BoD Update August 2021

HIGHLIGHTS -- USAR Board of Directors Meeting -- July 26, 2021

Twelve of 14 Board members were in attendance along with Executive Director Mike Wedel.

The Board conveyed its sincere condolences to Terry Rogers on the passing of Jack Hughes on July 15, 2021.

Following are some points of interest:

Executive Director Update (Mike Wedel)

Championships planning has been a priority. Connor Shane spent time this past week with Doug Ganim in Minneapolis meeting managers, sponsors, et al.

World Outdoor Racquetball (WOR)/Huntington Beach recap -- Mike Wedel set up a USAR tent, administrated prize drawings, and enjoyed connecting with the outdoor community.

Recap: 2021 National Junior Championships with Adult Team Qualifying (Wellmark YMCA, Des Moines, July 14-18) -- This was a condensed version of our normal junior event -- the draw was lower than other years, but a number of experienced players attended who might have been reasonably expected to qualify for the U.S. Junior Team.

The National Junior Championships Awards and Ice Cream Party on Saturday night had seating for 250 and ended up being “standing room only.” The event was a well-received social atmosphere. Custom posters were available for the players, and four adult elite athletes addressed the group during the awards: Rocky Carson, Michelle De La Rosa, Erika Manilla, and Troy Warigon. The US Junior and Adult Teams were announced along with Junior All Americans (semifinalists and up).

The Board congratulated Athlete Representatives Michelle De La Rosa and Charlie Pratt for qualifying for the U.S. Team. Board member Maurice Miller competed as well and distinguished himself in both Singles and Doubles, and he and partner Troy Warigon conducted a Junior clinic on Saturday afternoon at the YMCA.

Tentative planning for 2022 Championships dates and locations was shared.

A question was asked relative to whether USAR is generating updated COVID guidelines. The response was that they are unchanged from what USAR conveyed in Spring 2020. It is critical that sanctioned event directors check with local and state governments -- regulations vary based on states and cities. Since sanctioned events are beginning to increase, a suggestion was made to remind state associations and tournament directors that adherence to state and local guidelines is required for sanctioning/insurance.

Committee Updates

Finance Update

Year-to-date financial performance through the first half of the year is generally in line with the budget. Membership revenue, while significantly lagging historical levels, has shown a modest increase and is slightly outpacing the budgeted levels. Final figures for the U.S. Junior Championships with National Team Qualifying should be available shortly. The 2022 budgeting process will begin in August with the goal of approving a final budget in October or November.

US Team Committee

Pan American Racquetball Championships (PARC) -- The U.S. Team Committee will meet to prepare a recommendation to the Board of Directors. Taking into account a number of factors, the Board will decide if a U.S. Team/Delegation will be sent to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in early September.

Legislative Committee

The Legislative Committee is set to finish the last point before the USOPC’s 8/30/21 extended deadline. Notifications of proposed bylaws revisions will be sent to the Board on or before 8/15.

Additional Discussion Topics

• Rankings
• Doubles seeding
• USAR Referee Program

Next Meeting: August 30, 2021

--ADJOURNED--

GET TO KNOW YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The makeup of the USAR Board of Directors is diverse and robust, including four state association presidents, two pro tour commissioners, the NMRA president, several business owners, and three elite racquetball athletes. They bring a wide range of skills and knowledge brought from multiple areas of business, educational, and racquetball experience.

View Board members’ photos and profiles. Just click on each photo to see the profile, and click on the name to send an email!

Download the USAR Bylaws, Article VII, to learn about Board of Directors Position Categories: At Large Elected, Board Appointed, Executive Appointed, and Athlete Representatives.