Who We Are
We are the Eastern Regional Dragon Boat Association (ERDBA), a region of the United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF).
The official international organizing body for the sport of dragon boating is the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), a member of the IOC-recognized SportAccord (formerly General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF)). The Pan American Dragon Boat Federation (PADBF), one of the IDBFs continental representatives, oversees the sport in the Pan American region, namely: South America (Zone I); Mexico, Central America, The Antilles and Bermuda (Zone 2); United States of America (Zone III); and Canada (Zone IV).
The US representative to the PADBF, and official governing body for the United States, is the United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF). Like the PADBF, the USDBF has four regions:
Founded in 1997, the ERDBA is a 501(c)3, non-profit charitable organization committed to promoting the sport and culture of dragon boating in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The official international organizing body for the sport of dragon boating is the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), a member of the IOC-recognized SportAccord (formerly General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF)). The Pan American Dragon Boat Federation (PADBF), one of the IDBFs continental representatives, oversees the sport in the Pan American region, namely: South America (Zone I); Mexico, Central America, The Antilles and Bermuda (Zone 2); United States of America (Zone III); and Canada (Zone IV).
The US representative to the PADBF, and official governing body for the United States, is the United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF). Like the PADBF, the USDBF has four regions:
- Pacific Dragon Boat Association (PDBA)–west coast
- American Dragon Boat Association (ADBA)–central US
- Eastern Regional Dragon Boat Association (ERDBA)–northeast
- Southeastern Regional Dragon Boat Association (SRDBA)–southeast.
Founded in 1997, the ERDBA is a 501(c)3, non-profit charitable organization committed to promoting the sport and culture of dragon boating in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Committees
ERDBA members are encouraged to actively participate in the organization by serving on its committees. For more information on any particular committee or to join one, please contact the ERDBA secretary.
Ambassador Committee
This committee is chaired by the VP, guided by the principle that our region has individuals with expertise who are willing to share with others who want it. As a result, we host free steering clinics, coaching seminars, SafeSport training, mentoring to festival organizers, clubs, cancer survivor teams (ACS, BCS) and youth programs.
Festival Committee
This Committee completed their task in 2016 to develop fourteen (14) standards defining what it means to be an ERDBA Sanctioned Festival.” These included racing and safety protocols that promoted a safe environment and fair racing standards. These standards are listed under "membership" for festivals.
Competition Committee
The committee is charged with developing and proposing regional rules and regulations. The committee is also charged with selecting and supporting the annual ERDBA Regional Championship.
Race Committee
The purpose of the Race Committee, is to provide fair and competitive racing to our ERDBA Membership. The committee is also charged with supporting the annual ERDBA Regional Championship and managing the regional qualification process.
By-Laws Committee
This Committee is tasked with reviewing the current by-laws and suggesting revisions to accommodate current membership and operations.
Ambassador Committee
This committee is chaired by the VP, guided by the principle that our region has individuals with expertise who are willing to share with others who want it. As a result, we host free steering clinics, coaching seminars, SafeSport training, mentoring to festival organizers, clubs, cancer survivor teams (ACS, BCS) and youth programs.
Festival Committee
This Committee completed their task in 2016 to develop fourteen (14) standards defining what it means to be an ERDBA Sanctioned Festival.” These included racing and safety protocols that promoted a safe environment and fair racing standards. These standards are listed under "membership" for festivals.
Competition Committee
The committee is charged with developing and proposing regional rules and regulations. The committee is also charged with selecting and supporting the annual ERDBA Regional Championship.
Race Committee
The purpose of the Race Committee, is to provide fair and competitive racing to our ERDBA Membership. The committee is also charged with supporting the annual ERDBA Regional Championship and managing the regional qualification process.
By-Laws Committee
This Committee is tasked with reviewing the current by-laws and suggesting revisions to accommodate current membership and operations.
header photo credit: Tom Leonardi @ Bucks Co DBF