Standing Committees#

USA Racquetball President and USAR Executive Director are Ex Officio on all Committees
** in headings signifies Designated Committees per Article IX of the USA Racquetball Bylaws
** in rosters signifies Athlete Representatives

**Election Committee
Cheryl Kirk (Chairperson, Board Secretary)

This committee is responsible for applying election procedures fairly, consistently, and appropriately to maintain the fairness of all elections and the freedom of opportunity for candidates and voters alike. This committee is charged with identifying candidates, verifying the resumes and membership of those who apply to be candidates, and presenting a slate to the Board of Directors for approval. The USAR Election Committee will be comprised of an appointed Committee Chair who is a member of the Board of Directors plus at least three Board members, all of whom must not be eligible for re-election in the next election cycle. The makeup of the Committee may also include non-Board members in a number not to exceed the number of Board members serving on the Committee. In conjunction with the Election Committee during each election cycle, a specialized task force may be assigned to aid in identifying and recommending candidates for the Board of Directors in the category of Board Appointed positions, as needed and as determined by Board composition parameters. The members of this task force will change from cycle to cycle to include only Board members who will not be candidates in the next election.

Committee Members:
**Jake Bredenbeck, Board/Athlete Rep
Bob Frazier, Non-Board
**Michelle Key, Board/Athlete Rep
Cheryl Kirk, Board Secretary
**Erika Manilla, Board/Athlete Rep
Terry Rogers, Non-Board
Cindy Tilbury, Non-Board

**Executive/Ethics/Personnel/Grievance Committee
Stewart Solomon (Chairperson, Board President)

The Executive/Ethics/Personnel/Grievance Committee is empowered to act for the Board of Directors between meetings and shall transact business and administer the affairs of the Corporation and the Board of Directors. This committee is responsible for developing personnel plans and programs. The committee also reviews recommendations for annual salary increases, approves budget lines for such increases, and has input on structural reorganizations to increase productivity. The Executive/Ethics/Personnel/Grievance Committee also acts as the first point of contact for grievances, either choosing to directly adjudicate as a committee or, alternatively, appointing appropriate committees and/or individuals to comprise adjudication panels responsible for addressing specific individual grievances. Whether any grievance panel is the Executive/Ethics/Personnel/Grievance Committee itself or an alternative appointed panel, athlete representation percentage in accordance with USOPC Bylaws Section 8.5.3 is mandatory.

Committee Members:
**Jake Bredenbeck, Board/Athlete Rep
Cheryl Kirk, Board Secretary
**Erika Manilla, Board/Athlete Rep
Sandy Rios, Board Treasurer
Kristin Wattz, Board Vice President

**Finance/Accounting Committee
Sandy Rios (Chairperson, Board Treasurer)

This committee oversees, validates, and approves and checks all of the financial operations and actions of the Association to include its budget, financial statements, annual audit, and fundraising activities. The Treasurer chairs this committee.

Committee Members:
**Jake Bredenbeck, Board/Athlete Rep
Steve Czarnecki, Board

Hall of Fame/Awards Committee
Jim Easterling (Chairperson, Non-Board)

This committee oversees the process by which the Association honors those men and women who have excelled at the competitive sport of racquetball on the court or made outstanding contributions to the development and growth of racquetball in the United States. Secondary objectives include assisting in the research necessary to develop and maintain a history of United States Racquetball and securing historical memorabilia. For annual awards, this committee is responsible for ensuring that qualified male and female nominees are identified for the numerous awards that the Corporation has developed, including the Athletes of the Year, Peggy Steding and Bud Muehleisen Age Group Athletes of the Year, Joe Sobek Contributor Award, John Halverson (Fair Play) Award, and President's Award.

Committee Members:
Todd Boss, Non-Board
**Jimmy Floyd, Non-Board/Athlete Rep
**Cheryl Gudinas, Non-Board/Athlete Rep
Larry Haemmerle, Non-Board
**Jerry Hilecher, Non-Board/Athlete Rep
Jim Hiser, Non-Board
**Kelani Lawrence, Non-Board/Athlete Rep
Linda Moore, Non-Board
Terry Rogers, Non-Board
Randy Stafford, Non-Board
**Janel Tisinger-Ledkins, Board/Athlete Rep

**Legislative Committee
Cheryl Kirk (Chairperson, Board Secretary)

This committee is responsible for ensuring that the Association operates within the bounds of all applicable laws and regulations. The committee reviews proposed changes to legislation and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding adoption or rejection.

Committee Members:
Glen Gitterman, Board
**Tom Fuhrmann, Board/Athlete Rep
**Michelle Key, Board/Athlete Rep
Terry Rogers, Non-Board

Membership / Marketing Committee
Ro-el Cordero (Chairperson, Board)

This committee strives to actively engage the State Associations and USA Racquetball members through a variety of media sources in an effort to retain current members and acquire new members. It reviews member concerns and suggests methods to improve and enhance current practices including but not limited to membership, dues, communication, and benefits

This committee also develops and implements marketing initiatives and activities to drive awareness around USA Racquetball, increase engagement amongst current members, and attract new players and members.

Committee Members:
**Jake Bredenbeck, Board/Athlete Rep
Jonathan Greenberg, Staff
Karen Grisz, Non-Board
Darold Key, Non-Board
**Erika Manilla, Board/Athlete Rep/Team USA AC Rep
**Aimee Roehler, Non-Board/Athlete Rep
Cindy Tilbury, Non-Board
Jamie Torres, Non-Board

**Rules Committee
Dan Horner (Chairperson, Non-Board, National Rules Commissioner)

Per Section E.1 (Rule Change Procedures) of the USA Racquetball Rulebook, this committee will administer processes, review rule change proposals, and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Committee Members:
Todd Boss, Non-Board
**Jake Bredenbeck, Board/Athlete Rep
Otto Dietrich, Non-Board
**Cheryl Gudinas, Non-Board/Athlete Rep
Larry Haemmerle, Non-Board
**Michelle Key, Board/Athlete Rep
**Charlie Pratt, Board/Athlete Rep
JD Shelton, Non-Board
Lynn Stephens, Non-Board
Gary Wargo, Non-Board

**U.S. Team Committee
Larry Haemmerle (Chairperson, Non-Board)

This committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning team procedures and protocols including development of selection criteria and selecting athlete and staff delegations for international competitions. The committee is also responsible for due process issues involving probation and dismissal from the U.S. National Racquetball Team, as well as reviewing and soliciting recipients for grant funds. The committee provides a structure for communication between athletes and coaches. Through continual evaluation, the committee's policies will reflect those of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the Association as the sport evolves at the international level. If needed, the committee prepares announcements for coach and team leader positions, reviews applications, conducts interviews, and recommends personnel for all U.S. Team roles and positions to the Board of Directors.

Committee Members:
Kelley Beane, Non-Board
Pablo Fajre, Non-Board
**Michelle Key, Board/Athlete Rep
Cheryl Kirk, Board Secretary
**Charlie Pratt, Non-Board/Athlete Rep

Collegiate Development Working Group
Danny Rodriguez (Group Lead, Non-Board)

This group’s primary function is to promote, develop, and instruct tournament caliber collegiate players throughout the United States. The Association develops the recreational player program at the collegiate level while concentrating on developing the competitive player.

Group Members:
Robert Durbin, Non-Board
Andy Hawthorne, Non-Board
Greg Leeman, Non-Board
Bill Porter, Non-Board
Scott Reid, Non-Board
Paul Snyder, Non-Board
Cindy Tilbury, Non-Board
Gavin Usher, Non-Board

High School Development Working Group
Dan Whitley (Group Lead, Non-Board)

This group determines policy and procedures to promote racquetball as a competitive high school sport. The group may also assist in promoting and operating the annual National High School Tournament.

Group Members:
Brian Ancheta, Non-Board
Ro-el Cordero, Board
Stephen Deves, Non-Board
**Michelle Key, Board/Athlete Rep

Junior Development Working Group
Brian Dixon (Group Lead, Non-Board)

This group will determine policy and procedures to promote junior racquetball within state associations for all youths of high school age and below. The group will also assist in the policy development, promotion, and operation of junior national events. The group is responsible for furthering the growth of and participation in racquetball programs for players 18 years of age and under at the local, state, regional, and national levels.

Group Members:
Brian Ancheta, Non-Board
George Bustos, Non-Board
Dan Horner, Non-Board
Sandy Long, Non-Board
Carrie Reitmeier, Non-Board
Gary Wargo, Non-Board

Growing the Sport Advisory Group
Karen Grisz (Group Co-Lead, Non-Board) / T. J. Baumbaugh (Group Co-Lead, Non-Board, **Athlete Rep)

This group is charged with generating interest in the sport in a variety of ways, focusing on coaches, courts, kids, and commitment. This means expanding the number of certified coaches, finding ways to attract new players to the game, and broadening the resources available on the USA Racquetball website. Further, the group works with other advisory and working groups, state organizations, and clubs to generate ideas for growth of USA Racquetball membership as well as recreational player participation.

Brian Ancheta, Non-Board
Robert Collins, Non-Board
Fran Davis, Non-Board
Brian Dixon, Non-Board
Lynette Froelich, Non-Board
Jonathan Greenberg, Non-Board
Jerry Hall, Non-Board
Mary Kirchoff, Non-Board
Cheryl Kirk, Board Secretary
Sandy Long, Non-Board
**Erika Manilla, Board/Athlete Rep
Hank Marcus
Sandy Rios, Board Treasurer
Robert Rock, Non-Board
**Aimee Roehler, Non-Board, Athlete Rep
Leon Thomas, Non-Board
Dan Whitley, Non-Board
Jim Winterton, Non-Board

National Events Advisory Group
Jonathan Greenberg (Group Lead, Non-Board, Staff)

This group is responsible for the strategy and creative thinking behind the decisions made regarding the growth and success of USA Racquetball's national tournament schedule through member outreach and the group’s expertise.

Group Members:

Karen Grisz, Non-Board
**Michelle Key, Board/Athlete Rep
Cheryl Kirk, Board Secretary
Jonn Olson, Non-Board
Carrie Reitmeier, Non-Board
Sandy Rios, Board Treasurer
Terry Rogers, Non-Board
Cindy Tilbury, Non-Board

Referee Certification Working Group
Lynn Stephens (Group Lead, Non-Board)

This group is responsible for creating and administering referee certification tests and standards for Level 1 and Level 2 referee certification and renewal. The group’s qualified members administer on-site assessment for Level 2 certification at National Singles and Doubles. The group makes recommendations to the National Board on how certified referees are recognized and compensated.

Group Members:
Todd Boss, Non-Board
Dan Horner, Non-Board
Mary Kirchoff, Non-Board
Eric New, Non-Board

Revenue/Fundraising Advisory Group
Group is currently forming.

This group is charged with organizing, understanding, and coordinating fundraising activities across the entire Association to ensure that non-statutory funding is maximized. To accomplish this, the group will work closely with the USA Racquetball staff to develop and design pragmatic and implementable programs to encourage donations from a broad spectrum of USA Racquetball members and sponsors.

Scholarship Working Group
Dan Whitley (Group Lead, Non-Board)

This group is charged with establishing and distributing eligibility data; accepting and reviewing applications from qualified applicants; making recommendations to the Board of Directors after applications are reviewed; distributing funds to approved scholarship recipients; and establishing procedures for increasing public awareness and raising funds for the scholarship program.

Group Members:
Erik Becker, Non-Board
Ro-el Cordero, Board
Nancy Davis, Non-Board
**Michelle Key, Board/Athlete Rep
Scott Fish, Non-Board
Terry Rogers, Non-Board

Women’s Advisory Group
Terry Rogers (Group Lead, Non-Board)

This group is responsible for generating interest in the sport among women. The group coordinates with state affiliates, program officials, and other organizations that share its emphasis, to provide timely and factual information about the state of women's racquetball in the U.S., encourage more activity by women in officiating and governance, plus take a pro-active role in the administration of programs that directly impact women in the sport.

Group Members:
Sunshine Arterburn, Non-Board
**T. J. Baumbaugh, Non-Board
Debbie Bryant, Non-Board
Lorraine Galloway, Non-Board
**Michelle Key, Board/Athlete Rep
Cheryl Kirk, Board Secretary
Janice Vosika, Non-Board

WOR (World Outdoor Racquetball) Advisory Group
**Michelle Key (Group Lead, Athlete Rep)

This group is responsible for preserving the integrity of World Outdoor Racquetball. The WOR (Outdoor) Advisory Group oversees all aspects of outdoor racquetball in support of events, directors, and members. Some of this group’s specific functions are to develop rules, promote outdoor racquetball, administer rankings, and assist WOR directors.

Group Members:
Darold Key, Non-Board
Rick Koll, Non-Board
Dan Whitley, Non-Board