In Andy Stanley’s book, “Making Vision Stick,” he makes the point that it is better to have a vision statement that is incomplete and memorable than complete and forgettable.
 
USA Wrestling’s Mission Statement is:  “USA Wrestling, guided by the Olympic Spirit, provides quality opportunities for its members to achieve their full human and athletic potential.”
 
But what is our vision?  Our vision is to be The World’s Best Olympic Sports Organization.
 
Nice, but in wrestling like other sports we often struggle with the how, not the what.  At USA Wrestling we are committed to accomplish this vision while holding dear the following values:
 
Responsibility
 
Integrity
 
Dedication
 
Honesty
 
Accountability
 
Respect
 
What are we doing to carry out our Mission and Vision?
 
We are guided by four core business objectives:
 
#1 Build the Brand
 
#2 Grow the Base
 
#3 Sustain Competitive Excellence
 
#4 Network the Wrestling Community
 
It is my hope and goal that everything we do at USA Wrestling connects in some way to one or more of the core business objectives.  If a project or program does not, we should question whether or not we should be involved in it.  Training and supporting athletes from the grassroots to the Olympics…fits; Organizing quality wrestling events…fits; Educating tomorrow’s wrestling leaders and coaches...fits; Creating and maintaining a top shelf website and social network…fits; Passionately pursuing sponsors and partners to bring new resources to the organization...fits.
 
Finally, all our work at USA Wrestling ties in some way to our organization’s Long Range Plan.  The plan lays out strategic goals and objectives that we mold our work around.  The Long Range Plan goes into considerable detail, but let me share with you the goals.  The goals are not in order of priority, because different departments and areas of USA Wrestling have different prioritizes.
 
#1 Assure USA Wrestling’s financial ability to carry out its mission, vision and goals.
 
(Solid Fiscal Management of the precious resource we have and the constant quest to develop additional resources.)
 
#2 Strengthen public awareness of USA Wrestling programs and accelerate membership growth.
 
(We do this through the use of technology and social networking platforms, through providing safe high quality events, through offering top level member benefits, by providing a high level of customer service, the USA Wrestler magazine, extensive insurance coverages, Coaches' and Officials’ education, and solid grassroots opportunities at the state and local levels for America’s youth to be exposed to the sport.
 
#3 Maintain Flexible Organizational Structure, sensitive to the changing needs of the sport.
 
(This is all about governance and transparency.  The old saying, “It can’t be about me without me” holds true.  We want everyone to feel they have an opportunity to contribute and take ownership to the organization.)
 
#4 Build strategic alliances to raise the profile and strengthen USA Wrestling’s international and domestic position.
 
(This is an area where we need to put additional focus.  It is obvious that we are sometimes viewed as trying to be all things to all people.  This is not practical, and we need to reach out to others who have developed certain areas of competence and form alliances for the betterment of wrestling.) 
 
#5 Be the dominant force in National Wrestling.
 
(As Al Davis said, “Just Win Baby!”  and to do that we need to build a solid and seamless pipeline for wrestlers in this country.  We need to support all ages of development from those just stepping onto a mat for the very first time to those who are podium-ready for London.
 
USA Wrestling has a great deal of material to share with you as you work to develop, improve and maintain your state programs.  It is my dream that you will use opportunities like this weekend to share best practices, create new friendships, and most importantly take back home with you to your state a better sense of belonging to the USA Wrestling Family committed to providing quality opportunities to each one of your members to achieve their full human and athletic potential.
 
It is my incredible honor to serve along side you in support of the greatest sport on the planet.