The First Tee Board & Executive Education Program (B.E.E.P.) Recognized Executive Requirements Overview The First Tee Recognized Executive program is a designation for executive directors and board members of The First Tee. It provides an opportunity for The First Tee Chapter leaders to distinguish themselves as nonprofit professionals while enhancing their Chapter s performance within the Network. It is for Chapter leadership and is parallel to and the equivalent of the Recognized Coach program. The First Tee Recognized Executive has three levels of education and experience that must be fulfilled to receive designation by The First Tee home office. An individual is recognized as The First Tee Executive upon completion of all three levels: Prerequisite Executive Level I: Core Education and Experience Executive Level II: Advanced Education and Experience Each level must be completed sequentially. Please reference the requirements tables which delineate the program levels and requirements. Each level includes both coursework and documentation of activities. The recommended course sequence is as follows: Executive Core Education Courses Board Governance, Leadership & Planning (Previously Organizational Leadership & Chapter Governance and Strategic Business Planning courses) Fundraising & Revenue Generation Chapter Business & Program Operations Enrollment in the Program Those striving to achieve the designation of Recognized Executive must submit the three completion forms (Prerequisite, Level I & Level II) along with any required supporting documentation. Each completion form should be sent to the home office once all requirements have been met and all documentation is prepared for each level. All completion forms and supporting documents will be reviewed by a committee for completeness as well as quality; and, any unacceptable materials will be returned. Progression through the Levels It will take a minimum of two years to achieve the designation of Recognized Executive. Executives may take Advanced Education Courses before fulfilling all of the Level I requirements. Announcement of Designation Recognized Executives will be announced at each Network Meeting. Continuing Education after Designation The Master Executive series is the next step in the executive training series. Please see the Master Executive section for information on this designation program. Questions All questions regarding Board & Executive Education Program (BEEP) or the Recognized Executive requirements should be directed to Rachel Maruno at the home office (904) 940-4345 or rmaurno@thefirsttee.org ***Please note the requirements may be periodically updated as additional requirements are added. The First Tee Recognized Executive Requirements 1
Prerequisite Requirements The First Tee Board & Executive Education Program Provide evidence of management level involvement with a Chapter of The First Tee. This can be a part or full-time position, but must involve building and sustaining a local nonprofit business. Responsibilities must go beyond coaching or education assistance. Understand the basics of the Life Skills Experience curriculum. Read The First Tee Coach Program Overview and Requirements and review The First Tee Life Skills Experience materials: PLAYer, TARGET, Par, Birdie, Eagle, Ace and the Certification Booklet. Research the current status of The First Tee Chapter. Review Chapter Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, a current Chapter business plan, current financial statements and budgets, and recent board minutes. Obtain and review The First Tee ZONE Manual and demonstrate knowledge of The First Tee ZONE requirements. Become familiar with the ZONE Web page and ZONE deadlines. Visit another Chapter of The First Tee. Connecting with The First Tee Chapter network is an effective way to acquire new ideas about existing successful practices and learn about effective business and operational practices that can support your future planning and operations. *If expense or geographical location poses a problem completing this requirement, please contact Rachel Maruno. Submit The First Tee Recognized Executive Prerequisite Completion Form. The Prerequisites Completion Form initiates your formal participation in the program and is the first step of three in obtaining the designation of Recognized The First Tee Executive. Submit a one page position/job description Submit completed Par certification assessment tests for golf and life skills. (There is no minimum score requirement for the tests) Sign-off on the requirement on the Prerequisites Completion Form. Review the ZONE Manual and your projected current year ZONE score with your regional director. Sign-off on the requirement on the Prerequisites Completion Form and submit a trip report from the visit. Submit completed form along with all required Begin pursuing Level I requirements. The First Tee Recognized Executive Requirements 2
The First Tee Board & Executive Education Program Executive Level I: Core Education & Experience (required for lead management staff at a Chapter) Participate in The First Tee Executive Core Education Course. This two-day program covers a range of planning and operations topics essential to build and sustain a successful Chapter. Attend a Network Meeting for The First Tee. The Network Meeting provides opportunities for network collaboration and learning. Provide evidence of Chapter risk management and child safety. Every Chapter must have risk management policies and strategies in place to protect participating youth as well as the board, staff and volunteers who operate the Chapter business and programs. Obtain Chapter management experience. Complete one contiguous year in a management capacity at The First Tee performing essential business functions. Provide evidence of planning and operations consistent with The First Tee mission. Annual Chapter business plans should include goals consistent with The First Tee targets for growth in participation, retention, and overall program quality. Submit The First Tee Recognized Executive Level I Completion Form Form and home office documentation of full attendance. Form and home office documentation of full attendance. Successful completion of The First Tee Risk Management Child Protection elearning course Form. Submit Chapter Phase IV goals and current year goals: Submitting documents required by the ZONE deadline does not constitute an acceptable goal. Goals must be specific, measureable, achievable, realistic, and time bound. Data that illustrates progress towards these goals will be required in Level II. If you have submitted your Phase IV goals to your DRA notify Rachel Maruno, there is no need to re-submit. Submit completed form and all required Begin pursuing Level II requirements. The First Tee Recognized Executive Requirements 3
THE FIRST TEE BOARD & EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM Executive Level II: Advanced Education & Experience Complete all three Advanced Education courses. 1. Board Governance, Leadership & Planning 2. Chapter Business & Program Operations 3. Fund-raising & Revenue Generation Sign-off on the requirement on Level 2 Completion Form and home office documentation of full attendance. Attend a second Network Meeting for The First Tee. The network meeting provides opportunities for network collaboration and learning. Provide evidence of planning and operations consistent with The First Tee mission and demonstrate progress toward Phase IV and current year goals. Annual Chapter business plans should include goals consistent with The First Tee targets for growth in participation, retention, and overall program quality through ZONE. Provide evidence that the Chapter has developed a systematic approach to fund-raising & revenue generation. Chapter leaders are responsible to implement a balanced funding plan that includes several sources. The funding planning/action process is addressed in Core & Advanced Education courses. Provide evidence the Chapter executive works closely with the board to improve both board and business operations. The Chapter executive must work closely with the board to improve strategies that grow and sustain The First Tee Chapter. Five general areas of board operations were identified in the Executive Core Education course: 1. Legal 2. Organizational Development & Funding 3. Community Liaison 4. Evaluation 5. The Working Board Sign-off on the requirement on Level 2 Completion Form and home office documentation of full attendance. Submit data that illustrates progress towards Chapter Phase IV and current year goals which were submitted in Level I. Provide evidence the Chapter uses a donor database or donor tracking system to organize and monitor fundraising activities. Provide sample database structure or an illustration of actual entries. Submit a report using the Chapter Board Self- Assessment to document a specific improvement in each of the five self-assessment categories. (Explain how you moved from a low power rating to a higher power rating in each specific area supported by board minutes and committee reports) The First Tee Recognized Executive Requirements 4
Executive Level II: Advanced Education and Experience (Continued) Submit a Best Practice. Connecting with the network of The First Tee Chapters is an effective way to acquire new ideas about existing successful practices. Obtain Chapter management experience. Complete two contiguous years, in a management capacity, at The First Tee performing essential business functions. Submit The First Tee Recognized Executive Level II Completion Form to be eligible for designation as The First Tee Recognized Executive. Submit through The First Tee member s side of the Web site a Best Practice that your Chapter created and from which other Chapters may benefit. The Best Practice you submit must be accepted and posted to meet this requirement. Sign-off on the requirement on Level II Completion Form. Submit an evaluation written by a board member regarding your performance as an executive director. Submit completed form and all required Begin pursuing Master Level Executive requirements The First Tee Recognized Executive Requirements 5