JR Huckel & Associates

Election and Induction Services for Halls of Fame

New Blog Post: National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction 2012

May 29, 2012

National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction 2012 is upon us. I feel privileged and am honored to be a part of this event.

(May 30, 2012) On Wednesday May 30th I’ll be at FedEx Field in suburban Washington, D.C. to celebrate the induction of Des Armstrong, Tony DiCicco, Tony Meola, and Claudio Reyna into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. At the same event Grahame L. Jones, a retired sports writer who wrote many insightful game reports and soccer columns for the Los Angeles Times, will receive the Colin Jose Media Award, emblematic of a career of excellence in soccer communications.

Armstrong, Meola, and Reyna have played in some of the highest profile matches in recent U.S. Soccer history. Among them they have 20 FIFA World Cup appearances and 293 caps, i.e. matches played for the U.S. National Team.

DiCicco was the coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team that won the first ever Olympic Gold Medal in Women’s Football (soccer) and the championship of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The ceremony, while still not an enormous public event, is paired with an international friendly match between the U.S. Men and Brazil that will attract some 80,000 fans to the stadium. Hall of Famers and the new inductees will be honored on the field before the game. Having been part of this event format for the past three years, I can tell you the walk on the field, the introduction to the crowd, and the roar with which each of the Hall of Famers is greeted, is an awesome moment.

Hall of Fame celebrations are for that moment – the moment that makes the individual who gave it all in cause – feel our appreciation for their commitment and all the “blood, sweat, and tears.”

I feel privileged and am honored to be a small part of this event.

Jack Huckel, Founder & Principal of J.R. Huckel & Associates, offers election and induction consulting services to Halls of Fame. Jack served the National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum as Director of Museum and Archives for 9-1/2 years after more than 10 years as a volunteer and longer still as a soccer historian. More information is available at the firm’s web site. He can be reached at jack@jrhuckel.com or 518/852-3033.

Jack is a member of the International Sports Heritage Association, who’s 2012 Annual Conference will take place at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport, RI from October 24 to 26. He is also a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Board of Directors’ Executive Committee. He will become president of the NSCAA in January of 2013.

 

Menu

Search

News

Jim Valvano once described a full day as one in which three things happen: one laughs; one cries; and one thinks. Induction day should meet Jim's definition of a full day.

National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction 2012 is upon us. I feel privileged and am honored to be a part of this event.

Are some of the differences between the U.S. and Europe expressed by the difference in concept of a hall of fame museum?
The Olympic Hall of Fame was revived in 2004 through a partnership with Allstate Insurance. Are you thinking about making agreement with commercial entities? If not, now is the time to start.
A recent impromptu high school reunion reminded me of the value of the Liars' Retreat, an important event on the National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Weekend calendar. Here are some thoughts on the topic for your consideration.
The newest Hall of Fame - the Internet Hall of Fame - may show us how best to use the internet to benefit our organizations. Check their web site at http://internethalloffame.org/
The National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on May 30th and it will be my 13th consecutive ceremony. I am looking forward to once again being part of honoring the best in soccer in the United States.
Congratulations to the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2012.
A cautionary tale involving the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the three entities that share the responsibilities for it.
The size of an induction class is often a subject of discussion. Here are some practical questions to answer to help find the answer.
How does a Hall of Fame communicate with its newest members before the ceremony? Here are some thoughts on that issue.
Transparency in Hall of Fame voting is trumpeted by some as the best way to ensure fair elections. Mr. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk and I don't see it that way.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame class was announced on Super Bowl weekend. The selection was interesting in that four of the six new members I would classify as linemen. Here's a thoughts on how that may have happened and ways to be sure discussion style elections processes do not become "group think."
The opening of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives is a cause for celebration. Is it also an opportunity to discuss a change in the traditional definition of libraries and archives to reflect digital realities and the budget constraints of smaller less well-funded Halls of Fame?
The process of collecting memorabilia is one of the enjoyable roles in working for a Hall of Fame. Here is one of my adventures!
A controversial nominee - a public opinion scrap including state legislators - on the opinion page of the leading newspaper in the state? Does that qualify as a Hall of Fame nightmare scenario? How will you prepare for such a moment?
New Halls of Fame seem to pop up every day! But the same questions arise over and over again - Who is your audience?  Can you define them accurately? Can you engage them? Energize them? Get that audience to your destination?
Ron Santo was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame following his death. Should the health condition of a potential Hall of Famer be part of the conversation?
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum election gains significant publicity for the institution well in advance of the election announcement. Why? And can you use it to your advantage?
It's the season to be thankful. Are you expressing it?
Is it a donation or a loan? Fail to make this distinction with your contributor at your peril.
An interview with National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum president Jeff Idelson
An interesting study on funding made me think about parallels to sports museums and the challenges they face in receiving grants from major foundations and other support organizations.
My wife participates in Revolutionary War re-enactments. Could we use that idea more often at Halls of Fame?
Here's an induction ceremony idea courtesy of the Patriots Hall of Fame.
Our Hall of Fame and Museum may go into the red. What would you be willing to do to keep that from happening?

How should a Hall of Fame recognize the passing of one its members? The Pro Football Hall of Fame did a terrific tribute to Lee Roy Selmon. And the word "hero" was not part of it! Here's why I think that makes it even more impressive.

How should a Hall of Fame decide? Here's one idea that might help make for a better decision.
Should Halls of Fame have strict criteria for eligibility? Should assistants coaches be open for consideration? Here are some thoughts on that issue.
A sport jacket presentation can add an element of theater to the Induction Event.
Commentators Peter Dreier and Kelly Candaele wrote in a Huffington Post column that one deserving individual was missing from the 2011 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – Marvin Miller. Does their column provide an election procedure suggestion you may find helpful?
Future Hall of Famers? Maybe, but what are the some of the characteristics that lead from an outstanding performance to the ultimate honor? 
Will the NFL negotiations succeed in time for the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
What should a Hall of Fame do if one of its inductees gets in the news for all the wrong reasons?
Quoting Justice Potter in part, "...I know it when I see it..." What are the criteria for a Hall of Famer?
The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony can be made exceptional by the speeches given. If presenters are used, here are some tips and getting that part of the ceremony to be meaningful,
Jim Valvano famously said, " To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That’s a heck of a day.”  
Thank you Karen Pope for making the National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction 2011 "...a heck of a day!"
WKSU called yesterday for commentary on the challenges that Canton, OH and the Pro Football Hall of Fame face this year as a result of the NFL owners' decision to lockout of the players. WIll there be a 2011 Hall of Fame Game?
What to do when the election/selection process doesn't quite work out? The National Baseball Hall of Fame met the challenge of that scenario with a response that truly created a wonderful honor.
"The Common Man and Bill" at ESPN.com MLB write a terrific column that reinforces the idea that regular analysis of Hall of Fame voting results can lead to surprising conclusions. 
Will the NFL lockout change the plans for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Enshrinement Weekend? Whether it will or not, plans are in the works for an alternative. 
Is a solely virtual Hall of Fame enough? Or does there need to be a Museum? Let's discuss that issue.
The New England Patriots announced the finalists for the Hall of Fame Class of 2011. Is three enough for the fans to choose among?
The National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2011 was announced as I was packing my suitcases for vacation. The results made my holiday trip all the more enjoyable.
The National Sailing Hall of Fame recently announced its inaugural Induction Ceremony will take place on October 23rd at the San Diego Yacht Club. The organization, headquartered in Annapolis, MD, also promulgated its Hall of Fame By-Laws and Rules for Election. Two elements of the process caught my eye: 1) the size of the selection committee, and 2) the actual voting process. Here are some thoughts on these.
Are Hall of Fame classes better when they are small? Or should the class be larger? Jack offers some thoughts on the subject.
Selecting a team to honor as a Hall of Fame team can be a challenge. There are three elements, I believe, to working this challenge: 1) the eligibility criteria, 2) the election method, and 3) the method of honoring. I want to discuss some of the variables that a Hall of Fame needs to consider as they approach honoring teams.
Making the Hall of Fame induction ceremony memorable is an annual challenge. Here are some ideas about how to make that happen.
Last week I wrote about controversy in the Pro Football Hall of Fame elections. Well, this week it's about the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame election process. Can't we just let the Halls of Fame do their elections like they want and let it go at that? Simple answer: "Sorry, NO!!!"
I like reviewing the mechanics of a Hall of Fame's election process. Here's commentary on the recent announcement of the 2011 Induction Class at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Is any Hall of Fame election without controversy? It seems no matter where one turns, the subject of Hall of Fame honors often finds a way to highlight the inappropriate behavior of an outstanding athlete. Whether you choose to respond or to ignore negative commentary, work, it’s best to discuss these issues before they arise.
The reporting that the NASCAR Hall of Fame has financial challenges might make your community become concerned about your economic health. Here are ideas about using that news as an opportunity to build support.
The tragic shootings in Tucson have consumed the media with commentary. They represent humanity's loss. What is the relationship between this terrible event and Halls of Fame? Read on
Being part of a Hall of Fame ceremony is special. Here's a reflection on one of mine.
Here is my column for Bobby McMahon's Soccer Report Extra: http://tiny.cc/uindj
Each year it behooves Halls of Fame to reexamine their work. Whether a "check-up" or in depth review, it seems appropriate that the new year brings a requirement to evaluate where we are and what steps need to be taken to get where we want to be.
How do you document the careers of Hall of Famers? Video recorded interviews are an excellent technique to use.
Using objective criteria to establish eligibility can assist a Hall of Fame in defining itself and its honorees. Choosing whether to have "loose" or "highly restrictive" criteria is an important step in the process.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced the results of the Expansion Era Committee ballot on Monday and Marvin Miller was not elected. I have written previously about the situation regarding controversial candidates and close the loop with a final commentary.

Induction Day means everything to a Hall of Fame. So planning it means everything, too.

Often those who are honored at Halls of Fame are revered by many, but considered undeserving by some. Is unanimity needed for Hall of Fame honor? 
Conducting interviews with newly elected Hall of Famers and their family can bring life to history behind the honor. But tread carefully as information produced through interviews can be embellished.
Miller has been named to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot. What next?
Social Media was a key discussion issue at the 40th Annual ISHA Conference. We are learning how to use, but are we also measuring its impact. Tom Pick suggests...
Marvin Miller has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Why has the Hall of Fame not honored Miller?Think about how any Hall of Fame considers controversial figures within its purview. Does your process place the consideration of those individuals under conflict of interest threat? How can your Hall of Fame create a fair process that keeps personal or professional animosities from being a part of the election or selection process?
The International Sports Heritage Association’s 40th Annual Conference was dominated by social media exploration. Five sessions touched...
In general there are two ways in which Hall of Fame honorees are named, either through a selection committee process or an election process. Each offers advantages and each has drawbacks. 
Selection of veterans, those who have not been elected or selected through the regular process is often controversial. Should your Hall of Fame consider veterans?
Hall of Fame ceremonies are a year-round phenomenon. I encourage you to become involved with a Hall of Fame program that appeals to you.
Visit http://jrhuckel.com/blog/ for the latest commentary by Jack.
JR Huckel & Associates is pleased to announced the establishment of its blog site here
Soccer Hall of Fame has been named to the 2nd ever class of the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame. Pat follows fellow Hall of Famer Harry Keough, who was awarded the honor in the inaugural class

Jack Huckel is pleased to announce the formation of JR Huckel & Associates, an induction and elections consulting and management firm for Halls of Fame.

Jack Huckel, Founder and Principal of JR Huckel & Associates, announced today the establishment of jrhuckel.com, the new business web site.

 

Copyright (c)2010 JR Huckel & Associates & JustHost.com