Sean For KO President

My Platform

I must begin by expressing my gratitude towards the previous 2 administrations of the Ontario Karate Federation (AKA: Karate Ontario). They have played a critical historical role for karate in Ontario. I would not have been a good presidential candidate back then. Today however, the needs of the association differ. In the same way that things have to change when an athlete reaches a plateau, so must an association. The timing is right for me to contribute to further improve Karate Ontario. These are the improvements that I will bring to the table.

1. Athletes First Policy: I intend of implementing the following action statement for every committee.

   • Do No Harm: Will this decision create a safe space for the athlete?

   • Excellence: Will this decision create an environment for athletic excellence?

   • Equity: Will this decision contribute to equity within the association?

   • Aspirational: Does this decision meet the high aspirational goals of the association?

2. Inclusive Decision Making: I intend on having regular consultation with the committees before making important decisions.

3. President as Ex-Officio for Committees: Should an issue within a committee come to a stalemate, said committee will be able to request the president to break the tie. The president must consult with the board before making a decision.

4. Improved Communications: I plan on bringing back our newsletter to update athletes on their progress and important items for the membership.

5. Improved Fiscal Transparency: Like other large provinces, I intend of having detailed annual reports for all transactions and published on our website.

6. Tournaments: I intend on improving the tournament experience by adding a marshalling/staging station. It will be the responsibility of this station to make sure athletes are present and ready for competition.

7. Regionals: I will present a detailed proposition to the committees and board to allow non-PSO organizations to purchase a license to run regional Karate Ontario events outside of the GTA. The goal is to have a healthy working relationship with other groups as partners while at the same time grow the membership and add to the associations revenue.

8. Athletic Youth Excellence Program: I believe investing in our youth is money well spent now in order to spend a lot less later. I seek excellence in athletic ability, sportsmanship, and character. Medal count and increased positive experience will be its goal.

9. Coaching Support: I will present to the committees and board a proposal for a graduated provincial coaching system that includes an online course to help new coaches with the highest status going to those with an NCCP recognition. Passes will be given out to dojo coaches who complete the education program. Every dojo must have a coach to represent their athletes at tournaments.

10. Club of the Year: There are different ways that a club can contribute to the growth of the association. Factors like:

    1. Number of athletes registered

    2. Number of athletes competing

    3. Number of officials from their club

    4. Number of active committee members

    5. Number of volunteers from a club

    6. Number of NCCP coaches from within a club

    I would create defined and measurable criteria for athletes, officials, coaches, volunteers, clubs, etc… for annual recognition. In this way everyone is empowered with the knowledge to work towards achieving excellence.

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    May the best candidate win. Go Ontario Go!