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Expressions of Interest to Serve on USA Ultimate Nominating Committee Due September 24

Colorado Springs, Colo. (Aug. 29, 2019) – The USA Ultimate Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution restructuring the composition of its nominating committee, the national governing body (NGB) announced today. 

The new five-person nominating committee, which is responsible for identifying, evaluating and recommending individuals to serve on the board of directors, will be comprised of non-board members. 

The full resolution, which passed by a 10-0-2 board vote Tuesday, can be viewed here. 

The primary goals of the resolution were to create an apolitical environment in which the nominating committee can operate with independence and objectivity and better align USA Ultimate with best practices followed by the NGB, nonprofit and amateur sports world.

"This resolution represents the next step in our evolution as a well-oiled and effective organization and better positions us to avoid some of the problems encountered by other NGBs and amateur sports associations," commented USA Ultimate Board Member and current Nominating Committee Chair DeAnna Ball. "We’re excited to make this important change and strongly believe it supports fair and impartial processes that are free of conflict and consistent with good governance."

The resolution takes effect immediately and impacts board elections and appointments this fall.

The first phase begins today, Thursday, August 29, and is a public call to the community for candidates interested in serving on USA Ultimate’s nominating committee.

"We’re really excited about this new resolution, as it creates even more opportunity for our members and the ultimate community to participate in the governance of USA Ultimate," explained Robyn Fennig USA Ultimate board president. "Assembling a pool of talented and qualified candidates to serve on the board is critical to the future success of our sport, and it’s important to provide a structure that gives more members of our community a voice in that process."

What is the Nominating Committee?

As defined in Section 7.5(b) of USA Ultimate’s bylaws, the role of the nominating committee is to: 

1. Identify and evaluate prospective candidates for the board;

2. Recommend individuals to serve on the board;

3. Recommend, as requested by the board, individuals to serve on various committees and task forces;

4. Consult with the audit and ethics committee with respect to vetting all nominations for potential conflicts of interest or other problematic background issues; and

5. Perform such other duties as assigned by the board of directors.

The nominating committee will consist of five members, at least one of whom will be an elite athlete as defined by Section 5.6(b) of USA Ultimate’s bylaws. 

How do I serve on the Nominating Committee?

Individuals interested in applying for USA Ultimate’s nominating committee must submit a brief expression of interest to apply.nomcomm@usaultimate.org by Tuesday, September 24. 

To be considered, applicants must meet the eligibility standards outlined in the resolution.   

Expressions of interest should include:

1. Name;

2. Contact information, including phone number and email address;

3. USA Ultimate membership number (if applicable);

4. Elite athlete qualification criteria (if applicable); and

5. A statement describing why you are interested in serving on the nominating committee.

Following the open application period, the three independent members of the USA Ultimate Board of Directors will review and evaluate all applicants and appoint five members to the nominating committee by Monday, October 7. 

Is this the same as running for the USAU Board of Directors?

As a point of clarification, this is not the same as running for the USA Ultimate Board of Directors. Information related to running for a seat on the board of directors will be made available on Wednesday, September 4.