but don't think you will see any sort of official response from either entity on this board.

 

[SharkDad]

I want I point out that I believe in the USASF and participate in the Parent Action Committee for that reason. It is the most organized and best governing body in any form of cheer right now.

I also appreciate Varsity Corp for many great things it has done to increase visibility for the sport as a whole. I dislike the fact that Varsity and its subsidiaries do just enough to say "we're being safe" and in a way that people can't outright claim its a straight monopoly. The sport is so splintered that no one entity is currently in the position to challenge...and safety in the entire sport suffers because of it.

As a parent I don't have say in rules or how EPs run things but after 13 years around this sport I want parents to know they have a great responsibility to educate themselves on the true level of safety they expose their kids to and on how the business relationships the gym they choose affects that.


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[ashscott41]

I admittedly know nothing about taxes or any of the things discussed here. I'm a student and still file as a dependent of my parents. How did USASF become a 501c6 to begin with? In 2002 there were 71,000 c6 organizations so I'd assume at least one of those has to be a sports governing body. The definition of c6 only includes the NFL because of some fancy dealing in the 60s, but c3 includes "associations to foster national or international amateur sports competition." Does the fact that some kids make money on bow deals, etc making them "professionals" competing against amateurs prevent us from moving towards a c3 status? I also found that the American Kennel Club was denied c6 because its members "are primarily interested in sport, not business." Are we a c6 because member gyms are businesses? And since c6 is for business leagues, does this mean USASF is supposed to provide some sort of business owner training? Is anything available from USASF to aid in the business side of cheer? I would assume the vast majority of gym owners are more interested in the sport, rather than being a business owner. I'm just trying to wrap my head around all of this and have actually confused myself more while researching

 

[NJ Coach]

I admittedly know nothing about taxes or any of the things discussed here. I'm a student and still file as a dependent of my parents. How did USASF become a 501c6 to begin with? In 2002 there were 71,000 c6 organizations so I'd assume at least one of those has to be a sports governing body. The definition of c6 only includes the NFL because of some fancy dealing in the 60s, but c3 includes "associations to foster national or international amateur sports competition." Does the fact that some kids make money on bow deals, etc making them "professionals" competing against amateurs prevent us from moving towards a c3 status? I also found that the American Kennel Club was denied c6 because its members "are primarily interested in sport, not business." Are we a c6 because member gyms are businesses? And since c6 is for business leagues, does this mean USASF is supposed to provide some sort of business owner training? Is anything available from USASF to aid in the business side of cheer? I would assume the vast majority of gym owners are more interested in the sport, rather than being a business owner. I'm just trying to wrap my head around all of this and have actually confused myself more while researching

a 501(c)6 is for businesses. Basically it exists to for the advancement of the business
a 501(c)3 is for charities, foundations and sports

 

[ashscott41]

a 501(c)6 is for businesses. Basically it exists to for the advancement of the business
a 501(c)3 is for charities, foundations and sports

That's exactly why I'm so confused about USASF being c6. What resources do they provide to aid business owners? Shouldn't they be focusing on the growth of a sport like a c3?

 

[Future]

That's exactly why I'm so confused about USASF being c6. What resources do they provide to aid business owners? Shouldn't they be focusing on the growth of a sport like a c3?

USASF is NOT a 501c(6)…they are a state registered non profit only….they do not, have not filed with the IRS to be a 501c anything….they do not file 990 tax returns that are required IF you are a 501 c anything. USASF is a subsidiary…of Varsity. They are not required by law to function as a NGB because they are not one…they are "promoting" they are non profit and independent as that is what Varsity wants us in the industry to believe. An analogy would be Wal-mart owns Sam's Club….Varsity owns USASF…and the injured parities in all of this are the athletes, parents and gym owners that are fooled into thinking they can make a difference….not with the main company being Varsity, a profit company. Varsity solicits gym owners, cheer industry players, parents to "sit on the board"….the buck stops with Varsity, the "Board" is not the controller.

 

[SharkDad]

That's exactly why I'm so confused about USASF being c6. What resources do they provide to aid business owners? Shouldn't they be focusing on the growth of a sport like a c3?

This is what many people are asking. If they were interested in the sport then why pick c6? If they were interested in growing the industry then I guess c6 makes sense. Same as for USA Cheer.

If an organization is formed to grow sport, then your logic is correct.


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[Future]

This is what many people are asking. If they were interested in the sport then why pick c6? If they were interested in growing the industry then I guess c6 makes sense. Same as for USA Cheer.

If an organization is formed to grow sport, then your logic is correct.


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USASF is not registered as a 501c(6)…USA Cheer STATES they are registered as a 501c(6)…but for USA Cheer, there is no federal record of them applying for this tax determination……USASF is interested in growing the industry…but only as it pertains to the 'lining of Varsity pockets'……USASF is Varsity in sheep's clothing. Herff Jones owns Varsity…and thus owns USASF…it does not belong to the "people' and Varsity can run it however they please….Sharkdad….love your comments and insight….

 

[ACEDAD]

The USASF is not in the EP business. They have a Worlds Advisory Committee, Chairperson Steve Peterson, but it was made very clear to me from a number of Disney WWOS and Youth Sports Representatives in a meeting I had with them last year that Varsity Corp is who holds the contract with them to hold Worlds. They didn't know what the USASF was until I described it to them.

While it may be possible that is because they were somehow at a level to not deal with a USASF representative, the part that struck me as odd was that they all could name Varsity as the company they were dealing with.

SharkDad not sure if you missed it but BlueCat wanted some more info on this. I would as well. Thanks.

 

[SharkDad]

SharkDad not sure if you missed it but BlueCat wanted some more info on this. I would as well. Thanks.

I didn't see any contracts myself, but I got to attend some meetings with Disney Youth Sports and WWOS facilities reps. Got to see the video control room as well. I wasn't doing any digging, but I noticed every one of them referred to a Varsity representative as the person they worked with to put on Worlds. Not one referenced USASF. I found it as odd at the time. Every time I learned more, it made more sense though.

The meetings came in handy the next day as I was able to speak directly with people I had met to find a solution to the crowding situation.



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[wcdad]

Well seeing this is the biggest Worlds ever I would imagine it would be at least 150k. So without those 5 payments the guesstimated worst scenario is 4 more years? Where did you get those payments again?

You all seem to forget interest. I am sure the Yearly payments are covering the interest first and the balance going to the principle. Or was the loan interest free?

 

[Future]

You all seem to forget interest. I am sure the Yearly payments are covering the interest first and the balance going to the principle. Or was the loan interest free?

In press statements, Varsity has stated it was interest-free.