2016 MCA AGM at the Belton Wellness Center
BELTON, MISSOURI -- The 2016 MCA Annual General Meeting was held at the Belton Wellness Center in Belton, Missouri on January 30, 2016 with a lunch sponsored by MCA partner Goodwin World Media LLC. Several topics were covered but the key story continues to be record-breaking growth in both membership and revenue for the MCA. Since launching the MCA Nine Wicket Series in 2013, the MCA has broken both membership and revenue records each year. For 2016, the MCA brought in $2493 in revenue which is up from $370 in 2012. On the membership side, the MCA had 43 members in 2016 versus nine in 2012.
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"The numbers back it up," said MCA President Dylan Goodwin. "The model is working, despite our lack of true croquet playing venues in the KC metro. I think that is our challenge going forward. We need to establish more courts in the area."
A good portion of the meeting was dedicated to rules. There was discussion about adopting Association style principles including when a ball is out of bounds and the post wicket roquet in-contact rule. However, it was ultimately decided to continue to support the base USCA Nine Wicket rules and lobby for changes where needed. In fact, Goodwin said that he would allow the current Silver Division players to determine whether or not they want to shift to Pro/Gold rules which add carry-over deadness to the game. The benefit being that some players might actually be able to move down from Gold and allow for a bigger, more diverse Silver Division. Goodwin did note though that he felt the move would stunt player development and membership growth.
The other key initiative introduced at the meeting was a fee increase to $30 for singles and $45 for the couples/family membership. The premium membership (singles or family) will be set at $85 and allow for one jersey. Additional jerseys can be purchased at $45 each for premium members. Membership for 2016 will be open after February 15, 2016. Details and new forms will be sent to all members.
A few tournament dates for 2016 were set at the event. The Lee's Summit T-Bone Tournament will be held May 14 and the Kansas City Open at Kactus Creek Croquet Club in Parkville, Missouri will be held July 30-31. The MCA Championship will be held September 16-17 with the venue still to be confirmed. Bill Berg has June 11-12 set for an event at the Cleveland Croquet Club, but that is pending the outcome of discussions with Eagles' Landing on the Missouri Open.
The MCA will also begin upgrading wickets with the purchase of a new set of custom wickets. They will follow the design of the wickets currently used at the Cleveland Croquet Club and Berg will head the initiative to have these produced for the 2016 season. The MCA also approved the purchase of two sets of balls to support another court for tournaments.
From a management perspective, Jodi Adams and Greg Clouse were both re-elected to the MCA Board. Dylan Goodwin was confirmed as president.