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PDGA Elections

Annual PDGA Elections

PDGA elections take place each year from July 1 to July 31 with the elected candidates assuming office on September 1.

Voting Procedures

During the first week of the elections, all current PDGA members as of June 25 for whom the PDGA has a valid email address will receive online election instructions, including their individual ballot. The PDGA will send the ballot weekly to those who have not yet voted. Members who do not have internet access can contact the PDGA office at +1 (706) 261-6342 no later than July 20 to request a mailed paper ballot. 

About the PDGA Global Board of Directors

A Board of Directors is required for the organization’s 501c (4) nonprofit status and is mandated by the PDGA Bylaws. In addition to semi-annual summit meetings, the Global Board and PDGA staff conduct monthly teleconference calls and ongoing communication to coordinate and direct PDGA affairs. Some of the Board’s main activities include:

  • Setting PDGA policies
  • Hiring and supervision of an Executive Director responsible for headquarters, staff, and ongoing operations
  • Financial management, including annual budget
  • Identification of responsible future Board members
  • Representing the membership’s vision for the future of the sport and the association

Nominating Committee

Beginning with the 2023 elections, the PDGA Global Board of Directors has updated the criteria, guidelines, and procedures for the candidate application process for the PDGA Global Board and has reconstituted the PDGA Global BOD Nominating Committee (NC), originally established in 2011 to manage the candidate process.

The decision to make this change is driven by exponential growth of membership, sanctioned events, and overall financial position of the PDGA since the start of the pandemic. With this growth in membership comes the added benefit of having increasingly more members with specialties and professional backgrounds directly beneficial to help guide the association through these historic times.

The updated qualification criteria and application process ensures we can properly screen, vet, and select candidates for the election ballot that best meet the current needs of the PDGA and its ever-growing membership base.

PDGA Global Board Member Qualifications

  • Must be an active member in good standing and be at least 18 years of age as of September 1 of current election year
  • Must be an active member for at least two consecutive years as of the date of the first call for candidates (April 3, 2023)
  • Must not have been on PDGA suspension or probation within the last three years, including violation of the PDGA Community Guidelines; Warnings within a three-year period will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
  • Must pass a criminal background check free of assaults, fraud, and/or other major negative indicators
  • Must have a history of conducting themselves in a positive and ethical manner as a member of the PDGA
  • Must not have a significant conflict of interest as identified in the PDGA COI Policy; Candidates must agree to sign nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements
  • Must be available to attend two in-person Board Summits per year (generally in the Spring and Fall; two days each); must be available to attend video conference meeting once per month, typically scheduled for the second Tuesday of the month from 4:00 - 7:00 pm ET.
  • Must have access to an electronic device capable of video conferencing via Zoom, opening Microsoft Office documents, accessing the internet and email, and similar general office administration functions

PDGA Global Board of Directors Application Process

The self-nominating process has been changed from submitting a one-page online form to prospective candidates now completing the below requirements. All candidate material must be submitted to the Nominating Committee no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 30, 2023 by emailing [email protected].

Submit a professional cover letter and resume containing the following information:

  • Your intent to run for the Global BOD with the acknowledgement that this position comes with legal fiduciary responsibilities and you are willing to take on those responsibilities if elected.
  • Personal goals and priorities as a Director should you be elected. Simply explain why you are running and what you want to accomplish during your tenure.
  • List your specific experience, background, certifications, etc., that qualify you to accomplish your goals and priorities and how they align with the PDGA’s KSAs, strategic priorities, and core competencies.
  • Disclose any conflict of interest items as detailed in the PDGA COI Policy
  • Submit three letters of recommendation attesting to your experience, qualifications, and character, with at least one reference provided by an active PDGA member.
  • Applications will be received and initially reviewed for completeness by the NC. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt from the NC and any follow-on instructions if required.

There are no changes to the existing PDGA Europe Board or State and Provincial Coordinator elections at this time.

PDGA Europe Board Member Qualifications

Candidates for the PDGA Europe Board of Directors must hold citizenship or residence status in a European country, be an active PDGA member in good standing, be at least 18 years old on July 1, 2023, and should have some of the criteria below.

Additional PDGA Europe Board of Directors information is available on the 2023 PDGA Europe Board Member Elections page.

Skills:

  • Proactive / Dynamic i.e. not Passive / Reactive
  • Professional experience involving management, marketing, financial, strategic planning, entrepreneurship, and/or experience in the non-profit sector
  • Fluency or semi-fluency in the English language
  • Oral and written communication
  • Listening to and patience in dealing with others
  • A passion for the sport of Disc Golf
  • Familiarity with and commitment to PDGA Europe

Training / Experience in:

  • Competitive Disc Golf
  • Disc Golf Organisation
  • Finance
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Tech Management and Development
  • Human Resources Management
  • Journalism
  • Event Production

Intangibles:

  • Enthusiasm for the Task
  • Time Availability
  • Collaborative
  • Creative Innovator
  • Vision
  • Flexible / Adaptable
  • Respected

Reaching the Voters

PDGA Europe Board of Directors candidates have the option to personalize their campaign by providing a video message to voters. Videos are to be produced by the candidates and posted on YouTube, and a link to the video should be included in the candidate biography. The suggested format is under three minutes, in which candidates introduce themselves and outline one or more primary goals of their participation on the PDGA Europe Board. Videos should be PG-rated, keeping in mind that we have voting members of all ages.

Submitting Your PDGA Europe Board Candidacy

If you are interested in running for a position on the PDGA Europe Board Of Directors then download and complete a Candidate Biography Questionnaire. This form may also be requested by contacting the PDGA office at +1 (706) 261-6342.

Completed Candidate Biography Questionnaires and Candidate Statement must be received at [email protected] no later than June 14, 2023.

State and Provincial Coordinators

The State and Provincial Coordinators represent more than 50 key PDGA volunteer positions. Each year, 50 percent of U.S. state and Canadian Province Coordinator positions are up for election, with winners receiving two-year terms. Election ballots will display only the Coordinator races for each member’s home state or province, and those states and provinces not listed this year will be on the ballot next year.

State and Provincial Coordinators are key in helping the PDGA operate and serve many functions, including:

  • Representing the PDGA in a positive light and professional manner to members, clubs, agencies, and communities in their state or province.
  • Working with tournament directors and clubs within their state or province and in adjoining areas to schedule PDGA Tour and other disc golf events.
  • Serving as liaison to the PDGA Event Support Team in coordinating the tour schedule and in addressing and resolving tour event issues.
  • Collecting information, either personally or by delegating to individuals or clubs, for the PDGA Course Directory and the Course Evaluation System.
  • Promoting PDGA memberships and PDGA programs such as the Affiliate Clubs Program, tournament sanctioning, Disc Golf Foundation, and EDGE to the members and potential members in their state or province.
  • Providing feedback on the annual Tour Standards to the PDGA Event Support Team.
  • Coordinating state qualifications for events such as the USDGC, USADGC, and other qualified-entry tournaments.
  • Recommending candidates and voting for select annual PDGA awards.
  • Providing local and regional demographic information and feedback to various sports agencies statewide (CVBs, Sports Councils, etc.) upon request.
  • Other duties as determined by fellow State Coordinators, the PDGA Board, and staff.

2023 State/Province Elections

Below is the list of the State and Provincial Coordinator positions up for election. Terms for these positions will be September 1, 2023, through August 31, 2025.

If your state or province is not listed above, the position is not up for election this year but will be next year. Please join us in extending thanks and appreciation to all the incumbents for their volunteer service to the PDGA and the sport of disc golf. Many of these key contributors will be seeking re-election; many others will be seeking election for the first time.

  • Alabama
  • Alberta (Canada)
  • Arkansas
  • Armed Forces Overseas
  • California (North)
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Manitoba (Canada)
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Ontario (Canada)
  • Pennsylvania
  • Quebec (Canada)
  • Rhode Island
  • Saskatchewan (Canada)
  • South Dakota
  • Texas (South)
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

Reaching the Voters

Coordinator candidates have the option to personalize their campaign by providing a video message to voters. Videos are to be produced by the candidates and posted on YouTube, and a link to the video should be included in the candidate biography. The suggested format is three-to-five minutes, in which candidates introduce themselves and outline one or more primary goals of their participation as a PDGA State/Provincial Coordinator. Videos should be PG-rated, keeping in mind that we have voting members of all ages.

Submitting Your Candidacy

If you are interested in running for the Coordinator position in your home state or province, download a Candidate Biography Questionnaire. This form may also be requested by contacting the PDGA office or calling +1 (706) 261-6342. The completed form must be returned to the office along with a candidate statement no later than June 21, 2023. Documents can be sent to [email protected]

Please Vote!

When you receive your ballot in July, please take a few minutes to vote. In doing so, not only are you exercising one of your basic rights as a PDGA member, but you are also demonstrating your appreciation for the work performed by these core volunteers.

Thank you very much for participating in the annual PDGA Elections!