The USCAA held its 2014 National Convention from June 1-4 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the Doubletree Downtown Hotel. The convention brought together member institutions from around the country to discuss current issues and bring forth ideas and legislation to improve the organization. The national office is pleased to announce that for a third year in a row, the turnout was the highest ever from our member institutions.
Opening day of the 2014 Convention featured an annual report from the USCAA National Office, including the “state of the association” from Executive Director Bill Casto, as well as an operations report, and championships report. Additionally, the USCAA awarded the Directors Cup to Daemen College and the Garth Pleasant Honorary Athletic Director of the Year Award was given to Bill Ashby of University of Maine-Fort Kent. Following the opening session were professional development seminars from Jim Gehringer, from PrestoSports, and representatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Monday evening featured a welcome social at the hotel, with food, drinks, and a DJ. Photos from the event are available on the USCAA’s facebook page.
Meetings on Tuesday began with the town hall sessions for championships and ratings/selections. At both sessions administrative items were discussed by member Athletic Directors and coaches in an open forum. Following those meetings, subcommittees met to take member discussion and provide recommendations to the National Office for policy changes. Complete notes from the town hall sessions are included in the complete National Convention report. Recommendations from the subcommittees are included in the Business Meeting minutes.
Later sessions on Tuesday included the National Office’s announcement of a new Community Outreach plan for 2014-15, and professional development seminars from Oscar Melendez, Head Athletic Trainer at St. Joseph’s College-Brooklyn on concussion management, the USCAA’s Michael Goodman on eligibility, and Rochester College Athletic Director Klint Pleasant who held a workshop that discussed practices for student handbooks. Additionally, the USCAA held its annual golf tournament on Tuesday night. For those who didn’t golf, a Ducky Tour of the City of Pittsburgh was offered. After both events the USCAA held a social with more food, drinks, and a raffle that featured various USCAA merchandise prizes, a Kindle Fire, and Taylor RocketBallz driver.
On Wednesday, the USCAA’s Ryan Ehrie presented on hosting USCAA championship events. Following that session were professional development sessions on the good and bad of social media, by the USCAA’s Kevin Wegman and USCAA President Matt Richards, and benefits of conference and regional alignment by the USCAA’s Matthew Simms and Ryan Ehrie. The convention concluded with the business meeting in the afternoon where legislative proposals were voted upon and subcommittee recommendations were presented.
Below is the complete 2014 Convention Summary, which includes the 2014-15 legislation changes and new administrative items. Also included in this report is the State of the Association address delivered by Executive Director Bill Casto in the opening session, town hall notes, business meeting minutes, and other relevant documentation.
If you have any questions concerning this report or new legislative items, feel free to contact the national office staff at 757-706-3756 or by email at info@theuscaa.com.
Ratings and Selection Town Hall Minutes
Championships Town Hall Minutes