The English Disc Golf Association (EDGA) Board is holding an interim member election for the vacant position of Director of Competitions.
Director appointments are normally conducted alongside our Annual General Meeting. However, to ensure that the 2027 national competitive calendar, tour events, and competition guidelines can be planned and confirmed without delay, the Board is running an expedited election this month.
Following the close of nominations on Monday 14 September, two candidates have put forward their nominations. Below you will find their photos, local clubs, and statements covering their vision for disc golf competition in England.
Note: Candidates are listed below in alphabetical order by surname.
The Candidates
Jade Botes
Home Club / Local Course: Box End Park, Bedford
My name is Jade Botes, my local course is Box End Park near Bedford. I have previously been part of the Quarry Park Disc Golf Club and currently play for MA2 last card regulars known as the ‘Flight Club’.
My priorities would be to empower tournament directors through adequate funding and simplified tournament criteria, increasing tournament participation for female and junior divisions by encouraging accessible layouts and removing barriers to entry. I also intend to support new and prospective tournament directors by providing training and mentoring opportunities with experienced tournament directors.
I have not been around the English scene long enough to understand everything that makes it up, but I have experienced the incredible goodwill, friendships and thrill of competition that comes from tournaments (big and small) that are well run and backed by passionate players and communities and I’d like that experience to be available to all.
Paul Waite
Home Club / Local Course: Yeti Disc Golf Club, Bristol
Having experienced the highs and lows of the tournament experience in both the disc golf and ultimate frisbee worlds, I have a deep understanding of what works for both players and tournament directors.
To improve the tournament experience, it is necessary to make every tournament as easy to attend as possible. This includes revising the minimum standards for tournaments, and continuously improving them year on year.
My vision for the DoC is based on 3 principles:
- Building a high-quality tour, with reintroduction of season finale
- Support youth development regionally with combined 1 dayer training camps and tournaments
- Align with the European tour and establish a yearly Elite level competition
Building a high-quality tour with reintroduction of season finale
Working with the tournament directors I will look to improve the entire tournament experience from initial comms to tournament wrap up. It would be my intention to establish a set format that TDs will be required to adhere to, to keep players informed in the lead up to the tournaments. I would also like to bring back the season finale where points earned at tournaments mean something.Support youth development regionally with combined 1 dayer training camps and tournaments
I aim to work with the EDGA and local clubs to build 1-day events that have coaching sessions and a junior league, that will allow players to experience competition without having to travel the country.Align with the European tour and establish a yearly Elite level competition
The next step in competition is to bring international competition to the UK on a regular basis, for example through the British Open. Having experienced international tournaments and the role they play in developing players, I understand that this is one part of the English tour we are currently missing out on.
How the Vote Works
The election is conducted using Helios Voting, an encrypted online voting system designed for formal governance elections.
Helios ensures:
- one secret ballot per eligible paid member;
- secure, tamper-proof handling of votes;
- a verifiable mathematical audit trail.
Voting Window
- Voting Opens: Sunday 20 September 2026 at 23:59 BST
- Voting Closes: Sunday 27 September 2026 at 23:59 BST
How to Cast Your Ballot
All active paid EDGA members (Full and Premium) have been sent an email directly from the Helios Voting Bot ([email protected]).
That email contains your unique Voter ID, Password, and your personal single-use voting link. Simply follow the link in that email to record and submit your vote.
If you are an active paid member and have not received your Helios credentials (after checking your spam or junk folder), please contact [email protected] or [email protected] so we can verify your membership status and resend your ballot.
