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DAFUS – USADTF – Ad HOC?

A brief history on our organization. In 1985, a group of individuals created an organization to oversee and support our track and field programs.  It was called Deaf Athletics Federation of United States (DAFUS) before its name was changed to USA Deaf Track and Field (USADTF) in 1998;   USADTF has remained the same to this day.

Is USADTF leaning toward becoming Ad HOC?

The current Executive Board members, including Thomas Withrow, Tiffany Granfors and Wayne Langbein, are at the end of their 2^nd term.  They have been together for 8 years dating back to 1998 when they took over and changed the name from Deaf Athletics Federation of US to USA Deaf Track and Field.

Is USADTF becoming Ad HOC?

USADTF is seeking for interested individuals to take over the duties and keep USADTF alive. Should there be no one to carry the torch, then, it may mean USADTF would become Ad HOC.

You may ask what is Ad HOC?  What does it mean for USADTF?  What would happen to USADTF as an organization?

If USADTF becomes Ad HOC, USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) will take over the organization until someone comes up and run the organization.  When USADSF takes over, it means that USADSF would have all say in decision making, deciding who coaches would be for any international competition, and track/field people would have to go by what USADSF decides.

We, the track/field coaches, athletes and friends, lose our control of our beloved sport!

Will USADTF become Ad HOC?

Furthermore, it also means that USADTF’s status as 501-c-3 may be revoked and it would be extremely difficult to get our 501-c-3 reinstated.  It is very important to maintain our status as a non-profit organization with 501-c-3 status because we would be able to raise funds to help defray expenses for our athletes and coaches.

Do we want to see USADTF go Ad HOC?

For next 4 years, there will be an international competition each year. After the Family Track and Field Games (FTFG) at 3 schools for the Deaf, along with interested youths from other schools, there will be 4^th PanAM Games for Youth Deaf for 10-15 years old athletes will be happening this coming August when 4 countries meet at Gallaudet University.  In 2007, we are having our 3^rd PanAM Games for the Deaf in Venezuela.  A bigger event is slated to take place in September 2008 as Venezuela is hosting 1^st ever Deaf World Athletics (Track/Field) Championships!  Finally, but, not the least, Summer Deaflympics in Taipei in 2009!

Are we ready to surrender USADTF to Ad HOC?

As you see, we do have things lined up for our athletes.  The current Elected Board members do not want to give up our status as one of strongest National Sport Organizations (NSO).  But, we need YOU to step up and take over the helm and carry the torch!

We Say NO to Ad HOC!

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