State Association Basics

Your State Organization

The USRA recognizes state associations as the organizing body of racquetball in that state. Each state affiliate is organized as an autonomous association with an elected board. Many state associations are incorporated as non-profit organizations within their states, have obtained bulk-mail permits and are considered fully functional. Others are loosely organized and are making earnest attempts to gain the recognition and support of their members and club tournament directors.

The primary functions of all state associations are to perpetuate, promote and extend the sport of racquetball at the state level. At the national office, all inquiries from members from any given state seeking information at the local level will be re-directed to the state association. The state organization is the official point of contact or ambassador for the USRA.

A major role of affiliated State Associations is to plan and coordinate a balanced tournament schedule for the racquetball season. Each association is empowered to sanction events, and the USRA recognizes those sanctions granted by its affiliate organizations.

By publishing a newsletter on a quarterly basis, states are entitled to withhold rebate earnings. The quarters are Jan/Feb/Mar, Apr/May/June, Jul/Aug/Sept., Oct/Nov/Dec. States which fail to publish and distribute a newsletter in any given quarter will forfeit that quarter's earnings.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Leadership & Volunteers: States must identify their volunteer teams (primarily board members) and recruit good, reliable help.
• Membership: States must take the necessary steps to assure that sanctioned events have a system in place to validate and collect memberships.
• Constitution & Bylaws: States must adopt a constitution and bylaws that allows the state association to function in a organized, efficient and democratic way.
• Incorporated Non-Profit Organizations: In order for a state association to truly function under the USRA umbrella it must be incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation under each state's not-for-profit requirements, as well as under the (IRS) not-for-profit classification. Non-profit incorporation status enables states to apply with the US Postal Service for a bulk mailing permit (Form 3624, available from any local post office).
• Board of Directors: Every state association should be guided by a functional, working board of directors who assist in directing the association in fulfilling its mission.
• Board Procedures & Elections: States are charged with conducting annual elections which allow members to have input into issues, and to vote.
• Board Meetings: Conduct regular meetings of the board.
• General Membership Meeting: Non-profit organizations are mandated to hold a yearly general membership meeting.

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