Happy New Year!

    I hope you all were able to spend the Holiday’s around family and friends and had a wonderful holiday season. A New Year has arrived and I hope you all are ready for another great year of pitching horseshoes. Don’t let Old Man Winter keep you from pitching horseshoes. I know it will be some good warmer days that you can get together with family, friends and club members and have fun pitching some shoes and recruit new members. What a great way to start off the New Year.

      With the first sanctioned tournament coming up on March 25 (Let Um Ring Classic at Sleepy Hole Park, Suffolk, VA), it’s a great way to start getting your qualifiers for the State Doubles ,State Singles and the World Tournament. The 2017 World Tournament which will be held in St George, Utah July 17-29 at the Dixie Center. To obtain a form, visit the NHPA website at www.horseshoepitching.com.

     This year up for election the President, 2nd Vice and 3rd Vice. Reference to our By-Laws, eligible VaHPA members desiring to be a candidate for an officer shall make the candidacy known by written notice to and member of the Executive Council by August 1st.

     It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as your VAHPA President for the past 5 years. I will finish out my term this year and will not seek another term due to my promotion in the American Legion as 2nd District Vice Commander Department of Virginia. My duties and responsibility will keep me busy. I will continue and be around to support the next President and the VAHPA. During my term we have made many changes in our organization and great strides in improving and promoting our sport of horseshoe. There are still many things to accomplish as we move forward. Note; keep in mind who you are voting for president. Here are some tips. Make sure the person has the following Qualities: Experience, Leadership, Commitment, Dedication, Making Good Decisions, Be Accountable, take Responsibility and be a Team Player by good Communication.

    I remind everyone that unsportsmanlike behavior during a tournament or league play is grounds for disciplinary action. Be fair, play fair. Think Safety First, Good Conduct and Good Sportsmanship. We’re all out to have a good time. This is the greatest family sport and I want to make sure the sport is one we can all enjoy. Let’s keep the sport fun.

Look forward to seeing you all soon and “LET UM RING IN 2017”
Sherwood

   

Happy 2016 everyone! What a weird and wonderful year with the weather so far. As many of you know the 2016 World Tournament will be held in Montgomery, Alabama - so if you need qualifying events, any early spring tournament will be a great way to achieve this. Check the VaHPA website for the current schedule. Don?t forget to check our neighboring states also. North Carolina ? Raleigh area ? even though it?s January and February, are already holding some tournaments!. .

Just a reminder: even though the new horseshoe pitching season has already started, if you haven't gotten your membership card yet for 2016, you will need to do this BEFORE you will be eligible to play in any tournaments. 

 League Directors, the annual reminder of the importance of getting your membership lists sent in, before your league starts up. Even though we are just in February, it is not too early to think about your spring meetings and getting your players sanctioned.

The following State offices will be up for election/re-election in 2016. 1st VP- currently held by Chuck Duymich, and Secretary/Treasurer ? currently held by Pat Snelgrove. Anyone interested in either of these positions should notify the Executive Council by the end of July.

 A reminder that the Spring KickOff meeting for the State Council will be held in the middle of March. All Clubs should make sure that April Campbell, Committee Chair, has a list of your committee reps. Stay safe in the snow, and I?ll see you at a tournament soon!