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 (2011, 2013, 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 Master-level 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 over 150 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) and the 2009 Ontario Provincial Championships. He also organized the 2011 Canadian National Championships. Eric 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.

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 five CAWF National titles. He is a Level 2 CAWF certified referee and has officiated and promoted several tournaments. He is the founder of Ontario's leading professional armwrestling league, the Arm Melter series, out of Belleville.

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

Mike first entered the sport in 1985. Before long he began promoting a large annual tournament in Port Perry. Mike was actually the first President of the OAA, back when it was formed in 1992. He served one year before moving overseas to England, where he was also involved in the promotion of the sport. Returning to Canada in 2005, Mike soon helped establish a new competitive armwrestling team -- the Durham Arm Machine. Mike recently agreed to rejoin the OAA Executive, and the OAA will be able to benefit from his wealth of experience.

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.

Jason has been competing since 1999. He has maintained a steady presence in Western Ontario over the years and has helped bring several new competitors into the sport. He has also served as the Ontario Armwrestling Message Board moderator since the fall of 2008.

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.

The OAA Executive has always been made up of individuals very dedicated to the growth and health of the sport of armwrestling. Thank you to all of those who have served over the past 19 years.

2007-Present - Eric Roussin
2005-2007 - Joey Costello
1993-2005 - Rick Blanchard
1992-1993 - Mike Haigh

2011-Present - Joe Gould
2007-2011 - Al Aubin
2005-2006 - Joe Gould
2004-2005 - Jeff King
2001-2004 - Joey Costello
1999-2001 - Joe Gould
1993-1999 - Dave Knox
1992-1993 - Phil Stoppert

2007- Present - Dave Campbell
2005-2007 - Mark Zalepa
2004-2005 - Kevin Kelly
1995-2004 - Mark Zalepa

2011-Present - Jason Manjin
2008-2011 - vacant
2007-2008 - Bill Lougheed
2005-2007 - Lance Walker
2001-2004 - Earl Wilson