Sprint Governance Committee Update – January 2010

From the USA Canoe/Kayak - Sprint Governance Committee - January 2010

Greetings - Below is an update from the USA Canoe/Kayak Sprint Governance Committee.  We wanted to give you an update as well as let you know about some upcoming events.

USA Canoe/Kayak is undergoing a large transition.  The 2008 USA Canoe/Kayak Board of Directors voted to undergo a process, recommended and guided by the USOC to revitalize the sport.  The USA Canoe/Kayak Bylaws were rewritten and top national level volunteers were recruited for the Board of Directors which convened for the first time in April of 2009.  The mantra of the New Board is "going slow to go fast"....  The board has been reviewing the sport and changing process and structure so that USA Canoe Kayak will emerge at an entirely new level.   The Sprint Governance Committee (SGC) was appointed by the New USA Canoe/Kayak Board of Directors in October 2009.  We held our first meeting in November. 

The Role of the new SGC is different from previous USA Canoe/Kayak Sprint committees in that it is strategic focused.  The USA Canoe/Kayak staff is charged with the implementation of programs and events.  The staff is too small to do all of the work, so the SGC will coordinate and assign the activities of Subcommittees and Working groups to assist the staff. 

The USA Canoe/Kayak Staff is charged with keeping pressing items on the front burner and keeping committee work moving along.

The Board shall oversee the management of USA Canoe/Kayak and its affairs, but it does not manage USA Canoe/Kayak. The Board shall select a well-qualified and ethical Chief Executive Officer and diligently oversee the Chief Executive Officer in the operation of USA Canoe/Kayak. The Board shall focus on long-term objectives and impact rather than on day-to-day management, empowering the Chief Executive Officer to manage a staff-driven organization with effective Board oversight.

Accountability and Responsibility will be clearly defined and there will be a structure put in place to coordinate the efforts of many in a rewarding fashion...  Good things are in the works....

 As I'm sure you are aware, there has been a lot left in limbo while all of this has been going on.  When the SGC started meeting in November, we recognized that we needed to address some issues that we consider Triage issues - issues that need immediate attention in order for USA Canoe/Kayak to have the basics - such as Trials, the National Championships and meeting some ICF deadlines for 2010.  In the future these items will be handled by a new organizational structure, but we felt we needed to address these things prior to getting the structure in place.   In addition, there have been several staffing changes with the departure of Executive Director David Yarborough and Head Coach Nathan Luce.  Announcements for New programs and staffing changes are coming soon.  There are a few committees that are currently functioning as well as some working groups that have formed or at least been named to facilitate communication and coordination as well as support programs and events.  

We invite anyone who has an interest in the sport to get involved and help take USA Canoe/Kayak to the next level.  As you can see from the introduction above, we are in still in the formative stages.  You can see a draft list of the committees and working groups below.  Please let us know if you would like to help with any of these groups. 

The SGC is having our first face-to-face strategy meeting in February in Oklahoma City in conjunction with the Kayak Pro USA and Chesapeake Boathouse US Indoor Championships and a USA Canoe/Kayak Coaching Conference.   The OKC Boathouse is excited to welcome everyone to Oklahoma City on February 19 - 21st for a full weekend of kayaking competition and education.  The trip would be helpful for anyone interested in the Under 23 program or Women's Team boat program as well as volunteers who would like to be involved with the new organization.  Community leaders who would like to understand how the Oklahoma City model works are also welcome to come, see the events and facilities and talk with Oklahoma City leaders.

Athletes will have a chance to compete in the first kayak indoor erg national championships.  You will have a chance to tour the new canoe kayak boathouse in Oklahoma City.  If you have a young athlete in the sport you will be able to visit the new center for the Under-23 athlete program and where the USA Canoe Kayak Women's team boat program is to be housed.  The Oklahoma City Boathouse has developed a partnership with Oklahoma City University for young canoe kayak athletes.  You will have a chance to visit the University and talk with their representatives. 

Frank Garner, chairman of the International Canoe Federation Sprint Canoe Committee will be in Oklahoma City and will be a speaker during the coaching conference on the 21^st.  You will have a chance to hear of significant changes to the sport at the international level.  His talk to the coaching committee will be broadcast over the web at 10AM on Sunday, February 21 so you can listen in even if you can't get to Oklahoma City.  

You will also have a chance to visit with several of the SGC Committee members during the day on Saturday to share your ideas and concerns.   We are also available by phone or email.

Friday - Feb 19                 

Tours of the new Oklahoma City Canoe/Kayak Boathouse

Saturday Feb 20

Kayak Pro USA and Chesapeake Boathouse US Indoor Championships (8am Registration 4:30pm Awards) Tours may also be available after the awards ceremony.

Sunday - Feb 21

Coaching Conference (9am to 4pm) - reservations required, all are invited to attend. 10am Webcast of Frank Garner - keynote speaker

For more information regarding the Kayak Pro USA and Chesapeake Boathouse US Indoor Championships and the USA Canoe/Kayak Coaching Conference, please contact Shaun Caven at scaven@okcbf.org or 405-535-9311.

For registration, schedules and hotel information please visit:

www.chesapeakeboathouse.org/usackindoorchampionship.html or www.kayakpro.com

The 2010 Calendar is coming together!  Please check the USA Canoe Kayak Web site for information.

Just recently added to the calendar is the 2010 USA Canoe/Kayak Sprint National Championships and US Masters National Championships, which will be held in Oklahoma City August 26 to August 29.  Many thanks to the Oklahoma City Boathouse for their continuing support of USA Canoe/Kayak programs and events!   

The 2011 National Championships will be hosted by the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue.   Please look for more information on upcoming events soon!

Sprint Governance Committee members:

• Connie Hagler - Chair
• Missy Hill - Secretary
• Mike Knopp -
• Lou Hanoian -
• Jordan Malloch - Athlete Rep

USA Canoe/Kayak Board members

• David Backer, Chair
• Ross Flemer
• Fred Mechini
• Peter Newton
• Richard Perlmutter
• Jenny Storms
• Humpy Wheeler
• Marion Hanson

USA Canoe/Kayak Staff members

• Joe Jacobi
• William Irving 
• Stein Jorgensen          
• Mac Hickox
• Stacey Hepp
• Gerald Babao

Proposed Committee and Working Groups (These structure of these committees have not been determined - for example some may be assigned at the board level)

• Selection Committee - Anne Blanchard, Dave Fort, Mac Hickox, William Irving,         Approved November   Lou Hanoian SGC.
• Sprint Coach Association - Mac Hickox           Approved October           Lou Hanoian SGC.
• Officials Working Group - Charles Luckman, Suzanne Britt, Corki Rawlins, Connie Naughton, Connie Hagler Approved October   Connie Hagler SGC
• Events Working Group - Mary Garland, Suzanne Britt, Stacey Hepp, Ross Flemer, Kathy Bohlman, Connie Hagler SGC        
• Collegiate Program - Bennett Wetch is coordinating this program
• Club Presidents (Commodore's) Committee           Approved meeting TBA Jordan Malloch SGC. 
• Development - Old / inactive - proposed
• Marketing and Fundraising Committee - New proposed
• Women in Canoe - Pam Boteler
• Paddleability- Deb Smith Page
• Team Support - Old / inactive - proposed
• Alumni - New proposed
• Masters Committee New proposed 

Tags: Board Meetings, Canoe Sprint, Development Team, US Junior National Sprint Team