Employment Opportunities with U.S. Handball

__________________________________________________________________

USHA Sponsorship/Advertising Sales Representative:

The U.S. Handball Association (a 501 c-3 and the National Governing body) is seeking a results-orientated professional to develop and manage corporate sponsorships for national tournaments, Handball Magazine and grassroots youth programs (exposure to thousands) throughout the U.S. Successful candidates will have established network with potential sponsors and demonstrated fund raising background.

Lucrative Commission compensation for sponsorship sales. Contact Matt Krueger, USHA, 2333 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716. Please include the job title in the subject line of your e-mail.

USHA Membership Sales:

The U.S. Handball Association is seeking membership sales representatives. This position can be done part time. The position requires one to look for handball players who are not currently USHA members, explaining the benefits of a USHA membership to them and selling memberships.

Persons filling this position will be compensated on a commission basis. If you are interested please contact Matt Krueger or call 520-795-0434.

Marketing Research Intern:

The United States Handball Association is looking for a market research intern to do a study of our membership. Our last study is over 11 years old and we need current numbers in order to market sponsorship opportunities. The study will focus on the purchasing habits and base demographics of our membership population. To succeed in this position you should have strong questionnaire writing and analyzing skills.

The United States Handball Association (USHA) is the National Governing Body for the sport of handball. The USHA is a 501©3 non-profit corporation, dedicated to the growth and development of the sport for all age levels.

As the governing body, the USHA is responsible for administering and sanctioning over 100 tournaments per year, including the Championship Series. The USHA publishes Handball Magazine, the game’s only national publication and the “Bible” for the sport. The USHA’s Mission is To Organize, Promote and Spread the Joy of Handball – The Perfect Game.

Marketing Research Intern Position Description:

Prepare a questionnaire to be distributed to the USHA membership
Input results from the survey into a central database
Analysis and correlates data
Create a report of all results found from the data gathered
Work closely with the Executive Director

Compensation:

Unfortunately, we cannot offer monetary compensation for the internship; however, we will work with your college so you receive college credit. We will also be willing to provide strong letters of recommendation for work well done.

To apply please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

The United States Handball Association Hall of Fame, located in Tucson, Arizona, serves as America’s shrine to the game of handball.

It honors the heritage of the sport, acknowledges great players and contributors, and encourages participation of all ages.

The national handball museum honors both past and present players and features memorabilia such as photographs, plaques, medals, trophies, and painted portraits of the Hall’s Members.

View Handball Hall of Fame Players HERE.

View Handball Hall of Fame Contributors HERE.

View R.W. Kendler Award Recipients HERE.

View Carl Porter Award Recipients HERE.

Hall of Fame Nominating Procedure (CLICK HERE). 

View Hall of Fame Grand Masters

The Hall of Fame Library features a growing collection of books as well as tournament and instructional videos; while the Wall of Champions documents winners in one-, three-, and four-wall tournaments on the national level.

In addition to the Hall of Fame, the building also houses the national headquarters. It is here where national tournaments are organized, Handball Magazine, the sport’s only international publication, is produced, and handball developmental programs are established.

The Hall of Fame Tournament (usually held annually each Spring) presents the Marty Decatur Sportsmanship Award.  View the Marty Decatur Sportsmanship Winners HERE.

Please come visit the Handball Hall of Fame in sunny Tucson, Arizona.  Hours are:  8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, and on Weekends by Appointment.

And while you’re here be sure to check out all of the other wonderful attractions Tucson has to offer.

United States Handball Association

Bylaws

(As Revised September, 2020)

Membership

1. This corporation is a membership corporation and shall have no capital stock.

2. The members of this corporation shall be those persons who shall be admitted to membership from time to time and who shall pay a membership fee prescribed by the Board of Directors and shall hold a valid membership card.

3. The United States Handball Association shall not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status with regard to membership or the administration of any of its programs or activities.

Board of Directors

4. The affairs and property of the corporation shall be managed and administered by the Board of Directors. The number of elected members of the Board of Directors of this corporation shall be fifteen (15). Such elected members of the Board of Directors shall serve upon the Board of Directors for and during the period of three (3) years, or until their successors are elected. The terms of the elected members of the Board of Directors shall be staggered so that each year five (5) directors will finish serving their three-year terms and five new directors will be elected.

5. Past Presidents of the association shall continue as ex officio members of the Board with full voting privileges for two years.

6. All members of the Board of Directors of this corporation must be members of the United States Handball Association, and all officers of the corporation must be members of the Board of Directors, provided that, once elected, the President shall serve out the full term as both officer and board member.

7. The Board of Directors shall judge the qualifications of each applicant for membership in this corporation.

8. The Board of Directors may employ an Executive Director and such other persons for the performance of such duties as the Board of Directors may delegate to them, providing same are not contrary to law, and at such compensation as the Board of Directors may deem proper.

9. The Board of Directors also shall maintain a National Office at Tucson, Arizona, where its business shall be transacted, its records kept.

10. The Directors of the United States Handball Association shall have the authority to change from time to time the authorized number of members of the Board of Directors by a duly adopted amendment to the bylaws of the corporation, and generally to conduct and operate the affairs of the corporation. All property and assets of this corporation shall be subject to the jurisdiction and action of the Board of Directors.

11. All members of the Board of Directors are expected to attend the bi-annual meetings and to participate as active members of the Board of Directors between meetings. A member of the Board of Directors may be removed at any point of his/her current term by recommendation of the Executive Committee and two-thirds vote of the full Board of Directors in the event the member of the Board fails to attend 51% of the meetings and/or fails to respond in a timely manner to 51% of the votes of the full Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee. Upon removal of a member of the Board of Directors, a regional director’s position may be filled with a regional election and an at-large director’s position may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors for the balance of the removed board member’s term. A member of the Executive Committee may be removed from the Executive Committee at any point of his/her current term by recommendation of the Executive Committee and two-thirds vote of the full Board of Directors in the event the member of the Committee fails to attend 51% of the meetings and/or fails to respond in a timely manner to 51% of the votes of the full Committee. Upon removal of a member of the Executive Committee that position may be filled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors for the balance of the removed Committee member’s term.

Board of Directors’ Meetings

12. The Board of Directors shall gather twice annually to conduct its business, once for a Winter Annual Meeting at a time and place to be agreed upon by the Directors, and again at and during the annual National Four-Wall Handball Tournament in the location in which the same is held. Notice of the time and place of the Winter Annual Meeting shall be given to all Directors at least sixty (60) days in advance. Notice of all meetings during the national tournament must be given to Directors at least seven (7) days in advance.

13. During the final session of the Winter Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the United States Handball Association, the Board of Directors shall elect the officers of the corporation for the ensuing year. Every other year, a President shall be elected to serve a term of two (2) years. Each year, a Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected to serve terms of one (1) year.

14. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President on seven (7) days notice to each member of the Board of Directors. Special meetings shall also be called by the President in like manner and on like notice on the written request of eight (8) of the members of the Board of Directors.

15. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, nine (9) shall constitute a quorum, and the action of the Board of Directors at such meetings shall be binding upon all members of the Board of Directors and the members of the United States Handball Association. The executive committee shall have authority to break tie votes of the board of directors.

Nomination and Election of Directors

16. The Board of Directors shall, at all times, include one director from each of the nine (9) regions of the United States Handball Association elected by the members of the regions they represent, and six (6) directors elected by the Board of Directors from the membership at large.

17. At the winter Board meeting prior to the expiration of the term of each regionally-elected Director, the President shall appoint a Director representing a neighboring region to identify and submit a slate of not less than two (2) nor more than five (5) qualified candidates to fill the expiring regional position, including the incumbent regional Director if he or she desires to be considered for re-election. The process shall include an advance notice and solicitation of candidates for the upcoming regional election [by the standard means of business communication e.g. magazine articles, website postings, internet postings, mailings]. If, after all due diligence, only a single candidate has agreed to stand for election, the full Board may vote, by at least a 2/3 majority, to make a temporary exception to the two-candidate minimum and permit the ballot to list a single candidate’s name with space designated for a write-in candidate. The final ballot, listing the candidates and including space for a write-in candidate, shall be mailed by the USHA office to each member of the association in the region. The ballots shall be returned to a third party contracted to count them and the person polling the most votes in the region will then be elected to the Board of Directors, and his or her term of office shall begin at the first full Board meeting of the ensuing year.

18. The annual regional ballots for the Board of Directors shall be mailed no later than October 1 each year. The deadline for return of the ballots shall be November 15, to allow new Directors to have notice of and to attend the Winter Annual Meeting.

19. At the winter Board meeting prior to the expiration of the terms of two Directors selected at-large the President shall appoint a nominating committee or three (3) returning at-large members of the Board of Directors to recommend two or more candidates for the expiring positions, including any incumbent at-large Directors who desire to be considered for re-election. Then, at the annual National Four-Wall Tournament meeting, the Board of Directors shall elect two nominees to the Board of Directors, their terms to begin at the first full Board meeting of the ensuing year.
Protocol: On the first and subsequent rounds of voting, each voter shall select as many names as there are positions available. Any candidate who acquires at least a number of votes equaling a majority* is eligible for a runoff. A clear winner(s) is/are elected while those not garnering a majority* and/or tied will have a runoff.

* Majority: over half of the number of voters (irrespective of the total number of votes).
Example: If 15 people are voting, a candidate must receive at least 8 total votes to have a majority.

20. Whenever any vacancy shall occur on the Board of Directors, by reason of death, resignation, removal for cause or otherwise, it may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors, for the balance of the term; provided that any vacancy in a regional board position shall be filled by a member of such region.

Advisory Board Members

21. The Board of Directors may, from time to time, appoint Advisory Directors to sit on the Board of Directors. Such Advisory Directors shall be appointed for terms of one (1) year and shall be entitled to attend and participate in all meetings of the Board of Directors during their appointments. Advisory Directors, however, shall not have voting privileges in the Board of Directors actions.

Executive Committee

22. The Board of Directors shall appoint an Executive Committee of not less than five (5) nor more than seven (7) directors, including the President, Immediate Past President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and delegate to the Executive Committee any of the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and the affairs of the corporation, except as otherwise provided by law. Non-officer members of the executive committee shall serve for one year. A majority of the members of the executive committee shall constitute a quorum.

President

23. Every other year, the Board of Directors shall, at the final session of the Winter Annual Meeting, elect a member of the United States Handball Association to the office of President. The President shall serve for the period of two years or until a successor has been chosen.

24. The President shall provide for the signature of all certificates of membership, and, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, generally assume and perform the usual and customary duties, functions and services of the principal executive officer of the corporation, including signing, with the Secretary or any other proper officer of the corporation authorized by the Board of Directors, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other instruments which the Board of Directors has authorized to be executed, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the corporation. The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, may appoint such commissioners, chairmen, committees, etc., as may be needed by the association. The President shall serve as ex-officio member, with full voting privileges, all association committees, sub-committees, task forces and ad hoc groups.

Vice President

25. The Vice President shall, in the absence or disability of the President, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President, and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors shall prescribe. The Vice President shall serve for one year or until a successor has been chosen.

Secretary

26. The Secretary shall keep a full and complete record of the proceedings of the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall fill out and send such notices as may be necessary and proper, giving notice of all meetings as required by the bylaws, and performing such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors and all usual and customary functions and services ordinarily delegated to a Secretary of the corporation. The Secretary shall serve for one year or until his successor is chosen. The corporation may also have an Assistant Secretary to assist the Secretary in the discharge of duties.

Treasurer

27. The Treasurer shall perform the usual and customary duties and services of a Treasurer of a corporation, and such duties as the Board of Directors may prescribe. It shall be a responsibility of the Treasurer to examine and report upon the financial condition of the corporation including its income and expenditures and make such report at the Annual Business Meeting during the Four-Wall National Championship, and shall generally advise the corporation regarding matters of finance. The Treasurer shall serve for one year or until a successor is chosen.

Executive Director

28. The Executive Director shall act on behalf of the Board of Directors as the principal operating officer of the association with full authority and responsibility for the day-to-day activities of the organization. Included among the Executive Director’s duties shall be obtaining commitments from the various cities in the United States of America to act as hosts for the one-wall, three-wall and four-wall national tournaments to be held annually; to appoint Area Commissioners throughout the United States to aid in the purposes and programs of the United States Handball Association; to aid and assist the President and the Board of Directors in obtaining contributions, royalties and other avenues of income to defray the expenses incident to carrying out the purposes of the corporation; either personally, or through Area Commissioners appointed in various geographical areas, to organize national tournaments and to seed players entering such national tournaments and to assist the President and the Board of Directors upon their request to further the interests and purposes of the corporation.

The Executive Director shall be responsible for the administration of the National Office, where a record shall be kept of the name, address, expiration date and other necessary information for each member of the United States Handball Association. It shall be the Executive Director’s responsibility to promptly and diligently pursue the renewal of all expiring memberships and to encourage handball players everywhere to become members of the association.

Certificates of Memberships

29. Certificates of membership shall be of such form and design as the Board of Directors may elect, and each certificate shall be signed by the President or at the direction of the President, the same shall be signed by the Secretary of this corporation, and said certificate shall express on its face its date of expiration and the name of the member to whom it is issued.

Distribution of Assets

30. This corporation is one which does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profit to any member, officer or director; that no part of the earnings of this corporation, if there be any earnings, or the assets of the corporation, shall inure to the benefit of any member, officer or director thereof. The property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to athletic, charitable, health and educational purposes. Furthermore, in the event of the dissolution or liquidation of this corporation, any and all surplus, capital or assets shall be distributed to one or more funds, foundations or corporations selected and chosen by the Board of Directors of this corporation, the same to be located in the State of Arizona, and conducted solely and exclusively for religious, athletic, health, charitable, or scientific purposes, no part of the net earnings of which inure to the benefit of any person, member, officer or Director and no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation.

Proxies

31. Directors shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy appointed by an instrument in writing subscribed by such Directors, and filed with the Secretary of this corporation, and shall, by the terms thereof, be effective for use at the time of the meeting at which it is presented. The proxy must be assigned to a current board member.

Amendments

32. A two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors, or a written assent of two-thirds of the Board of Directors, shall be effectual to repeal or amend these Bylaws or to adopt additional Bylaws.

Suspension

33. Membership in this corporation may be denied or revoked if in the opinion of the Board of Directors such person has engaged in conduct detrimental to the aims and purposes of this corporation, or if such person has acted in such a manner as to bring discredit upon this corporation or the game of handball. Before revocation of a membership, however, such person shall be served with notice of a hearing to be held on any date the Directors set within 30 days after the member has been served with notice. The Directors may designate the hearing to be held at the site of the annual meeting or at the office of this corporation’s Registered Agent. The member in question may be represented by counsel. The member in question shall not be entitled to reimbursement of expenses and the decision of the Board of Directors shall be final.

Hall of Fame

34. The President shall appoint a committee of at least five (5) members of the association, including at least one (1) member of the Board of Directors, whose duty it shall be to submit nominations to the Board of Directors for consideration to be elected to the Handball Hall of Fame. Members of such committee shall serve for a term of one year. It shall be the duty of such committee to nominate only such persons as have exhibited outstanding proficiency as players or those who have made outstanding contributions to the welfare and advancement of the game. Player nominations shall be of persons who have not been ranked among the top 12 men’s or top 4 women’s players during the previous five (5) years, and who are at least 40 years of age. Upon receiving such nomination each year, the Board of Directors shall vote on each individual nomination and those persons receiving a majority vote will be elected to the USHA Handball Hall of Fame.

2020 USHA Annual Summer Board Meeting, Tucson, AZ – Minutes HERE.

2019 USHA Annual Summer Board Meeting, Fountain Valley, CA – Minutes HERE.
2019 USHA Annual Winter Board Meeting, Tucson, AZ – Minutes HERE.
2018 USHA Annual Summer Board Meeting, Toledo, OH – Minutes HERE.
2018 USHA Annual Winter Board Meeting, Tucson, AZ – Minutes HERE.
2017 USHA Annual Summer Board Meeting, Brooklyn, NY – Minutes HERE.
2017 USHA Annual Winter Board Meeting, Tucson, AZ – Minutes HERE.
2016 USHA Annual Summer Board Meeting, Fridley, MN – Minutes HERE.
2016 USHA Annual Winter Board Meeting, Tucson, AZ – Minutes HERE.

Officers

Directors

USHA BOARD CONTACTS AND USHA COMMITTEES STRUCTURE HERE.

Committee Autonomy:
Standing committees, sub-committees, task forces and other ad hoc groups created to serve the activities and duties of the USHA Board of Directors shall be charged with conducting meetings and conference calls as appropriate, and reporting their deliberations, recommendations, and motions to the Board in a timely manner throughout the year but especially during those times when the Board is meeting.  Such groups are not independent of the Board, whether there is Board membership or not, and do not have separate budgetary rights and responsibilities other than what may be specified by the Board or Executive Committee in specific instances.

USHA COMMITTEES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, Jan. 2017

GENERAL COMMENTS – Some activities of the USHA fall within one committee, some will fall into more than one, with interfaces and overlap.  For example, the ball development and quality control is game committee but the ball production, ordering, delivery and merchandising is the services/revenue committee.  There may be times when apparent conflicts surface.  These can be resolved by the President, Executive Committee or the entire Board, depending on the timing, magnitude and importance of the issue.

BUDGET – Members include the treasurer, president, executive director and the chairs of various committees.  Responsible for yearly budget, budget compliance with respect to Board decisions, and budget recommendations to the Board.

COLLEGIATE – Established to oversee and grow the game at the collegiate level, including the annual national tournament.  Group is made up of coaches and interested parties.

EXECUTIVE – Established by our by-laws.  Primary responsibility is decision making on various issues between Board Meetings.

FIRST ACE – Responsible for recommendations of actions needed to bring new players into the game, particularly youth, women and collegiates.  Recommendations on the Junior Nationals and International Collegiate Championships (1 Wall, 3 Wall and 4 Wall).  Also, recommendations on strategies to acquire resources and allocation of resources for various programs throughout the United States.

FUNDING / REVENUE – Responsible for recommendations regarding our revenue and membership base, including sales, merchandising and marketing products (including gloves and handballs), potential sponsorship and advertising.

GAME – Responsible for recommendations of all aspect related to playing our game, including handballs, equipment, rules, referees, player infractions, tournament conduct and management, USHA protocols, safety and facilities (particularly related to playability and safety).  Also, recommendations on Research and Development of new equipment (including handball), specifications, and quality control process.

HALL OF FAME – Responsible for recommendations of Hall of Fame and Kendler Award inductees.  Also, recommendations of the rules and regulations regarding the Hall of Fame process, structure and eligibility requirements.

INVESTMENT – Responsible for recommendations on investments of assets, managing scholarship funds, promotion of the Endowment Fund, seeking new grants, and direction of any annual fund raising and/or capitol campaign efforts.

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES / Development – Responsible for recommendations regarding the expansion of our membership base as well as the activities and services we offer our membership, including magazine, web site, and other means of communication.  

ONE-WALL – Established to grow one-wall handball, including big ball and small ball on the national level.

PERSONNEL – Responsible for job description, salary/benefits, performance evaluation of Executive Director, and review of other staff evaluations/recommendations as performed by the Executive Director.  Also, responsible for the performance of the board of directors, organizes board self-evaluation and recommendations of office structure to Executive Director.

PROMOTION – Responsible for recommendations regarding Men’s and Women’s Pro Events (1 Wall, 3 Wall, 4 Wall), including tournaments, number of events, locations, host fees, prize money and structure.  Also, recommendations on Promotional endeavors to heighten the positive awareness of Handball, within the handball community and to the general public and potential outside sponsors and donors.

STRATEGIC PLANNING – Comprised of various Board Members and Chairs of the Budget, Development, Game, Services/Revenue, Promotion and Investment Committees.  Responsible for recommendations of the long-term vision for handball, the overall thrust of the USHA, elections of Board Members, By-Laws, and USHA organizational structure.

TECHNOLOGY – Established to bring the USHA up to date on the latest tools to spread the joy of the perfect game.

USHA Commissioners

USHA Mission Statement:   To Organize, Promote and Spread the Joy of Handball…The Perfect Game. 

Welcome to the United States Handball Association (USHA), the National Governing Body for the sport of handball. The USHA is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation, dedicated to the growth and development of the sport for all age levels. 

As the governing body, the USHA is responsible for administering and sanctioning over 100 tournaments per year, including the Simple Green US Open and the National Championships in one-wall, wallball, three-wall and four-wall. The USHA publishes Handball Magazine, the game’s only national publication and the “Bible” for the sport. 

Handball’s first true national championship was staged in 1919 by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and was won by “Murder Ball” Bill Ranft. The AAU continued its reign on handball until 1951 when Chicago developer and handball afficionado Bob Kendler founded the USHA. It was a big move to break away but the players banded together to form a strong association, which has become known as the “players’ fraternity.” Kendler served as the association’s only president until 1982 when he met with personal financial difficulty and poor health. 

Once again, the players rallied behind the leadership of Carl Porter to jump start the ailing association and move the national headquarters to Tucson, Ariz. Porter served as president until 1993 and had the USHA in strong financial shape, thanks to new fundraising programs. From the initial “Alive and Well” campaign, the USHA moved toward promotion of the game with the Development Fund, which literally puts balls and gloves in young players’ hands. Since 1984, almost $1,000,000 has been donated for the growth of handball. Proud of the game’s rich history, handball players came through again when called upon to support the Capital Campaign for the Handball Hall of Fame Building in Tucson, where the game’s great players are honored. 

The non-profit United States Handball Association is really all things to all its members since it is the only association of its kind for the sport, servicing men, women, and juniors from novice to the professional level. For the past 69 years, local, regional and national tournaments have been sponsored by the United States Handball Association, and over the years, a strong network of handball players and administrators has been developed. Currently, the organization is represented by 50 state Chairmen and 9 Regional Commissioners. Competition is held each year at the state, regional, and national level for both singles and doubles for men, women and children from 11-and-under to 80-and-over. Additionally, competition is held in numerous ability classes, including Novice. 

Currently the Association has over 6,000 members. The national office is located in Tucson, Arizona. The Board of Directors consists of 15 elected officials. 

While we’re very proud of the association and the camaraderie of the sport, handball players are more proud of the game.

Vern Roberts