USADSF Announces Call for Candidates and Nominations for Open Board Positions

The USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF), the national governing body responsible for the selection and training of all athletes representing the United States in the Deaflympic Games, Deaf World Championships, the Pan-American Games, and other ICSD-sanctioned Games, announces a call for candidates for the following board openings:

• President (staggered 4-year term) 

• Vice President (staggered 4-year term; 2 years remaining on current term)

• Treasurer (staggered 4-year term)

• Secretary (staggered 4-year term; 2 years remaining on current term) 

• Member at Large (2-year term)

How to Apply:

Please review this open call and qualifications outlined on the following page carefully. To express your interest or nominate an individual for the above positions, please send your letter of interest or nomination, along with a resume, to info@usdeafsports.org no later than January 21, 2026. Letters and nominations received after this date will be considered for vacant and future openings.

In your email, please indicate the position for which you would like to be considered a candidate. Letters of reference are not required, but strongly encouraged. 

Written English or ASL (American Sign Language) resumes and cover letters are welcome. In the cover letter, please explain why you are interested, how you can contribute, and your areas of expertise. Candidates shall also complete a NCSI Background Check prior to their appointment. All successful candidates shall also possess a valid SafeSport certification within 45 days of their appointment. 

Candidates will be invited to present their motivation and their platform during a USADSF Board meeting on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The current Board of Directors will elect the officers on January 22, 2026, and the officers’ terms will initiate on January 28, 2026. The elected officers, along with the NSO Chair(s), shall appoint the remaining Members at Large. 

Qualifications

Independent candidates are sought from the Deaf sports community and the general public. These positions are for various terms. Interested individuals should have demonstrated experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Accounting & Financial Management Operations Nonprofit Leadership & Development Sports and Disability Law and Compliance Media, Broadcasting rights, licensing, and brand development Mental Health and Wellness Sports Psychology

Education and Training Information Technology Community and Public Relations Sports Management Business Development Congressional Relations NCAA, USOPC, ICSD, and/or IOC policies Event and/or Competition Planning Youth Sports

Board Member Expectations:

• Participate in monthly Board meetings (virtual) and in-person meetings as needed.

• Work within various committees on the Board; participate in committee meetings and perform assigned tasks.

• Take on roles and responsibilities assigned by USADSF leadership.

• Honor the diversity, intersectionality, and cultural authenticity of our athletes and practice an anti-racist approach to organizational leadership. 

• Embrace the spirit of teamwork and collaboration on projects and tasks.

• Hold USADSF and affiliated organizations accountable to a high bar of excellence.

• Additional responsibilities can be found in our bylaws (Article 5).
  

Conflict of interest: Except for the NSO Chairs, Board members may not be actively engaged as members in the boards of USADSF-affiliated National Sport Organizations. Any other individual possessing a potential conflict of interest, whether real or perceived, shall complete a conflict of interest declaration for USADSF review.

Gender equality: At least 30% of the board members must be women.

About USADSF

Founded in 1945, USADSF is the sole ICSD-recognized national governing body responsible for the selection and training of United States athletes in the Deaflympic Games, Deaf World Championships, the Pan-American Games, and other ICSD- sanctioned Games. USADSF exercises oversight of over twenty affiliated Deaf National Sport Organizations (NSOs) and Ad Hoc Committees in the United States and participates in United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC)’s Affiliate Organizations Council (AOC). 

The mission of USADSF is to empower USA Deaflympic and Deaf National Teams to continuously reach their highest competitive potential and promote accessible and inclusive sports environments and experiences for Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes.

USADSF’s vision is that Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans shall thrive in all aspects of sport and society with the full provision of equal access and barrier-free participation.

As such, the United States Deaflympics and National Teams shall serve as an exemplary model of equity, inclusion, and excellence.

The USADSF does not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexuality, disability, or veteran status. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color candidates are encouraged to apply.