Governance

Board of DirectorsBy LawsBoard PoliciesMeeting MinutesCommitteesFinancialsAnnual Report

Chair of the Board

Albert G. (Sandy) Tierney III

Weston, MA | Class 1 | Ends 2024 - Sandy is Sandy is the Executive Managing Director of Meds and Eds at Newmark| McCall/Almy where he advises institutional and corporate clients on real estate strategy formulation and implementation. He began playing squash at Brooks School in the fall of 1968 and...

Vice Chair of the Board

Linda Robinson

New York, NY | Class 1 | Ends 2024 - Linda Robinson most recently served as Vice Chairman of BlackRock, Inc. and prior to then...

Board Members

Robert Osborne, Jr.

New York, NY | Class 2 | Ends 2025 - With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Robert is the Principal of...

Daniel D. Dolan, Jr.

Chicago, IL | Class 2 | Ends 2025 - Danny founded Dolan McEniry Capital Management (DMC), a fixed income value investor with a specialty in...

Andrew Fink

New York, NY | Class 4 Director | Ends 2027 -  Andrew is President of AS Birch Grove. In 2013, Andrew co-founded Birch Grove Capital....

Francis Johnson

Charlottesville, VA | Class 3 | Ends 2026 - Francis is a Director at Felton Group, LLC, a single family office and Program Director for...

Nick LePore

Philadelphia, PA | Class 1 | Ends 2024 - Nick is the recently retired Managing Partner of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, a national full...

Shanin Specter

Gladwyne, PA | Class 3 | Ends 2026 - Shanin is a founding partner at Kline & Specter, P.C., a preeminent law firm in the...

Athlete Board Members

Olivia Blatchford Clyne

Wilton, CT | Class 2 | Ends 2025 - Olivia won four national titles throughout her junior career, and became just the second U.S. player...

Olivia Fiechter

Philadelphia, PA | Class 2 | Ends 2025 - Olivia grew up playing junior squash at the Philadelphia Cricket Club and at Germantown Friends. She...

Christopher Gordon

New York, NY | Class 2 | Ends 2025 - Chris turned professional as a teenager in 2004, and has been one of the highest-ranked...

Christopher Hanson

New York, NY | Class 2 | Ends 2025 - Hanson turned professional in 2013 after graduating cum laude from Dartmouth with a degree in...

Todd Harrity

Wayne, PA | Class 2 | Ends 2025 - Harrity made a name for himself on the U.S. and international junior circut, winning national juniors...

Amanda Sobhy

Philadelphia, PA | Class 2 | Ends 2025 - As a junior, Amanda became the first U.S. player to win a world junior title, and...

Ex-Officio Board Members

Kara Kardon

Boston, MA | Ex-Officio | Ends 2023 - Kara recently retired from PwC where she served in a variety of roles for nearly 20...

Kevin Luzak

Jackson, WY | Ex-Officio | Ends 2023 Kevin Luzak is a managing partner at LWJ & Co Capital Management, a multi-family investment platform. Prior to...

John Nimick

Boston, MA | Ex-Officio | Ends 2023 John is the President of Event Engine, Inc, an event promotion firm which for nearly three decades has...

Patrick (Pat) Williams

Oakland, CA | Ex-Officio | Ends 2023 - Pat is the Executive Director of Squash Drive, Oakland’s SEA affiliate. Born and raised in Boston,...

Download a printable PDF of the US Squash By-Laws

 

 

UNITED STATES SQUASH RACQUETS ASSOCIATION, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED BY‑LAWS

Effective July 1, 2007, Amended May 20, 2011, May 18, 2012, May 17, 2013, September 20, 2013, November 15, 2013, June 19, 2015, June 17, 2016, June 23, 2017, October 20, 2017, June 21, 2019, June 19, 2020 and May 7, 2021, November 30, 202, April 28, 2023

 

ARTICLE I

NAME, MISSION, PERMITTED ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Section 1.  Name. The name of the corporation is the United States Squash Racquets Association, Inc. (referred to hereafter in these By-laws as this “Association”). The Association may establish such acronyms or abbreviations as may be appropriate for business use, and may establish logos, service marks, or trademarks as may be appropriate to further its purposes, mission, recognition and goals.

Section 2. Primary Purpose and Mission. The purposes of this Association are as set forth in its Certificate of Incorporation and in any amendment thereof. This Association shall be a Not-for-Profit Corporation incorporated and licensed pursuant to the laws of the State of New York. This Association is the National Governing Body for the sport of squash with the mission to promote, develop and increase participation in squash throughout the United States of America.

Section 3. Permitted Activities. This Association shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law).

Section 4. Requirements. This Association shall (i) be a member of or otherwise be affiliated with the World Squash Federation (“WSF”); (ii) hold regular national championships; (iii) actively participate in such international competitions and such continental, regional, and/or world championships as may be available in the sport of squash; (iv) meet the obligations imposed on a National Governing Body of a sport by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (“USOPC”) By-laws including adherence to the anti-doping rules and regulations of the USOPC which require compliance with the policies and procedures of the independent anti-doping organization, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (“USADA”) and to the SafeSport rules and regulations of the USOPC which require compliance with the policies and procedures of the independent safe sport organization, the United States Center for SafeSport (“USCSS”); and (v) adopt a Code of Ethics and a Conflict of Interest Policy applicable to all members of the Board of Directors, employees, officers, committee members, and volunteers, requiring each member of the Board of Directors, employee and officer and committee chair to annually certify compliance with the Code of Ethics, disclosing any possible conflict for review by the Judiciary Committee.

 

ARTICLE II

OFFICES OF THIS ASSOCIATION

The principal office and place of business of this Association shall be in the City of Philadelphia, County of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania (hereinafter the “Association Office”). The Board of Directors (hereinafter the “Board”) may from time to time establish additional offices and places of business of this Association either within or without the State of Pennsylvania provided that no less than three-quarters of full-time equivalent employees remain based in Pennsylvania.

 

ARTICLE III

MEMBERS

Section 1. Individual Members. An individual person may become an Annual Member, a Life Member, an Honorary Life Member or a member of such other class of individual membership as may from time to time be established by the Board (hereinafter referred to as “Members”). Individual persons may become Honorary Life Members upon election by the Board. Any person, including, but not limited to, any person who is an athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator, or official active in the sport of squash, may become an Annual Member, Life Member or Honorary Life Member of this Association as herein provided.

Section 2. Membership Rights. Annual Members, Life Members and Honorary Life Members shall be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and special meetings of the Members of this Association and to play, if otherwise qualified, in all tournaments and matches played under the auspices of, or sanctioned by, this Association upon payment of such fees or dues as may be prescribed for any such class of membership.

Section 3. Member Clubs. Any squash club or facility in the United States may become a Member Club, without voting privileges, as provided for in Section 11 of this Article.

Section 4. Corporate Member. Companies manufacturing, selling or servicing goods connected with the sport of squash may become a Corporate Member, without voting privileges, as provided for in Section 11 of this Article.

Section 5. District Association. Any squash association in the United States defined as having three (3) or more Member Clubs of this Association or at least fifty or more individuals who are Members of this Association may be elected a District Association, without voting privileges, as provided for in Section 11 of this Article. The foregoing requirements for three (3) or more Member Clubs or at least fifty individual Members shall not apply to those District Associations which were in good standing in this Association on April 30, 1979.

Section 6. Affiliated Member Club. Any squash club or facility outside the United States where the game of squash is played may become an Affiliated Member Club, without voting privileges, as provided for in Section 11 of this Article.

Section 7. Affiliated National Association. Any national squash association may become an Affiliated National Association, without voting privileges, as provided for in Section 11 of this Article.

Section 8. Member Organization. Any sports organization which conducts a national program or regular national competition, amateur or otherwise, in the sport of squash, may be elected a Member Organization, without voting privileges, as provided for Section 11 of this Article.

Section 9. Playing Rules. Member Clubs and District Associations shall use the Playing Rules of this Association.

Section 10. Resignation. Members, whether voting or otherwise, may resign by written declaration to the Chief Executive Officer (hereinafter the “CEO”) at the Association Office.

Section 11. Applications. Application for membership by an organization wishing to become a Member Club, a Corporate Member, District Association, an Affiliated Member Club, an Affiliated National Association or Member Organization shall be made in writing to the CEO at the Association Office, signed by an officer of such organization and accompanied by payment for the applicable annual dues, if any, and shall contain an undertaking that the organization will comply with these By‑laws, the rules of this Association, and the decisions of this Association’s Board of Directors. Affiliated National Associations, District Associations and Member Organizations must receive Board approval to become Members of the Association.

 

ARTICLE IV

MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERS

Section 1. Annual Meeting. There shall be an Annual Meeting of the Members of this Association each fiscal year as the Chairman of the Board shall determine. The purpose of the Annual Meeting shall be to elect Directors duly nominated by the Board upon recommendation by the Nominating and Governance Committee to fill any vacancies on the Board as of, and to be effective, July 1 of each year, as well as to consider any other business brought before the membership in accordance with these By-laws. The time and the place of the Annual Meeting and any special meeting of the Members shall be fixed by the Chairman of the Board. Notice of each Annual Meeting of the Members shall be published prominently on the official website for the Association. The website posting or other notice shall not take place less than four (4) weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Members of this Association may be called by the Chairman of the Board at any time, provided the same notice is given to Members as stated in Section 1 of this article.

Section 3. Voting by Individual Members. Individual Members entitled in the aggregate to cast twenty‑five (25) votes shall constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting of the Members or at any special meeting of the Members of this Association, but fewer than a quorum shall have the power to adjourn from time to time until a quorum be present.

Section 4. Member Voting Generally. Only Annual Members, Life Members, and Honorary Life Members, in good standing, shall be entitled to vote at an Annual Meeting or any special meeting of the Members. Voting must be in person or by proxy duly executed by such Member. One (1) representative of each Member Club, Corporate Member, District Association, Affiliated Member Club, Affiliated National Association, and Member Organization may attend and, at the sole discretion of the Chairman, may speak at each Annual Meeting and special meeting of the Members, but such representatives may not vote. As a substitute for a written proxy duly executed as set forth in the preceding sentence, Members may assign their proxy via an established Internet based independent third-party software system pursuant to detailed procedures recommended by management, approved by the Nominating and Governance Committee along with review and confirmation of results overseen by the Board of Review.

 

ARTICLE V

VOTING

Section 1. Requirements. Except as otherwise provided in these By‑laws, voting at this Association’s meetings of the Members, Board, Standing Committees and any other committees shall be in person, and each person, in good standing, shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote. Except as otherwise specified in these By‑laws, all voting shall be by majority of a quorum. A motion shall not be passed if the vote is tied.

Section 2. Participating Remotely. When specifically authorized by the Chairman of the Board or Chairperson of a Standing Committee or chairperson of any other committee to do so, individuals may participate and vote in a meeting of such committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting including the counting of any member so participating for purposes of a quorum.

Section 3. Other Actions Taken. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or the committee consent in writing to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action. For purposes of this Section ‘consent in writing’ shall include any form of electronic communication directly from a Board (or as the case be, Committee) member, such as email, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that otherwise creates a record unambiguously attributable to that member that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by the designated recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient suitable for placement with the organization’s permanent records including its minute book.

 

ARTICLE VI

OFFICER, DIRECTOR AND STANDING COMMITTEE

MEMBER REQUIREMENTS

Section 1. Requirements. Each Officer, Director and Standing Committee Member of this Association shall be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States, eighteen (18) years of age or older, and an Annual Member, Life Member or Honorary Life Member of this Association.

Section 2. Compensation. No Director, Officer or Standing Committee Member of this Association shall receive directly or indirectly any salary or other compensation from this Association unless authorized by the Board.

Section 3. Reimbursements. Except for Athlete Directors who shall reimburse for travel costs related to attending Board meeting, no Director, Officer or Standing Committee Member of this Association shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of services for this Association unless expressly authorized by the Board.

 

ARTICLE VII

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. General Duties and Focus. The general management of the business and affairs of this Association shall be vested in a Board of Directors. The Board shall oversee the selection of, determination of compensation, evaluation of, and termination of the CEO and focus on providing policy guidance and strategic direction with a long-term perspective while empowering the CEO to build and manage a staff-driven organization utilizing best practices. The Board shall also (i) review and approve financial statements, annual reports, and financial and control policies, (ii) ensure that athlete safety rules, policies, and procedures comply with the requirements of the USOPC and US Center for SafeSport and, (iii) have sole responsibility for governance of this Association.

Section 2. Association Policy and Procedure Manual. The Board shall adopt, maintain, and keep published on the primary website of the Association, a comprehensive manual of policies and procedures to govern this Association’s operations (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time by the Board, the “Association’s Policies and Procedures”).

Section 3. Diversity of Participation, Purpose, and Discussion. The Association shall seek to be governed by a diverse Board whose members are elected without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or gender, with reasonable representation on the Board of both males and females. The Board shall be sensitive to the desirability of diversity at all levels of the Association and shall develop and implement policies of diversity supported by meaningful efforts to accomplish this goal. The Board shall seek to provide an equal opportunity to amateur athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, administrators and officials to participate in squash competitions. The Board shall develop norms and procedures that favor transparency, open discussion, and the presentation of different views.     

Section 4. Exclusive Service. No member of the Board shall be an Officer or Additional Officer or participate in an official capacity in the governance of any Administrative Region or District during their service as a member of the Board with the exception of ex officio Directors.

Section 5. Composition. The Board shall have no fewer than fifteen (15) nor more than thirty (30) voting  members, at least two (2) of whom shall be Independent and one (1) of whom shall be an Affiliated Member. The number of directors shall be fixed by the Board each year, in advance of the Annual Meeting. Not less than 33.3% of the voting members shall be Athlete Representatives nominated and elected in accordance with Article XI (including not less than 20% who are 10 Year Athlete Representatives).

For purposes of this Section, “Independent” means, in the preceding five (5) years of being elected and for his or her entire term of service: the individual has not been employed by or held any governance position (whether a paid or volunteer position) with the Association, the World Squash Federation or the Pan American Squash Federation (any sport family entity) nor received any compensation from US Squash directly or indirectly; no immediate family member of the individual was employed by or held any governance position (whether a paid or volunteer position) with any sport family entity; the individual was not affiliated with or employed by, and no immediate family member of the individual was affiliated with or employed by, or a partner, principal or manager of,  the Association’s  outside auditor or outside counsel; the individual has not been a member of the Association’s Athletes’ Advisory Council, or a member of any constituent group with representation on the Board; the individual has not been a recipient of any compensation from the Association as an executive officer, controlling shareholder, or partner of a corporation or partnership or other business entity that does business with the Association; the individual is not a parent or close family member or coach of an athlete that has competed in a protected competition or belong to a membership category that participates in competitions.

For purposes of this Section, an “Affiliated Member” is one who represents an organization which conducts a national program or regular national competition in squash at a level of proficiency appropriate for the selection of athletes to represent the United States in international amateur athletic competition and provides representation that reflects the nature, scope, quality, and strength of the programs and competitions of the Association in relation to all other programs and competitions in the United States.

In addition to voting members, the Board may elect up to four (4) ex officio non-voting Directors.  Ex officio Directors shall serve one-year terms, remaining eligible for re-election in subsequent years, but not more than eight (8) years in total.

Section 6. Election. All new members of the Board shall be elected at the Annual Meeting of the Members as provided in Article IV except (i) members of the Board chosen to fill interim casual vacancies as provided for in Section 20 of this Article VII, (ii) for the members of the Board who are Athlete Representatives who shall be nominated and elected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council in accordance with Article XI, and (iii) ex officio Directors who shall be elected by the Board directly.

Section 7. Staggered Terms. The Board shall be divided into four classes, designated Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV, each having a proportional number of Directors based upon the then current size of the Board, except that all Athlete Representatives shall be members of Class II. At each Annual Meeting, newly elected Directors for each class shall hold office for a term of four (4) years beginning July 1 after the relevant Annual Meeting and until the election and qualification of their respective successors in office.

Section 8. Limited Term; Extensions. No Director shall serve in such capacity for more than the period of two (2) full terms except for a Director elected as Chairman of the Board in his second, third or fourth year of service in this position.

Section 9. Partial Terms. If a member of the Board is elected to fill less than four (4) years of a term newly created, or vacated by a Board member who is removed, resigns, dies, becomes disabled, or otherwise leaves office early, that member may be re-elected to two (2) additional four-year terms.

Section 10. Effective Date. Except to fill an interim casual vacancy, all members of the Board shall take office effective July 1 immediately following their election and shall hold their offices until their respective successors are elected and qualify or until removed.

Section 11. Athlete Representative Vacancies. A vacancy for any cause occurring among the persons so elected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council shall be filled by the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

Section 12. Meetings.

  1. Annual and Quarterly Meetings. The Board shall meet regularly and at least four (4) times per year. Meetings of the Board shall be held on not less than ten (10) days’ notice to each Director either personally or by email, mail, telephone or facsimile stating the time and place of the meeting.
  2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman or any four (4) directors together, provided that seven (7) days’ notice is given to each Director either personally or by email, mail, telephone, telegram, or facsimile stating the time, place, and purpose of the meeting.
  3. Minutes of Board meetings, including attendance, the topics discussed, decisions made, high-level topics discussed in executive session, when individuals recuse themselves due to a conflict of interest will be taken and made available online in a timely manner, not to exceed quarterly.

Section 13. Quorum. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by these By-Laws, at all meetings of the Board, one-third (1/3) of the Board of Directors’ membership shall constitute a quorum, but fewer than a quorum shall have the power to adjourn from time to time until a quorum be present.

Section 14. Attendance. Directors are expected to attend in person all regularly scheduled in person meetings of the Board of Directors, though in exigent circumstances may participate in a meeting by telephone. Any member of the Board of Directors who shall fail to attend three (3) consecutive in person meetings without an explanation satisfactory to the Chairman of the Board may lose his or her position as a member of the Board by vote of the Board, and any person who shall so lose his or her position as a member of the Board may not be re-elected to be a member of the Board for a period of two (2) years following the date of such vote of the Board. The vacancy thus created shall be filled as provided in Section 20 of this Article VII.

Section 15. Guests. Guests may attend Board meetings only upon invitation of the Chairman of the Board or CEO.

Section 16. Actions. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee consent in writing to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action. The resolution and the written consents thereto by the members of the Board or committee shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board or committee. For purposes of this Section ‘consent in writing’ shall include any form of electronic communication directly from a Board (or as the case be, Committee) member, such as email, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that otherwise creates a record unambiguously attributable to that member that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by the designated recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient suitable for placement with the organization’s permanent records including its minute book.

Section 17. Athlete Representatives. Pursuant to the By-laws of the USOPC, Athlete Representatives shall equal at least 33.3% of voting membership on the Board unless an exception is granted by the USOPC. At least 20% of the voting members of the Board shall be 10 Year Athlete Representatives and the remaining Athlete Representatives on the Board shall be either 10 Year or 10 Year+ Athlete Representatives. This requirement shall be strictly enforced.

Section 18. Outside Counsel. The Board has the authority to retain such outside counsel, auditors, experts, and other advisors as they determine necessary to assist them in the performance of their functions.

Section 19. Removal. The Board shall have the power to suspend or expel any member of the Board for any reason or no reason. Two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast shall be necessary to remove a sitting member of the Board of Directors or a committee over that person’s objection. The Board of Directors may deliberate in an executive session without the presence of the member in question before votes are cast and such member’s vote shall not be counted.

Section 20. Interim Vacancies. In the event that any member of the Board tenders his or her resignation, is removed, becomes mentally incompetent, or otherwise becomes unable to continue to serve this Association for any reason, such vacancies may be filled for the unexpired term by a majority of the Directors then in office though less than a quorum, and each Director so chosen shall hold office until the end of that unexpired term and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, removal, mental incompetence or other inability to serve this Association.

  

ARTICLE VIII

OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers. The Officers of this Association shall be a Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chair, a President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and a Secretary. The Board shall have the power at any time to create and fill additional offices (such new officers “Additional Officers”) and prescribe the duties thereof. No Officer or Additional Officers of this Association shall be an officer of any other sports organization which is recognized as a National Governing Body. The Officers of the Association shall have the authority and shall exercise the powers and perform the duties specified below and as may be additionally specified by the Board or these By-laws, except that in any event each Officer shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be required by applicable law.

Section 2. Chairman of the Board.

  1. The Board shall elect a Chairman of the Board by a vote of Directors holding a majority of the voting power of all Directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present.
  2. The Chairman of the Board shall set and preside at all meetings of the Board and shall determine the agenda for meetings of the Board. Members of the Board may request that the Chairman of the Board include items on the agenda.
  3. The Chairman of the Board shall serve a three (3) year term. Upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee noting special circumstances, the Board may approve up to a one (1) year extension of such three (3) year term. In no case shall the Chairman of the Board serve for more than a total of four (4) years as Chairman of the Board. In circumstances where the Board elects a Chairman of the Board whose three (3) year term as Chairman would otherwise extend beyond his or her regular four (4) year term as a Board member, such election and resultant term extension shall be subject to prompt review and approval at the time of such election by the Nominating and Governance Committee. Such circumstances shall not however require a re-nomination and in turn membership voting approval as otherwise required by the Section 8. Limited Term; Extensions provisions hereof that would otherwise be applicable to such a regular Board term extension.
  4. Early Termination. In the event of the resignation, removal, incapacity or death of the Chairman of the Board, the remaining members of the Board of Directors may either then elect a new Chairman of the Board or, in their discretion an Interim Chairman of the Board, or wait until the next scheduled election of new Directors and then elect a new Chairman of the Board.

Section 3. Vice Chair of the Board.

  1. The Board shall have the option to elect a maximum of two (2) Vice Chairs of the Board by a vote of Directors holding a majority of the voting power of all Directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present.
  2. A Vice Chair shall discharge the duties and obligations of the

Chairman in his or her absence or in case of his or her inability to serve and shall maintain a portfolio of initiatives to lead, the scope of which shall be based upon agreement with the Chairman of the Board. Vice Chairs may also serve as Standing Committee Chairs.

  1. A Vice Chair shall serve a one (1) year term and he or she shall be eligible for re-election in subsequent years. In no case shall a Vice Chair serve in such capacity for more than a total of four (4) years.
  2. Early Termination. In the event of the resignation, removal, incapacity or death of a Vice Chair, the remaining members of the Board of Directors may either then elect a new Vice Chair or wait until the next scheduled election of new Directors and then elect a new Vice Chair.

Section 4. President and Chief Executive Officer.

  1. General Duties and Authority. The Association shall have a President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who shall be the leader of management and vested with the authority to make decisions on behalf of management. The CEO shall have general day-to-day supervision of the direction and management of the affairs of this Association and the functioning of the Association Office in accordance with the Association’s Policies and Procedures and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect. The CEO shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as from time to time may be assigned to him by these By-laws or by the Board and may delegate responsibilities to staff members under his supervision.
  2. Specific Duties. The CEO shall oversee and supervise the (i) collection of all dues and other revenues; (ii) the payment of bills; and (iii) preparation and maintenance of all financial receipts and disbursements. The CEO shall annually submit to the Board a proposed budget for the forthcoming fiscal year and present at the Annual Meeting of the Members a report of the Board in the form required by Section 519 of the New York Not‑for‑Profit Corporation Law. The report shall be filed with the records of this Association and a copy thereof filed with the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Members.
  3. c. Meetings and Voting. The CEO shall have a standing invitation to attend all meetings of the Members, the Board, and Committees except that the CEO shall not attend portions of meetings of the Board that are designated as “executive session” at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board or a majority of the Directors. The presence of the CEO at meetings of the Board shall not be required or counted thereat for quorum purposes. The CEO shall not be a member of the Board. The CEO shall be entitled to vote as a Member in all votes by the membership.
  4. Task Forces and Councils. The CEO shall have the authority to appoint advisory task forces or councils as he or she deems necessary. He or she shall appoint the members of such task forces or councils and define the mission of such task forces or councils. He or she shall also be responsible for oversight of such groups and for evaluating their performance and may utilize the volunteer services of knowledgeable individuals within or outside this Association’s membership to provide assistance.
  5. Hiring and Tenure. The Board of Directors shall hire and supervise the CEO pursuant to a customary and reasonable executive employment agreement for whatever term the Board deems appropriate, but in no event shall the contract term exceed four (4) years absent a formal Board review and negotiation for extension or renewal.

Section 5. Secretary.

  1. Selection and Delegation of Functions. The CEO shall select a member of the staff to be designated as the Association’s corporate Secretary. The CEO shall have managerial discretion to perform or delegate to the Secretary any (or all) of the functions of the Secretary unless otherwise prescribed by applicable law.
  2. Functions. The Secretary shall perform all of the ministerial functions of a corporate secretary that are customarily required under applicable corporate law, including: (i) keeping the minutes of the proceedings of the Board and Annual Meeting of Members; (ii) seeing that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these By‐laws; and, (iii) organizing and maintaining custody of the Association’s corporate records including the records for the above‐listed functions all within its Minute Books, as well as all of the agendas, minutes, and meeting notes for all of the Standing Committees in files to be maintained for each Standing Committee.
  3. Assistant Secretary. In addition to designating a Secretary the CEO may also designate a member of the staff to serve as an Assistant Secretary to assist with all or part of the Secretary’s functions.
  4. Term and Vacancies. The term(s) of office of the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary, if any, is unlimited. The Secretary shall hold office until his or her employment by the Association ends, when the CEO designates a different individual to serve as Secretary, or until the Secretary’s earlier resignation, removal by the CEO, incapacity, disability or death. In any circumstance in which the CEO has not designated an employee to serve as Secretary, the Board of Directors may select a Director of the Board or another individual employed by the Association to serve as Secretary.
  5. Board Meeting Minute Taking and Attendance Prerogative. In any circumstances where the Secretary (or Assistant Secretary) would otherwise be responsible for attending and maintaining the minutes for all or any part of any Board meeting, the Chairman of the Board shall have the option to designate another member of the Board (or the CEO), to maintain the minutes for all or part of any such Board meeting in lieu of the Secretary (or Assistant Secretary) being required to be in attendance for all or part of such a Board meeting.

 

ARTICLE IX

STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. Standing Committees. There shall be six (6) Standing Committees: (i) Nominating and Governance; (ii) Finance and Investment; (iii) Institutional Advancement; (iv) Audit and Risk; (v) Judicial; and (vi) Executive. Each Standing Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) and not more than six (6) voting members and shall have an elected Chairperson and may have, at his or her discretion, a Board-elected Vice Chair.

Section 2. Chairperson and Vice Chair Election and Term. Except as otherwise expressly provided under the specific rules for the applicable standing committee, regular vacancies with respect to the Chairperson of any Standing Committee shall be filled by the Board prior to June 30 to be effective July 1 immediately following his or her election. The term of a Chairperson and Vice Chair shall be one (1) year and he or she shall be eligible for re-election in subsequent years except as otherwise expressly provided under the specific rules for the applicable Standing Committee.

Section 3. Standing Committee Assignments and Requirements. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein below under the specific rules for a particular Standing Committee, Standing Committee assignments, including the election of any Standing Committee Chairperson, shall be made by the Board in consultation with the Nominating and Governance Committee.  Athlete Representatives shall equal at least 33.3% of the voting membership of all Standing Committees.  At least half of all Athlete Representatives on Standing Committees shall be 10 Year Athlete Representatives and the remaining Athlete Representatives shall be either 10 Year or 10 Year+ Athlete Representatives.  Each Standing Committee shall consistently seek participation by both men and women.

Section 4. Term and Term Limits. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein below, Standing Committee members shall serve for two (2) year terms or for such additional time as the Board deems appropriate but not longer than four (4) years, unless the Nominating and Governance Committee expressly approves a term extension or renewal beyond four (4) years after due consideration and review.

Section 5. Removal. The Board shall have the power to suspend or expel any member of a Standing Committee for any reason or no reason. Two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast shall be necessary to remove a sitting member of a Standing Committee over that person’s objection. In a case where the Standing Committee member in question is also a member of the Board, the Board may deliberate in an executive session without the presence of the member before votes are cast and such member’s vote shall not be counted.

Section 6. Interim Vacancies. Interim casual vacancies on a Standing Committee shall be filled by the Chairman of the Board for the unexpired term and if such vacancy requires an Athlete Representative to be replaced, such vacancy shall be filled by the Chairman of the Board with an Athlete Representative recommended by the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

Section 7. Quorum and Attendance. A majority of the members of a Standing Committee shall constitute a quorum, but fewer than a quorum shall have the power to adjourn from time to time until a quorum is present. Committee members are expected to attend all regularly scheduled meetings. Any committee member who shall fail to attend four (4) consecutive regularly scheduled meetings without an explanation satisfactory to the Committee Chairperson may lose his or her position as a member of the committee at the discretion of the Committee Chairperson, and any person who shall so lose his or her position may not be re-elected to be a member of a committee or the Board of Directors for a period of two (2) years.

Section 8. Board Interface and Agendas. Each Standing Committee shall have the right to submit any matters within its scope for consideration directly to the Board. Standing Committee agendas shall be developed by the committee Chairperson in consultation with the appropriate members of management and with the input of other Directors.

Section 9. Committee Charters. All Standing Committees shall adopt written policies and procedures that shall be approved by the Board which shall govern such Standing Committee’s operations and policies (each a “Committee Charter”). The current Committee Charter for each Standing Committee shall at all times be published on the principal website for the Association.

Section 10. Ex Officio Appointments.  In addition to voting members, the Board may elect up to four (4) ex officio non-voting members to any Standing Committee.  Ex officio members shall be elected by the Board in consultation with the Nominating and Governance Committee. The term of each ex officio member shall be (1) one year, unless a shorter time is designated by the Board at the time of election, and the member shall be eligible for re-election in subsequent years, but not more than eight (8) years in total.

Section 11. Specific Standing Committees Provisions.

(1) Nominating and Governance Committee

  1. The Nominating and Governance Committee shall be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and recommending for nomination by the Committee, all non-Athlete Representative candidates for membership on the Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee shall consult with the Board with regard to appointing members of the Standing Committees. The Nominating and Governance Committee shall also be responsible for such other activities as specified in its Committee Charter.
  2. Composition. The Nominating and Governance Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) and no more than six (6) voting members, all of whom shall be Directors and at least 33% of whom shall qualify as an Athlete Representative.
  3. Chairperson and Vice Chair. The Chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee shall be elected by the Board. At no time shall the Chairman of the Board be the Chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee. A Vice Chair of the committee may be elected by the Board at the discretion of the Chairperson.
  4. Members of the Nominating and Governance Committee shall be elected by the Board except for the Athlete Representatives, who shall be elected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

 (2) Finance and Investment Committee

  1. The Finance and Investment Committee shall oversee the preparation and review of the annual budget for the Association to be prepared by the CEO and to be submitted for the forthcoming fiscal year to the Board prior to the end of the fiscal year preceding the budget year. This Committee shall oversee all general budgeting and financial planning of the Association. The Finance and Investment Committee shall oversee the capital investments of the Association in accordance with applicable fiduciary standards. This Committee may also submit recommendations to the Board concerning any matter relating to the financial affairs of this Association. The Finance and Investment Committee shall also be responsible for such other activities as specified in its Committee Charter.
  2. Composition. The Finance and Investment Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) and no more than six (6) voting members, with at least 33% pf the members who shall be Athlete Representatives.
  3. Chairperson and Vice Chair. The Chairperson of the Finance and Investment Committee shall be elected by the Board and be a member of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall not be the Chairperson of the Finance and Investment Committee. A Vice Chair of the committee may be elected by the Board at the discretion of the Chairperson.
  4. Members of the Finance and Investment Committee shall be elected by the Board except for the Athlete Representatives, who shall be elected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

(3) Institutional Advancement Committee

  1. The Institutional Advancement Committee shall assist the Association reach fundraising goals through donor identification, relationship building, cultivation, and solicitation as well as serve as a forum for new ideas regarding development campaigns, infrastructure, and contacts. The Institutional Advancement Committee shall support all Association Funds. The Institutional Advancement Committee shall also be responsible for such other activities as specified in its Committee Charter.
  2. Composition. The Institutional Advancement Committee shall consist of  not less than three (3)  and no more than six (6) voting members, at least 33% shall be Athlete Representatives.
  3. Chairperson and Vice Chair. The Board shall elect the Chairperson of the Institutional Advancement Committee who must be a member of the Board. A Vice Chair of the committee may be elected by the Board at the discretion of the Chairperson.
  4. Election. Members of the Institutional Advancement Committee shall be elected by the Board except for the Athlete Representatives, who shall be elected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

(4) Audit and Risk Committee

  1. The Audit and Risk Committee shall: oversee the selection and retention of independent auditors and ensure that audits are undertaken annually, and that such audits are objective and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”); review with the CEO, independent auditors and others as this Committee deems appropriate, the Association’s internal system of audit and financial controls and the results of internal and independent audits; assist in the oversight of the Association’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; assist in the oversight of the Association’s risk management function and efforts, including disaster recovery, cybersecurity, insurance and athlete safety. This Committee shall also be responsible for such other activities as specified in its Committee Charter.
  2. Composition. The Audit and Risk Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) and no more than six voting (6) members, at least 33% of whom shall be Athlete Representatives.
  3. Chairperson and Vice Chair. The Board shall elect the Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee who must be a Board member. A Vice Chair of the Committee may be elected by the Board at the discretion of the Chairperson.
  4. Members of the Audit and Risk Committee shall be elected by the Board except for the Athlete Representatives, who shall be elected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

(5) Judicial Committee

  1. The Judicial Committee shall rule upon all matters concerning any and all discipline, suspension or disqualification of individual members of this Association. The Judicial Committee shall use standards of fair play and the spirit of sportsmanship inherent in the rules of squash as guidelines to resolve matters, questions, appeals, and disputes related to ethics, conflicts of interest, grievances, and violations of rules and regulations involving members of this Association. The Judicial Committee shall also be responsible for such other activities as specified in its Committee Charter.
  2. Composition. The Judicial Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) and no more than six (6) members, a minority of whom shall be a member of the Board and at least 33% of whom shall be Athlete Representatives. All members of the Judicial Committee shall be independent as defined in its Committee Charter.
  3. Chairperson and Vice Chair. The Board shall elect the Chairperson of the Judicial Committee. At no time will the Chairperson of the Judicial Committee be a member of the Board of Directors. A Vice Chair of the committee may be elected by the Board at the discretion of the Chairperson.
  4. Election. Each casual and regular vacancy on the Judicial Committee shall be filled by the Nominating and Governance Committee except with respect to the two (21) members who are Athlete Representatives, who shall be elected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

(6) Executive Committee

  1. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to act with delegated authority from the Board of Directors on all matters requiring Board attention between meetings of the full Board with the exception of the following: (i) approving amendments to the By-laws; (ii) selecting the CEO; (iii) electing officers of the Association or Standing Committee Chairs; (iv) filling casual vacancies of Directors; (v) approving the annual budget; (vi) or approving settlement agreements on behalf of the Association The Executive Committee shall serve as the Association’s Compensation Committee.
  2. Composition.  The Executive Committee shall consist of the Chairman of the Board, the Board Vice Chairs, if any, the Chairperson of the Finance and Investment Committee, the Chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee, and two (2) Athlete Representatives.
  3. Chairperson and Vice Chair. The Chairman of the Board and Vice Chair(s) of the Board, if any, shall serve as the Chairperson and Vice Chair(s) of the Executive Committee.

 

ARTICLE X

OTHER SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND APPOINTEES

Section 1. Appointment of Special Committees. The Chairman of the Board or CEO may appoint and remove such other ad hoc or special committees, including the respective Chairperson(s) and committee members, from time to time as they may deem necessary for the proper functioning of this Association. Pursuant to the By-laws of the USOPC, Athlete Representatives shall equal at least (33.3%) of the voting membership of all committees of the Association making decisions or recommendations directly impacting the Association’s elite athletes (collectively, “Designated Committees”), unless an exception is granted by the USOPC. At least half of all Athlete Representatives on Designated Committees shall be 10 Year Athlete Representatives and the remaining Athlete Representatives shall be either 10 Year or 10 Year+ Athlete Representatives. Athlete Representatives on any committee other than a Designated Committee shall be Actively Engaged Athlete Representatives.  At no time shall any such committee or any of its subcommittees fail to meet the Athlete Representative requirement.

Section 2. Appointment of Other Professionals. The CEO may appoint such auditors, consultants, attorneys, and advisors from time to time as he or she may deem necessary for the proper functioning of this Association. Any reports, analysis, opinions, memoranda or other disclosures (such as quarterly and annual audits, pending litigation or financial analysis) performed by such auditors, consultants, attorneys and advisors shall be submitted to the Board as soon as practicable, but no later than the next meeting called by order of the Chairman of the Board or at the request of any four (4) of its members pursuant to Article X. A copy of any such report, analysis, opinion, memorandum or other disclosure shall be available at the Association Office.

 

ARTICLE XI

ATHLETES’ ADVISORY COUNCILS, ATHLETE DIRECTORS AND ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVES

Section 1.  Designation.  This Association shall have an Athletes’ Advisory Council consisting of all qualified Athlete Representatives. This Association shall also have a representative and an alternate representative to the USOPC Athletes’ Advisory Council.

Section 2.   Athlete Representative- Definitions.  Athlete Representatives must have represented the United States in the Olympic, Pan American or Paralympic Games, World Championships, or an event designated as an Operation Gold event. “10 Year Athlete Representative” means an athlete who has met the definition of an Athlete Representative within the ten (10) years preceding election. “10 Year+ Athlete Representative” means an athlete who has at any point, but not within 10 years prior to election/selection, met the definition of an Athlete Representative.Actively Engaged Athlete Representative” means an athlete who qualifies as a 10 Year or 10 Year+ Athlete Representative, or who has been actively engaged in 24 months prior to election/selection in competition sanctioned by the Association (as defined by the Athletes’ Advisory Council and approved by the NGB Athlete Representation Review Working Group of the USOPC, which may include events that categorize entrants in age restricted classifications.  Additionally, in order to be eligible to run for election as an Athlete Director for this Association on the USOPC Athletes’ Advisory Council, an individual shall be a citizen of the United States and eighteen (18) years of age or older by December 31 of the year in which the election is held.  Athlete Representatives may not be drawn from events that categorize entrants in age-restricted classifications commonly known as “Masters,” “Seniors,” “Veterans” or other similarly designated age-restricted competition. This provision is not meant to exclude from eligibility athletes who compete in an event for which the International Olympic Committee or World Squash Federation has established an age restriction but who otherwise meet the standard set forth. The Secretary or the Association Office shall keep an updated list of the Athlete Representatives, their addresses and any other contact information, and shall certify which Athlete Representatives are in good standing for purposes of voting at meetings of the Athletes’ Advisory Council. The definitions of Athlete Representatives may be modified from time to time in accordance with USOPC By-laws. The Athletes’ Advisory Council and the Nominating and Governance Committee shall develop a process to jointly identify and vet candidates to serve as Athlete Representatives.

Section 3.  Chairperson.  The Athletes’ Advisory Council shall elect from among its members, by majority vote, a Chairperson. The term of office of the Chairperson shall be four (4) years. The newly elected Chairperson shall take office immediately. The Chairperson shall hold office until the Chairperson’s successor is elected and qualified, or until the Chairperson’s earlier resignation, removal, incapacity, disability or death.

Section 4. Athlete Directors. The Athletes’ Advisory Council shall elect from among its members, Athlete Directors on the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Procedures. The Athletes’ Advisory Council shall establish procedures for conducting its business and affairs. Such procedures shall be published and available on this Association’s primary website.

Section 6. Meetings. Meetings of the Athletes’ Advisory Council may be called by order of the Chairperson of the Athletes’ Advisory Council on thirty (30) days’ notice to each Athlete Representative, stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting. Notice shall be given in person or by mail, telephone, facsimile or email. There shall be at least one (1) meeting held each year at the Annual Meeting of the Members for the purpose of electing Athlete Directors.

Section 7. Voting. Voting at meetings of the Athletes’ Advisory Council may be in person or by proxy and each Athlete Representative, in good standing, shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote. Votes shall be determined by a majority of votes cast. A majority of Athlete Representatives present at a meeting or voting, in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum. The Athletes’ Advisory Council may meet and vote by the use of conference telephone or similar communications equipment in accordance with the provisions of Article V, Section 2, of these By‑laws. The Chairperson of the Athletes’ Advisory Council shall preside at the meetings of the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

Section 8. Nominations. The Athletes’ Advisory Council shall nominate and elect (i) the Chairperson, (ii) two Athlete Representatives (one male and one female) to serve as the USOPC Athlete’s Advisory Council representative and alternate, and (iii) such number of Athlete Representatives as provided under Section 5 of Article VII to serve as Athlete Directors.

Section 9. Appointments to Other Committees.  The Athletes’ Advisory Council shall elect the Athlete Representatives to serve on the Standing Committees, the Designated Committees and any other ad hoc or special committees of this Association. The Athletes’ Advisory Council may also make recommendations to the Chairman of the Board of Directors or to the Board of Directors with respect to any other matters concerning this Association.

 

ARTICLE XII

ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS

Section 1. Administrative Regions. The Board of Directors shall divide the United States into Administrative Regions as the Board determines will best serve the interests of the sport of squash. The purpose of the Administrative Regions shall be to promote, develop and increase participation in squash and conduct regional activities that promote the mission of this Association as determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. District Associations. The Board of Directors shall divide the United States into District Associations and decide into which Administrative Region each District Association will be placed as the Board determines will best serve the interests of the sport of squash. The purpose of the District Associations shall be to promote, develop and increase participation in squash and conduct local activities that promote the mission of this Association as determined by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XIII

NOTICES

Section 1. Generally. Every Member of this Association shall furnish an address to which all notices and communications may be sent by mail or otherwise. The sending of any such notice or communication to the address so furnished, or if no such address shall be furnished, to the last known address, shall constitute proper service thereof. Notice may also be given by email, mail, telephone or facsimile provided that such information has been furnished by the Member and any such notice by telephone, facsimile or confirmed receipt email shall constitute proper service to that Member. It shall be the duty of each Member to update his or her contact information.

Section 2. Waiver. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of the statutes or of this Association’s Certificate of Incorporation or of these By‑laws, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.

 

ARTICLE XIV

DUES

Membership fees and dues for all classes of Association Membership shall be established by the Board.

 

ARTICLE XV

FISCAL YEAR AND SEAL

Section 1. Duration. The fiscal year of this Association shall be from July 1 through June 30.

Section 2. Seal. The seal of this Association shall be circular in form and shall bear the name of this Association and the state and year of its incorporation.

 

ARTICLE XVI

INDEMNIFICATION

This Association shall, to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by New York law, indemnify any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action or proceeding by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate was a Director, Officer, employee or agent of this Association, against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including costs and attorneys’ fees when and as incurred in defending such action or proceeding, whether or not such person is then a Director, Officer, employee or agent of this Association.

 

ARTICLE XVII

RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

All references to gender in these By‑laws shall include both the masculine and feminine unless the context requires otherwise. Words importing the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa.

 

ARTICLE XVIII

AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Modifications Generally. These By‑laws may be added to, amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of two‑thirds (2/3) of the Directors present at a Board of Directors meeting at which a quorum is present and voting. Amendments may also be approved by the affirmative vote of two‑thirds (2/3) of the Members present and entitled to vote at a Meeting of the Members of this Association at which a quorum is present and voting.

Section 2. Notice. Amendments of these By‑laws shall be proposed only by the Board of Directors and the substance thereof shall be set forth in the notice of the meeting at which such amendment is to be approved.

 

ARTICLE XIX

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. Independence. This Association shall be autonomous in the governance of the sport of squash and shall independently determine and control all matters central to such governance. It shall not be a member of any international sports federation other than the World Squash Federation which governs a sport included on the program of the Olympic Games or the Pan American Games.

Section 2. Arbitration. This Association shall submit to binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association in any controversy involving its recognition as a National Governing Body, as provided for in Article VIII of the Constitution of the USOPC, or involving the opportunity of any amateur athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator or official to participate in amateur athletic competition, as provided for in Article IX of the Constitution of the USOPC.

Board of Directors and Association Mutual Expectations Policy

US SQUASH Board of Directors and Association Mutual Expectations

You were selected to be a member of the Board of Directors of US Squash because of your commitment to our national community of squash enthusiasts and to this organization. As a Board member, we ask a number of things from you in order to build an effective partnership with you as we work together to achieve our MISSION: “ to enhance people’s health and well being by increasing participation in squash, to enrich the experiences of our members of all ages, and to build awareness of the sport, valuing excellence, professionalism and fiscal responsibility”. We recognize, though, that there is no such thing as an expectation without a corresponding responsibility. What this means is that, in order for our Board to be truly effective, there are some things that we have a responsibility to provide – some things that you can and should expect from us. If we each live up to our commitment, there’s simply no telling what we can accomplish together!

US Squash Association Board members:
-Are passionate about the game of squash and our Association – our Mission and how we work to achieve it, and share this passion by taking an active role in advocating for
US Squash in all of their involvements with the game.
-Have a heartfelt strong desire to make a difference to the game of squash.
-Develop and demonstrate a clear understanding about who we are and what we do, and demonstrate this by actively participating in discussion and debate at Board meetings.
-Understand the goals of US Squash, and how we are going about meeting them.
-Attend in person whenever possible, and when this is not possible participate via telephone conference both of the Board meetings each year.
-Get involved in at least one volunteer opportunity relating to the game of squash beyond the Board.
-Actively engage in building relationships with other Board members beyond theBoardroom.
-Are proud of your involvement with this organization and this community, and demonstrate this by attending US Squash events throughout the year.
-Demonstrate your commitment by financially supporting US Squash to the fullest extent possible.

The Association will:
-Ensure that our Mission is at the heart of everything we do by providing regular updates on the work we do to and its relationship to our organizational priorities.
-Provide you with continuous education about our programs and initiatives through a comprehensive orientation program and a regular educational component at Board meetings.
-Create opportunities for you to fully explore and understand the issues facing our sport by scheduling outside presentations during Board meetings.
-Ensure that Board meetings are engaging and provide opportunities for thoughtful discussion on current and emerging issues.
-Understand your passions in an effort to identify the best volunteer opportunity for you by asking you about your interests and offering you experiences that match them.
-Provide you with unparalleled avenues for developing a rich network of relationships with people from all sectors of the game.
-Welcome and celebrate your involvement in growing squash.

Criteria, Responsibilities, and Commitments of Board Members

Criteria, Responsibilities, and Commitments of Board Members 

Our Board is representative of our membership and consists of leaders in the game of squash from throughout the country. Included on our Board are top ranking players, coaches, local association and national tournament organizers each of whom are passionate for the game and bring to the Board tremendous diversity in their skills and capacities.

In acknowledging the work of our volunteer leaders, the Board recently articulated attributes in our Board members to help focus the nominating process. Key to the process is the need to balance the skill of potential Board members with the organization’s needs.

Fundamental characteristics (or attributes) desired in individual Board members:

-Commitment to the mission and goals of US Squash.
-Willingness to give time and talent.
-Willingness to make a personally significant financial contribution.
-Willingness to ask others to make financial contributions.

Collectively, the individual skills of Board members are a reflection of US Squash, its goals and work process.

To that end it is a desired to build a Board that will be recognized and respected for its:
-Rich diversity and its member’s broad non-profit experience.
-Networks and linkages which can help advance the Association’s key initiatives and fund raising goals.
-Demonstrated executive leadership and respected public stature.
-Experience in working with complex issues and organizations.
-Capacity to listen and embrace change.

Responsibilities of the US Squash Board:
-To represent the members of the US Squash.
-To set the mission for the organization for implementation by CEO.
-To ensure programs and priorities are strategic, effective and mission driven.
-To work with the CEO to secure and develop the resources needed to accomplish objectives.
-To ensure the organization is fiscally sound and conducts its business professionally. To be committed to Board development and effective governance.
-To work with and support the CEO as hired by the Board.

Board Statement of Governing Style and Expected Conduct

US SQUASH Board Statement of Governing Style and Expected Conduct

The US Squash Board of Directors, hereafter referred to as the Board, will approach it’s task with a style which emphasizes outward vision rather than an internal preoccupation, encouragement of diversity in viewpoints, strategic leadership more than administrative detail, clear distinction of Board and Staff roles, future rather than past or present, and will strive to be proactive rather than reactive in its endeavors.
In this spirit the Board has a governing style that will:

1 Focus chiefly on intended long term impacts on the world of squash (ends/policy), not on the administrative or programmatic means of attaining those effects.
2 Direct, control, and inspire U. S. Squash through the careful establishment of the broadest organizational values and policies.
3 Enforce upon itself whatever discipline is needed to govern with excellence. Discipline will apply to matters as policy making principles and self-policing of any tendency to stray from governance adopted in Board policies.
4 Be accountable for competent, conscientious and effective accomplishment of it’s obligations as a governing body for squash. It will allow no officer, individual, or committee to usurp this role or hinder this commitment.
5 Review on a regular basis the Board’s process and performance.
6 Be an initiator of policy, not merely a reactor to staff initiatives. The Board, not the staff, will be responsible for the Board’s performance.
7 Work closely with the CEO to help define and prioritize the vision, mission, ends and goals of the membership of the Association.
8 Develop and maintain consistent rules, regulations and policies to ensure fair and safe competition and to accomplish the ends of its members.
9 Facilitate the development of programs that will support the member’s attainment of their goals and contribute to the process of squash as a whole. These programs will be administered by the staff within the constraints of fiscal responsibility.

Further, the Association Board expects of itself and its members ethical and business-like conduct. This commitment includes proper use of authority, appropriate decorum, and discretion in group and individual behavior when acting as Board members.
1. Board members must represent, without any conflict, loyalty to the interest of the Association and our membership. This accountability supersedes any conflicting
loyalty such as that to advocacy or interest groups and membership on other boards or staff.
2. Board members must avoid any conflict of interest with respect to their fiduciary responsibility. Specifically should a Board member be considered for employment, she/he must temporarily withdraw from Board deliberations, voting and access to applicable Board information.
3. Board members may not attempt to exercise individual authority over the USSRA except as explicitly set forth in the bylaws and any duly adopted Board policies:

a. Board member interaction with the Chief Executive Officer or with the staff will recognize the lack of authority in any individual Board member or group of Board members except as noted above.
b. Board members’ interaction with the public, press or other entities must recognize the same limitation and the similar inability of any Board member other than the Chair to speak for the Board. In instances where it is appropriate for them to speak as individuals regarding the affairs of the Association individual Board members must identify that it is their personal opinion they are providing. While it is important for Board member’s to be as accessible as possible to the membership as listeners, as well as key communicators of the Association’s message as it evolves, specific Board deliberations should be treated with discretion.
c. Board members should make no judgments or evaluations of the Chief Executive Officer or staff performance except as that performance is assessed against explicit Board policies by the official review process.

Roles and Responsibility Policy

US Squash Policy Statement of Roles and Responsibilities of the Association’s Volunteer Leadership – Board Chair and the Association’s Professional Staff – CEO and Staff

Chief Volunteer (Board Chair) — Provides Board leadership in expediting the goals of the organization

-Serves as member of the Board and fulfills the expectations of Board members.
-Presides at all Board and membership meetings.
-In circumstances not expressly provided for in the By-laws, appoints Board committees in concert with CEO.
-In circumstances not expressly provided for in the By-laws, is ex-officio member of all
-Board committees and provides guidance to those committees when necessary.
-Is wholly focused on the mission of organization. Acts as spokesperson for the Board.
-Serves as advocate and role model for volunteers of the organization.
-Is senior partner with CEO in seeking fulfillment of the Association’s mission.
-In concert with CEO, sets agenda for Board meetings and facilitates the work of the board in completing agenda.
-Maintains regular communication with CEO to keep informed of organizational activities and emerging activities.
-Communicates with CEO on behalf of Board.
-Leads evaluation of the performance of CEO annually.
-Is an integral participant in the organization’s strategic planning process.
-Ensures that designated roles are adhered to.

CEO – Serves as chief operations executive for the organization responsible for achieving the desired end results as established by the Board.

-Leads the process of translating/implementing the Board’s established mission and goals into long-term strategic and annual operating plan.
-In concert with Board chair, prepares agenda for Board meetings. Attends all Board meetings and committee meetings.
-Communicates regularly and provides needed information to assist the Board in fulfilling its decision-making and monitoring roles.
-Initiates and directs the development of policies for Board approval.
-Develops budget in conjunction with finance committee.
-Empowered to establish operating procedures and decides all matters of administrative and supervisory detail in connection with operation and maintenance of organization.
-Recruits, hires and manages association staff to perform the duties required for the operating functions of the organization.
-Serves as the Association’s primary spokesperson and represents the organization as it’s CEO in all dealings with other organizations, individuals and general public.

Compensation Policy

US Squash Chief Executive Officer Compensation Policy

Background

In 2004, the Executive Committee of the United States Squash Racquets Association (US Squash) adopted a plan to upgrade the position of Executive Director to that of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as part of a broader overall plan to modernize the governance and general operation of our Association as we naturally evolved from our previous “grass roots” management structure and in accordance with broad trends occurring with many other national sports governing bodies.

The creation of the new CEO position was done to accomplish two things: 1) to be able to attract a seasoned general management executive to lead the Association on a path of expansion and growth and 2) to empower that individual to professionalize the Association’s operations by building and managing a professional “in house” staff as opposed to having a cadre of volunteer Board and other non-professional volunteers engaged in what were fundamentally operating functions of the Association. In its essence the plan required the Board to focus on (i) the selection, review, and ongoing oversight of the CEO, (ii) strategy, (iii) fund raising, and, (iv) financial reporting and controls, with the CEO being given full general management leadership responsibility for the Association. Concurrently, the title of President, a volunteer position, was changed to Board Chair, and in 2007, after an extensive governance and bylaw review process, the Board of Directors was reduced to 10 people from 36 and the other “operating titles” previously given to volunteer Board members (Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary) were eliminated. The Board was now formally charged with oversight of the CEO, providing strategic guidance, fundraising, and the oversight of the financial reporting and related financial controls of the Association.

During the initial search for a CEO in 2003, the board retained a search professional who researched salaries at comparable not-for-profits including National Sports Governing Bodies and other sport management organizations in order to establish a compensation package that the Association (i) could afford, (ii) would attract the best possible talent, and (iii) was in line with the compensation packages at other comparable organizations the Association would seek to emulate.

At that time the Board was provided with data from Mercer Human Resources Consulting showing total annual compensation for National Governing Body Executive Director/CEO positions as well comparable Sports Industry Organizations which was used as the basis for the initial salary and bonus structure. A copy of the memo from Mercer is included in Addendum A which also includes a series of memos covering executive compensation since the creation of the new position of CEO as well as copies of all CEO employment agreements since the position was created. These employment agreements have each been for two (2) year time periods.

Subsequently, the Board formed a Compensation Committee comprised of the Board Chair, the Chair of the Finance Committee, and two other Board members. The Compensation Committee has considered annual surveys of compensation levels of comparable executives to ensure the US Squash CEO’s compensation is consistent with the market. For example results from a 2007-2008 ARC Comp Report based on an analysis of over 3, 000 US based association chief staff executives in public/special interest cause associations with $2 million in annual gross revenue (in the case of US Squash, this would include district associations and endowment revenue) shows that the US Squash CEO’s compensation, once adjusted for the cost of living in the New York area, falls within the average range.

Since the hiring of our first CEO, the Board has conducted formal written performance reviews of the CEO at a minimum annually. Each Board member is asked to provide a written evaluation based upon pre-agreed criteria in order to determine these reviews. Each review also includes a review of the executive’s compensation which considered the parameters set forth above. In addition, the Board Chair periodically reviews the CEO’s travel and entertainment reimbursement practices and amounts to insure they are in accordance with customary and reasonable best practices.

Policy

It is the desire of the US Squash Board to attract and retain a dedicated, seasoned general management executive of the highest caliber available to the post of CEO who will be responsible for managing all areas of the Association’s operations.

It is a primary function of the Board of Directors to undertake a formal written annual performance review of the CEO at fiscal year-end which evaluates the CEO’s leadership and job performance in all key areas. It is a key responsibility of each Board member to thoughtfully and diligently participate in the annual performance review process.

The Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee has the responsibility to determine whether or not it will recommend to the entire Board, for its review and consideration, an annual discretionary compensation bonus based on the results of the performance review. The Compensation sub-committee shall consist of the Board Chair, the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee and two other Board members.

In considering whether or not a bonus is warranted, the Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee and Board as a whole will consider whether the Association has met the financial expectations set forth in the annual budget and other pre-agreed upon performance criteria such as membership growth, effective program implementation, improvement, and oversight, known as Key Tactical Indicators.

The anticipated range of the CEO’s discretionary bonus is to be between 5% and 25% of base compensation in years with overall satisfactory job performance and better.

In addition when considering base salary levels and bonus compensation for the CEO, the Compensation Committee and Board will take in to consideration time relevant surveys of compensation levels of comparable executives to ensure the US Squash CEO’s compensation is consistent and competitive with the market.

The Compensation sub-committee will review no less than annually the travel and entertainment documentation practices and amounts to insure that they are within customary and reasonable best practices.

The Chair of the Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee and Board Chair shall together maintain a confidential ongoing standing file to be made available to all Board members upon request containing chronologically all CEO performance reviews and the comparable organization salary and bonus compensation data utilized in making all compensation decisions as well as the results of the periodic reviews of the travel and entertainment reimbursements to the CEO. This standing file will also include copies of all employment agreements and ancillary documents relevant to the CEO’s employment relationship with the Association.

Periodic Board Level Review of Banking Activity

Periodic Board Level Review of Banking Activity

a) The individuals designated as the Board Chair and Finance Chair for the Association shall share responsibility for undertaking periodic sample basis reviews of the banking activity of the Association.
b) The Board Chair and Finance Chair shall be provided with “read or view only” on‐line access to all of the Association’s operating and cash management bank and investment accounts that will include information regarding all deposits, payment authorizations and transfers, and the front and back copy of all cancelled checks, to enable the conduct of such periodic sample basis reviews.
c) At least quarterly the Board Chair and/or Finance Chair shall undertake the review of the bank and investment account statements seeking to determine on a best efforts sample basis that:

a. Deposits are from expected sources (and in the case of those from unexpected sources, determine they are appropriate);
b. Payments are made only by an authorized employee of U.S. Squash in accordance with U.S. Squash policy;
c. Bank transfers are made only to known U.S. Squash bank accounts and recorded on the same date;
d. Wire transfers are duly authorized in accordance with U.S. Squash procedures,
e. In the case of checks:

i. There are no unusual or second endorsements, such as endorsements by employees when the payee is not the employee;
ii. There are no alterations to the check payee or amount such as erasures or possible use of white‐out; and
iii. Checks are made payable to expected vendors (and, in the case of checks made payable to any unexpected vendors, determine they are appropriate).

d) The Board and Finance Chair shall ensure that management is reviewing: (i) the monthly bank reconciliations and investigating any unusual reconciling items; and, (ii) any journal entries to the cash accounts on a timely basis.

II. CEO Cash Disbursement Authorization Policies and Procedures

All salary, bonus and expense reimbursement payments to be made by the Association directly to the CEO shall only be made upon specific written authorization by the Board Chair with disclosure to the full Board. The Board Chair shall periodically (no less than annually) conduct a “sample review” of the expense reimbursement voucher documentation provided by the CEO to the Association in conjunction with expense reimbursements. The CEO may sign checks and/or authorize banking system payments directly to themselves only upon such written authorization by the Board Chair. In the case of payments to be made via the Association’s payroll service to the CEO, the Board Chair will provide written authorizations to the applicable payroll service provider to effectuate all such payments.

The Finance Committee shall review these policies and procedures at least annually to insure that they are up to date and comply with best practices.

Gift & Entertainment
US Squash is committed to sustaining an ethical workplace free of conflicts of interest and perceived conflicts of interest. US Squash therefore has adopted this Gifts and Entertainment Policy to provide instruction to US Squash employees, board members, officers, committee members, task force members, hearing panel members, and volunteers regarding how to handle offers of gifts or other forms of entertainment from individuals or companies that do business with, or are interested in doing business with, US Squash. Additionally, it provides instruction on the US Squash extending gifts to third parties.Read full policy…

US Squash has five Standing Committees which are permanent committees of the association. They are the Nominating & Governance Committee, Finance & Investment Committee, Institutional Advancement Committee, Judicial Committee, and Audit & Risk Committee. The Athletes’ Advisory Council is also a permanent committee.

The association also has other committees to assist its promotion of the sport among certain constituencies and program areas including the Doubles, Women’s, Hall of Fame & Awards, National Championships, Districts, National Team, and Hardball Singles as examples.

In addition, US Squash has several advisory councils which assist the association determine policy and action in the relevant program areas including the Teaching Pro Advisory Council and Junior Squash Advisory Panel.

Standing Committees

Nominating & Governance
It is the primary mission of the Nominating and Governance Committee (the “NGC”) to identify, evaluate and recruit the prospective candidates to be independent Directors of US Squash. The NGC shall also: (a) periodically undertake a performance assessment review of the operations of the Board; (b) consult and review with the Board with regard to appointing members of the Standing Committees and the leadership positions of the Standing Committees; (c) review and make recommendations with regard to any changes or amendments to the By-laws or other Board adopted policies, and (d) certify the results of all US Squash elections conducted on electronic or internet-enabled platforms. To download the Nominating and Governance Committee Charter, click here.

Finance & Investment
The Finance and Investment Committee shall oversee the preparation and review of the annual budget for the Association, the selection and retention of independent auditors and ensure that audits are undertaken annually, and that such audits are objective and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), all general budgeting and financial planning, and the capital investments of the Association in accordance with applicable fiduciary standards. The Committee shall also be responsible for such other activities as specified in its Committee Charter and may also submit recommendations to the Board concerning any matter relating to the financial affairs of this Association.

Institutional Advancement
The Institutional Advancement Committee shall assist the Association reach fundraising goals through donor identification, relationship building, cultivation, and solicitation as well as serve as a forum for new ideas regarding development campaigns, infrastructure, and contacts. The Institutional Advancement Committee shall support all Association Funds. To download the Institutional Advancement Committee Charter, click here.

Judicial
The Judicial Committee will use the high standard of fair play and spirit of sportsmanship inherent in the game of squash as a guideline to review and resolve matters, questions, appeals and disputes related to ethics, conflict of interest, grievances and violations of rules, policies and regulations involving US Squash that are properly brought before it. To download the Judicial Committee Charter, click here.

Olivia Fiechter
Emily Lungstrum

Audit & Risk

Other Committees

Medical Advisory Committee
Dr. Martin Clark
Dr. Jonathan Gabel
Dr. Keith Monchik

Sportsmanship & Character Committee

Suni Desai
Jeannie Rose
Paul Assaiante
Olivia Fiechter
Todd Harrity
Nabilla Affrin
Siu Lynn Leong
Renato Paiva
Hope Prockop
Shanin Specter
Richard Chin

SCC minutes 11.29.2022
SCC minutes 06.09.2022

Doubles
Steve Scharff – Greenwich, CT (chair)
Len Bernheimer – Boston, MA
Ed Chilton – Wilmington, DE
Aiden Harrison – Lake Forest, IL
Kevin Jernigan – San Francisco, CA
Mike McGorry – Buffalo, NY
Molly Pierce – Philadelphia, PA
Dave Rosen – Baltimore, MD
Charlie Parkhurst – Greenwich, CT
Ivan Martinez – St. Paul, MN
Dylan Patterson – New York, NY
Joe Purrazzella – Wilton, CT
Beth Rasin – New York, NY
Hall of Fame & National Awards
James Zug, Chairperson
Paul Assaiante
lan Fox
Mariann Greenberg
Jack Herrick
Demer Holleran
Sam Howe
Hazel White Jones
Charlie Kingsley
Aggie Kurtz
John Lau
John Lesko
Don Mills
Gail Ramsay
Tom Rumpler
Larry Sconzo
Carol Weymuller
Women's
US Squash Narelle Krizek
Chair Karen Arango

 

 

Hardball Singles

Tefft Smith, Chairperson

District Associations

David Keating, Chairperson

National Teams

Kevin Klipstein, Chairperson

Athletes' Advisory Council

Todd Harrity (2029),
Athlete Representative

Olivia Clyne (2026),
Athlete Representative Alternate

Players:

Athlete Most Recent Qualifier Eligible Thru Role
Olivia Clyne 2022 World Teams 2032 USOPC Athlete Representative Alternate
Andrew Douglas 2019 Mens World Teams 2029 Active Athlete
Olivia Fiechter 2022 World Teams 2032 Active Athlete
Christopher Gordon 2019 World Teams 2029 Active Athlete
Natalie Grainger 2015 Pan Am Games 2025 Active Athlete
Christopher Hanson 2019 Mens World Teams 2029 USOPC Athlete Representative
Todd Harrity 2019 Mens World Teams 2029 Active Athlete
Julian Illingworth 2013 World Teams 2023 Active Athlete
Faraz Khan 2017 World Teams 2027 Active Athlete
Gilly Lane 2013 World Teams 2023 Active Athlete
Dylan Murray 2013 World Teams 2023 Active Athlete
Reeham Sedky 2018 World Teams 2028 Active Athlete
Sabrina Sobhy 2022 World Teams 2032 Active Athlete
Amanda Sobhy 2022 World Teams 2032 Active Athlete

 


Teaching Pro Advisory Council

Kim Clearkn, Chairperson

Read the 2016-2017 US Squash Annual Report below: