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Opinion / Editorial
By Shawn Patton
*** Updated ***
Back in April I expressed my firmly held belief: the people that got you into a "mess" aren't necessarily the people best capable to lead you out.
Despite a culture in squash that seems uncomfortable with scrutiny, fair comment and deviations from any coverage of our sport that isn't viewed through rose colored glases, I continued my Op/Ed by asking some blunt questions:
1. How many complaints have been expressed over the years concerning the mis-management of the PSA and consequent impact on the players (incomes & health), promoters, sponsors and the game as a whole? Gawain Briars is not solely responsible in my estimation.
2. Who were the Board Members that presided over his selection and contract negotiations? Who were the Board Members who seemed unwilling or incapable of getting to the bottom of player concerns during the Briars' era?
3. Have the actions and accomplishments of the current Board demonstrated they have the skills, business network and vision to take the PSA forward?
I then went out further on limb and outlined why I felt several of the PSA Board of Directors should resign to allow change, renewal:
Top 10 Reasons Why SOME PSA Board Members Should Step Down
10. To take responsibility for shortcomings related to awarding methodology and management of Tour contracts (Briars employment, TV, Streaming rights, partnerships/sponsorships).
9. To demonstrate accountability and the lack of legitimacy given recent Board election shenanigans.
8. Poor attendance at Board Meetings.
7. Potential conflicts of interest related to PSA travel expenditures and inappropriate use of player e-mail address information to promote business interests.
6. Many current Board Members have had more than enough time on the Board (some with 9 or more years of service) to provide their ideas, perspectives and to influence the game.
5. The current Board does not reflect the geographic diversity of the PSA Tour.
4. The current Board could be strengthened by participation and representation of broader array of stakeholders.
3. They would send a clear message of change, renewal possible within the PSA Board & Executive.
2. Board members who step down would be demonstrating a true love of the game and putting what is in the best interests of the sport ahead of any personal considerations.
1. New members could be added that would bring fresh blood, new ideas, enriched Boardroom dynamics, varied skills, different business connections and networks.
It is far too easy to simply criticize from the sidelines or bitch over a beer, so I felt it important that I put forward some ideas, to be part of the solution as it were.
Some ideas to improve the PSA Board:
- have a maximum term length for new Board members of 5 years
- increase the size of the Board by 2 members
- have 1 seat for a Promoter representative (rotating)
- have 1 seat for an Associations representative (rotating)
- regionalize the structure to include a minimum of one Board seat or Executive position for each of:
UK Europe
North, Central & South America
Middle East, Africa & South Asia
Asia & Ocenia
* with a maximum of no more than 2 Board seats or Executive positions from one country.
- publish Board Meeting:
Agendas in advance to garner wider ranging feedback and ideas
Attendance records
- utilize web delivery technologies to increase attendance and participation at AGM and other Board meetings
- increase participation, level of engagement, robustness of decision making and pace of change by utilizing committees (to also include people outside Board and player population) to examine issues and make recommendations
Generally speaking I felt:
With a new CEO and several new Board members the PSA would have many of the ingredients for change, renewal and a fresh start. Would players like Thierry Lincou, Wael El Hindi or Amr Shabana improve the Board by more accurately reflecting the geographic diversity of the game? Might these or other players also provide a modern player's perspective, as well as bring fresh energy, ideas, skills and business connections to the Board Room?
Despite the personal and professional repercussions I then asked:
Are all of the Board Members below the best people to take the PSA Tour forward?
Which of the [following] gentlemen will show the character and true dedication for what is best for the game and voluntarily step down from the Board?
The PSA Board - when this article first published in April
Name Title Appointment Country
Mark Chaloner Chairman of the Board 07/12/2002 England
Alex Gough President 07/12/2002 Wales
Lee Beachill Vice President 12/01/2008 England
Robert Graham Treasurer 01/12/1998 England
Tony Hands Director 01/12/1998 England
John F Herrick Director 08/11/1994 U.S.A.
Martin Macdonnell Director 07/12/2002 Ireland
The current PSA Board
Name Title Appointment Country
Mark Chaloner Chairman of the Board 07/12/2002 England
Lee Beachill Vice President 12/01/2008 England
Robert Graham Treasurer 01/12/1998 England
Tony Hands Director 01/12/1998 England
Martin Macdonnell Director 07/12/2002 Ireland
Robert Bramall Director 05/22/2008 England
Renan Lavigne Director France
Current PSA Executives
Richard Graham Chief Executive England
Alex Gough Chief Operating Officer Wales
Ted Wallbutton Marketing Executive England
Sheila Cooksley Tour Executive Wales
A number of sources have indicated that further resignations from the Board will permit changes to the Board of the PSA. Look for Peter Nicol and Ziad Al-Turki to be added to the Board.
Peter and Ziad bring obvious legitimacy, perspectives and skills to the Board, but some questions remain:
1. Despite the "new" faces on the PSA Board, does the Board, Executive still tend to be overweighted in retired/pro players and individuals raised or resident in the United Kingdom?
2. Where is the representation on the Board/Executive from North America, Oceania, Asia, South America?
3. Is there a UK-centric approach to the management, operation of the PSA? Looking to the operators of the PSA website and web streaming service again we see UK based partners.
4. Would be interesting to examine the geographic breakdown of PSA:
- player nationality
- prize money
Wonder if the PSA Board, Management, Staff, Head Office, partner, suppliers are indicative of the international nature of the PSA, professional sport, business and sponsorship opportunities?
What do you think? Send me an e-mail to
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