Minnesota Scene: Minnesota, Wisconsin OK revised curling bylaws

USA Curling's membership approved changes to the group's bylaws Saturday at its annual meeting in Minneapolis.

Included were provisions mandated by the U.S. Olympic Committee, which had said it could cut funding or end its ties with USA Curling if it did not make changes in the wake of poor performances at the past two Olympics.

The organization now will be overseen by a chief executive officer. The board of directors, which had been in charge, will shift to a policy-making and strategic planning role.

Other changes include recognizing USA Curling's responsibilities to elite athletes and the USOC in the administration of its high-performance program, and an effort to improve communication and interaction between the group and its members.

Nearly 86 percent of ballots cast supported the new bylaws. The Minnesota and Wisconsin curling associations approved them unanimously.

"It's been a long, difficult process," USA Curling President Jim Pleasants said. "But we've grown as an organization and have a better understanding of our need for policy governance. I think we've all come around to the view that this change will make us a better and more efficient organization."

RACHEL BLOUNT

Jones had 13 points, 10 in the final five minutes. Justice Winslow scored 16 and Jahlil Okafor had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the junior national team.

Associated Press

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