TO: Board of Directors Group A Members Group B Members Group C Members Committee Chairpersons Delegates Other Interested Person FROM: Angela Marino, Secretary Board of Directors Meeting January 20, 2007 Colorado Springs, Colorado I. CALL TO ORDER BY PRESIDENT TRIPP Meeting called to order at 9:15 am by President Tripp. Quorum was established by the Secretary. II. ROLL CALL AS FOLLOWS: President Dr. Ron Tripp Board Member Lance Nading Board Member Fletcher Thornton Board Member Leo White Board Member Gail Stolzenburg Board Member Jose Rodriguez Board Member Steve Poindexter Board Member Ken Bellard II Board Member Grace Jividen Board Member John Serbin Board Member Reno Reser Secretary Angela Marino III. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 18,2006 MINUTES MOTION BY GAIL STOLZENBURG TO ACCEPT OCTOBER 18 MINUTES
MOTIONED, SECONDED BY RENO RESER, PASSED IV. MOTION BY LANCE NADING TO ADD ITEMS TO THE AGENDA MOTIONED, SECONDED BY LEO WHITE, PASSED V. MOTION BY PRESIDENT DR. RON TRIPP TO ADOPT THE DECISION OF THE USJF ON THE EXPULSION OF ALVIN K MIYATAKE, TO EXERCISE THE RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT, AND DENY ALVIN K MIYATAKE OF MEMBERSHIP OR REPRESENTATION IN USA JUDO IN ANY CAPACITY. MOTIONED, SECONDED BY RENO RESER, PASSED VI. CEO REPORT USA Judo Accomplishments in 2006 CEO Jose Rodriguez discussed USA Judo accomplishments over the past 20 months. First was the development of a new image for USA Judo. This included a new logo and development of the website. USA Judo has received its official registration trade mark, and the website has become more informative, dynamic, and convenient, allowing members to be up to date on current judo news, events around the world, and even online membership registration. The website has also become a source for web casting of the major USA Judo events, allowing for live results, and pictures of our top athletes. Other changes included splitting the sharing of insurance policies with competing organizations, adopting new bylaws, and establishing a 10 member board of directors. In addition, USA Judo has stopped excepting secondary memberships, and opportunities have been created for sponsors to invest in the sport of judo. CEO Jose Rodriguez continued by stating that creditability and strong ties have been established with both the USOC Sport Partners, and the PJU, and that the restructure of major committees has allowed for a more efficient system. There have been several grassroots programs that have been stated help increase the membership of USA Judo. These programs include The Police Athletic League, Boys and Girls Scouts, State Games of America, and the Indigenous Games and Program. All of these things have help lead to increase in numbers from 2005 to 2006. The number of club memberships has jumped from 69 to 175, and the over all membership has jumped from 3,225 to 5,512. In addition to this, there were 2 new innovative programs which were created; U23 and the National Training sites. This will be addressed later by the Director of High performance, Ed Liddie. Other programs that have evolved include the Coaches Education & Certification Program, Referees Education Program, and
the Rank/Promotions Program. USA Judo has also begun publication of a USA Judo Magazine that will be distributed quarterly. USA Judo National Office Staff CEO Jose Rodriguez continued his report be going over National Office staff and summarizing their duties. USA Judo High Performance Plan i. Monica Wright Tafoya- Handles the financial duties and membership ii. Patty Meza- Office Support, Answers the phone iii. Nicole Jomantas- Director of Communications, including the handling of all Media relations, and development and maintenance of the web site. iv. Mary Ann Relich-Responsible for ranks and promotion, international competition, and insurance v. Ed Liddie Director of High Performance vi. Sherri Phillips/ Corrine Shigamoto- Events coordinators CEO Jose Rodriguez gave the floor to USA Judo High Performance Director Ed Liddie to discuss the plan for the 2007 thru 2008 year. Ed Liddie begun by saying that everything is geared towards a performance base due to the limited funds available. By 2012 the desire is to have a fully competitive team with athletes that are trained well enough to place in any division. Everything that is done however must be in relation to what was outlined to the USOC. Ed Liddie continued by reviewing the fifteen training camps that took place between January and October of 2006. These development camps are designed for athletes who are not yet at the elite level, and wish to move in that direction. There has been $60,000 dollars set aside to help these camps continue to take place. In addition to training camps, a variety of Direct Athletes Support programs for elite athletes are in place that are based on performance and ranking. Money is dispensed based on points earned and the level of the athlete is at. The Extended Stay program gives elite athletes a stipend to help with expenses when traveling over seas, but they are required to stay for at least a 2 week period. In 2006 there were four athletes that received a total of $20,000 from this program. For two athletes in 2006, there were monthly stipends issued to help offset their competition expenses in the amount of $20,000.
There is also currently four athletes know as the Fab 4 who are under performance contracts. These athletes have agreed to uphold certain criteria and obligation in exchange for funding. In 2006, these four athletes received a total of $16,000. Mr. Liddie continued to discuss the incentive programs including the athlete medal incentive, and a coach s medal incentive. In these two programs both the athlete and the coach will get money based on the medal placement. In 2006 this program dispersed $14,000 to four coaches, and four athletes. For B level athletes, there is training grants available, which 22 athletes took advantage of in 2006 The top fourteen elite athletes are also eligible to receive health insurance. Athletes should keep in mind that if under contract, they must attend all events in their contract in order to get paid. The requirements increase each year, and each athlete is evaluated on an individual basis. Ed Liddie stated, that the national coaching staff is telling athletes what tournaments they can and should attend. An athlete can only be funded to the event level they are at, and if an athlete wants USA Judo money they must meet the criteria. In discussing the road to Beijing and beyond, Ed Liddie went over the staff, the plan, and budget. The 2008 Olympic coach is Jason Morris, and the Team Leader will be Leo White. He then detailed the development process of becoming an elite athlete. An athlete must start by attending a development camps, move to junior development, the U23 Team & National Training Sites, B level athletes, FAB 4. This is performance based, and in order to get into B level, athletes must be dedicated and consistent. Other support programs for our athletes include junior development, the U23 program, and six National Training Sites. Junior Development is a feeder system into the U23 group. This group also over sees the high school level. At this level everything is partially funded. The development process includes training camps and international tournaments. The junior development budget will include partial funding for select athletes to international competitions. The U23 program, directed by Jimmy Pedro, has been put in place to assist in the development of junior athletes for the 2012 Olympics, by developing gaps between the junior and senior level of competition. Each Athlete has a contract and training supervisor to guide them towards becoming a top ranked, senior athlete. The contract includes things such as wardrobe, layout of events they need to attend, and a criteria of what is expected of the athlete. Athletes travel as a team, train as a team, and are outfitted as a team. USA Judo strives to create a team aspect. An athlete can fall out of program if they do not stick to contract, but can the reapply in the following year. Because there is a required number of competitions, and training camps that must be attended, a total of $126,000 is allocated for expenses for junior training opportunities and international
competition. The U23 program is hopeful that there will be 19 athletes to come out of this program that will be at a level to medal in the 2012 Olympics. The National Training Sites are a new concept that has been embraced by the USOC as one of the most innovative programs to date. These training sites allow athletes to be trained by Olympic and World class coaches, in a professional environment in order to achieve the highest success. Currently, 39% of the top athletes come from one of the National Training Sites. There are currently 3 National Training sites open, and three more to opening soon. In 2006 USA Judo gave a combined total of $106,000 to the training sites located in North Miami, Florida, Harlingen, TX, and Colorado Springs, Colorado to assist with expenses. Each of the six training sites has a criteria they must follow, and will be subject to a performance evaluation at the end of every year. All six training sites do receive partial funding from USA Judo for a total of $200,000. The first three sites are in North Miami, FL, Harlingen, TX, and Colorado Springs, CO. The proposed new training sites are San Jose State in San Jose, CA, Pedro s Judo Center in Wakefield, MA, and Jason Morris Judo Center in Albany, NY. Ed Liddie continued by reviewing the 2006 tournament results of the elite athletes. This ranged from D level tournaments in the United States to A level tournaments over seas, totaling over 60 medals and numerous fifth places. Operation Beijing is a program through the USOC. They received the data of top USA Judo athletes and picked the top 2 to award a stipend to help them reach Beijing in 2008. The athletes will train with their coach, who coordinates with Olympic coach Jason Morris. The two athletes chosen are Ryan Reser and Ronda Rousey. As part of the athlete support for excellence 14 training camps are currently scheduled for 2007 and more are pending. Also, as a result of a new sponsorship, the top 25 athletes will receive free vitamins, chiropractic care, and massage therapy. Ed Liddie explained that USA Judo is also in the process of setting up European & Asia Exchange Programs. The programs are being set up threw overseas contact to help with the development of our athletes, and help to assist in expenses. USA Judo Events- 2007 2008 CEO Jose Rodriguez introduced Sherri Phillips and Corinne Shigamoto to discuss the USA Judo Events Calendar for 2007-2009. Sherri Phillips states that USA Judo has joined the National Association of Sports Commissions. This allows bids for USA Judo Events to go out more cities. In a sense, the venues will come to us. She also mentioned that they are exploring the
possibility of adding kata and masters divisions to more events. Recently, they have added a novice division to the Middle School/High School/ Collegiates. Mrs. Phillips proceeded to go over the schedule of events for the remainder of 2007 and 2008, stating that all the events will be posted on the calendar of events on the USA Judo website. USA Judo Membership Opinion Survey Report CEO Jose Rodriguez discussed the membership survey that was conducted from January 9-17, 2007. The results of the survey are as follows: 679 members completed the survey, with 60% identifying themselves as athletes. 45% stated they have been members for more then ten years. 49.5% of the people said they visit the website at least once a week. 50% have had contact with office in the last 3 months. 66.2% rated their contact with the national office as good/excellent. 45.5% of the contacts were a membership inquiry. 63.7% said they have used online membership. 44.4% rated their state organization as fair/poor. When it came to the members priorities: 60% said that online membership registration is a priority 51% increase membership benefits 51% online event registration 47% Greater Senior Elite Athlete funding 43% Increase the number of coaches clinics USA Judo Membership/Club Report CEO Jose Rodriguez stated that a goal has been set to try and attain a membership level of 20,000 members by the end of 2008. He covered the current and future programs that are in the works to help reach the target. These programs include The Police Athletic League, Boy scouts and Girl Scouts of America, Indigenous Games, State Games of America Program, and a pilot program in Miami Dade and Broward County Schools. CEO Jose Rodriguez would like USA Judo to develop regular contact with the club owners to answer any questions they may have, and provide them with a MAIA success kit. He spoke briefly on a future program that will involve Jet Set Sports and a trip to Beijing. CEO Jose Rodriguez introduced guest speaker Jay Warwick, Director of USOC Sports Partnerships. Mr. Warwick began by stated that he is willing to support USA Judo as much as possible. He also explained some of the new opportunities that will be available;
such as, a new group to help NGB s increase their medal count, and releasing sponsorship categories, creating more opportunity. Mr. Warwick is looking at investing now in our athletes for London in 2012, and is willing to support programs such as the U23. He also addressed some of the changes at the USOC, including an Olympic TV Channel that is in the works. USA Judo Fundraising Update CEO Jose Rodriguez gave a summary on what USA Judo is currently doing in to increase grants, donations, and sponsorships. He stated that he has enlisted the help of a grant writer. This grant writer will be focusing on government grants in the areas of youth at risk, Native Americans, and minorities. As for donations, Mr. Rodriguez is speaking with several major organizations who are interested in sponsoring an Olympic sport. In the area of sponsorship, there are multiple companies that are being evaluated to develop partnerships with. These partnerships will in turn help develop the sport of judo. CEO Jose Rodriguez stated that his goal is to get the sport of judo in all 50 state games. VII. MOTION BY LANCE NADING THAT ALL USA JUDO EVENTS SANCTIONS TO BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL OFFICE EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2007 MOTIONED, SECOND BY GAIL STOLZENBURG, PASSED VIII. MOTION BY JOHN SERBIN TO ALLOW CLUBS TO REGISTER THROUGH THEIR STATE ORGANIZATIONS OR THROUGH THE NATIONAL OFFICE MOTIONED, SECOND BY RENO RESER, PASSED IX. MOTION BY FLETCHER THORNTON THAT EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2007 ALL NON-ONLINE MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ASSESSED A $5.00 SERVICE FEE. MOTIONED, SECOND BY GAIL STOLZENBURG, PASSED X. MOTION BY DR RON TRIPP TO APPOINT STEVE POINDEXTER TO HEAD A RESEARCH COMMITTEE, MADE UP OF BOARD MEMBERS, WHICH WILL DEVELOP A RECOMMENDATION A FOR A STRUCTURED FOUNDATION TO ASSIST IN RAISING FUNDS TO WIN MEDALS. THIS FOUNDATION WILL BE KNOWN AS THE USA JUDO MEDAL FOUNDATION. MOTIONED, SECOND BY RENO RESER, PASSED XI. FINANCIAL REPORT & 2007 BUDGET APPROVAL
CEO Jose Rodriguez turns the floor over to the auditor for the board Dennis Johanningmeier. Mr. Johanningmeier began the discussion by explaining that the budget has been broken down into responsibility centers. This makes it easier for the organization to place each expense under a specific area. The responsibility centers include, National Office, Athletes High Performance, Membership, Events, and Standards and Certifications. Mr. Johanningmeier went over each area to give the board a grand overview of where USA Judo will be financially. He showed that there will be a dramatic increase in the amount of funds that will be going to support USA Judo athletes, as well as to development programs. XII. MOTION BY LANCE NADING TO BREAK OUT A LINE ITEM IN THE BUDGET FOR BOARD EXPENSES UNDER NATIONAL OFFICE, AMOUNT TO BE DETERMINED. MOTIONED, SECOND BY RENO RESER, PASSED XIII. MOTION BY FLETCHER THORNTON TO APPROVE THE 2007 BUDGET. MOTIONED, SECOND BY LANCE NADING, PASSED XIV. MOTION BY FLETCHER THORTON TO MOVE TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION MOTIONED, SECOND BY LANCE NADING, PASSED XV. MOTION BY LANCE NADING TO EXIT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION MOTIONED, SECOND BY FLETCHER THORNTON, PASSED XVI. CORPORATE & PRIVATE SPONSORSHIPS Steve Poindexter discussed the opportunities that are out there to raise funds for the sport of judo, and expressed his concern about developing a plan to go after funds. XVII. MOTION BY FLETCHER THORNTON: NO MEMBER OF A USA JUDO COMMITTEE OR BOARD THAT AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS OR DISPERSE FUNDS MAY BE AN OFFICER OF ANY OTHER JUDO
ORGANIZATION THAT REGISTERS INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS ON A NATIONAL BASIS. MOTIONED, SECONDED BY RENO RESER, PASSED XVI. MOTION- BY LANCE NADING TOAPPROVE 10K BUDGET INCREASE AND FOUNDATION WITHDRAWAL TO DEVELOP AND MARKET AN ONLINE JUNIOR AND SENIOR RANK SYSTEM TO INCLUDE PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED FULL COLOR CERTIFICATES. PROJECT TO BE OVER SEEN BY LANCE NADING. MOTION, SECONDED BY RENO RESER, PASSED XVII. MOTION BY LANCE NADING FOR A 5K BUDGET INCREASE AND FOUNDATION WITHDRAWAL TO DEVELOP MEMBERSHIP CARDS WITH A MAGNETIZED STRIP CERTIFYING MEMBER S PERSONAL AND RANK INFORMATION. THIS WOULD BE SIMILAR TO A DRIVER S LICENSE OR CREDIT CARD STRIP. PROJECT TO BE OVER SEEN BY LANCE NADING. MOTIONED SECONDED BY RENO RESER, PASSED XVIII. BUILDING UP CLUBS AND STATE ORGANIZATIONS Gail Stolzenburg brought to the table his concern on building up clubs and state organizations. CEO Jose Rodriquez suggested naming a committee to restructure state organizations, possibly creating a region. He also stated that a letter has been mailed out to all state organizations asking them to address the new bylaws. It was stated that the board passed a motion to have states rewrite their bylaws and have them submitted to the board by April 2007. If the new bylaws are not submitted by April 2007, the state will not have an opportunity to vote, and they will not receive funds from USA Judo. XIX. DEVELOPING A BUSINESS PLAN FOR 2007-2012 Gail Stolzenburg suggested that two to three board members assist CEO Jose Rodriguez with developing a business plan for 2007-2012. This would include developing a list of goals and priorities for 2007-2012. It was suggested that Ken Bellard head up this project. XX. DIRECT CONTACT WITH NATIONAL OFFICE CEO Jose Rodriguez stated that the National Office is developing a system to stay in contact with all club owners to address any needs that may arise. He believes that direct contact with clubs is the path to take to lead USA Judo to become a stronger
organization. Mr. Rodriguez also believes this will help with recruiting new clubs. An example of this is his trip to Miami, FL. He decided to surprise 3 clubs, to create one on one contact with local clubs. He stated that results were positive, and theses non USA Judo clubs are looking into becoming club members. XXI. APPOINTING OF REFEREE EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIR. MOTION BY FLETCHER THORTON TO APPOINT MEL APPLEBOM AS CHAIR FOR THE REFEREE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, AND HAVE THE MEMBERS CONSIST OF ROY ENGLERT, DAVE LONG, FRANK MORALES, KEI NARIMATSU, RUSSELL SCHERER AND TOM SEABASTY, WITH BILL GRAVES AS ASSISTANT TO THE CHAIR. MOTIONED SECONDED BY LEO WHITE, PASSED XXII. OLD BUSINESS President Dr. Ron Tripp addressed concern with referees attending international events and not wearing attire that represents USA Judo. XXIII. NEW BUSINESS John Serbin expressed concern as to whether or not we are under any liability for the NY Open advertising as B Level tournament, when in actuality athletes received C level points. The board stated that in the content of the disclaimer it stated that they were a C level tournament, and because it was in writing, USA Judo is not liable. Next Board meeting will be held at the Senior Nationals in April. The exact dates are to come. XXIV. MOTION BY RON TRIPP TO ADJOURN MEETING AT 8:10PM MOTIONED, SECONDED BY KEN BELLARD, PASSED Meeting Adjourned.