Thank you for taking the time to read through the meeting highlights.  In addition to what is outlined below, we had numerous brainstorming opportunities and ideas presented that are just the seeds to continued discussions.  If you would like to know more details on any particular topic please just reach out to our board and committee members. Additionally fully minutes will be available after they have been approved at our February 9th meeting. 2022 Committees Going into 2022 I am requiring each zone representative and committee chair to do a more formal report every month.  This will help us keep track of metrics throughout the year and keep everyone accountable in their roles. Committee Chair terms have been changed from 2 years to 1 year, with the exception of the Chief Umpire which is now 2 years.

• Executive Committee: Amy Lewis & Paul Repenning.
• Cross-Over-Challenge: Hiatus Status
• World Cup Committee Chair: Wade Liner
  • The World Cup has been delayed to 2024.
  • The committee has down selected to 8 women and 8 men.
  • They are on track with fundraising and player development
• Player Development Program: Ryan Murphy

Domestic Player Development: Three Mega Clinics will again be organized, with solid hosting venues keen to host again. The new APA Drills Book will be soon added to the website, available to all members. Coaching Accreditation Program: Susan Hatch has formally accepted the role as Chief Coach to help take this program to the next level. Here are her goals and priorities for the program: Overall Goals

• Improve the quality of play and enjoyment of the game across the APA
• Offer players clear opportunities to learn and advance by educating quality coaches and offering clinics for playing/coaching
• Create a clear path and progression for those who want to become certified coaches
• Create an APA backed pool of qualified individuals to provide coaching and outreach for the broader equestrian community.

Priorities

• Poll members and/or coaches to determine what they would like to get out of a coaching program
• Disseminate resources we already have (videos, drills, beginner manual, etc.)

• International Liaison: Susan Hatch
  • The last year found us unable to plan any tours again due to constantly shifting travel restrictions and requirements. However, 2022 is looking much more promising. We are looking at hosting small U16 groups from both the UK and New South Wales. (It is still not easy for us to enter Australia.)
  • My goal this upcoming year is to once again create the opportunities for all players that we had prior to everything shutting down. This includes working on the Global Connect program that was recently implemented.
  • International play and experiences are some of the more amazing aspects of our sport and I am looking forward to the APA being able facilitating both again soon.
    • U16: NSW would definitely like to send kids over. They have several questions regarding logistics and travel restrictions and we’re working to get those answered ASAP and then will move forward with planning.
    • Northern Hemisphere Quadrangular: Europe has been pretty quiet recently so the Quad that was planned for 2020 has been put on the back burner. The next European Challenge is in 2023 and there is a possibility that it could happen around the same time. I’ll continue to keep in touch with them about it.

• Business Development: Vacant pending new chair approval
• Communications Committee: Kylie Ferrentino
  • E-News: KarrieAnn has drafted up a new E News Format. It will be used for all E News going forward.  We will need regular committee reports and updates, as well as general content!
  • Website: Mike Hemp has been working on the website and modernizing its effectiveness.  Goal is to have it live in a couple weeks.  We have met twice in the last two weeks. I have attached a few of the website working documents.
    • Status:
      • Digital liability waiver – Complete
      • Coggins uploading – Opting for an EIA number with horse profile
      • Electronic Form Capability for Sanctioning Forms, Tournament Entries, etc – 14 forms are in progress of being created. See attachment for details
      • Posts should be made through website and then linked to social media pages (to include Instagram) MailChimp Integration – In Progress
• USPC LIAISON (Not Active)
  • This position has been removed by Pony Club.  The position’s previous duties will be put into the APA Manual’s Appendix for historical reference.

Chief Umpire Report: Rahul Desai

• The umpire panel has been tasked with reviewing a draft policy (put together by last year’s panel and several board members) on goaltender safety.  They will review and present to the board for approval and inclusion in appropriate documents at the February board meeting.
• The APA Manual will be updated to include an education requirement as a responsibility of the chief umpire role (Under chairperson responsibilities: umpire development program).
• The Standards of Play have been updated to include that the tournament umpire cannot play in the tournament where they are acting in said capacity (to be written in as 15b under “Tournament Umpire”).
• The Umpire Panel has been tasked with further developing and implementing a certification program.

Treasurer’s Report (Eunice Doelz)

• 2021 Financials and year-end report was reviewed and a 2022 budget developed (the final budget will be reviewed again, and approved, during the February board meeting.
• A new Annual Member Report had been approved and made available on the APA website in response to the discussion around the financials at Nationals this year.
• Confirmation from Zone reps sanctioned events this year, including tournaments, playdays, mega clinics, World Cup Practices, and regionals. Responses are required by March 15th, 2022.
• Insurance at events will now be included from Thursday to Sunday (unless otherwise requested). This will automatically cover early arrivals – especially at tournaments where play starts on Fridays.

Grievance Panel The panel is made up of the zone representatives and the chief umpire. The process needs to be outlined and published in the APA Manual and website. The board reviewed a draft process and it will be further reviewed and then submitted to the board at the February meeting for approval. Rulebook Ads The rule book is getting upgraded!! All ads will be in full color and will be distributed throughout the book, instead of at the end. Additionally we have a new purchase process! If you want to purchase ad space you must do so through this link: https://fs4.formsite.com/5TDZC2/twuln9htzu/index.html Ad costs: Inside Cover Ads: $300, Inside 2 Page spread: $600 Back Cover Ad: $600; Full Page Ad: $100; Half Page Ad: $50 APA Manual Based on this year’s meeting, and the collective efforts of the board over the last four years, the APA Manual and Bylaws will be updated! The objective is to have it updated by the end of February. Horse Welfare The Ad Hoc Horse Welfare Committee will remain active for another year.  Numerous ideas were developed during out brainstorming session and I look forward to the programs they can put together. One approved idea is that a paid vet will be present on the grounds at National Tournaments. Membership Dues & Cap Fees The board made the following financial decisions to keep up with inflation:

• 2022 cap fees will be $15
• 2022 membership fees will be: Family $200, Individual $90, Student $80, Junior $70, Adult Day Membership $75, Junior Day Membership $40.