President’s Message:

Hello members, families, friends, fans, 

As we find ourselves in the middle of the season looking ahead to post-season play, many topics are on the table for discussion.  

What an exciting time in the history of the sport. One of the obvious topics is the debut of the documentary “Murderball” at the Sundance Film Festival last month. In a time where some have felt that the sport is on the decline, along comes a movie that gives (and promises even more) publicity the like of which we have never seen here in the states. All the reviews indicate that this film can and should be up for numerous awards. As people who live the sport, we need to take advantage of the “hype” that will surround the screenings and release of this movie. 

Post-season, as mentioned earlier, is just around the corner. With less than a month before sectionals and nationals, all member teams should check to see that they qualify for play. Fines, dues, team game eligibility, and player eligibility should be reviewed for accuracy, as we have had several questions and cases already this season.  Under USQRA rules any team that is in violation will be ineligible for post-season. This rule will be strictly enforced. 

One of the most apparent issues that have come about in the past few weeks is communication.  The board has tried (sometimes in vain) to contact members and teams to no avail.  It is the responsibility of the member TEAMS to make sure contact information is up to date and accurate. Several teams nearly forfeited their season as a result of a lack of contact information. Are there updates to your teams contact info? Contact a board member and get up to date! 

Many of you have expressed an interest in clinics. Currently the USQRA is taking nominations for cities to host: player/coach, classification, and referee clinics. These clinics are fantastic ways to generate energy in new cities and revive programs in old ones. If this seems appealing to you, contact your RAC and get the ball rolling.  

Another topic that is being thrown about is bylaw/constitution changes. The time is drawing near for all proposals to be submitted for the AGM. I have spoken with many of you that have great ideas but seem to go silent when put before the microphone. In reality there is no “bad” proposal. Your thought might be the one that makes the difference or change that the sport needs. SPEAK UP! It is your sport. 

In closing, thank you for the opportunity to serve the sport. As you read through the newsletter, see where you can add something. It might be hosting a clinic, running for an office, or submitting a rule change. Whatever the case, get involved.

Good luck to all in the post-season,

James T Gumbert
President USQRA

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Secretary’s Message:

Both Division I and Division II National Tournaments will be held simultaneously in Louisville, Kentucky from April 22-24, 2004.   

The USQRA’s Annual General Meeting will be held prior to the start of Nationals on Thursday, April 21st. Each team is encouraged to have a representative at this important meeting so that you can have input into our organization.  The AGM agenda and proxy information will be communicated to the team representatives by February 21^st. 

The dates and locations for Sectionals are as shown below and more details are available on the Rugby Calendar.
Mountain West         March 5-6      Mesa, AZ
Atlantic                      March 11-12 Philadelphia, PA
Pacific                        March 11-13 Portland, OR
Heartland                  April 1-3         Chicago, IL

Charles Ray, Secretary

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Vice President’s Update:

Motivated individuals are being sought to serve on the USQRA board.  The following positions are up for election at this year’s AGM: 

• 2nd Vice President

• Commissioner

• Treasurer 

Interested applicants should send your resume to Charles Ray at chazfray@bellsouth.net or mail to:
13792 NW 22^nd Street
Sunrise, FL 33323 

Kevin Orr, 2^nd Vice President

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