- Target:
- The Board of Directors for the United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF)
- Region:
- United States of America
- Website:
- www.facebook.com
Everyone,
Thank you for your support. On December 8, 2016, Dr. Robert McNamara was reinstated as Class Coach for the Team USA Premier Open Division. Nearly 400 of you were willing to put your names on the line for him, and I thank you all for your willingness to step up and show the US Dragon Boat Federation the depth of support behind our case.
#ImWithBob
- Bob Mina, Team USA Alumnus (2011, 2013, 2015)
On Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at 8:50PM, the following announcement was published via the United States Dragon Boat Federation Facebook Page:
"As the result of a thorough professional investigation into a complaint, The United States Dragon Boat Federation has made the decision to sever its relationship with Dr. Robert McNamara."
After thirty years of coaching at the highest level of the sport, after thirty years of taking people from all over the United States and turning them into World Champions, Dr. Robert McNamara was removed,
Against all principles of fairness in sport the USDBF declared that this decision was, "non-appealable and irrevocable."
And not a single one of us who have raced for him know why.
There was no awareness of this investigation outside of the USDBF Board of Directors. There was no due process granted to Dr. Robert McNamara. This action took place in absolute silence, behind closed doors.
For the last several weeks we have sent letters to the United States Dragon Boat Federation Board of Directors. For the last several weeks we have commented on the above-stated announcement via Facebook.
As of September 29, 2016, we have received no formal communication from the United States Dragon Boat Federation. Several hundred members have requested clarification on this decision, and we have received nothing.
This action, and lack of appropriate response to more than 200 individual requests, represents a complete dereliction of duty by the USDBF.
We question the reasoning. We question the motive.
We will not stand by this decision.
We, the undersigned, request the release of all minutes, investigative documents, and the voting record for the USDBF Board of Directors regarding this matter.
We, the undersigned, request the reinstatement of Dr. Robert McNamara as Team USA Premier Open and Premier Mixed Head Coach.
We, the undersigned, will not stand by as the career and reputation of the most successful coach in United States Dragon Boat history is at risk of being destroyed by a group that has never raced for him, and do not know him.
We, the undersigned, stand with Bob.
#ImWithBob
The #ImWithBob petition to The Board of Directors for the United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF) was written by Robert Mina and is in the category Sports at GoPetition.