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Day 1 In Baltimore & Big News From US Lacrosse

2010 US Lacrosse National Convention 4

Welp, we’re here. First things first, peep the plush demo field:

2010 US Lacrosse National Convention 1

We stopped in at the Convention Center to grab our press passes, then headed over to the harbor for a well-deserved heart attack. A few pics below…

J. Paul’s currently owns the top spot as LAS’ fave spot in B-more. Have we chosen too soon?

2010 US Lacrosse National Convention 7

By the time we returned to Jumbo Jack’s HQ, we had this little number waiting in our inbox. Sounds like some big changes taking place with US Lacrosse and all signs point to this being great for the game.

Here’s the news release:

US Lacrosse Reengineers Organizational Structure to Better Serve the Sport
National governing body re-org to sharpen focus on youth lacrosse, local chapters and enhanced volunteer leadership board

BALTIMORE – On Jan. 14, the US Lacrosse Board of Directors unanimously approved a new organizational structure for US Lacrosse that will better serve its members, constituents and the sport. The new structure will strengthen its focus on youth and chapters. After an 18-month evaluation that was directed by the 2007-2011 US Lacrosse Strategic Plan, the US Lacrosse Organizational Effectiveness Committee (OEC) recommended a number of enhancements to the operations and priorities of US Lacrosse.

The Board approved an implementation plan and timetable, as well as amended bylaws, that reflect the structural changes. The first stage of the new structure will be implemented by August 1, 2010, and additional changes are projected to be completed by December 31, 2010. The service term for individuals currently serving in Board and Division leadership positions will end on July 31, 2010.

Effective immediately, the newly-formed Board Development Committee (BDC) will identify and recommend candidates for the Board of Directors and nine Board Committees that are part of the new structure. The BDC will accept applications, vet each applicant for new leadership positions, and recommend a slate of directors and committee members to the existing Board of Directors for approval at the June 2010 board meeting. Those interested in serving in board or committee positions can apply online at www.uslacrosse.org/oec/nominationform.pdf. March 5 is the deadline for applications.

“We encourage motivated folks with skills and dedication to consider service to the sport and the organization,” said Marti Fessenden, current chair of the board of directors. “The goal of the BDC is to get the best individuals into these positions. Before, we were operating with nearly 500 volunteers on multiple boards, councils and committees. With a more aligned governing structure, and an enhanced application and training process for new and continuing volunteers, the organization will be better able to accomplish its mission and serve the lacrosse community.”

“US Lacrosse has achieved unprecedented success on behalf of the sport over the last twelve years, but long-term organizational performance is reliant on our ability to critically evaluate structure and systems ongoing,” said US Lacrosse President and CEO Steve Stenersen. “We went through a very deliberate and methodical process with the goal of better positioning US Lacrosse to evolve from a good organization to a great one…and I believe we achieved that goal in these recommendations,”

One of the eight areas of strategic concentration detailed in the five-year strategic plan approved in 2007 focused on the need for US Lacrosse to re-evaluate its volunteer and staff structures in an effort to best position the organization for efficient and successful implementation of its mission. As a result, the US Lacrosse Organizational Effectiveness Committee (OEC) was convened. The OEC evaluated the form and function of the current US Lacrosse governance structure, researched alternative governance structures in similar sports organizations and nonprofits, and the reviewed  the goals for unification when US Lacrosse was formed in 1998.

As a result of more than a year of committee work, the following recommendations for organizational focus and structural change were unanimously endorsed by those who represent each constituency on the US Lacrosse Board of Directors, Women’s and Men’s Division Boards of Governors and Youth Council leadership:

• The overall volunteer structure will evolve to assure alignment with and accountability to the Board of Directors.

• The differences between the men’s and women’s games will be preserved in volunteer and staff structures. Board and committee representation for the men’s and women’s games will be equal at every level.

• US Lacrosse operations will shift to focus primarily on youth (under-19) play, though not exclusively.

• Men’s and Women’s Division Boards of Governors will evolve to Men’s and Women’s Game Committees – two of nine standing committees – and report directly to the Board of Directors.

• Youth lacrosse, defined as under-19 (high school and below) will be a primary focus of each Game Committee.

• Volunteer positions within the organization will be considered based on an application process rather than appointments by constituencies.  Applicants will be sought and recommended by a newly-formed BDC.

• Men’s and Women’s Division Councils and Committees will evolve to Subcommittees and report directly to Men’s or Women’s Game Committees.

• The national staff structure will evolve to support the changes in volunteer structure and operational emphasis.

• US Lacrosse will invest greater resources, including the addition of regional staff, to strengthen its chapter network.

Comprehensive information on the Organizational Effectiveness Committee process and outcome can be found at www.uslacrosse.org/info/OEC.phtml.

US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the national governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. US Lacrosse has more than 300,000 members in 62 regional chapters around the country. Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the game. To learn more about US Lacrosse, please visit www.uslacrosse.org.

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