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US Masters of Lacrosse
"The older we get the better we were!"
STRATEGIC PLAN
INTRODUCTION
The Beginning
US Masters of Lacrosse began its journey in the spring of 2000 when Grand Masters of Lacrosse, founders George Brown and Mike Fisher decided to pass on what they had begun in 1995 in Colorado to Bob Tarring. Bob Tarring then brought together a group that has been active in lacrosse for many a year, this group was selected mainly on their love and devotion for the furtherance of Lacrosse at any age level. Thus a Steering Committee was established to carry out the goals originally set forth by the GMOL.
Brief review of the background of the Steering Committee is attached as Appendix I.
World Games 1998
The defining moment of the GMOL’s activities to date was the creation and implementation of the Grand Masters Competition at the World Games In Baltimore, Maryland in July 1998. This new Steering Committee and future Board Members have taken on the charge of continuing in the direction of its predecessors, the GMOL.
Strategic Plan
The new US Masters of Lacrosse or USML and its present Steering Committee having witnessed the success of GMOL events including the ’98 World Games believes that it is time for the USML to expand on the original activities of the GMOL. To attempt this in an organized and comprehensive manner, the Steering Committee has decided that a strategic plan for the USML needed to be developed and implemented. The Steering Committee intends that the USML Strategic Plan be a working document, subject to change and update on a continuous basis.
THE PLAN - OVERVIEW
Vision
USML’s vision is to be aligned under the US Lacrosse Council Men’s Division as an entity of the Post -Collegiate Clubs or as just the old guys by themselves, "Graybeards".
Mission
USML shall exist for the purpose of providing a venue, for the Masters Division 35 years +, Grand Masters Division 45 years + and ultimately the Great Grand Masters Division 55 year +, lacrosse players to play the game they love and for players and participants alike to enjoy the fellowship that stems from this association on the national & international field.
Position
USML and its Steering Committee has the enviable position of continuing the groundwork layed down by its predecessor the GMOL which identified a demonstrated need of continual guidance for the mature player.
Goals/Objectives
a. To further develop the organization and structure of USML including its Board of Directors, officers, other necessary committees, regional chapters and their directors.
b. For USML to align itself under the US Lacrosse Men’s Division Post-Collegiate Clubs Council or a similar designation to be determined with the guidance of US Lacrosse and the USML Steering Committee.
c. To gain recognition for the USML and other International entities for the Masters Level of play to be a mainstay in future World Games and any future national and international venues.
d. To coordinate its plans and activities with representatives of the International Lacrosse Federation.
e. To expand the membership to US Lacrosse and a funding base for USML to participate in venues to be selected or determined by USML both within the US and internationally.
f. To develop with the aid of Tournament Founders/ Directors the format, guidelines and rules to be used both in the US and International venues pertaining to Masters play Masters 35+, Grand Masters 45+ and Great Grand Masters 55+.
g. To consider the possibility of involvement in Community Lacrosse Projects, nationally and internationally.
THE PLAN - ORGANIZATION NEEDS & STRUCTURE
1. USML organization/member needs:
a. Solicit members, supporters and appropriate funding sources
b. Serve the Membership
c. Communicate with members, prospective members and other "publics"
d. Administer its own affairs under US Lacrosse
e. Provide member services through
· Communications
· Tournaments
· Informal get-togethers
· USML merchandise
2. A typical "service" organization to be built around volunteers who serve its needs and the needs of its members. Such an organization typically has some or all of the following functions, which are often fulfilled by committees:
a. Membership services/US Lacrosse
b. Finance and accounting {including funding and treasury functions}
c. Publication/communications through US Lacrosse and related websites
d. Public relations/marketing through US Lacrosse, websites and regional chapters/directors
e. Research
f. Regions or chapters
g. Meetings/conferences/programs
h. Awards
i. Strategic planning
j. By-laws, minutes, etc. {secretarial functions}
k. General administration through US Lacrosse and/or Board of Directors
3. USML is in an embryonic organization. Thus, given the USML goals and needs at this time, the following functions should be included in the USML organization:
a. Steering Committee
b. Member services, including
· US Lacrosse publications, newsletter, web site postings and a member directory
· Programs for tournaments and social functions
· USML merchandise
c. Secretary and Treasurer
d. Marketing
e. Geographic subdivisions {regions, area, state}
f. Great Grand Master, future considerations
4. With the above organizational needs, a Steering committee, representative of the membership with a small Executive Committee, is believed to be the most effective in moving USML to the next level.
5. An organizational structure for USML is proposed to follow that of other US Lacrosse organizational structures.
6. Responsibilities of the Steering Committee/Board of Directors, Officers and Executive Committee for USML are:
a. Steering Committee/Board of Directors
· The Steering Committee/Board of Directors, by law, has the primary responsibility for the management of the business and affairs of USML; however the Committee/Board may delegate such authority and responsibility as deems necessary
· The Committee/Board should be the primary Strategic Planning group USML and an important sounding board for "key" decisions
b. Officers’ primary responsibilities
· Chairman of the Board/Steering Committee; the Chairman is responsible for calling and conducting meetings of the Steering Committee/Board of Directors
· President; the President functions as the Chairman as noted above. In addition, the President has overall responsibility for the management of the affairs of USML implementing the Strategic Plan and for any specific items delegated by the Steering Committee/Board of Directors
· Executive Vice President; the Executive Vice President functions as the Presidents assistant in a team type relationship and serve as the President during his absence or disability
· Vice Presidents; the Vice Presidents are responsible for any duties assigned by the President. In addition, the Vice Presidents are authorized to sign any and all documents typically requiring a signature of the President
· Secretary; the Secretary is responsible for the minutes of meetings, maintaining necessary non-financial records and any other duties assigned by the President
· Treasurer; the Treasurer is responsible for the financial, accounting and tax records of USML and any other duties assigned by the President
c. Executive Committee
· Executive Committee has all the powers normally reserved for the Steering Committee/Board, except those specifically required by law to be carried out by the Board itself.
· The following officers of USML comprise the Executive Committee: the President, Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer
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