09/10/2024
Dear USA Judo Membership athletes and coaches,
Today we had an open meeting and unfortunately due to the lack of attendance by several board members, we were unable to have a quorum and could not conduct the original agenda as planned. I apologize to all of you as the Chairman, as I had received acceptance of the meeting agenda and time from the non-attendees. It was a complete shock to myself and the other board members, as I am sure you could see in the meeting. My takeaway, and the rest of the attending board members, is the feeling that there is a lack of transparency by USA Judo and the board, and a lack of honesty and commitment, especially by those not attending. I heard you loud and clear.
The input in the chat and the excellent questions were extremely relevant and illuminating to us all. The feedback from Ramon, Adam, and others, whilst hard to hear, was also inspiring, as it highlights the passion you all have, as do we, for raising the standards, quality, communications, and integrity of USA Judo, to you, the membership. You, whom we are here to serve. It’s all about the judo. That MUST come first.
With that firm focus on serving you and every judoka, from the smallest beginner to the top World/Olympic athlete. After all, it is about YOU! I and the board commit wholeheartedly to being more available, providing more notice of meetings, ensuring they are recorded and engaging, and that all minutes will be published on the website within 48 hours. (If they are delayed, we will inform you why). All I ask is that you bring the passion I saw today to the meetings going forward – As Jerry Maguire said, “Help Me, Help You!”
Let’s all commit to making today, the turning point for the future of USA Judo and the unified commitment to have this become the most successful Olympic four-year cycle, USA Judo has ever had.
Thank you
Joe Ragan
Chairman - USA Judo Board
