Notes and changes from the AAU National Convention

Membership Fees
Members are now required to purchase an athlete, or a non-athlete card. If someone competes and coach’s/officiates - they will be required to purchase two cards for the season.

Age of Competition
Athletes will now compete for the season based on the age they will be on August 31, 2005.

National Chief Referee
This position has been eliminated and the National Sports Chairman will appoint a Chief Referee based on the event. Each National event (AAU Nationals, Junior Olympics & Team Trials) will have a Chief Referee appointed for the event.

AAU Taekwondo National Team
Will compete again in the East Coast Open in Gaithersburg and may compete in the German Open for International experience. Region 2 has 5 members on the AAU National Junior & Senior teams.

Two new insurance programs are available which directly benefit martial arts club owners. Both programs should be looked into as they could potentially save club owners a substantial amount of money.

With respect to AAU Taekwondo tournaments being run in the Region:

1) All tournaments MUST be sanctioned and any tournament that qualifies athletes for the AAU National’s or the AAU Junior Olympics will incur a $2 per athlete fee to be forwarded to the AAU Taekwondo Chairman. Included with the $2 per athlete fee should be a report detailing the athlete’s that qualified for JO’s or Nationals from the event. Look on the www.aautaekwondo.org website, or in the handbook for the appropriate form.

2) Tournament directors are responsible for providing competent medical assistance for the event. I recommend a minimum of 2 medical personnel be present.

3) Padded rings and electronic scoring are not required, but highly recommended.

4) Verifying AAU membership is the responsibility of the Tournament Director.

5) When electronic scoring is used, competent T/A’s should be in place. I recommend training technical assistants prior to the event to ensure the event will run smoothly.

6) All school owner’s are encouraged to increase the number of qualified officials. More quality officials will mean a better and fairer experience for your students. Please urge more senior belts to officiate!

AAU Region 2 Taekwondo Events

Many events are tentative – please check with the contact person listed to verify info.

Saturday – January 8, 2005
12 noon
Coach’s & Official’s clinic
Roberts Karate – Springfield, VA
Mr. Dave Henderson – 703-569-4838
Email: twobloods01@aol.com

Saturday – January 15, 2005
10am
Coach’s & Official’s Clinic
Sidekicks Taekwondo- Rosedale, MD
Ms. Jennifer Hastings – 410-574-8215
Email: sidekickstkd@aol.com

Saturday – January 29, 2005
10am
Coach’s & Official’s Clinic
East Coast Martial Arts – Annapolis, MD
Mr. Tommy Lee – 410-268-1508

Saturday – February 5, 2005
1pm
Coach’s & Official’s clinic
Waldorf Action Martial Arts-Waldorf, MD
Mr. Roger Cavanaugh – 301-645-1650
Email: waldorftkd@aol.com

Please attend one of the above clinics if possible. We are trying to consolidate as much as possible. I will be planning a clinic in the Southern VA area soon. If you want to host a clinic, a minimum of 15 people is required. Contact Scott Fiorillo in regards to scheduling a clinic at your location. If someone misses the clinic in their area, they will be required to drive to a clinic in another area.

AAU Region 2 Taekwondo Tournaments

Sunday – February 27, 2005
Potomac Valley Assoc. Championship
Mt. St. Mary’s College – Emmitsburg, MD
Mr. Albano DaSilva - 301-360-9700
Email: dasilva@matchtool.com

Saturday – March 12, 2005
Maryland Assoc. Junior Olympic Qualifier
Annapolis Naval Station
Mr. Tommy Lee – 410-268-1508
Email: djmwid@aol.com

Saturday April 23, 2005
Maryland Assoc. Championship
Calvary Gospel Church- Waldorf, MD
Mr. Scott Fiorillo – 301-934-3699
Email: smtkd@verizon.net

Region 2 Championship – May 7 or May 14 2005
Exact date and location to be determined

Other Notes and Topics Discussed

AAU Dan Certification Program
All information is available at www.aautaekwondo.org. Kukkiwon certification is also available through the AAU program. Please contact Scott for more information concerning Kukkiwon certificates, or on how to become an AAU Taekwondo Dan recommender.

Individual & Club Membership
The AAU year runs from September 1, 2004 through August 31, 2005. Everyone should have already renewed their individual and club memberships by now. If your club is not registered, you will not have a vote in many AAU Taekwondo topics. Membership can be obtained at www.aausports.org

AAU Merchandise
All merchandise such as: Coach’s shirts, Official’s ties, pins, uniforms, etc. can be purchased through Tekno. Their website is www.teknousa.com.