Athletes' Advisory Council

USA Judo has had an Athletes’ Advisory Counci (AAC) since late 2022 as a result of the Ted Stevens Amateur Sports Act and the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020. The seven-member AAC was designed to create a stronger athlete voice within the organization and build a liaison between the athletes and USA Judo’s administration with council members working with organizational leadership to serve and protect athletes’ rights.

AAC representatives:

Matthew Parker - Chair (Veterans Rep)

Kristin El Idrissi (Kata Rep)

Ben Goodrich (Paralympic Shiai Rep)

Marti Malloy (AAC/Board Member Rep

Hannah Martin (Able-bodied Shiai Rep)

Dominic Rodriguez (Junior Athlete Rep)

TBD, Paralympic representative

Role of the AAC

The USA Judo Athletes’ Advisory Council shall be a forum to provide a comprehensive means of communication between athletes and USA Judo. The USA Judo Athletes’ Advisory Council will lead, serve, and engage athletes to communicate the interests and protect the rights of athletes, and be a conduit to USA Judo. The USA Judo Athletes’ Advisory Council shall:

1. Serve as a vehicle for athlete engagement;
2. Endeavor to protect the rights of athletes;
3. Provide athlete feedback;
4. Build and establish relationships among the athletes of USA Judo;
5. Assist in identifying potential future athlete board representation candidates and introduce athletes to USA Judo's governance structure;
6. Serve as SafeSport and USADA ambassadors and advocates; and
7. Develop pathways for athletes within the structure of USA Judo