Board of Directors
Baton Twirling is a universal sport that has evolved throughout this century. From its beginnings as a school-related marching band activity, it now stands on its own as a dynamic and independent form of entertainment, exercise and creativity. Twirling is a fantastic foundation for today’s youth to build upon in this challenging world. Combining dance, acrobatics, rhythm, performance qualities and multi-tasking, baton twirling provides an activity that children of any age can use as a stepping stone for their futures.
The California Baton Council (CBC) was established in 1967. It is an enthusiastic group of twirling coaches, judges and parents who are dedicated to the advancement of the sport of baton twirling. CBC is a recognized council of the United States Twirling Association and is a member of their Western Region. Proceeds raised by the council are used for the benefit of our many baton twirling athletes. The CBC strives to hold fair, equitable competitions and bring the highest national and international twirling standards to our State. The current CBC Board Members are listed here.
Meetings – A new Board of Directors is elected yearly. They meet in June, August, November and March in the Concord area or after contests to plan the contest schedule (Parade of Tournaments) for the upcoming season, as well as other twirling activities. Annual dues are listed on the membership page. All CBC members must also be current members of USTA. Meeting dates are listed in the Calendar.
Joining the CA Baton Council – The CBC welcomes involvement from all interested coaches, judges, administrators and parents or baton enthusiasts. If you would like to become an active member of the CBC or would like further information, please go to Membership Information.
Activities of the California Baton Council
Sponsors USTA Judges’ and Coaches’ Seminars – Information about upcoming seminars will be posted in the Calendar.
Participating in the National Decision-Making Process – sending voting Regional Representatives to USTA National Convention (every 2 years)
Regional Convention – in the alternate year, each of the six individual regions holds a convention to promote the sport and bring the advantages of convention classes and training closer to home. It provides athletes, coaches, and judges the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills by providing classes and seminars taught by national and international leaders in their fields.
Patsy Hamilton Memorial Contest – formerly called the California Council Contest, this contest precedes the State Championships and is sponsored by the CBC. In 1994, the council unanimously voted to honor the late Patsy Hamilton, a highly respected athlete, parent, teacher, and judge who devoted many years of her life to the sport of baton twirling. The contest features the announcement of the winners of the Patsy Hamilton Essay Contest which is judged by the Hamilton family. The twirling-related topic changes yearly and is selected by the council board. This blend of twirling and writing, are a fitting tribute since Patsy worked as a writer and loved twirling.
State Championships – planned and organized by the CBC, this two-day event has been held annually since 1967. Its success requires a tremendous amount of time, effort and money as well as a deep commitment and continuous planning throughout the entire year. The CBC prides itself in being able to award savings bonds to its Grand Champions.
National Championships – the USTA National Championships, a week-long (or more) twirling event, held each July. The location changes yearly.
Outreach Contests – most of the CBC contests are held in the Bay Area and the Sacramento Area. The CBC is, however, helping to build twirling in other areas of California, including the Central Valley and the Northern part of the state. The goal of these competitions is to get more people involved in organized baton twirling and our parade of tournaments process. All twirlers and coaches are invited and encouraged to attend and help us reach out to areas throughout the state.
U.S. Trials – in late March or early April, the USTA holds the U.S. Trials to select its World Team. The winners represent the United States in the WBTF World Championships, in August. The World Championships have been held in many European counties, Canada, Japan, and the United States. Twirling excellence remains the goal in California. The state is home for many World Champion Athletes and World Caliber Coaches. California maintains a strong presence on the USTA World Team.
WHAT IS THE UNITED STATES TWIRLING ASSOC.?
USTA, Inc., a nonprofit organization, was established in 1957 by twirling coaches/judges from throughout the United States. USTA was formed as the democratic voice of the twirling world. It has an elected 8 member Board of Directors and several commissions representing the various aspects of baton. USTA is not owned by an individual as are all other twirling organizations presently operating in the United States.
Over the past 42 years, the USTA has helped baton twirling evolve from a recreational entertainment to a World Class sport. USTA is the representative organization from the U.S. to the World Baton Twirling Federation (WBTF). The USTA was one of the driving forces in establishing the WBTF, a world class organization that now includes fourteen countries. A world competition is held annually in one of the member countries.
The USTA has enriched the sport of baton twirling by initiating such programs as: Coaches workshops seminars and exams, standardization of twirling terminology, Olympic scoring and judging standardization, U.S. Savings Bond programs for the divisional and grand champions at the national level, the competition set system, handbooks and manuals for coaches, judges and contest directors, the Competitive Achievement System and judges level I, II and III seminars with written and practical exams.
All twirlers, team and individual, must hold current memberships with the USTA if they wish to partipate USTA sanctioned contests. Day Memberships are available for regular contests, but twirlers are required to purchase annual memberships if they intend to compete at the California State Championships, May Madness, Western Regionals, Western Regionals Open Contest, or the U.S. National Championships. The membership year begins September 1st and ends August 31st. You are advised to renew at least a month before your first contest. You will find membership forms and information at the USTA Website: http://www.ustwirling.com/content/membership.aspx