USA Volleyball Board Meets in Orlando

Bill Kauffman
Manager, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: bill.kauffman@usav.org

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 25, 2011) – The USA Volleyball Board of Directors convened on Jan. 24 in Orlando, Fla. The meeting was hosted by the Florida Region, one of 40 USA Volleyball regions.

During the one-day meeting, the Board reviewed the 2010 budget and approved the approximate $17 million 2011 budget, which includes new beach and regional support positions.

“USA Volleyball finished 2010 with a small, carefully managed surplus,” USA Volleyball Board of Directors Chairman David Schreff said. “Congratulations to Doug Beal (USA Volleyball CEO), his staff and Adam Rymer (chair of USA Volleyball’s Audit, Finance and Budget Committee) for their close management. As we continue to advance as a National Governing Body, USA Volleyball’s Board of Directors is fully committed to establishing new programming to benefit grassroots initiatives within the regions and continuing to make strides in beach development at all levels. The 2011 budget provides for these initiatives while also allowing for the tools and personnel to make it happen.”

Beal said USA Volleyball is in a sound position at this stage in the 2012 Olympic quadrennial.

“USA Volleyball is entering an exciting time period with 2012 Olympic Games qualification starting later this year,” Beal said. “Our indoor National Teams and beach teams had tremendous success in 2010, and that bodes well for the prospects for Olympic qualification. While our elite athletes performed well on the court, I am especially proud of how USA Volleyball as an organization performed off the court. Our membership continues to climb in a tough economic market. We are adding resources for the Regional Volleyball Associations to expand programming at all levels, and our Coaching Accreditation Program is making an impact on the sport. At the same time, our staff has done a great job being stewards of the budget, being fiscally responsible while promoting growth.”

The Board also discussed plans for the Olympic Beach Volleyball Trials. The Board was informed that USA Volleyball has received “Request for Proposal” from multiple cities bidding to host the 2012 Olympic Beach Trials. Site visits are proceeding and a final determination is expected prior to the next Board meeting in May.

As part of an initiative to engage directly with the regions, the USA Volleyball Board discussed issues within the Florida Region and how USA Volleyball can help all its 40 regions.

“We received an excellent presentation by Florida Region President/Executive Director Steve Bishop and Commissioner James Phillips on a range of programs and practices for indoor and beach volleyball, adult and junior members,” Schreff said. “These types of engagements with the regions provide the Board with valuable insight into how they function within the scope of the National Governing Body. I look forward to continuing these engagement activities and having our Board available to the membership and regions.”

Membership continues to grow ahead of 2009-10 year over year. During the 2008-09 season, USA Volleyball had a membership total of 245, 918. For the 2009-10 season, membership grew by nearly seven percent to 263,279. For the 2010-11 season, the membership count is trending above the previous year.

“USA Volleyball membership continues to be a solid value for volleyball enthusiasts at all levels from youth to adult and in both beach and indoor,” Schreff said. “Even though membership is growing, the Board sees significant growth opportunities in many areas that will contribute to volleyball’s success as a lifetime sport for a broader population.”

The Board decided its next two meetings will be May 27 in Dallas as part of the USA Volleyball Annual Meetings and on Oct. 28 prior to the Volleyball Hall of Fame enshrinement banquet in Holyoke, Mass.

Tags: board, CAP, Coaching Education, David Schreff, Doug Beal, Florida Region, USA Volleyball Board