Outcomes of the 2011 USAFL Executive Board Retreat

The USAFL Executive Board held its annual retreat in Austin, TX over the weekend of February 11-13.  The retreat is the one opportunity for the Board to meet in person each year to review the previous year, Nationals, financials and to establish budgets and priorities for the coming year.  The Board approved to leave club and player dues unchanged from the previous year.  Support for the Revolution and Freedom, in their preparations to represent the USAFL at the International Cup in August, will be a major focus.  In addition, the Board will work towards offering more coaching and umpiring accreditation opportunities throughout the year. 

Members present were President, Rich Mann; VP West, Andy Vanica; VP Central, Chet Ridenour; VP East, Mike Sheppard; Treasurer, Adam Coleman; Member At Large, Jeff Persson; Operations Manager, Doren James; and Accountant, Horacio Guiterrez.

Retreat Outcomes

1. The Board signed and submitted the AFL Affiliation document which recognizes the USAFL as the sole governing body of Australian Football in the United States.
2. Revisited and reviewed the league’s 10 year plan set in 2007 and discussed different strategies to meet these goals, including overall brand awareness, working with ESPN and media outlets, Australia-USA Exchange player scholarships, working closer with organizations such as the Australian-American Chamber of Commerce, Austrade and new AFL International manager.
3. Reviewed and assigned development level to each USAFL Club. 
4. Approved USAFL Club dues; dues remain unchanged from previous year.
5. Approved USAFL Player dues; dues remain unchanged from previous year and will continue to be on a sliding scale throughout the course of the season.  In 2011, it is mandatory for players to pay their dues at the time of registration.
6. Approved the 2011 Umpire, Revolution, Freedom and general operational budgets.  The Umpire budget includes a scholarship for a designated umpire to attend the International Cup.
7. Approved recommendations by coaching & rules committee for changes to be made to USAFL Laws in 2011.  This includes a mandatory provision that all coaches must sign and complete the coaches’ code of conduct upon registration.
8. Reviewed Nationals feedback received from Clubs and completed a Board response.
9. Established goal to be first international affiliate to send a female scholarship player to Australia.
10. Conducted site visits to proposed Nationals fields and hotels in conjunction with Austin Sports Commission Executive Director and to potential post tournament host site.
11. Sponsorship strategy outlined.