State Associations

Basic Guidelines for Setting Up or Maintaining a USA Archery (USAA) State Association

1. Develop communication to and for the membership

2. Develop a Website presence

3. Developing Activities/Programs

  • Sanction State Tournaments 

  • Organize the State Championship

  • Host a Coaching Certification Classes

  • Host a Judge Certification program

  • Coordinate with State NASP programs

4. State Associations should:

  • Elect officers (min): President, Secretary / Treasure, and State JOAD Coordinator.

  • The state association may consider a USAA Liaison, and Collegiate Coordinator. A person may hold more than one position. (Should limit to only two (2) positions)

  • Encourage the state membership to become USAA members. State Members can also be members of other archery or sport related association(s) in addition to the USAA Membership.

  • Maintain Local / State Tournament Records Indoor or Outdoor (if no state championships are developed for indoor or outdoor, local records may be used.)

  • Each State should Develop and Maintain a State Ranking System. (Each state can develop its own rankings system, but the USAA ranking system is in place and ready to copy.

  • Provide an up-to-date list of all officers, and a calendar of events to USAA for the benefit of the members and the USAA office.

  • Coordinate local / state activities to avoid possible conflicts with other local / state events.

5. Benefit(s) of becoming a USAA State Association

  • Group Exemption Status
  • An organization that is affiliated with and is subject to the general supervision or controlof a central organization may be recognized as a tax-exempt entity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) solely by reason of its relationship with the central organization. Tax laws are subject to change, please confirm with your tax advisor as to current status.

  • Cost Savings professional fees could easily run $3,000.00 and the IRS user fee is $465.00

  • Time Savings - preparation of form 1023 and IRS approval can easily take six months.

  • Donations - receipt of donations from outside sources can be a tax deduction for them.

6. Action Plan for State Associations to be included in the Group Application

1. Proceed with incorporating the entity as a non-profit corporation in the primary state where the affiliate intends to do business.

2. Adopt generic bylaws, (provided by USAA) after making any necessary revisions to conform to the laws of your state.

3. Obtain a federal identifying number form the IRS by applying on form SS-4

4. Send the following documents to USA Archery

  • Articles of incorporation

  • Adopted bylaws

  • Letter from IRS assigning the FIN

  • List of names and addresses of the officers

  • Signed statement consenting to be included in the group application.

7. How State Associations file their Tax Return

The Association will be issued a four digit identifying number that gets entered on page 1of Form 990. Associations will be responsible for filing their own 990 tax returns. If the Associations gross receipts is less than $25,000 per year, the Form 990 or Form 990EZ are not required to be filed with the IRS. Tax laws are subject to change. Please check with your tax advisor.

Note: A non-attempt to of a state association to follow the minimum guidelines as listed below may result in a review / revocation of the state association charter or other action by the USA Archery.

1. Elect Officers

2. Develop Communication(s) to and for the membership. (Minimum: a newsletter).

3. Encourage State Association members to become USAA members.

USAA is committed to assisting the state associations to be as productive and successful as possible.