RESOLUTION NO. 25-114
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING THE APPLICATION OF USA SURFING TO BE SELECTED AS THE GOVERNING BODY FOR THE U.S. SURF TEAM FOR THE 2028 OLYMPICS AND FUTURE EVENTS WHEREAS, the City of San Clemente, and specifically Lower Trestles Beach in the San Onofre State Park, has been selected to host the surfing competition for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games; and WHEREAS, each Olympic sport is represented by a Governing Body that can promote, enhance, and support the sport, athletes, competitive fairness, and other elements of each event; and WHEREAS, USA Surfing has applied to be certified by the United State Olympic and Para-Olympic Governing Body for the United States Surf Team; and WHEREAS, USA Surfing is headquartered in San Clemente where many Olympic surfers live and train, and can provide assistance, develop talent, and in all ways further the goal of developing talent for current and future surfers including the 2028 Summer Olympic Games; and WHEREAS, Surfing, like all Olympic sports, should be governed by an entity that is singularly focused on the betterment of the sport, understands every aspect of the sport, and provides the best opportunity for success (in all its forms) of the athletes.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of San Clemente does hereby resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. The San Clemente City Council finds that the recitals included above are true and fully incorporated into the Resolution.
SECTION 2. USA Surfing is headquartered in San Clemente, California, where world class athletes, including Olympic athletes, train daily at Lower Trestles. The USA Surfing National Championships that produce Olympic athletes, WSL Championship Tour stars, and ISA medalists across all disciplines are examples of the success of USA Surfing in the San Clemente region.
SECTION 3. USA Surfing’s application to be the Governing Body for U.S. Olympic surfing has the support of the organizations recognized in the sport of surfing including:
Surfing’s highest-level organizations:
International Surfing Association (ISA)
World Surf League (WSL)
US Boardriders Clubs, and Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA) 2021 and 2024 Olympic surfers
WSL Rookies of the Year Sawyer Lindblad and Crosby Colapinto ISA World Championship Medalists in longboard, SUP, and para surfing; SECTION 4. The Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act indicates that to be recognized as a National Governing Body, an organization must be a member of the International Federation governing the sport. In surfing, that is the International Surfing Association (ISA), which has recognized USA Surfing as the governing body for surfing for approximately four decades.
SECTION 5. The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association has expressed interest in becoming the Governing Body for Olympic surfing. U.S. Ski & Snowboard is already a member of FIS (the International Ski and Snowboard Association), not ISA and has no relationship to surfing. Such a selection could result in exploitation of top surfers for their own commercial gain. The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association presented a proposal to allow USA Surfing to "retain its brand" as a concession, but the brand would be barred from Olympic commercial use, athlete selection, and representation on the world’s largest stage. It offers no revenue-sharing, no decision-making power, and no enforceable commitments to athlete development, community engagement, or the San Clemente region.
SECTION 6. USA Surfing has developed new leadership and earned the trust of the surfing community through athlete-centered performance and an inclusive approach. The ISA, the WSL, athletes themselves, and the most respected, credible voices in surfing’s competitive structure are aligned behind USA Surfing to be the Governing Body for Olympic surfing in LA28 and beyond.
SECTION 7. The City Council of San Clemente, California respectfully requests consideration of the United States Olympic and Para-Olympic Committee to select USA Surfing as the Governing Body for the U.S. Olympic Surf Team. It is further requested that all provisions of the Ted Stevens Act be followed.
SECTION 8. The City Council hereby directs staff to provide a copy of this Resolution to the following:
Team USA Athletes’ Commission
National Governing Body Certification Review Group
USOPC National Governing Body Oversight Council
USOPC Board of Directors
International Surfing Association (ISA)
LA28 Organizing Committee
California Congressional Delegation (Rep. Levin, Sens. Schiff and Padilla) SECTION 9. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this _____ day of ____________________, _______.
ATTEST:
___________________________ __________________________
City Clerk of the City of Steve Knoblock, Mayor of the
San Clemente, California City of San Clemente, California STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) §
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE )
I, Laura Campagnolo, City Clerk of the City of San Clemente, California, do hereby certify that Resolution No. 25-114 was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Clemente held on the _______ day of _______________________, _________, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Clemente, California, this _____ day of _________________, ________. __________________________
CITY CLERK of the City of
San Clemente, California
Approved as to form:
___________________________
Elizabeth A. Mitchell, City Attorney
Resolution No. 25-114 Page 2
Attachment 1