[html] According to a report on the Canadian Handball Federation website, the Pan American Team Handball Federation (PATHF) has informed member nations that the USA will no longer host the 2008 Senior Men’s Pan American Championship. The Championship was originally scheduled for 24-28 June, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia and it’s organization was being supported by the Dekalb International Training Center (DITC) in nearby Dekalb County, Georgia. PATHF nations have two weeks to submit bids to host the tournament.
The Championship tournament also serves as qualification to the 2009 World Championships and the top 3 teams will book tickets for Croatia next January. With Brazil and Argentina both heavily favored to qualify, Team USA would likely have battled the remaining nations for 3^rd place. As the USA narrowly lost to Greenland in 2006, the home court edge could have played a decisive factor in this year’s championship. Additionally, concerns with defections might have resulted in Cuba deciding not to participate. Now with the Championships moving to a TBD country the USA will have neither home court and the Cubans will be the odds on favorites for 3^rd place.

This is the second time in recent history that the USA was scheduled to host a Pan American Championship only to see the tournament moved to another country. The 2005 Women’s Championships were scheduled for Cortland, New York, but were moved due to visa complications for visiting nations.  Just this past Summer, Mr. Marc Daniel Gutekunst of the DITC traveled to Brazil to present the PATHF Exec Committee with their plans to host and according to VP-PATHF North America, Dennis Berkholtz they received unanimous support from the committee.
Team Handball News is not certain as to the exact reason for the USA withdrawal, but Email correspondence with the Greenland Federation indicates that it was somehow related to TV broadcast requirements. As the USOC has not decided on whether to certify a new USA Handball Federation there is no official body to address this issue. A request for information from the DITC has so far been unanswered.

Canadian Website Notice: http://www.canadianhandball.com/2007 PATHF Exec Committee Notes: https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?extend.359 [/html]

[html] In November of 2006 the Pan American Team Handball Federation (PATHF) downgraded Greenland’s full membership to an associated membership. This change in membership status meant that Greenland could no longer participate in qualification events for any Handball World Championships (youth, junior or senior). Greenland appealed this decision to the IHF Arbitration Commission and in November of 2007 the Commission ruled that Greenland should be reinstated as a full member of the Pan American Team Handball Federation (PATHF).

Team Handball News has now learned, however, that the PATHF has not accepted this decision and has requested that the IHF “set aside the decision of the arbitration Commission and to allow PATHF to explain in writing its arguments in support of the decision taken by its Continental Congress.” In a letter to the IHF dated, December 12, 2007, the PATHF claims that the IHF did not follow due process and failed to either hold oral hearings or request that the PATHF submit written arguments in support of their case. It should be noted, however, that this PATHF claim appears to be in direct contradiction to the Appeal finding which noted the following, “This Commission regrets to note that the Pan America Federation offered no response to this appeal nor did it offer a defence to the claims, making the work of the Commission much harder.”
The IHF Office has forwarded the PATHF letter to the Arbitration Commission on 18 December, but as of this date there has been no further action taken by the IHF. In the meantime, the first PATHF qualification tournament since Greenland’s reinstatement, the PATHF Women’s Under 20 Championship, is rapidly approaching. Scheduled for February in Argentina, Greenland has contacted the PATHF and Argentinia Federation for information, but there requests have gone unanswered. Frustrated with these apparent delaying tactics the Greenland Handball Federation (GHF formally requested on January 18, 2008 that the IHF step in and take action to ensure that Greenland can participate in this tournament. As of this date, Greenland has not received a response back from the IHF concerning this request. [/html]

The International Handball Federation (IHF) Arbitration Commission has ruled unanimously in favor of reinstating Greenland as a full member of the Pan American Team Handball Federation (PATHF).

Last November, without warning, the PATHF Congress downgraded Greenland from a full PATHF member to an associate member on the grounds that Greenland does not have a National Olympic Committee. Then, despite taking this significant action, the PATHF neglected to inform the Greenland Handball Federation (GHF) of this change in status until April of this year when the GHF sought information concerning PATHF qualification for the Junior World Championships. The change in status was significant in that Greenland which had already qualified 3 times for the World Championships, including the most recent Championship in Germany this past January, would no longer be allowed to compete in PATHF qualification matches.

Stunned by this change, Greenland sought redress with the PATHF and IHF, and filed a formal appeal with the IHF in May. The appeal simply asked that Greenland be given the right to play in PATHF qualification matches as a full member and that Greenland be given the right to play in qualification matches for the upcoming Junior World Championships in August.

Last Friday, November, 16, the IHF Arbitration Commission released its ruling. The commission which reviewed the case consisted of the Chair, Charalambos Lottas of Cyprus, Markus Plazer of Austria and Mustafa Fathy Hussein of Egypt. In the ruling, the Commission noted that the Junior World Championships had already taken place so they would only address the membership status question. Additionally, the Commission noted with regret that the PATHF offered no response or defense to the appeal submitted by Greenland making the work of the Commission harder.

In it’s ruling the Commission noted that Greenland was accepted as a full member of PATHF in 1998 and under the PATHF statutes, the PATHF had a 12 month period to exclude the Greenland Federation. And since this 12 month period had lapsed by several years, “any decision made for the membership of the Greenland Federation to the PATHF has to be made in connection and in accordance with the IHF bylaws.” And since the IHF bylaws do not include any language that can exclude a federation on the grounds of failure to belong on the National Olympic Committee the Commission ruled in favor of Greenland, declaring that the earlier PATHF decision to downgrade Greenlands membership null and void.

Greenland was predictably pleased, but also conciliatory. National Team Manager Kurt Lauritsen said the following, “It is a great victory not only for Greenland Handball but for the development of Handball in general. I hope all the countries in the PATHF will work together on development instead of seeing how they can exclude other countries to get a better chance for their own country. I also hope, that we can get a constructive dialogue in the future with the PATHF and that we don’t have a "struggle" with them to get our seeding back for the upcoming men and women Pan American Championships.”

Requests for comment from the PATHF have, so far, been unanswered. Unanswered questions include whether the PATHF will accept the IHF decision or will seek further legal action. Additionally, with Greenland now able to compete in PATHF tournaments, the composition for the PATHF championships is now up in the air. Currently slated for 8 teams the PATHF will need to decide whether to have a 9 team field or to keep it at 8 teams and exclude the Dominican Republic.

As expected Cuba dominated the tournament, winning all four of their matches by an average of 16 goals. Canada also had a good tournament, securing 2nd place with 2 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie. The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico were level on points at 3 a piece, but the Dominican Republic takes third place by virtue of their 35-31 victory over Puerto Rico on the last match day. The top scorer for the tournament was Joseph Aska of Puerto Rico with 33 goals. The best goalkeeper of the tournament was Misaiel Iglesias of Cuba.

Next June’s Championship field is now set as Cuba, Canada and the Dominican Republic will join Brazil, Argentina, USA, Uruguay and Chile. Based on recent performances Brazil, Argentina and Cuba should be favorites to finish in the top 3 places that will award a ticket to the World Championships in Croatia. As reported earlier off court factors, however, might change the final composition of the field. The Cuban government may decide to forego sending a team to play on USA soil where USA law makes it very easy for Cubans to defect and acquire USA residency. Should that happen, Puerto Rico would advance to the Championship. The other factor is Greenlands membership status. If Greenland are reinstated as a full PATHF member the PATHF may decide to keep the field at 8 teams and have only two teams advance from the Div 1 Championship.

Match Results

Monday, 5 November 07
Canada – Puerto Rico 27:27 (13:13)
Cuba – Mexico 44:23 (21:07)

Tuesday, 6 November 07
Dominican Republic – Canada 19:25 (9:15)
Mexico – Puerto Rico 29:35 (16:18)

Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Dominican Republic – Mexico 34 -34 (18:18)
Cuba – Puerto Rico 35 -20 (20:08)

Thursday, 8 November 2007
Canada – Mexico 31:20 (14:11)
Cuba – Dominican Republic 31:20 (17:11)

Friday, 9 November 07
Puerto Rico – Dominican Republic 31:35 (18:18)
Cuba – Canada 31:13 (13:5)

Team W D L Pts GF GA GD
Cuba 4 0 0 8 141 74 +67
Canada 2 1 1 0 5 96-97 -1
Dominican Republic 1 1 2 3 10 120 -11
Puerto Rico 1 1 2 3 103 126 -23
Mexico 0 1 3 1 97 134 -37

Cuban Newspaper Article: http://www.juventudrebelde.cu/deportes/2007-11-10/ganan-los-cubanos-el-campeonato-panamericano-de-balonmano/

Cuba and Canada have clinched a finish in the top 3 and their final game will decide who wins the tournament. Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic will play for 3rd place. The Dominican Republic needs a win to take 3rd place while Puerto Rico only needs a draw. Mexico has finished the tournament with an 0-1-3 record.

Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Dominican Republic – Mexico 34 -34
Cuba – Puerto Rico 35 -20

Thursday, 8 November 2007
CAN 31×20 (14×11) MEX
CUBA 31×20 (17×11) DOM

Team GP W D L Pts GF GA GD
Cuba 3 3 0 0 6 109 62 +47
Canada 3 2 1 0 5 83 66 +17
Puerto Rico 3 1 1 1 3 72 82 -10
Dominican Republic 3 0 1 2 1 73 90 -17
Mexico 4 0 1 3 1 96 133 -37

The Pan American Team Handball Federation (PATHF) Division 1 tournament is taking place in Havana, Cuba. Five teams are participating: Cuba, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The tournament will take place over 5 days and will follow a single round robin format. The top 3 teams are scheduled to advance to the PATHF Elite Championships in Atlanta this June.

Cuba lived up to its role as the favorite by demolishing Mexico on the first day, 43:22. Canada and Puerto Rico played to a 27-27 draw and with each side also winning on Tuesday, both teams are in a good position to secure the 2nd and 3rd spots. As a result of their draw 2nd place could come down to goal differential should the teams still be level on points on Friday.

Its also important to note that the number of teams that advance to Atlanta could move up or down due to non court factors. Greenland is appealing their full member status with the PATHF and should they be reinstated the PATHF may decide to only advance two team. And while Cuba is the big favorite to win the tournament, the Cuban government may not approve a trip to the USA where USA law grants immediate residency to any Cubans that might chose to defect.

Finally, if you were wondering why Cuba is participating in the lower division when they have historically been one of the better teams in the PATHF the reason is their lack of participation in recent PATHF events. By not participating they failed to accrue enough points to make the last PATHF Elite Championships. The same problem also befell Canada, who despite their 3rd place finish in 2004 were not allowed to participate in the 2006 PATHF Elite Championships

Schedule and Results

Monday, 5 November 07
Canada – Puerto Rico (27:27)
Cuba – Mexico (43:22)

Tuesday, 6 November 07
Dominican Republic – Canada (19:25)
Mexico – Puerto Rico (20:25)

Wednesday, 7 November 07
Cuba – Puerto Rico
Dominican Republic – Mexico

Thursday, 8 November 07
Canada – Mexico
Cuba – Dominican Republic

Friday, 9 November 07
Puerto Rico – Dominican Republic
Cuba – Canada

Team GP W L D Pts GF GA GD
Canada 2 1 0 1 3 52 46 +6
Puerto Rico 2 1 0 1 3 52 47 +5
Cuba 1 1 0 0 2 43 22 +19
Dominican Republic 1 0 1 0 0 19 25 -6
Mexico 2 0 2 0 0 42 68 -26

Eleven months after the Pan American Team Handball Federation (PATHF) downgraded their full PATHF membership to associate membership, Greenlands appeal to be reinstated is still unresolved. The impact of this downgrade has been substantial to this Handball loving, semi-autonomous nation of the far North. Associate membership means Greenland can no longer qualify and participate in IHF events. Already, this has denied Greenland the opportunity to qualify for 3 IHF events: the Junior Men, Junior Women, an Youth Women World Championships. Notably, the Junior Men, with many players, including leading scorer, Angutimmarik Kreutzmann, having gained experience in Germany at the 2007 Senior Mens Championships would have been a legitimate threat to win the PATHF title.

Now the clock is ticking for 2009 Senior Mens Qualification. The PATHF has adopted a new, 2 tier qualification scheme for 2009 Qualification. The 2 tiers are Elite and Division 1. The Elite teams consist of the top 6 nations from the previous Pan American Championships, while the Division 1 consists of the 7th and 8th place nations from the previous Pan American Championships and all other nations. The Division 1 Championship will be in Cuba from 5 to 9 November with the top 2 teams from that tournament joining the 6 teams already in the Elite Division for the Elite Championship in Atlanta, USA from 24-29 June 2008.

In August, when the PATHF announced the schedule for qualification, no mention was made of Greenland’s possible participation. Instead, the PATHF noted that 3 nations, instead of 2 nations would advance to join the 5 Elite nations. The reason? As Greenland is no longer a full member an additional nation was needed to bring the Championship to an even field of 8 teams.

Greenland has tried to work with the PATHF and IHF to resolve their membership status. At the IHF Congress last April in Madrid, they had two scheduled meetings with the PATHF that were cancelled for unspecified reasons, but they did discuss the situation with the IHF leadership and received verbal support for their reinstatement. Additionally, they proposed to the PATHF that a meeting being held with all member nations concerned with their membership status to address any concerns that those nations had. As informal pleas for resolution failed Greenland issued a formal complaint to the IHF for resolution. The complaint, however, is being addressed at what appears to be a glacial pace. According to the PATHF Exec Committees informal minutes, the PATHF intends to let the complaint work through the entire legal process.

Concerned with the slow progress to date, the Greenland Handball Federation wrote to the IHF in August to emphasize their concerns. Noting in the letter that the inability to participate in World Championships, not only harms the athletes, but this limbo status is also impacting their ability to keep their current sponsors and acquire new ones. The letter also asks the IHF to take a hands on role in resolving the situation. Since, the letter was sent the GHF has not received any feedback other than that the IHF Arbitration Committee was reviewing their request for reinstatement.

According to Kurt Lauritsen, GHF National Team Coordinator, Greenland may soon be forced to take the issue above the IHF, to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport. This, unfortunately, however could mean that this issue might not get resolved in time for Greenland to participate at the PATHF Championships next June. Greenland’s frustration is self evident and Lauritsen notes, “If one of the larger Handball nations like Germany, Russia, France, or Croatia had a similar situation that action its doubtful that the IHF would be so slow to resolve it. The least that could be done would be for the IHF and PATHF to acknowledge now that if we win our case that we will be allowed to participate next June. That way we could avoid a situation where the 3rd place team at the Div I Championships isn’t surprised when Greenland gets it spot back in the tournament.”

Team Handball News and Handball-World requests to the IHF and PATHF for comment were unanswered.

The Greenland Handball Federation (GHF) has formally written the IHF, seeking resolution on their membership status in the PATHF. The GHF is frustrated that their membership status was not resolved in time for their Men’s Under 21 team to attempt to qualify for the Under 21 World Championships taking place in Macedonia this week. They are also concerned that the situation will not be resolved in time for the PATHF Women’s Under-18 qualifier next month.

Furthermore, they are very concerned with the Unofficial PATHF Executive Committee report https://teamhandballnews.com/news359.html which simply removes Greenland from the qualification tournament for the 2009 Men’s World Championship and implies that resolving Greenland’s membership status is going to take a while.

Commentary: Well, it’s no secret where I stand on this issue. I can only hope that the IHF can respond and resolve this issue in a timely manner.

Interviews with Greenland contingent at the 2007 WC: https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.254
Commentary on why Greenland should be a full PATHF member: https://teamhandballnews.com/news312.html

The text of Greenland’s letter to the IHF is here:

International Handball Federation
Peter Merian-Strasse 23
CH-4002 Basel
Switzerland

E-Mail ihf.office@ihf.info Sisimiut the 12th of August.

Greenland Handball Federations membership.

Dear Handball Friends.

I will hereby kindly ask about there is any decision about our case for full membership of the PATHF with the rights to qualify for the WC.

Unfortunately we can note, that (as we see it) our right to get the opportunity to qualify for the WC for u-21 men now is to late, and we are of course very disappointed, that the IHF not was able to take a decision as promised in this case in the period from the congress in Madrid until now.

The situation now is, that there in September will be the PATHF qualification tournament for U-18 female for the world-cup, of which we have got no information of from the PATHF.

We have as well learned that during the latest PATHF meeting in Rio, they have classified the male’s team in elite and 1st division, without mention Greenland. We of course expect to bee re-classified as an elite team, as we during the last 7 years have participated 3 times in the WC and been between the 5 best teams in the pathf in the same period.

The situation for Greenland Handball at this moment is, at it seems that we are loosing our sponsors because we still not are able to give them an answer of our situation – and if we loose these sponsors, it will set the development of Greenland Handball back at least 15 years.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Best regards

Greenland Handball Federation

Palle Jeremiassen, President
Kurt Lauritsen, National Team Coordinator
Greenland Handball Federation

John Ryan interviews Canadian Women’s Head Coach Mike Nahmiash and gets his take on the Men’s and Women’s Team Handball competition at the recent Pan American Games. Topics include the surprising Cuban Teams, the Brazilian Women prospects at the World Championships, the Brazil Argentina Gold Medal Game brawl, the lack of Canadian government funding, and the possibility of a Handball gambling scandal similar to the NBA.

https://teamhandballnews.com/request37.html
Right click to download; Left click to play

In the semi-finals of the Pan-American Games Handball tournament Brazilian fans cheered for Argentina against Cuba. Well, if you were wondering how long this new found affection for their bitter rivals to the south would last look no further than this video from the end of the Gold Medal game. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJjpkAbBZV4

The Vice President for North America of the PATHF, Mr Dennis Berkholtz has provided us with a copy of his own personal and unofficial minutes from the PATHF Executive Committee Meeting that was held in conjunction with the PANAM Games. Here are a few highlights:

1) The qualification process for the 2011 PANAM Games will be similar to the process used for 2007.
2) No specific actions are planned in regards to Greenland’s downgrading https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.306 to associate membership of the PATHF. The PATHF will let the issue be resolved through arbitration.
3) Mr. Marc Daniel Gutekunst of the Dekalb International Training Center (near Atlanta) presented their plans to host the Men’s 2008 Pan American Championships. The Executive Committee then confirmed unanimously the U.S. hosting of this event, which will serve as qualification for the 2009 World Championships in Croatia.
4) Clarified the process for participation in the Men’s 2008 Pan American Championships. Brazil, Argentina, USA, Chile and Uruguay are elite teams and have already qualified for the 2008 Pan American Championships. Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and Venezuela are 1st Division teams. A playoff will be held in Cuba from 10-16 November with 3 of those teams moving up to the Elite Division and qualifying for participation at the Pan American Championships. (Note: Greenland was removed from the elite division as it is no longer a full PATHF member)
5) Clarified the status of other Pan American Championships (See details below)
6) Dennis Berkholtz offered up Miami as a potential venue for a Junior Men’s 1st Division Playoff.
7) Plans for a Pan-American Champions League are in development
8 ) Dennis Berkholtz briefed his efforts to develop a professional handball league in the U.S.

The text of the complete report is here:

PATHF Executive Committee Meeting
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
July 16-17, 2007

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE NORTH

Submitted by:
Dennis Berkholtz
Vice President North

Attending:
Manoel Oliveira, President, Brazil
Carlos Gonzalez Aldea, Vice President, Cuba
Mario Moccio, Vice President South, Argentina
Acacia Rojas Davis, Vice President Central, Puerto Rico
Dennis Berkholtz, Vice President North, U.S.A.
Hector Fernandez, Treasurer, Chile
Mario Garcia de la Torre, IHF Representative, Mexico
Rafeal Sepulveda, General Secretary, Puerto Rico

All members were present both days of the meeting.

NOTE: The official minutes will be presented by the Secretary Generals office. The information that follows is my interpretation of the meeting as it was translated from Spanish to English. Some of the content may differ from the Secretary Generals report

REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT – Manoel Oliveira

Manoel reported on the Pan Am Games as being successfully organized and had high praise for the handball event. He gave special thanks to Rafeal, Hector, Carlos and the Brazil Handball Federation for the great preparation. The draw for seeding was successful and highly publicized and the handball games had very good press coverage. The qualification process was successful and will not be changed in future years. That means Canada vs USA and a second chance opportunity for the 2011 Games.

The 2011 Pan Am Games will be hosted by Mexico in Guadalajara.

He said he was pleased that several countries had improved their handball play citing the improvement of the Domincan Republic (M/W) and Paraquay (W) and Uruguay (M).

PATHF is in the process of organizing the World Championship Qualification Games for Juniors. (NOTE: More information to follow)

He stated that communications between the Exec Committee and the membership had improved although we must continue the improvement.

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PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

He commented on the PATHF participation at the Women’s World Championships being hosted in France in December 2007. He noted PATHF had 4 teams qualifying ath that Paraguay and Dominican Republic would be first time participants.

Manoel then gave a summary of events at the past IHF Congress noting that PATHF behind Europe is the best organized continent and the most unified and that our commissioners do a very good job representing PATHF and that we have exceptional growth in our continent. He noted that there were some problems with Mr. Miguel Roca (IHF) but that the issues have been resolved. The issues involved the allocation of Challenge Trophy funding and the communication process of discussing the issues. He noted that Mr. Roca does a good job and remains a close friend of PATHF.

NOTE: Mr. Miguel Roca is the IHF representative in charge of handball development in the Pan American countries.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL – Rafael Sepulveda

Comments on improved communication between the Exec Committee members and the membership in general. Still needs improvement. Skyp system has worked well.
Coordinated the participation of PATHF delegates to IHF Congress
Coordinated the participation of teams in the “second chance” competitions as well as the PATHF Women’s championship in Dominican Republic
Coordinated the technical delegation for the PAG in Rio
Coordinated the course for mini handball in the Central countries in Honduras
Participated in the meetings of ODEPA and ACODEPA in Rio de Janeiro
Working on the relationship of Greenland to PATHF. Greenland is appealing the decision made at the last Congress whereby Greenland will be an associate member and not allowed to participate in official PATHF championships. The process is now going to arbitration. We don’t know when it will be resolved and it will probably go through the entire legal process before resolution
Addressed the problem of Venezuela who owes past dues – (see treasurers report)

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT – Mario Moccio

Reinforced the reports of the President and Secretary General
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PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF COMPETITION – Carlos Gonzalez

Excellent organization for the Pan American Games (PAG). Commented that the Brazilian Handball Federation worked closely with PATHF leadership to make the handball competition the best of the games
Commented on the Challenge Trophy Budget. It will benefit lower level countries competing to make the elite division (see Challenge Trophy below)
We must defend the identity of PATHF countries in the handball world. Maintaining good relationships with all countries is important. We have and must maintain good relationships with the IHF

REPORT OF THE IHF REPRESENTATIVE – Mario Garcia de la Torre

Mario reinforced the comments of the President regarding our relationship with the IHF (which is very good) and reinforced the communication problems with Mr. Miquel Roca
at the IHF Congress as being resolved with no further issues on the table

NOTE: Mario’s report was followed by responses of Hector Fernandez, Rafael Sepulveda and Acacia Rojas Davis with the general theme being that PATHF is an autonomous organization. The IHF is our ally but not our partner. We have strength and unity and are noted as one of the best Continental Federations.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER – Hector Fernandez

(NOTE: If you want a copy of the income and expense ledger contact Mr. Fernandez or Mr. Sepulveda – only available to Presidents of countries)

We must make full proof of our income and expenditures
Based on our good relationship with the IHF we are finding it easier to receive prompt and full payment of monies due for special projects
Countries in serious arrears of membership dues are Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela
a. Hector noted that some countries have no intention of paying their dues
b. New countries who have PATHF membership have not paid – not noted which countries
c. Venezuela hasn’t paid ($3,325.00US) and they took part in the Pan American second change competition (M). IT WAS NOTED THAT WE HAVE “NO PAY, NO PLAY” POLICY WHICH WAS NOT INFORCED. THE COMMITTEE REINFORCED THAT WE MUST ADHERE TO THIS POLICY

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PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

Mr. Michael Cavanaugh requested and received permission to present an IHF CCM report to the committee

REPORT OF THE IHF COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE MEETING (CCM)
Michael Cavanaugh

Beach Handball – The IHF encourages more participation in Beach Handball events and will host future symposiums on playing and refereeing
Much discussions about future symposiums and courses for handball coaches and referees with the goal being to reach the multiplication factor – teach teachers who teach teachers who teach players, coaches and referees
Next course in mid 2008 in the U.S. The goal is to build a coaching community with PATHF.

Rafael commented that PATHF has their own CCM and that the IHF CCM and PATHF CCM must work together. Mr. Cavanaugh agreed.

——————————————————————————–

Dennis Berkholtz requested and received permission to have Mr. Marc Daniel Gutekunst present the partnership of the DeKalb International Training Center (DITC) and the U.S. Men’s National Team specifically how it relates to the 2008 Men’s PATHF Championship to be hosted in Atlanta, Ga. and the resolution of visa issues

PRESENTATION OF DITC – Marc Daniel Gutekunst

Power Point presentation of the DITC organization – www.ditc.us
Conferred with the committee, specifically Brazil and Cuba, about resolving visa issues

Based on Mr. Gutekunst’s presentation Mr. Berkholtz ask for confirmation of U.S. hosting the PATHF championships in June 2008, Atlanta, Ga. Confirmation passed unanimously.

(END OF DAY ONE)

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PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

CALENDAR OF COMPETITIONS
Carlos Gonzales Aldea, Vice President of COC

SENIOR MEN

Current Elite Teams – Brazil, Argentina, USA, Chile, Uruguay (NOTE – Greenland not included based on decision of PATHF Congress)

Current 1st Division Teams – Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela.

Senior Men 1st Division Playoffs – Cuba (November 10-16, 2007) – 3 teams move up to Elite Division

JUNIOR WOMEN

Current Elite Teams – Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Puerto Rico Mexico

Current 1st Division Teams – Paraquay, Costa Rica, Uruguay, USA, Chile, Venezuela

Junior Women 1st Division Playoffs – Chile (October TBD) – 3 teams move up

2008 COMPETITIONS

World Championships
Junior Women Brazil July 15-25
Youth Women TBD August
Beach Handball Rio de Janeiro December

Pan American Championships – Elite
Senior Men Atlanta, Ga. (USA) June 24-28
Junior Women – Elite Argentina March 11-15
Youth – Men/Women Caxias, Brazil September 9-13
Beach Handball Montevideo February 5-9

1st Division Playoffs
Junior Men TBD August
Senior Women Mexico November

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PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

Current Junior Men Elite Division – Brazil, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Canada, Paraguay

Current Junior Men 1st Division – USA, Cuba

NOTE: I offered Miami as a possible site for the Junior Men’s 1st Division Playoff in August 2008 without talking to Miami representatives or USA Team Handball.

2009 COMPETITIONS

World Championships
Senior Men Croatia TBD
Junior Men Egypt TBD

Pan American Championships – Elite
Senior Women Argentina or Chile May
Junior Men Brazil March 3-7

1st Division Playoffs
Senior Women TBD TBD
Junior Women TBD TBD

Dennis Berkholtz suggested Chicago as a candidate city for the Women’s Elite Pan American Championships. However, it was pointed out that the U.S. women were not assured of a place in the Elite Championships and if they qualified through the 1st division playoff process it would be too late to award the competition to a U.S. city.

NEW BUSINESS

Champions League – Rafael Sepulveda

Rafael presented a preliminary plan for an “America’s Champion League”. It is
based on the format of the European Champions League. Rafael reminded everyone that this is just a concept and will evolve over time. The basics:

PATHF owns the competition
Best teams from each continent
NGB must sanction team representing said country
Competition will not effect the budget of PATHF
Competition must be a sponsored event
Participating teams must pay their own expenses
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PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

Challenge Trophy – Rafael Sepulveda

Rafael presented a written proposal to the IHF May 2007 regarding the
“Challenge Trophy”. In most simple terms it is a process of funding events for lesser developed countries beginning with countries in the developmental stages and advancing to countries competing in the 1st division. Funds would be provided by the IHF to assist teams with transportation costs, accommodation costs, payment for referee’s and officials and payment for supportive equipment. Another words, assisting teams in funding for competitions in advancing from development stage to 1st division and from 1st division to elite division.

Mini Handball – Rafael Sepulveda

Rafael suggested that each country should have a Mini-handball director. He
cited Mexico and Chile as countries who have implemented successful mini-handball programs and that in Mexico mini-handball has been introduced into the “School National Games”.

There will be a mini-handball symposium in Puerto Rico October 19-21, 2007. A
country may send one person to the symposium.

Promotional material for mini-handball will be available through the IHF on or
around September 1, 2007.

Upon request through PATHF an expert in consulting with start-up mini-handball
programs can be available – Mr. Steve Jorge (Denmark).

Dennis Berkholtz

Dennis ask if he could bring the committee up on concerns of the North as well as
give an update on handball happenings in the U.S.

He stated the North was concerned that PATHF did not adequately enforce the
“NO PAY, NO PLAY, policy established at the last Congress. He cited Venezuela’s participation in the “Second Change” competition as an example. The committee agreed to do a better job of supporting the policy.

He also stated that it was time for each country to make a better attempt to get
handball on television especially supporting PATHF events such as Pan American Championships. Handball is ready for television in the American Continents.

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PATHF Exec Committee Meeting

He updated the committee on the process of the USOC naming an official NGB in November.

He updated the committee on his efforts to begin a professional handball league in the U.S. Discussions have taken place to have teams in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Salt Lake City and San Juan. He also told them of his recent discussion with the Bondesliga which was a short discussion to determine interest and told the committee that he will be going to Hungary in August to meet with some business persons who might be interested in an investment in handball in the U.S.
He assured the committee nothing was definite but discussions were on going.

Next Congress – Rafael Sepulveda

Puerto Rico withdrew as hosts of the next Congress. Mexico stepped up for
October 2008 in either Cancun or Guadalajara.

End of Meeting

Next Congress

[b]Women: [/b] The Brazilian Women easily defeated Cuba 30-17 to take the Gold Medal and the automatic qualification slot for Beijing. An earlier group play match in which Cuba had challenged Brazil, eventually losing 32-28, had given Cuba some hope of springing an upset. This time around, however, Brazil cranked up the defense and shut down Brazil’s backcourt scoring. Notably Arassay Duran who had nine goals in the first match was held to just 2 goals on 11 shots. In the bronze medal match, Argentina edged the Dominican Republic 23-22. In consolation play, an evenly matched Canada and Mexico needed two overtimes and sudden death penalty shots to decide the winner. At the end of regulation play the score was tied 28-28. After each side going 4 for 5 in the first set of penalty to make it 32-32 each side made or missed in sudden death until Mexico edged Canada 37-36. In the 7th place match Paraguay edged Puerto Rico 22-21.

[b]Olympic Ramifications:[/b] https://teamhandballnews.com/page18.html
Brazil: Pan-American Representative
Cuba: Pan-American Participant at TBD Qualification Tournament
Argentina: Potential Participant at TBD Qualification Tournament (Will likely depend on Brazil placing higher than South Korea at the World Championships in France)

[b]Men: [/b]The Brazilian Men also wrapped up a gold medal with a 30-22 victory over Argentina. Despite the lopsided final score, Argentina did make a game of it. A low scoring game in the first half had Brazil leading 11-6. In the 2nd half, Argentina narrowed the lead to 21-19 only to see Brazil put together a 9-3 run over the last 12 minutes. Brazil was led in scoring by their Hamburg Germany Bundesliga star Bruno Souza with 9 goals, while Bruno Civelli led Argentina with 6. In the Bronze medal game, Cuba edged Uruguay 24-23. In the 5th place game the Dominican Republic edged Chile 87-27. Finally, in the 7th place game Team Canada got a hard fought 34-32 win against Mexico. In what must have been curious deja vu match for anyone who had seen the Canadian and Mexican women play the previous day, this matched ended in Double Overtime. No penalty shootout this time around, but still 80 minutes of handball.

[b]Olympic Ramifications: [/b] https://teamhandballnews.com/page17.html
Brazil: Pan-American Representative
Argentina: Pan American Participant at TBD Qualification Tournament (Currently scheduled to be hosted by Poland with Spain and one other European team; Actual teams will depend on the European Championships Results)

[b]Side note: [/b]This Associated Press story http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/22/sports/LA-SPT-Pan-Ams-Brazil-Cuba-Rivalry.php in the International Herald Tribune notes that in both the Men’s and Women’s semifinal matches between Cuba and Argentina, Brazilian fans cheered on Argentina. Brazil and Argentina are usually bitter rivals, but an earlier Cuban defeat of the Brazilian volleyball team, in which the Cubans provoked the crowd after the match has made even rooting for Argentina possible– when they’re playing Cuba.

Brazil easily took care of Uruguay 28-16 in the first semifinal, but it took overtime for Argentina to knock out Cuba 30-29 and what well may be the match of the tournament. Cuba started out fast and led by as many as five goals in the first half, but Argentina was able to cut the lead to 14-12 at half-time. In the 2nd half Cuba again pulled ahead by four goals only to see Argentina come back and pull even at 21-21 with 10 minutes to go. For the rest of regulation time the score alternated between Cuba being up by one or a tie score. With 42 seconds remaining Cuba pulled ahead 25-24. In the remaining time, Cuba received a red card and later a foul resulting in a penalty shot goal for Argentina with 3 seconds remaining. In the ensuing overtime, Argentina took their first lead of the game and held on to win 30-29. Cuba certainly had their chances though and will certainly regret missing two penalty shots in the extra period. Argentina was led in scoring by backcourt player Bruno Civelli, who plays for Italian side Conversano, with 10 goals while Cuba was paced by Jorge Pavan with 13 goals. Argentina will play Brazil on Sunday for the automatic ticket to Beijing.