Minnesota Curling Association

2013 Spring MCA Letter

Dear Members of Minnesota Curling Clubs

With the USCA meeting this weekend, I wanted to report on a few issues.

A year ago, the United States Curling Association membership was poised to vote on a Governance Restructuring that was passed by the Board of Directors to more effectively handle its role as the National Governing Body of an Olympic Sport.  As the meeting approached, it was clear that the membership had some issues with the restructuring, and that it was not going to pass.  The matter was not brought forward for a vote, and a new Governance Task Force was formed with a number of the dissenting voices added to the committee, to broaden the committee’s perspectives, and more fully represent the varying points of view on the issues.

This new committee has had numerous meetings over the past year, and it continues to make progress on a new governance structure that meets the needs of the organization.  The new committee was made up of individuals with widely differing opinions and has made many compromises. Therefore, the new governance structure will look markedly different than the one that was originally passed by the board.  However, more work still needs to be done.  The USCA Spring Meeting will be in Minneapolis this weekend and there will NOT be a membership vote on governance this spring.  However, when the work is finished, and ample time has been given to bring the new structure to the membership, a special vote will be held.  This could occur this fall, but it won’t occur until all the work in the committee has been done and the new structure has been fully communicated to the membership.  I have attached a “Vision Statement” from the committee.  It is not so much of a vision statement as it is a document that outlines the progress to date, and explains broadly what the new governance structure is likely to look like.  Some parts of the governance structure will be similar.  For example, the new Board of Directors will be focused on policy setting, fund raising, and strategic planning.  There will continue to be operational committees reporting to USCA staff that help with the many tasks that need to be accomplished.  Those committees will not be populated by the board, but through a Member’s Assembly.  Some parts of the governance structure will be different. The major difference being that the Board of Directors will maintain regional representation, although the size of the board will be somewhat smaller.

I want to mention two other issues that should be of interest to you.  First, The USCA once again was selected to administer the Darwin Curtis Fund grant program on behalf of The Chicago Community Trust for the 2013-14 season. The Darwin Curtis Fund was established to “support and encourage participation by the general public in the sport of curling …” Curling clubs with 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, as well as other 501(c)(3) organizations looking to grow the sport, are encouraged to apply for funding. Grant applications will be accepted in two categories: Growth & Development and Bricks & Mortar. Funding requests can range from $1,000 to $20,000, with a total of $20,000 to be distributed during the 2013-2014 grant cycle. Clubs that received grant support during the 2012-13 funding cycle will not be eligible during 2013-14.  If you are interested in applying for funding through this program, there is an application on the USCA website at www.usacurl.org/usacurl.  All application materials must be submitted in full by 5 p.m. CDT on Friday, June 14, 2013 to be considered. Contact Kim Nawyn, Growth & Development Manager, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (715) 344-1199, Ext. 203, with any questions

Finally, the USCA will be hosting a training session for Level 1 Course Conductors in the USCA Instructor Program at the St. Paul Curling Club on May 17^th to 19^th.  There will be two individuals from the Twin Cities area who will be attending, but it would be great if there were individuals from beyond the Twin Cities who could attend.  While it would be ideal for attendees to have Level 1 or 2 instructor certification, it isn’t necessary.  What we would like to have are people with a strong knowledge of the game, passion for growing the sport, and the ability to effectively convey ideas to others.

One more note.  Please make sure that your club sends representative(s) to the MCA spring meeting.  Details will be coming from MCA President Nancy Haggenmiller.  She will have a location, date, and agenda and it is very important that all our clubs are represented.  Thanks.

Kent Beadle- Minnesota USCA Director

Good Luck at World Seniors!

Good Curling to the Margie Smith rink (Smith, Norma O'Leary, Debbie Dexter, Shelly Kosal, Lucy DeVore) as they represent the U.S. at the World Senior Championships!

World Mixed Doubles

Send your good thoughts to Minnesotans Pete and Maureen Stolt, who are representing the U.S. at the World Mixed Doubles Championships this week!