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.

Brazil and Cuba advanced with no problems in yesterday’s semifinals. Brazil demolished the Dominican Republic 46-13 and Cuba beat Argentina 37-25. Cuba was led by Wing Ayling Martinez who was a perfect 13 for 13 from the field. Cuba and Brazil will meet on Saturday for the Gold Medal and automatic qualification for the 2008 Olympics. The runner-up will still have a chance to go to the Olympics and will participate in a qualifying tournament next year at a TBD location. In consolation round play Canada got the first win of the tournament with a 26-22 victory over Paraguay. They will get a chance on Saturday in the 5th place game to avenge their earlier defeat to Mexico.

Men’s Semifinals. As expected the Men’s semifinal matches today will pit Brazil vs Uruguay and Argentina vs Cuba.

Men’s Final Group Standings:
www.rio2007.org.br/Nav/RES/ENG/HB/results/HB_400000_M_results_summary.html

Side Note: The Argentine Women would be hard pressed to blame their loss to Cuba on the officiating. The match officials were the top French pair (Bord/Buy). They are one of the top pairs in the world and have officiated many top competitions including the Men’s final at World Championships in Germany.

Brazil Women Challenged by Cuba: Brazil defeated Cuba to secure 1st place in Group B, but Brazil did not coast to an easy double digit victory as they had in previous contests. Cuba got 9 goals a piece from backcourt players Arassay Duran and Suleiky Gomez and kept the game respectable for a final score of 32 to 28. Duran was particularly impressive with 7 of 9 shooting from 9 meters. In Group A, Argentina defeated the Dominican Republic 26-15 to take first place. Argentina will therefore take on Cuba in the Semifinals while Brazil will play the Dominican Republic. In the lower half of the pool Canada’s woes continued with a 23-20 loss to Mexico.

Women’s Standings: www.rio2007.org.br/Nav/RES/ENG/HB/results/HB_400000_W_results_summary.html

Men’s Competition Day 2: Argentina stayed undefeated in Group A with an easy 35-16 victory over Uruguay while the Dominican Republic beat Mexico 35-21. Argentina has qualified for the Semi-finals and Uruguay will qualify if they can beat winless Mexico on Wednesday. In Group B both Brazil and Cuba cruised to easy victories over Canada and Chile respectively. They will play each other on Wednesday with the winner likely getting to avoid Argentina in the Semi-Finals.

Men’s Standings:
www.rio2007.org.br/Nav/RES/ENG/HB/results/HB_400000_M_results_summary.html

Defection Update: According to news reports, http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90779/6217431.html http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/83141.html Cuban player Rafael Dacosta took a cab to Sao Paulo's where he hoped to join the club team Imes/Santa Maria/Sao Caetano, where another Cuban, Michel Ovedo, plays. Because the team already has 2 foreign players, the Brazilian League maximum, the club, however is not interested in his services.

Commentary: The two leading scorers for Cuba in their match against Brazil, Arassay Duran and Suleiky Gomez are young, (21 and 22 years old) and tall, (5 Feet 11 inches and 5 ft, 10 in). These two athletes are home grown talents that have not played much outside of Cuba and yet they were able to scorch the nets for 18 goals against Brazilian athletes that are playing important roles on top club teams in Europe. Makes you wonder how good they could be if they were playing in Europe. Makes you also wonder if they might be wondering the same thing. Note to Cuban Delegation: Keep an eye on your players.

Athlete Profile: Duran http://www.rio2007.org.br/WWW/ENG/BIO/ATH/102127.html
Athlete Profile: Gomez http://www.rio2007.org.br/WWW/ENG/BIO/ATH/102070.html

According to news reports, Cuban Men’s Team Handball player, Rafael Dacosta has defected. The 19 year old Right Back has been missing for several days and did not participate in Cuba’s first game against Canada.

Commentary: This isn’t the first time that Cuban Handball athletes have defected at international competition. Last year at the Central American and Caribbean Games 3 Handball players defected. In fact, I speculated that the Cuban team might not participate in the Pan American games due to fears of further defections. It will be interesting to see if there are any more in Rio. Additionally, it’s probably safe to say that Team Cuba will not participate in next year’s Men’s Pan American Championships if it is held in the USA. As USA laws make it very easy for Cubans to defect, they will be reluctant to let athletes step foot on USA soil.

Official Pan Am Athlete profile: www.rio2007.org.br/WWW/ENG/BIO/ATH/102138.html
Associate Press Article: http://www.nbcsports.com/sports/1782682/detail.html
Earlier THN Article on Cuban Defections: https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.122

Women’s Semi-Finalists Confirmed: Brazil overwhelmed Canada 21-3 in the first half Sunday, to coast to a 37-10 victory. They will meet Cuba, who has also qualified for the semifinals on Tuesday to determine Group B supremacy. Argentina and the Dominican Republic have also qualified and will also play each other on Tuesday in Group A

Women’s Standings: www.rio2007.org.br/Nav/RES/ENG/HB/results/HB_400000_W_results_summary.html

Men’s Competition Day 1: Cuba crushed Team Canada’s hopes of advancing with a convincing 33-20 victory. Brazil also took care of Chile by the same score. Argentina demolished Mexico 40-16 and Uruguay edged the Dominican Republic 29-26 to put them in good shape to qualify for the semifinals.

Men’s Standings:
www.rio2007.org.br/Nav/RES/ENG/HB/results/HB_400000_M_results_summary.html

The Pan-American Games Handball competition started yesterday with Women’s Group matches. As expected Brazil, Argentina, and Cuba coasted to easy victories, while the Dominican Republic edged Paraguay 33-30. Those four winners are now the likely semifinalists that will come out of Group Play.

The Men’s Competition will start today. Team Canada will face a stiff test against Cuba and will likely need a victory to move on to the semifinals.

The winner of the Men’s and Women’s competition, respectively, will qualify for the 2008 Olympics. The 2nd place teams will earn a spot in an Olympics qualification tournament next spring.

Official Pan-American Games Website (Homepage): http://www.rio2007.org.br
Official Pan-American Games Website (Handball Page):
http://www.rio2007.org.br/data/pages/8A488A8F12D856280112D877123A6F2D.htm

(Note: More news articles on handball are available in the Spanish and Portuguese language version of the website.)