It has been a couple of months since coming on board at USA Archery. I want to tell the membership about what has transpired and where JOAD is headed.
I have spent a considerable amount of time meeting with parents, key officials and building relationships within the archery communities. I am also developing a better understanding of how to bridge some gaps between National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), After School Archery Program (ASAP), 4H and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) programs so that we can begin to focus on how to bring young archers into the grass roots level of JOAD. I've spent time discussing JOAD issues with many parents and club administrators, coaches and NASP key individuals..
Three main initiatives have emerged as necessary for the future of JOAD:
One of the first initiatives that must be achieved is to increase communication for the JOAD Program.
You will find that www.usarcheryjoad.org will be incorporated into www.usarchery.org. All JOAD material, i.e., pins, lanyards, etc. will be located at the headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Kim Bartkowski will be the contact for filling JOAD orders and processing memberships.
Our plan is to have one website for all USA Archery programs. My initiative will be to manage and input all the JOAD program information from tournament schedules to finding a local JOAD Club and everything else in between to include developing a communication strategy to better inform and communicate to JOAD coaches, leaders and students.
Along with building better communication, we are developing new JOAD program materials to better support those individuals that may not know anything about JOAD and more advanced curricula and promotional items for existing clubs but need more information to further their JOAD programs.
One area we are working on is bringing the Jr. Dream Team coaching methods directly into everyone's local JOAD program. This will be accomplished through webinars and a more structured JOAD curriculum. These webinars will instruct about the Jr. Dream Team coaching techniques, making your JOAD Program a profitable program and assistance in becoming a non-profit 501(c)3 program. This program will be completely voluntary based on the JOAD leaders coaching experience and desire to have an advanced training program.
The data shows that the Jr. Dream Team initiatives have been very successful but we realize that the Jr. Dream Team is not available to everyone. Our hope is to bring those methodologies to each and every JOAD club, instructor and archer that wants growth.
There have been several changes that have been put forth from the FITA Congress that will affect JOAD. I am working closely with CEO Parker and the JOAD Committee to bring the absolute best scenario possible for all JOAD age divisions and Jr. USAT Teams.
In closing I am encouraged that we are moving forward and working hard to bring additional support material to the JOAD program.
Diane Watson
USAA JOAD Coordinator
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