Your independent news and commentary outlet for the Olympic sport of Team Handball
In war torn Iraq they still find time to play Handball. In this article, Canadian reporter, Marty Gervais of the Windsor Star reports from the Iraqi Handball Championship final between Suleimaniya and Baghdad.
http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/story.html?id=44f981c2-2352-4fb6-b455-66f662592b06&k=61167
(Disclaimer: Bogdan Pasat is one of the other editors for this website and a key member of the ATHA bid. You’ll have to judge for yourself as to whether this has added some unfair positive bias into my review. Although, if you’ve been following our running dialogue in the comments section under my earlier blog post on “A professional League in the US?” https://teamhandballnews.com/comment-n368.html you might even think that I’m inclined to a negative bias.)
Well, I’ve reviewed both applications. I see elements in both proposals that I like and elements that I don’t like. And then there are some sections that simply have me saying, “Huh?” Here’s my analysis and some questions I hope that are asked at the Open Hearing on 30 August.
[b]Organizations That Applied[/b]
American Team Handball Association (ATHA) http://www.usolympicteam.com/ATHA_Application0001.pdf
Utah Team Handball Foundation (UTHF) http://www.usolympicteam.com/UTHF_Application.pdf
I find it somewhat confusing that a Utah organization is applying to be the NGB for an American sport. Additionally, the UTHF proposal repeatedly refers to “USA Team Handball” the name of the former decertified federation. Maybe this confusion can be resolved at the Open Hearing.
[b]Board of Directors Scheme (Long Term): [/b]
ATHA: 10 members (4 elected by regions, 2 elected by athletes, 3 appointed independents, and 1 appointed by affiliated organizations)
UTHF: 9 members (5 appointed independents, 2 appointed at-large, 2 elected by athletes/approved by the nominating committee)
The key words here are “appoint” and “elect.” The UTHF Board will be a majority “appointed” board selected by the Nominating and Governance Committee and with 5 independents it will likely be strongly influenced if not controlled by the businessmen that are selected. The ATHA bid is a majority “elected” board with only 3 independents. This means that the independent board members will have a voice, but Handball people (the 4 elected regional and 2 athletes) will likely have a greater say. How you view these schemes depends upon your perspective. I, for one, prefer a BoD with Handball people on it. I think there are enough capable Handball people out there, that with some good independent voices added to the BoD, they can get the job done. The appointment system also rubs me the wrong way because quite simply, I prefer voting as opposed to some wise governing committee dictating who will be in charge. The folks at the USOC, however, might feel somewhat differently: “After all, those Handball Federation members elected a clown like Mike Hurdle, what’s going to prevent them from doing that again in the future?” In other words, the handball faithful in the eyes of the USOC, have demonstrated that they are not ready for democracy.
[b]BoD Qualifications: [/b]
The most eye-popping element of either proposal is easily the UTHF’s requirement for 7 of the 9 Board members to donate $50,000. On top of that, Dieter Esch has guaranteed to front the $350,000 until those 6 other members are found. That’s an impressive commitment and it’s pretty hard to have a problem with that. (Makes the $3,000 funding issue that the early board had look rather petty.) But while I like commitment, I have got a couple of issues with this aspect of the UTHF’s proposal. First, philosophically, this is a price which excludes the vast majority of Americans. Do we really want to make substantial personal wealth the key requirement for Board of Director membership? My gut reaction is no, but hey, if it’s going to give Handball in the US some much needed revenue, why not? But this is where my 2nd problem comes in. Just where are they going to find 7 people in the United States to altruistically plunk down $50,000 to sit on this Board of Directors? $25,000/head for the regional boards? I’m skeptical and what do you do when all those Handball Sugar Daddies don’t materialize? (In other words, is the UTHF over promising to simply win the bid? Granted, the $350,000 is guaranteed, but one of the appeals of the proposal is bringing in a constant stream of membership funding. When those funds never actually materialize, will they just say, “Oh well, Sorry. Thanks for making us the NGB though.”
The second notable issue concerns US citizenship. The ATHA requires directors to be citizens, while the UTHF also allows Permanent Resident Aliens to be directors. Personally, I think American citizens should sit on the Board. While this might eliminate some good candidates, this is a BoD for an American Handball Federation and it shouldn’t be too big of hurdle to find qualified Americans.
[b]Board of Directors (Interim):[/b]
Before the new boards are selected/elected each bid identifies an interim Board of Directors which will guide the new NGB until the new BoD is seated. The composition of these boards is pretty important as these individuals will not only run the show during the interim period, they will also play a pivotal role in the election/selection of the new Board. And in the case of the UTHF proposal they will essentially decide who 7 of those 9 Board members are. Additionally, these boards will decide who gets hired as the CEO to manage day to day operations.
ATHA:
1) Mariusz Wartalowicz, Chair
2) Bogdan Pasat, Secretary
3) Mark Ortega, Athlete
4) Tomuke Ebuwei-Holmes, Athlete
5) Christain Zaharia
6) Christopher Springer
7) Alex Vaida
8 ) Silvian Vlad Grama
9) Reddy Gustine
10) Affiliated Organization (Vacant)
This is a cross section of representatives from some of the more active clubs (Chicago, Miami, Houston Stars, West Point, Salt Lake Stars) in the US. I’m not so sure about Real United HC (Indiana) and Corona THC (California), but I’ve been living overseas for five years too. Also, several members have lived overseas and are familiar with the European way of things. This European perspective can be a good thing, but it could also lead to group think. This concern is somewhat alleviated by a West Point representative, but as Air Force Academy grad you might want to chalk that up to my military bias. Several of these individuals have also shown that they are committed to the sport with their efforts to build clubs in their local area. They’ve gotten their hands dirty with the difficult grunt work that involves and it gives them an appreciation for grass roots development that you can only get by having experienced.
UTHF
Dieter Esch, Chairman
Amir Haskic, President
Other members ??
Probably, the most important question that has to be answered with either proposal is: Just who is Dieter Esch? As the de facto Chair of the Board of Directors and interim Chief Operating Officer he would wield all the power. Should the keys be turned over to him? More specifically
– Why is he willing to front $350,000 to develop Team Handball in the USA
– Has he ever been involved with the sport in the USA? If not, why not? (Hey, that funding could have come in handy a long time OK!)
– Does he have too many other interests to adequately run USA Team Handball?
– What’s the deal with the fraud charges against him in his native Germany?
I know Amir Haskic has been a referee for several years, but that’s about it. The proposal also doesn’t list anyone else. I’m guessing that Dennis Berkholtz is involved, but this information should have been in the proposal.
[b]Day to Day Management Structure:[/b]
Both sides indicate that a CEO/COO will be selected by their BoD . This position, is essentially, the one Mike Cavanaugh has held for most of the past 20 years. Additionally, both proposals outline hiring a designated marketing person on the staff. The ATHA also identifies 3 positions (Marketing & Communications Director, Finance & Administration, and a Professional Fundraising Manager). The ATHA proposal calls for hiring a CEO by 1 Jan 09, with the possibility of an interim CEO in 2008. A professional fundraising firm would be hired in 2008 and the marketing and finance positions would be hired in 2009-10
The UTHF proposal also identifies a Chief Financial Officer, Program Director and Regional Development Managers. According to Page 41, Section 14.1 of their proposal their COO was to be hired by 1 Jul 07 and the CFO is to be hired by 31 Dec 07. In the interim, until these positions are hire, Chairman of the BoD, Dieter Esch, would fulfill both of these roles without compensation.
[b]Budget Numbers:[/b]
I’m pretty skeptical of the projected numbers in both proposals. Generally, the expenses appear reasonable, but the revenues are overly optimistic. Both bids overestimate sponsorship and the UTHF bid greatly overestimates membership generosity. (Hey, it can be tough to get handball players to buy a round of beer, good luck getting them to buy even a Level 4 Membership: $500/year). The reality for the near term is that the only likely funding stream (aside from the UTHF $350K from Dieter Esch) will be from the USOC. Hopefully, the marketing representative will turn that around, but it’s going to take awhile. Also of note, the USOC will surely like the UTHF’s request for only $125K, $150K, $200K, and $300K for 2007-10) Very self-sufficient of the UTHF, but why not ask for at least the same level of funding as before?
[b]Strategic Plans:[/b]
The ATHA has outlined a fairly comprehensive Strategic Development Plan which emphasizes developing a strong grass roots program as the foundation for a stronger National Team Program. It first lays out the “why” for the plan and then details the who, what, where, when and how. There are clearly defined goals, objectives and key performance areas outlined with sufficient detail so that the reader can see that there is a path to get from here to there. This all being said I don’t agree with a lot of what’s in the plan. I’m skeptical that the goals laid out can be achieved in the time frames indicated and I don’t think they are going to have the resources to accomplish much of what is outlined. In short, I could dissect a lot of what’s in their plan, but for space and time I will just point out one area that is radical in terms of a “change in philosophy:” This is the concept of no resident programs for the National Teams. While the resident programs used in the past had only marginal success, I think that the gap between the US club system and International competition is simply to great to be rectified by periodic National Team training programs. (outlined on page 17 of the ATHA Strategic plan). I may not agree with this and other aspects of the proposal, but credit the ATHA for outlining a plan.
The same can not be said for the UTHF. Essentially, their 1 page plan is Attachment HH on page 65. And this one page simply outlines goals and the staff they would hire with no real “how.” While, I could poke plenty of holes in the ATHA plan, they actually have a plan. With no real plan or strategy identified, the UTHF is essentially saying, “We’ve got some money to get started and you can trust us.”
[b]Dekalb International Training Center (DITC):[/b]
The Atlanta Condors website has posted an email chain http://condorhandball.com/news302.html that Peter Siskind, a former BoD which raised the issue of the DITC contract with the USOC for a National Team Training Center. The concern being raised is that this contract provides the UTHF proposal with an unfair advantage in its bid to become the NGB. The USOC has given assurance that the contract does not give the UTHF an unfair advantage, but has not provided the contract for review. At the Open Meeting on the 30th of August I hope the USOC further clarifies the nature of this contract and whether the ATHA could also count on DITC support for Nation Team Training Programs.
[b]Dates of Proposal Submittals:[/b]
I found it interesting that the UTHF proposal has a submittal date of 27 December 2006, well before any call for proposals was submitted by the USOC. Whereas, the ATHA proposal was submitted on 20 July 2007, shortly before the deadline. The ATHA proposal’s strategic plan highlights that they had to hastily put together a proposal after a “very surprising announcement from the USOC about accepting application for recognition as the NGB.” The sequence of events suggests that UTHF was privy to inside information, but credit the USOC for formally announcing applications, even if it was a tight timeline.
[b]How will the USOC Decide? What‘s the Criteria?: [/b]
I asked Eric Parthen, the USOC’s Director of NGB development, this question via email and got the following response:
“The USOC Board ultimately approves NGB recognition following a recommendation from USOC staff
(USOC CEO Jim Scherr and the Membership Working Group). The criteria that will be used will be our confidence in the organization's ability to fulfill the roles, responsibilities and requirements of NGBs as laid
out in the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act and the USOC Bylaws. This particular process is somewhat more difficult with respect to team handball because there aren't existing organizations that we can evaluate so our evaluation has to be based more on our confidence in the organization's leadership and ability to deliver on its plan.”
[b]Who wins?[/b] Well, if the principal criteria was each side’s overall plan, I’d have to go with the ATHA proposal. While, I don’t like everything they have in their plan, they have a plan. The UTHF proposal is simply a list of goals with no path identified on how to get there. Really makes you wonder which was the bid put together hastily and which one was submitted early. But…. $350,000 gets my attention and will get the USOC’s attention. Money can’t buy you love, but it can buy equipment, pay for salaries, etc. But even more important than money or a plan, will be the people behind the proposals. The USOC will be evaluating the respective boards and assessing whether each group is someone they can work with. As such, the presentations and the personal interaction that will take place on the 30th of August could be the most important factor.
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
Recently Dennis Berkholtz briefed to the PATHF Executive Committee his plans for a professional handball league in the United States. As much as I might fantasize about a Professional Handball league in the United States with the Las Vegas Rattlers a charter member franchise the reality is that it simply currently is not practical for a number of reasons. Herewith are some of those reasons:
1) It is extremely difficult to start a professional league for an established sport, let alone one for a virtually unknown sport. One just has to look at the graveyard of defunct leagues to recognize this. Does anyone remember the USFL, WFL, USBL, WPSL, NASL, WABA, etc, etc. The failures dramatically outnumber the successes. And even the success stories are marginal at best. The new soccer league, the MLS, has gotten a boost from David Beckham, but has yet to turn a profit. The WNBA only survives due to its support from the NBA. Which leads to the 2nd point…
2) A professional handball league in the USA would need unprecedented and substantial financial backing. And I don’t see anyone or any organization with sufficient financial resources willing to lay out the kind of capital that would be necessary to create a legitimate professional league. Theoretically, the European leagues could support a developmental league in the U.S., akin to the NFL Europe that would mimic the NFL’s dual goals of player development and increasing the sport’s popularity. But, the European handball leagues don’t have near the resources that the NFL has and even the NFL, with its massive resources recently decided to pull the plug recently on the NFL Europe. Which leads to the third point…
3) It would take years, more likely decades for investors to see return on their investment. Why? The amount of advertisement and promotion it would take to get Americans to go pay money to see a sport most have never seen before would be substantial. My goodness, under ideal circumstances, it would be very difficult to fill an arena for even 1 game. Let’s put this in perspective. If the EHF Champions league decided to play their final championship match in any city in the USA and heavily promoted it, they would be lucky to get 2,000 fans. Perhaps, if they scheduled it the same weekend and in the same city as the USA club national championship tournament, they might bump up the attendance by an extra 500 people. And this would be the two best teams in the world playing in the penultimate event of the year.
Bottom Line: Professional leagues, with few exceptions, are by design intended to turn a profit. A U.S. League could not be realistically expected to turn a profit for several years, if ever. Maybe there are several more Dieter Esch’s (see the UTHF proposal) out there with money to invest that I don’t know about, but I doubt it.
Now all this being said, I can foresee Professional Clubs touring the US. First, however, the sport will need to get some decent television exposure in the US. Once a decent fan base is established some club teams could come to the US and play an exhibition game like the one scheduled in London between Veszprem and Viborg. Heck, with support from a US TV network and some clever promotion such a one-off event could even turn a profit. This is a realistic goal and one that should be looked into.
And finally, if I’m wrong about all this, I will gladly eat these words and purchase season tickets. Go Rattlers!
At the recent Men’s Youth Handball Championships (under 19) in Bahrain, Argentina and Brazil demonstrated that these nations have closed the gap traditionally separating the rest of the world from Europe. Argentina placed 4th in the tournament with 3 wins, 2 ties and 2 losses. They didn’t do so well in the medal round, but their two ties against Croatia and Poland in pool play could very well have ended up as wins .
Brazil also had a good tournament. They didn’t make it out of their initial pool losing to the hosts Bahrain and the eventual champion Denmark 25-22, but they dominated the lower bracket with 3 straight wins to finish 9th.
Not to be forgotten Egypt also had a strong tournament, finishing 5th and Bahrain, probably benefiting from hosting the tournament placed 8th.
What will be interesting to see is whether Brazil and Argentina can continue to develop this young talent at the same pace as the Europeans. Time will tell as to whether in a few years from now their Senior Teams can also make it through to the main round at a Senior Men World Championships.
Results Summary: http://wch07live.ihf.info/exchange/bahrain/pdf/SUMMARY.pdf
IHF Home Page for the Youth World Championships: http://www.ihf.info/front_content.php?idart=768
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
If it's good enough for soccer, it has to be good enough for handball…
http://www.thenextamericanrevolution.org/
The two bid applications to become the new National Governing Body (NGB) for Team Handball in the United State are now on line at the USOC’s website.
Utah Team Handball Foundation (UTHF): http://www.usolympicteam.com/UTHF_Application.pdf
American Team Handball Association (ATHA): http://www.usolympicteam.com/ATHA_Application0001.pdf
I’ve only done a preliminary review of both bids and will take a closer look in the near future. Of particular note in the UTHF bid is the requirement of the 7 Board of Directors to contribute $50,000 and the personal guarantee of Dieter Esch, the President of the Organizing Team, to front the $350,000 while board membership is organized. According to a simple Google search, Dieter Esch is the owner of the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency
In a letter dated July 30, 2007 and addressed to National Team players, club teams and referees, the USOC announced that resources dedicated to funding USA National Team programs was being redirected to other programs. This decision is a result of the US programs failing to qualify for the Pan American Games and the Olympics. Furthermore, the letter indicates that no funding will be applied to club programs in 2007 and possibly 2008 in order to ensure that the USOC’s upcoming National Governing Body (NGB) selection process is not perceived as biased.
The letter additionally states that the Dekalb International Training Center (DITC), near Atlanta has been recognized as a resident training center for the Men’s and possibly Women’s Team programs. It’s not clear, however, whether funding from the USOC will be provided to support a resident program as this would contradict the earlier portion of the letter which indicates that funding is being redirected
[b]Bid Process Status[/b]: A letter indicating that two organizations have submitted bids to become the new NGB for Team Handball is posted on the USOC’s Web site http://www.usolympicteam.com/Public_Notice0001.pdf . The two organizations are the American Team Handball Association (ATHA) and the Utah Team Handball Foundation. (UTHF). The ATHA includes representatives from several clubs, and Team Handball News’ co-editor Bogdan Pasat. The UTHF bid is led by Amir Hasic and also reportedly includes support from Dennis Berkholtz, who has close ties to the DITC. It is indicated in the USOC letter that the applications from both bids will be published at this USOC site http://www.usolympicteam.com/12699.htm , but as of this writing they are not yet posted. Finally, an open hearing is scheduled for 30 August in Colorado Springs for which it will be possible to phone in to and listen. Team Handball News will endeavor to tape the open hearing and provide a podcast for those who can’t make the call in.
Text of the USOC Letter
TO: Members of the Women’s National Team
Members of the Men’s National Team
Current Clubs and Teams
Referees
FROM: Jay Warwick and Michael D. Cavanaugh
DATE: July 30, 2007
SUBJECT: Status and Forecast
As most of you are aware, the USOC has posted notice of a Request for Proposals (RFP) from entities that opt to submit an application to be recognized as the next National Governing Body (NGB) for Team Handball in the USA. A timeline was established for that process and all clubs were sent a copy of both the notice and timeline. The application submission date was July 23 and the USOC received two applications from the American Team Handball Association and the Utah Team Handball Foundation. These applications, as well as a public notice for hearings set on August 30 and September 13, can be found on the USOC’s website at http://www.usolympicteam.com/12699.htm. If you have additional questions, you may contact Eric Parthen, Director of NGB Organizational Development at 719.866.3030 or eric.parthen@usoc.org.
Ever since the USOC decertified USA Team Handball as the recognized NGB (February, 2006) the USOC has continued to support the Women’s National Team (WNT) and the Men’s National Team (MNT) for domestic training and competition opportunities within a limited budget. During this time period the USOC also continued to support the vast majority of regional club tournaments and Open and College Nationals, also within a limited budget. The USOC accepted the position that the clubs were the backbone of Team Handball development in the USA, that club events were seen as pipeline events for athletes who aspire for the WNT & MNT and because most club tournaments were documented as selection events for the 2007 Pan American Games (PAG).
The MNT failed to qualify for the 2007 PAG in competitions with CAN and CHI. The WNT failed to qualify for the 2007 PAG in competition against CAN and MEX. With both National Teams out of competition for the PAG (and in turn the 2008 Olympic Games) the USOC will now redirect resources to those athletes and sports that are qualified for the 2007 PAG and the 2008 Olympic Games.
Status and Forecast – page two
As mentioned, the USOC is currently engaged in the RFP process that may lead to a new NGB. This process includes a submission of an application, public hearings and internal review/recommendation and ultimately this must pass a USOC Board approval.
In the meantime, this is notice that in order to not flavor or bias the RFP process, the USOC does not plan to fund club tournaments for the remainder of 2007 and possibly 2008. Clubs that desire to continue to host events must do so without the USOC support of administration, referee expenses and insurance coverage.
The desired outcome will be that clubs will somehow find a way to continue to host tournaments and that clubs will recognize the current situation that exists and that they will support one another’s efforts to remain active through mutual participation.
Recently the USOC signed an agreement with the DeKalb International Training Center,
(DITC) located in DeKalb County, GA. This agreement will support a full time resident training center designated for the Men’s National Team. Since the execution of this agreement, officials representing DITC have also expressed a willingness to support a Women’s National Team training center. We are making plans to implementing this program at the earliest opportunity. This relationship with the DITC creates an excellent opportunity to establish a foundation for the respective national team programs.
This agreement has been in negotiations since late 2004 and the USOC saw this as a short term opportunity to establish a building foundation for the respective national team programs with the potential for significant long term growth as well both at the elite level and on the developmental level.
Thinking optimistically, with the recognition of a new NGB, it is hoped that the sport of Team Handball can emerge into a well governed organization with a deeply shared focus on common goals for growth and achievement domestically and internationally.
As always, if you have questions for either of us, you can reach us directly at the contact information listed below.
Sincerely,
Jay Warwick Michael D. Cavanaugh
Director of Sport Partnerships Manager of High Performance – Team Handball
U.S. Olympic Committee U.S. Olympic Committee
719 866 4063 719 866 4565
jay.warwick@usoc.org mike.cavanaugh@usoc.org
According to this news report http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90779/6228968.html Cuban Handball Player Rafael Dacosta Capote will play Handball for the Brazilian Club Imes after all. Previous news reports had indicated that Imes already had two foreign players (the Brazilian league maximum) and had declined his services. Apparently, the coach has had a change of heart and has decided to help the Cuban stay in Brazil.
Earlier THN article: https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.351
Initially, this article was a comment I posted as feedback to another, authored by [link=https://teamhandballnews.com/comment-n359.html]Michael Chamberlain[/link]. Without a doubt, after reading it again, it is best suited as a blog entry.
It's hard not to get frustrated. This is no different than government politics. Everyone runs on a certain platform, trying to make a difference. Once they reach the top they turn dumb. In government politics you have to deal with special interest groups and the corruption associated with becoming someone's b**ch… In team handball, other than meaningless perks and a few paid international trips, sprinkled with some virtual power (nothing to lead or control), I just don't see it.
Sarcasm and personal opinion aside, how can something so bad and inefficient last for so long? I know apathy is at the root of why nothing has changed. Au contraire, matters have gone South instead.
In the end we are all responsible. The fact that we get frustrated and give up, fosters more of the same. It is time that others speak up and start developing, even if it is one high school at a time.
The development of this sport should be treated like a business. Those who have been at the helm of team handball over these past tumultuous years have, I have no doubt, had the best interests of this great sport in mind. Unfortunately, they've failed. This is nothing personal. Their failures do not make them bad people. Inept? Maybe.
Hurdle was right (and he still is, whenever he crawls from under his rock)! He called it like it was and, in the process burned a lot of bridges. Hey! TRUTH ALWAYS upsets those who HIDE IT. Hurdle did what had to be done, at the right time but in the wrong place and to the wrong people…
Never one to win you over with diplomacy, he did tell the US team handball community what they did not want to hear. He often antagonized and that was used against him. Rightfully so, I might add. Two years later, his blunt and tactless statements still ring true.
And yet, developing handball should not be a popularity contest. It is a business. Should be run as such. With goals, plans, responsibilities and, most importantly, accountability.
If you are in this business to just play handball or to further your own personal agenda, say so. It's OK to be a leech and an egomaniac. Besides, you will not be alone. Admit it and move on. You will sleep better at night.
In the end, there will be room for everyone, in this vast world of team handball… Just take a side. Burn a few bridges. Get to know your friends. Avoid your detractors. Most of us are still young enough and full of energy with plenty of enthusiasm left, to see that team handball still has a chance in the USA.
This is not about the new ATHA (of which I am a part of) or its quest to earn the NGB certification but it may as well be. Detractors will see to it to make it so…
Some (and you all know who you are…) are still looking for a free ride. Others are genuinely frustrated with the persistent status quo. Still, a small faction is out there trying to figure out new ways to fool everyone yet again. And the rest, I am happy to say, have joined the ATHA.
To each his/her own. There are options available. All you have to do is pick! That's the easy part. The hardship begins as soon as you will have to hold yourself accountable.
Don't be shy. Fire back at me… If you can spell and reason, I'd love to read what you have to say.
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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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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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.
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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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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