PDGA Governance Criticized for Favoring Pros Over Amateurs

The PDGA's recent changes to its Board of Directors (BOD) qualification process have left many active members feeling frustrated and disenfranchised. Michael "Wildman" Wildner, an avid disc golfer and long-time volunteer, has taken to expressing his concerns on social media. He argues that the new requirements, which include extensive experience as a tournament director, certified official, or having a stellar resume, are unfair to amateur players.

According to Wildner, these qualifications favor professional players who already have a significant advantage in terms of resources and reputation. "It's like trying to get into an exclusive club," he explains. "Only those with the right connections and experience can join the BOD." He points out that many professionals make their living playing disc golf, but do little to contribute to the sport outside of their own interests.

Wildner also takes issue with the PDGA's handling of conflict of interest. "When a Board dominated by Pros gets to make all the decisions about rules and tournament standards, it creates a clear conflict," he says. "This is not how democracy should work." He suggests that the PDGA consider separating into two organizations: one for professional players and another for amateur enthusiasts.

Wildner's concerns are echoed by many other active members who feel that their voices are being ignored. They argue that the new qualifications process is an attempt to push through unpopular decisions without proper debate or input from the membership at large. "This stinks of 'let's sneak this under the radar,'" Wildner writes, pointing out that the PDGA has given its members less than a month to meet the new requirements.

The controversy has sparked a wider discussion about the governance of disc golf organizations. Some argue that combining professional and amateur players under the same structure and rules is no longer sustainable as the sport continues to grow. "We're not like the NHL, NFL, or NBA," Wildner notes. "Those leagues have separate structures for professionals and amateurs."

The PDGA's attempt to rewrite its Articles of Organization has also raised red flags among critics. Wildner draws a parallel between this move and the way some authoritarian regimes manipulate their electoral systems. "It's not democracy when decisions are unanimous, especially when it benefits those in power," he says.

As for his own qualifications, Wildner is quick to point out that his decades of service as a tournament director, volunteer, and active member make him more than qualified to serve on the BOD. However, under the new rules, he falls short due to his lack of formal education and professional experience outside of disc golf.

The debate over the PDGA's governance is far from over, with many members calling for greater transparency and accountability in the organization's decision-making process. As Wildner notes, "If an organization has nothing to fear from its membership, it should give them more time to speak out."

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/board-candidates-sought-2023-pdga-elections