ByLaws and Election Info

MINNESOTA RACQUETBALL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE MRA IS SEEKING APPLICATIONS FROM THOSE MEMBERS THAT MAY BE INTERESTED IN SERVING A THREE-YEAR TERM ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

The MRA Election Committee is accepting applications for candidates who will be actively involved in the Mission of the Minnesota Racquetball Association by serving as a Board Director. Every year, 4 seats out of 12 are up for election.

This volunteer job is your opportunity to use your leadership skills and racquetball experience to make a long-lasting positive impact on the opportunities and challenges our sport has to offer.

Serving on the MRA board of directors is rewarding in many ways including setting the direction and policy for racquetball in Minnesota, creating opportunities for juniors and adults to learn and become passionate about this sport, and playing a significant role to ensure racquetball’s future successes and growth.

It’s imperative that as racquetball evolves in Minnesota that the board of directors evolves as well. New directors who bring new ideas and diverse perspectives to the board are important to this corporation to help keep it fresh and exciting for the entire racquetball community; whether a beginner or advanced player, a tournament player, or a recreational player.

The Director Application form can be emailed to you by request at mralivemn@gmail.com. You can complete this form digitally, save it for your records, and email the saved Word or PDF file to mralivemn@gmail.com. For those without email or who prefer using US Mail, you can print the form from the website and mail it to MN Racquetball Association – 1111 Rhode Island Ave N Golden Valley MN 55427.

Application submissions deadline: OPEN

The MRA election committee will review and approve the list of applicants and make notifications to all applicants of their acceptance to be on the ballot. If there are more than four applicants, the election will be administered using R2sports so all active USAR/MRA members residing in Minnesota will receive an email ballot and voting will be open for two weeks. If there are four or less applicants, the MRA board can accept those to the board of directors without holding an election.

Notification of the election results will be posted on the MRA website and emailed out to the membership. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Felipe Sosa mralivemn@gmail.com

As you prepare your application, please keep the criteria noted below in mind so that the Election Committee can best assess all candidates. This is similar to a racquetball resume with examples of your experience matching up to the criteria we are seeking.

The Board is looking for members who will support the mission of our association and strengthen our organization’s governance. The time commitment to participate as a State Board of Director can vary depending on the responsibilities, but generally, you may expect to spend 1 – 10 hours per month on the following board-related duties.

Leadership skills in program development to promote growth in the recreational player, junior, high school & collegiate areas are highly desirable. Committee participation is a substantial portion of this Board’s activities pertaining to Membership development, Communications, Media Utilization, Fundraising, Achievements & Acknowledgments, Finance, and Event Collaborations & Board Governance.

Participation in monthly phone conference call meetings, one annual in-person meeting at the state singles event in March, and special meetings as needed is expected. Directors must be willing to be highly visible advocates for racquetball in word and deed and be prepared to identify potential conflicts of interest. Directors are required to work in the best interest of the MRA and its community. Directors must possess past and present demonstration of good character. Directors must maintain a current USAR membership and be a resident of Minnesota. Elected directors must comply with Safe Sport training and pass a basic background check.

FAQs

What is the legal standing of the MRA?

The MRA is recognized by the state of Minnesota as a non-profit 501-c-3 corporation and is authorized to issue tax exemption certificates to donors as well as administer fundraising campaigns.

Is there personal liability in serving on the MRA board of directors?

There are state laws that protect volunteers of non-profit corporations. In addition, the MRA bylaws state that an additional Director & Officer Insurance policy be maintained to provide additional liability protection for all directors, officers, employees, contractors, and volunteers.

If I have a child that plays racquetball, can I still receive reimbursement for junior activities such as junior nationals or junior worlds?

Yes, your child can still benefit from junior reimbursements. There is a simple process that the board will follow in these cases to ensure every junior can receive equal benefits.

Are there bylaws and other supporting documents for the MRA?

Yes. The MRA maintains Articles of Incorporation, a thorough bylaws document, and a policy and procedures manual, linked here.

How many meetings am I going to be required to attend?

There is only one scheduled face-to-face annual meeting each year, and for the convenience of both the board of directors and the community this meeting will take place between April and June. All other scheduled meetings are monthly conference calls. During the summer months, the board can meet every other month if desired.

Am I required to serve on committees?

Currently there is no requirement to serve on a committee, but it is highly encouraged. As leaders of the organization, your leadership in setting the direction of committees is important.

Am I required to help with tournaments?

No. There is a robust Tournament Committee with a primary focus on planning and executing events for the MRA. You’re welcome to join that committee, but it is not required.

What committees will the MRA have?

Tournament and Sanctioning Committee, Junior Committee, Social Media Committee, Fundraising Committee, and Election Committee. The Board can add or change committees as needed.