Board of Directors

The management model that the Alberta Gymnastics Federation (AGF) utilizes is very similar to a corporate model.  In the terminology of the not-for-profit sector it is generally referred to as a ‘governance’ or ‘executive office’ model.  The key element of the model is that the role of the Board of Directors is to act as the trustee and steward of the organization on behalf of the members.  In other words, the Board is there to ensure that the best interests of the members are at the core of all activities and programs.  The Board members are not expected to become pseudo-staff.  Their role is to utilize their background and expertise to ensure that the Federation is, in a strategic sense, “doing the right things”.
 
With a competent and dedicated staff handling the operational aspects of the Federation’s activities, the Board of Directors is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the Federation.  The Board’s only function in operations is to establish results-oriented expectations (together with any parameters that may be needed) and to monitor the organization’s performance accordingly.
 
The role of the staff is to ensure that the programs and activities carried out by the Federation are consistent with the Federation’s established goals and objectives and the strategic priorities established by the Board.

While we always endeavor to maintain a clear distinction between Board and staff functions, occasionally issues do arise that seem to fall into a ‘grey’ area in the middle.  When that happens, we attempt to focus on the nature of the issue and develop an appropriate policy that will free the Board members from having to worry about it and provide the staff with clear direction as to how to handle similar issues in the future.

The Board is comprised of 12 Directors. These are volunteer positions occupied by AGF members in good standing.  The composition of the Board is as follows:

Six elected Directors

• The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary are selected from within the elected Directors

Five Representative Directors

• Women’s Technical Program Chairperson
• Men’s Technical Program Chairperson
• Trampoline & Tumbling Technical Program Chairperson
• Acrobatic Gymnastics Technical Program Chairperson
• Gymnastics For All Technical Program Chairperson

The President/CEO or equivalent is an ex-officio member of the Board

The AGF Board of Directors is not an ‘operational Board’.  As such, the Board “members at large” are not involved with the day to day activities of the Federation.  The operation of the Federation is the responsibility of the President/CEO (or equivalent) who is directly accountable to the Board.  From time to time projects may be identified for which Board Member involvement is desirable.  In such cases the Board Chairperson may ask you to work on that project; however, it will be your choice whether to be involved.  If you don’t have the time or are not interested in the project you are welcome to decline.

There are presently 3 standing committees that require the participation of Board members, namely Governance, Audit and Finance, and Human Resources and Personnel.  These committees do involve some time commitments. The AGF staff is primarily involved with the groundwork for each committee and assists when required.

The AGF Board supports AGF's vision of achieving an athlete-centered and coach-driven model built on a foundation of good governance, fiscal responsibility, sound operational practices, transparency and good communication. As an organization, we continue to adapt to our constantly changing environment but what we do and how we do it will be grounded in the best interests of our athletes and the coaches who support them.

In addition to the Annual General Meeting which is normally held during the month of October there are usually 4 other board meetings per year. These are typically held on a Saturday or Sunday in the months of September, February, March, and June. Additional meetings may be held on rare occasions to discuss unforeseen matters that could arise (e.g. COVID-19). 

Historically, meetings have been held in various locations throughout Alberta. More recently, and in response to COVID-19 government guidelines, the Board has been meeting virtually. Virtual meetings have proven to be convenient, cost-effective and successful.

Board members are expected to attend all meetings.

Meetings consist of two components:

1. Reports: enable the Board to fulfill its trusteeship role. Reports are required in written form 1 week prior to each meeting to allow for distribution to the rest of the Board. 
    
2. Strategic Issues: enable the Board to fulfill its stewardship role.

• policy development
• setting strategic priorities
• consideration of strategic opportunities
   

Board members are not expected to incur any out of pocket expenses in relation to carrying out their duties on behalf of the Federation.  The only thing that AGF requests is that Board members make every effort to keep expenses to a minimum.

Expense claim forms are provided to all Board members and we recommend that you complete one immediately after each event/meeting.  Cheques are generally prepared once a week so your reimbursement will likely arrive by mail within two weeks of your submission.

All things considered your commitment is not likely to exceed 10-20  hours per month depending upon your involvement with various sub-committees.  This would include required review of reports and other materials prior to each meeting. Occasionally, you may be called to provide input into a decision that staff are making on some operational issue or when discussion is required related to an unforeseen matter. 

If you are interested in serving on the Board or have additional questions, please contact the  AGF’s Executive Director (operations@abgym.ab.ca).