The OAA Executive

There are five positions within the OAA Executive -- President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Referee-in-Chief, and Director of Communications. All positions have two-year terms. There are elections for all positions at the Provincial Championships in odd years (2009, 2011, etc.), except for the Director of Communications which is an appointed position (selected by the newly-formed Executive). All OAA members can vote in the elections, and any OAA member can run for one of the positions. The only position that requires formal qualifications is Referee-in-Chief (must be a CAWF certified referee). Although not a requirement, individuals interested in running for a position are encouraged to make their intentions known on the OAA message board at least a few weeks prior to the Provincial Championships, so that the OAA members know what they intend to bring to the table.

The individuals below form the current Executive. The position roles are also briefly outlined.

Eric has been involved in the sport of armwrestling since 1996. He has competed in well over 100 tournaments in the US and Canada. In recent years he has organized numerous armwrestling events, including two large pro/am tournaments (The Battle in the Capital and The Battle in the Capital II). He also founded and ran the now defunct Eastern Ontario Armwrestling (EOA), which held small tournaments throughout eastern Ontario. He brings to his position the experience he has gained as both a competitor and promoter.

The President's role is to promote and oversee the growth of the sport of armwrestling within the province of Ontario. One of the main tasks is establishing a balanced tournament schedule that attempts to maximize attendance at all events.

Allan first got into competitive armwrestling in 2000. Since then he has competed in tournaments throughout the province. He is the head of a growing armwrestling club in Teeswater - Teeswater Thunder. He has recently started to put on tournaments in western Ontario and has helped increase the number of pullers in the area.

The Vice President's role is to assist the President, primarily in forming the event schedule.

Joe was first "hooked" on the sport of armwerstling when he was 13 by his brother Mike and the other members of Port Perry Arm Wrestling (PPAW). He competed in his first tournament when he was 18 years old. In his early twenties he pulled as a member of the Picton Armwrestling Club, and for the last number of years he has organized the Belleville Armwrestling Club. He has won three Ontario Provincial Championships and also won three CAWF National titles. He is a CAWF certified referee and has officiated and promoted several tournaments.

The Secretary-Treasurer's role is to account for all of the funds that are received and spent by the OAA. He also documents all changes and new initiatives that are implemented.

Dave has been a referee in the sport of armwrestling for close to 20 years. He has officiated many high level tournaments, including the Canadian Championships approximately 15 times. He has lived in many different parts of the country and brings to his position a wealth of experience.

The Referee-in-Chief's role is to oversee the quality of officiating in Ontario. He handles all complaints relating to referees, and makes any necessary recommendations and/or reprimands. He also ensures that all tables used in events are in line with CAWF specifications and that all referees are qualified. Plus, he is involved in running referee clinics.

The Director of Communications' role is to keep everyone informed as to what is going on in the sport of armwrestling in Ontario.

The goal of the Executive is to implement changes and new initiatives that will help grow and improve the sport. Changes and new initiatives are voted on by the Executive, and a simple majority (3 votes) is all that is required to pass a proposition. The Executive exists to serve the members of the OAA, so if you have an idea, concern, or question, please share your thoughts with one of the board members.