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 Summary - Organizational Meeting of
the National Alliance for Accessible Golf |
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July 31 - August 1, 2001 Attendees: Betsy Clark (LPGA), Dave Compton (University of Utah), Rick Martino (PGA America), Henry Thrower (PGA America), Larry Allen (Clemson University), Carrie Riordan (GCSAA), Mike Tinkey (NGCOA), Joe O'Brien (The First Tee), Kathi Driggs (CMAA), Trey Holland (USGA), Jaro Jones (Golf Rx), Tom Houston (Falcon Rehab), Gary Robb (Indiana University), Greg Jones. BACKGROUND Over the past several years, the growth in the interest in making the game of golf accessible to people with disabilities has been evidenced by the creation of new programs (both locally and nationally). These programs have been initiated by golf based organizations, rehabilitation based programs and by individuals with or representing people with disabilities. The National Forum on Accessible Golf, coordinated by Clemson University and Indiana University has been held six times since 1993 and has brought together diverse interests and perspectives on issues related to making the game of golf accessible to people with disabilities. The Forum has been instrumental in promoting the game on a national level and has provided guidance to both golf governing organizations and the U.S. Federal Government. In April of 2001 the Sixth National Forum on Accessible Golf was held at Clemson University and was attended by 50 representatives of organizations from the world of golf and by organizations and individuals representing people with disabilities. This Forum had as its main objective, the development of national level priorities to address continuing issues related to the full inclusion of people with disabilities into the game. The outcomes of the Forum were significant and can be reviewed in the Proceedings that are available from both Clemson and Indiana Universities. However, it remained that while preliminary action strategies were developed, there was no single organization or "umbrella" that could take the leadership in accomplishing the ambitious action plans that were developed. The resolve and commitment on the part of the attendees was significant and it was important that a mechanism be created to move ahead on a coordinated national front. On July 31 and August 1 selected representatives met at Indiana University's Bradford Woods Outdoor Center to discuss how best the proposed actions from Forum VI could be accomplished. The group assembled recognized from the outset that all possible interests were not represented at the meeting. There was also a unanimous commitment from the outset of the meeting that if a national organization were to form, it was paramount that it be an "inclusive" rather than "exclusive organization". All present recognized that it would be important to share with Forum participants and anyone else interested what the outcomes were. While there is a recognition that some might feel that their interests were not directly represented at the meeting, it was felt by the organizers that the size of the meeting had to be limited in numbers in order to have meaningful and focused discussions. ALL attendees wish to acknowledge the deficiencies of not having all possible interests represented. To that end, this summary document is being made available to anyone interested and with the full intent to consider any input that readers might wish to make on actions taken at this meeting. We will accept input for a 30-day period prior to the finalization of our actions. Send all written comments to: National Alliance For Accessible Golf
AGENDA OUTLINE July 31-August 1, 2001 July 31, 2001
August 1, 2001 Action Proposals
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONS Tuesday, July 31, 2001 Welcome to Bradford Woods. This meeting is a follow up to the 6th National Forum on Accessible Golf. The focus has been national, how can we create a win-win situation both for the golf industry and golfers with disabilities. We came away from Clemson with success and some key things that need to be done. Our purpose here is to move the agenda forward to create a structure to make it move forward. Everyone who needs to be here is not here. It is a numbers game and we are sorry for not including everyone. All that we develop will be sent to anyone interested and we will seek their involvement in the future. What is the best approach to address the issues of access to golf and people with disabilities? Some things need to happen to move us forward and make it a positive thing for everyone.
In order to provide a framework for moving the agenda forward, Dave, Larry and I have developed a series of proposals that will assist us in focusing our discussions. They are taken from earlier discussions and from the preliminary action plans from the Forum at Clemson in April. Review preliminary action plans from NFAG VI - (in support of creation of the Alliance) Larry Allen Proceedings from the Forum were distributed. The five action plans (at various levels of development are presented in the proceedings:
Pathway to Action How do the 11 proposals relate to the Clemson preliminary action plans? Some grew from discussions regarding creation of a national entity and some grew right out of Clemson. Do we have consensus on all points? No. But it is now time to move on and create something to address the areas in which we do have consensus and to further discuss the areas in which we do not have consensus.
Proposal #1: Create a National Organization
Following detailed discussion, it was decided that a new organization would be created and it would be titled The National Alliance for Accessible Golf. It was further decided that for the present time, the Alliance would be physically located at Indiana University's National Center on Accessibility in Bloomington, Indiana. NCA has committed to providing staff and limited financial support at start up. It was agreed that associations, companies and/or corporations would be added and that these would be addressed in the by-laws. A committee was appointed to initiate the development of by-laws. Headed by John McGovern with assistance from Dave Compton, Carrie Riordan and Joe O'brien. (see proposal # 2) It was agreed that the organization should be inclusive and embrace and involve any interested person or entity.
Proposal #2: Establish Management System
The proposed MOU among the three Universities was agreed to. One staff member from each University would comprise the Administrative Team. Much discussion followed regarding distinguishing the roles of the Administrative Team and the Leadership Council (see Proposal # 3). These issues will be addressed in the drafting of the by laws. The areas needing delineation between the Administrative Team and Leadership Council include:
Proposal #3: Create a Leadership Council
After extensive discussion it was determined that a Leadership Council (LC) would be established. Details of LC representation were referred to the by-laws committee and included several recommendations that will be included in final action on the by-laws. It was decided that those in attendance would comprise an Interim Leadership Council (ILC) until the by-laws are established. It was also suggested that the ILC be expanded to include organizations and/or interests that may not be or who may be underrepresented by the current ILC.
Proposal #4: Adopt the Vision, Mission and Goals After extensive discussion, the following were agreed to: Vision: By making golf more accessible, people with disabilities will become actively engage in the social fabric of the community and derive health benefits that improve the quality of life. Mission: To facilitate the inclusion of persons with disabilities into the game of golf. Goals: The overarching purpose of the Alliance is to develop solutions to critical issues relative to making the game of golf accessible to persons with disabilities. Goals to achieve this purpose, include:
Some wordsmithing of the vision, mission and goals statements may be done by the by-laws committee.
Proposal #5: Involvement in Alliance
Active discussion pursued that considered the role of vendors and suppliers. It was reaffirmed that ANY interested party could be involved in the Alliance. Discussion also centered on membership (see proposal # 6). The benefits of membership in this type of an organization (if any) were discussed. The group considered "patrons vs. membership; the rigors of setting up and maintaining a data base and other logistical issues related to a membership organization. Since it is the intent of the group that the Alliance be open to all, it was decided that at least for the current time, NO MEMBERSHIP structure would be established. It was agreed that SHARING of information and resources is central to the Alliance
Proposal #6: Membership Structure
Proposal #7: Preliminary Action Plans
This proposal was simply to insure that the group agreed that the actions of the Forum were reaffirmed. It was agreed to by consensus.
Wednesday, August 1, 2001 Prior to moving on to the remaining proposals, further discussion was held on funding issues for the operation of the Alliance. The National Center on Accessibility has committed both in kind and limited financial resources to start up the Alliance. The University of Utah and Clemson have also committed to support the Alliance via in-kind resources. The Interim Chair of the Leadership Council, Gary Robb, will pursue short term funding through members of the Interim Leadership Council and/or any external sources that they might identify.
Proposal #8: Develop and Field Test Toolkit
It agreed that the toolkit should primarily be targeted to golf course owners and operators. Since it was felt that the USGA Resource Center for Individuals with disabilities should become the primary source of Alliance information, Mike Tinkey (Wendy Saari) and Mark Frace will work on the toolkit, with assistance from other Alliance members. Gary Robb and Tom Houston also offered assistance. Copies of a number of documents that could be reviewed for possible inclusion in the Tool Kit were distributed. It was agreed that once the draft Tool Kit was developed it would be field tested with a yet to be determined number of golf courses, and then revised.
Proposal #9: Implementing and Sustaining Accessible Golf Programs
Greg Jones and Trey Holland provided an Update on the USGA Resource Center. It was suggested that the web developer for a proposed alliance web site work closely with the folks developing the USGA Resource Center site. The proposal to create, test and disseminate plans for implementing and sustaining accessible golf programs in communities was discussed at length. Suggestions included the development of models illustrating how to foster interest in the community and the development of a manual for starting and sustaining programs in the community. While there are several programs currently in existence, they have not resulted in significant numbers of people with disabilities playing golf long term. Currently golf is not socially accessible in order for people with disabilities to transition from lessons or clinics to social play. It was suggested to develop research on successful programs for transition to long-term play. It was also suggested to blend kids with disabilities into First Tee and provide access to conduct research on success to program. A partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association was also recommended. A final suggestion was to gather data on existing programs and to carefully examine how existing programs work and to use Clemson as a pilot site or partner with other universities. Other Actions: Trey Holland to work with web developers at USGA. Gary Robb, Larry Allen and Dave Compton to work with Joe O'Brien on a First Tee initiative.
Proposal #10: Implement Action Plan #3 to develop teaching method(s)
Betsy Clark, who has been working for the past several years on this issue, led a long discussion on this initiative. It was suggested that there is a real need develop a directory of instructors (Golf Professionals) with specialization in teaching people with disabilities. Discussion also focused on the reality that most people with disabilities do not come out of the hospitals- they may have had a stroke and want to learn the game. Hospital and rehabilitation stays are very short term in today's world. Another suggestion was to conduct a study that would designate courses and instructors that are "disability friendly" via the USGA Resource Center web site or other vehicle. In the development of guidelines, it should be made clear that the TR Specialist does not teach golf, but instead is more of a facilitator or technician. Clemson's PGM program is Clemson is developing modules for teaching persons with disabilities and can share this with the 11 PGM participants. The critical thing is NOT to create a "labyrinth" that a beginner golfer with a disability has to navigate to get a competent lesson. Action: Betsy Clark will take the lead in setting up a meeting with Judy Alvarez, Rick Martino and Dan Drane. Henry Thrower will follow up with PGA on how to identify golf professionals that can teach people with disabilities.
Proposal #11: Implement recommendations
John McGovern reported that the link has been made between NTRS and golf industry. He will also follow up with John Milton. John is also making a request to add an agenda item to the organizational meeting of health disciplines to be held in February 2002 in Washington, DC. A session on golf will also be added for National Institute on Recreation Inclusion 2002 conference.
Meeting Follow-up Items: The National Center on Accessibility will establish working listserv for group. The Interim Leadership Council will expire no later than October 31, 2002. Kathi Driggs of the CMAA has offered to work on the development of an Alliance Logo and is targeting October 1, 2001 for completion. Carrie Riordan has extended on behalf of the GCSAA an offer to host a meeting of ILC in Orlando, February 4-5, 2002.
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