PAN AMERICAN TEAM HANDBALL FEDERATION ORDINARY CONGRESS 2012 1. OPENING OF THE CONGRESS Minutes Due to the non attendance to the Congress of Mr. Manoel Luiz Oliveira, President of the Pan- American Team Handball Federation, Mr. Mario Moccia, Vice President of the Pan American Handball Federation takes the floor and addresses a welcome salutation to the general assembly at 16:30 pm on September 8 th, 2012 in the facilities of Gran Hotel Soloy, in the City of Panama (Republic of Panama) who responded to the official convocation timely presented. Mr. Mario Moccia informs the general assembly that since the Extraordinary Congress ended earlier than the time anticipated, the works of the Ordinary Congress shall proceed accordingly. He congratulates the General Assembly and he expresses his satisfaction for the efficient developing of the Extraordinary Congress which enabled a fast discussion of the items in the agenda and wishes equally that the works of the Ordinary Congress shall follow the same path. The President in function request to the Secretary General of PATHF, Mr. Rafael Sepulveda to inform the General Assembly if the required Quorum has been met in order to continue with the agenda of the Ordinary Congress. 2. DETERMINATION OF THE ORDERLY CONVOCATION TO CONGRESS The Secretary General informs the General Assembly that in accordance with the official registration, 23 national federations with full membership out of 26 affiliated members are present which constitutes an official quorum. Therefore the works of the Ordinary Congress can start and shall be valid. He also informs that the persons in attendance who represent their respective National Federations are the following:
ARG: Carlos Ferrea (Delegate) - BRA: Salvio Sedrez (Delegate) - CAN: Rick Rill (President) - CHI: Héctor Fernandez (Delegate) - COL: Oscar Bautista (President)- CRC: Oscar Perez Guevara (President)- CUB: Andrés Hurtado (President) - DOM: José Duvall (President)- ECU: Miguel Nacer (President) - ESA: Héctor Alvarado (President) - GRO: Kurt Lauritsen (Delegate) - GUA: Carlos Morales (President) - HAI: Carline Choute (President) - HON: Gerardo Valerio (President) - MEX: Mario García de La Torre (President)- NIC: Jaime Delfs Neira (President) - PAN: Ricardo Terner (President) - PAR: Gerardo Paniagua Occhipinti (President) - PER: Gustavo del Carpio (President)- PUR: Carlos Mantaras (Delegate) - URU: Julio Noveri (Delegate) - USA: Jeffrey Utz (President) - VEN: Ghassan Mamo (President). Also attending the General Assembly the following persons are present, Mr. Mario Moccia (President to the Argentinean Handball Confederation, Mr. Rafael Sepulveda (Secretary General of the Pan- American Team Handball Federation, Mr. Brian Hayes, Vice- President of the North Region on the Pan- American Handball Federation, Mr. Miguel Zaworotny (Current President of the PRC Commission of the Pan- American Handball Federation) and Mr. Christer Ahl (Second delegate of the United States Team Handball Federation). 3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PRECEDING CONGRESS The Secretary General indicates that the Minutes of the 2010 PATHF Ordinary Congress form part of the documents prepared for the present Congress and that there were previously circulated to the affiliated members, hence he request the general assembly to adopt the presented minutes. The Minutes of the 2010 IHF Ordinary Congress celebrated in Acapulco, Mexico were unanimously adopted without any objections. Before continuing with the following point in the agenda, Mr. Mario Moccia First Vice President of PATHF and President of the Congress gives the floor again to the Secretary General. The Secretary General request to the general assembly to discharge the written reports of the members of the executive committee and of the commissions contained in items 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 y 10, and asked the attending delegates that if there is a need of clarification for any one the written reports so that it can be discussed. Nevertheless point 7 of the Agenda, financial report will be presented personally by the Treasurer Mr. Hector Fernandez for its approval. This motion is presented to the general assembly. The motion is unanimously approved. The written reports were unanimously approved.
4. TREASURER REPORT Mr. Hector Fernandez presents his report. He indicates that his report can be found on page 14 of the documents prepared for the Ordinary Congress. In synthesis he details the financial situation of the Pan- American Team Handball Federation for the period November 2008 to September 2012. Mr. Fernandez stated that during the aforementioned period the support given to PATHF by the IHF was reduced and although the affiliation fees recollection has notably improved, it is necessary to find additional sources of economical resources for PATHF. He reminds the General Assembly that during the previous Congress he presented a proposal with the aim to improve the resources which contemplated the increase of the membership fees and tournament inscription fees, but regretfully this proposal was rejected. Because of the aforementioned the Treasurer presents for the consideration of the Assembly a proposal for restructuring of the membership fees. This proposal shall divide the national federation into three groups. For each of these groups, the sports and economical development was consider: Category A: Shall pay 750 USD. This group shall include the following countries: ARG, BRA, CAN, COL, CHI, USA, GRL, MEX, PER, PUR, DOM, URU, VEN Category B: Shall pay 450 USD. This group shall include the following countries: CRC, CUB, ECU, ESA, GUA, PAR Category C: Shall pay 300 USD. This group shall include the following countries: BAR, BOL, HAI, HON, NCA, PAN, TRI. The new payment structure was explained to the general assembly and submitted for its approval. This proposal was unanimously approved by the Congress. Additionally as part of the treasury proposed project, it is submitted to the general assembly that the participation fee for the tournaments of the Pan American Handball
federation shall be increased to $750 USD in the men and women senior, junior and youth categories. This fee shall also be applied to men and women beach handball tournaments. This proposal is presented to the general assembly. approved. This proposal was unanimously Finally the report presented by the treasurer, Mr. Hector Fernandez, is submitted for the approval of the general assembly. The report was unanimously approved without any observations. Subsequently Mr. Mario Garcia de la Torre, IHF Pan- America Continental Representative, requested the Congress for its authorization to present his report of activities for the period 2008-2009. Mr. Mario Moccia, President of the Congress authorized his presentation. Mr. Mario Garcia de la Torre took the floor and indicated to the delegates present in the Congress that his activities report contemplates the period 2008-2012. His main activities were related mainly to the following areas: a) political activities as Pan- American representatives in the Council Meetings of the IHF, b) Technical performance as IHF Official in IHF Championships and c) political representation in several events of the Olympic Movement. Mr. Mario Garcia de la Torre presented a summary of the IHF Council meetings in which he participated and delivered a visual presentation where if needed the Minutes of the IHF Council can be consulted. Additionally he described his participations as IHF official in IHF official events and also his participation in several meetings of the Olympic movement specifically meetings of the Pan- American Sports Organization, PASO, Association of National Olympic Committees, ANOC, and Central America and Caribbean Sports Organization CACSO. The report of Mr. Garcia de la Torre was submitted for the approval of the Congress. This report was unanimously approved. 4. ELECTIONS. (This item of the Agenda was carried out before the presentation of the written reports.) It was proposed to the general assembly to celebrate the elections (point D) directly after the adoption of the minutes, since the following day several delegates will depart very early
in the morning and therefore it will be convenient to celebrate the elections with the presence of all the delegates attending the congress. The congress unanimously approved to celebrate the elections as the first point in accordance with the presented motion. The President of the Congress opened the electoral session. Mr Gerardo Paniagua, delegate or Paraguay asked for a clarification of the process related essentially to the procedure established in the bylaws approved earlier in the Extraordinary Congress. The President of the Congress clarified and confirmed the procedure approved by the extraordinary congress. The nomination process was opened. Mr. Rafael Sepulveda nominated Mr. Mario Moccia as candidate for the Presidency of the Pan- American Team Handball Federation for the electoral period 2012-2016. Mr. Mario Moccia accepted the nomination for said position and in accordance with the established procedure he presented to the Congress his working panel. The working panel consists of the following persons: President Sr. Mario Moccia (ARG) 1st Vice President Julio Noveri (URU) 2nd Vice President Rafael Sepulveda (PUR) Secretary General Hector Fernandez (CHI) Treasurer Carlos Ferrea (ARG) IHF Continental Representative - Mario Garcia de la Torre (MEX) Chairman of the PATHF COC Carlos Gonzalez (CUB) Chairman of the PATHF PRC Salvio Sedrez (BRA). Once the working panel was presented to the Congress, The Congress unanimously voted for the team presented by Mr. Mario Moccia. After the approval or the aforementioned authorities the regional Vice Presidents were ratified according to the following:
Vice- President North Region Brian Hayes (CAN) Vice- President Caribbean Region Jose Duval (DOM) Vice- President Central America Region Carlos Morales (GUA) Vice- President South Region Gerardo Paniagua (PAR) Additionally Mr. Mario Moccia nominates and presents to the general assembly the representatives of PATHF for the different IHF commission: Commission for Development (CD) member Pan- America Rafael Sepulveda (PATHF 2nd Vice President Commission of Organizing and Competition (COC) member Pan- America Carlos Ferrera (PATHF Treasurer) Playing Rules and Referees Commission (PRC) Member Pan- America Commission of Coaching and Methods (CCM) Member Pan/America Medical Commission (MC) Member Pan- America Salvio Sedrez (PATHF PRC Chairman) Mohamed Benkreira (PATHF CCM Chairman) Llew Harper (PATHF MC Chairman) All the aforementioned persons were unanimously ratified by the General Assembly. Furthermore, Mr. Mario Moccia presented to the General Assembly his proposal for President of the Commission of the Pan- American Team Handball Federation: Commission for Development Rafael Sepulveda (PUR) Commission of Competitions Carlos Gonzalez (CUB) Playing Rules and Referees Commission Methodology and Coaching Commission Salvio Sedrez (BRA) Mohamed Benkreira (CAN) Medical Commission Dr. Llew Harper (BAR) Juridical Commission Hector Fernandez (CHI) Ethics and Disciplinary Commission - Christer Ahl (USA) President, Hector Alvarado (ESA) Secretary. Marketing Commission Jeff Utz (USA) Commission for Adapted Handball - To be designated later Commission for Beach Handball - To be designated later
All the persons presented were unanimously approved by the General Assembly 6. AWARDING OF PANAMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS The President of the Pan American Team Handball Federation informs the General Assembly that only one proposal was received by the Secretary General. The proposal was presented by Dominican Republic. The proposal presented by Mr. Jose Duval was submitted to the General Assembly. The Proposal contains the request of the following Championships. A. 2013 Women Senior Pan- American Championships This Championship shall be played during the first quarter in June 2013. By an unanimous resolution of the General Assembly the 2013 Women Senior Pan- American Championship was awarded to the Dominican Republic B. 2014 Women Youth Pan- American Championships This Championship shall be played during the second quarter in April 2014. Additionally this championship shall serve as the qualifier event for the Youth Olympic Games. By an unanimous resolution of the General Assembly the 2014 Women Youth Pan- American Championship was awarded to the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the General Assembly after the corresponding debate and analysis, awarded the following championships 2013 Men Junior Pan- American Championship Second quarter March 2013 Argentina Men Youth Pan- American Championship Second quarter April 2013 Brazil/ substitute site Venezuela Pan- American Clubs Championship To be designated Beach Handball Men Championship Uruguay or Venezuela 2014 Men Senior Pan- American Championship Second quarter June 2014 Uruguay (participation fee 25usd/ person/day) Women Junior Pan- American Championship Second quarter March 2014 Argentina
Pan- American Clubs Championship To be designated Beach Handball Pan- American Championship (men and women) Uruguay (participation fee 20usd/ person/day) eventual substitute site Argentina. The sites of the aforementioned Championships were unanimously awarded by the General Assembly. 7. Miscellaneous Under Miscellaneous, Mr. Rafael Sepulveda informs that the following items were registered in order to be discussed by the general assembly. A. Beach Handball Project registered by Mr. Eduardo Gonzalez (URU) B. Presentation of Adapted Handball registered by Mr. Mario Moccia (ARG) C. Presentation of Future Competitions Project registered by Mr. Miguel Zaworotny (ARG) D. Panama Statement The Beach Handball Project was presented and unanimously approved by the general assembly. In the following weeks a Commission shall be integrated which will be in charge of the development of this important activity. Pan- America, proudly, has among his members Brazil, who is among the leading countries in this modality. Once the commission is integrated the information about the same shall be circulated among the affiliated members. The Project of adapted Handball was presented by Mr. Mario Moccia. His report presents a visual summary of the activities carried out in Argentina and South- America. The highlight of this report was the importance of this project in relation to the social responsibility of PATHF. PATHF is creating a special commission related to this subject which shall be the first one worldwide, with the objective to include this modality in the Paralympics Games. The executive committee of PATHF will continue to work further on this topic and will inform accordingly to the affiliated members about the advancement. The Future Competitions Project was presented by Mr. Miguel Zaworotny. He informs the general assembly that this project is based on information discussed in several meetings with Mr. Mario Moccia (President of this Assembly), Mr. Hector Fernandez (former President of the Pan- American Team Handball Federation and President of the South American Handball Federation) and Mr. Carlos Gonzalez Aldea (President to the Commission of Competitions of the Pan- American Team Handball Federation) This project establishes the dissolution of the current system of Elite and First Division Tournaments since the general vision is that this system has not worked.
The new project proposes to divide the Pan- American continent into three regions : NORCA constituted by the following countries: USA CAN GRO PUR CUB DOM MEX, CENTRAL constituted by GUA ESA HON - NIC CRC PAN, and SOUTH constituted by ARG BRA CHI PAR URU PER COL VEN ECU. Additionally a fourth region shall be formed which shall include all the new handball emerging countries BOL HAI BAR TRI and all potential new members which will be added in the near future. For these countries a especial competition program will be developed. For the Pan American Championships 5 places will be awarded to the South American Region, four (4) places to NORCA (North America and Caribbean) and 1 (one) place to the Central Region. Pan- American Championship will be played with a maximum of ten participants. As an important conditional measure this project contemplates that all the countries taking part in a Pan- American Championship shall come from the regional qualifier events. IN ORDER TO PLAY IN THE PAN AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, THE COUNTRIES MUST PLAY BEFORE IN THEIR REGIONAL QUALIFIER EVENTS The three aforementioned projects: Beach Handball, Adapted Handball and PATHF Future Competitions Project were submitted for its approval to the General Assembly. The delegates present unanimously approved the three projects. PANAMA STATEMENT The executive committee of the Pan American Team Handball Federation taking advantage of the Ordinary Congress presented to the General Assembly a written statement that reaffirms its position in relation that the Pan- American Games are and shall remain the qualification tournament in Pan America for the Olympic Games. Additionally the written statement expresses that the relationship with the national Olympic committees and values of the Olympic movement is highly respected and appreciated. This document from now on known as the PANAMA STATEMENT was unanimously approved and signed by all the representatives of the countries attending the ordinary congress. This document shall be delivered to the International Handball Federation (IHF), the Pan- American Sports Organization (PASO) and to all the National Olympic Committees that form part of PASO Finally, Mr. Mario Moccia (new elected President of the Pan- American Handball Federation) thanks all the delegates attending the congress for their trust given to him in order to
preside this organization for the next four years and formally thanks and recognizes the labor of Mr. Manoel Luiz Oliveira who was the President for sixteen years and who was responsible for the growth and development of our sport in Pan- American during the aforementioned period. After having discussed all the points in the agenda the official closure of the Ordinary Congress or the Pan- American Team Handball Federation is proposed at 8 o clock on September 8th, 2012, which is unanimously approved by all the present delegates with an applause. Panama- City, September 8th, 2012. Héctor Fernandez Bogdanic Lic. Mario Moccia General Secretary President