Greetings,

I am writing to you to announce that I am running for President of USASA. 

Those of you that know me know that I am direct, so I will be as direct as I can here. The USASA is at a critical inflection point. Registrations have been flat (or declining) for years. Members are unhappy, several have one foot already out the door, and several others are staring at that door. For many of us, apathy has set in. Why? Because many of you see a lack of value in USASA membership and a lack of progress, and because nothing ever seems to get done.

To get things done, we must have the courage to change, the belief that we will succeed, and the commitment to look forward to - and to grasp - new opportunities. In order to improve, we cannot stay stuck in the past.

If elected, I will work hard to achieve the following core objectives: 

• We must adopt a five year (and longer) strategic business plan. This project has already started and should soon be supplemented based upon two planning retreats held earlier this year. But planning is never enough. We must execute to achieve our goals, which include membership growth, diversity, and addressing the referee shortage, among others;  

• To provide more value to the members so that we can compete in today's marketplace. Having insurance and being able to participate in events do not provide enough value for us to retain existing members or attract new ones. "Value" means providing benefits that we can touch and feel, like discounts on products and services. "Value" could also include USASA staff support with registration, recruiting, and marketing, when requested, to help reduce the workload of our volunteers;

• To support the regions and the local competitions, not just the national cups;

• To provide more diverse competitions that include different skill levels, not just those geared toward the elite player;

• 100% transparency during all NBOD meetings and with respect to all decisions made. Those meetings will include open sessions, on at least a quarterly basis, for members to ask questions and otherwise have their voices heard; and

• Most importantly, to restore your trust and faith in the NBOD and in the future of USASA.

To show my commitment to transparency, I will be hosting a series of open forums (via Teams/Zoom) on different dates and times so that you can ask me direct questions, and get direct answers, before you cast your vote, so stay tuned for those links.

With courage, belief, and commitment, we can take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead.

I wish the best of luck to all the candidates, and safe travels to everyone headed to Frisco, TX next month. 

Sincerely,

Jim Sadowski

202-236-6091

jds@gdllaw.com