MISSION STATEMENT
(written by USPT Member Rico Lunardi, Slice on Broadway, Pittsburgh, PA)
Promoting pizza through sportsmanship ~ This is the building block on which the US Pizza Team built its foundation. Success in these goals relies solely on our team members. A US Pizza Team member should always demonstrate high standards of ethics and sportsmanship and promote our industry with good character and in a first-class manner. These goals are achieved when team members are committed to following the core principles of our team. ~ C.R.U.S.T. :
Compete
- It is expected that each team member will compete as often as possible as time allows for your business and personal schedule. Competitions are where we can be in the spotlight nationally and internationally.
Respect
- Each team member is expected to respect other team members, other competitors, and everyone with whom they interact whether it is in a competition or other US Pizza Team related event.
Unite
- The goal of competition is to always be victorious but through competition we can unite and raise our industry to the top. We are mentors in our industry and can unite with others to support our efforts and involve our community to support us on our journey through pizza making.
Support
- We are leaders in the pizza industry uniting for a common goal while continuing to actively run our individual pizza shops and restaurants. It is important to bring everyone together and show support for your fellow team members and others within our industry. People look up to our team members for knowledge and advice.
Teach
- We are at the top of our industry, and it is important to teach others what we have learned. We all started somewhere and received advice. To be successful as a team, we must continually teach and share our experiences.
Table of Contents
- Avenues to Membership
- Membership Requirements
- Premiere Member
- Competing Member
- US Pizza Team Booster
- USPT Member Emeritus
- Membership Benefits
- Premiere Member
- Competing Member
- US Pizza Team Booster
- USPT Member Emeritus
- Member Obligations
- Premiere Member
- Obligations – Competing Member
- Obligations – US Pizza Team Booster
- Obligations – USPT Member Emeritus
- USPT Council Duties
- USPT Coordinator
- USPT Captain
- Athletic Coach
- Culinary Coach
- Team Representatives
- Additional US Pizza Team Leadership Roles
Avenues to Membership
Pizzaioli may become members of the US Pizza Team by winning specified and recognized competitions as well as through Premiere Member recommendations, pending a vote by the USPT Council.
Winning recognized events does not earn automatic membership but opens the door to recruitment by the team. Potential members must meet all requirements for membership before membership will be granted, except in unique situations where the Council may vote a member in with a unanimous vote.
New members will be admitted to the team once a year at the USPT Competition at the Pizza Tomorrow Summit in Orlando Fl., November of every Year. Winning first in specified, recognized international competitions earns you immediate team membership consideration.
USPT Membership Consideration
- Membership entrance to the USPT will be based on a point system. You will need a total of 30 points within a span of 365 days to be considered for membership.
- All verifiable points from the 365 days prior to membership application or consideration for membership will be applied at time of application.
- Must accrue 30 points for Competing Member consideration.
- Must accrue 50 points and have placed in the top 10% in culinary or top 3% in athletics in recognized specified event for Premiere Member consideration in one year, to be measured every May.
- Must be actively competing at time of application submission for consideration for membership
- Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
- Applicant/new members must fill out a form with personal history in competition, bio and pizzeria history and information.
- Must own or work at an existing pizzeria.
- “Existing Pizzerias” will be considered as the following:
- A brick-and-mortar food-service operation that serves and sells pizzas made from scratch that has been open and in consistent business for 1 year or more.
- A catering company that makes and sells pizzas from scratch, utilizing a mobile pizza oven or food truck, has been active for 2 years or more, and is still currently active. Catering companies must hold at least one event a month that serves pizza to be considered for membership.
- A mobile food-service operation that makes and sells pizzas from scratch, utilizing a mobile pizza oven or food truck, has been active for 2 years or more, and is still currently active.
- Must display culinary or acrobatic skill and constant willingness to learn and improve.
- Must maintain the desire to compete and represent the team publicly.
- Must be accepting of all races, religions, nationalities, and orientations. Any discrimination on any of the preceding, will result in immediate evaluation and/or dismissal from the team.
- Must maintain a civil attitude in all social media and public facing statements and interactions, especially in interactions with fellow team members and other pizza makers, groups, or organizations, and during competitions or any public event.
- Must maintain a civil personal and professional social media presence. The member now represents the team and all members. Any issue will immediately be investigated and ruled upon by the Council.
- “Civil” behavior includes no name calling, starting and/or engaging in fights or feuds, or belittling/berating others through your personal and professional social media or any other public communication platforms. Refer to Avenues to Membership
Membership Requirements & Points
All members will pay annual team dues totaling $300 per member due once voted on to the team. (Beginning May 2027)
All members and USPT Council members must attend at least one large recognized or specified pizza event a year, to represent the team either in force, or as the sole representative in a regional event.
Members must earn 15 points a year (no rollover) to maintain their membership at the current level. Members will be responsible for reporting all point earning events and providing all media and content for the event. A form will be created online for members to upload media and information about the events. Members are encouraged to report the events beforehand (if possible) to allow the USPT to promote the event.
All official point amounts and point categories will continually be adjusted and amended with new ways to earn points as they emerge. Point categories mentioning USPT can insert “Pizzeria Name” instead when counting towards application point. These values and categories will be available to all members at www.USPizzaTeam.com/MemberReport, and members will be updated as new values and categories are added. Members will have the responsibility of reporting the points to maintain membership, not USPT management.
A few Basic Examples include:
10 points – Hosting a USPT sanctioned competition or social or publicity event at members pizzeria, or locale.
8 points – Serving in a Council or Team Leadership Role (annual dues waived for service).
6 points – Compete in one international competition, either with the annual team trip or another event recognized by the USPT Council.
6 points – Attendance at the “mandatory” annual USPT meet up and Team Awards ceremony. Dates and locations TBD ASAP.
5 points – Compete in any national competition hosted by the USPT. (2 points for every additional CULINARY category entered, if multiple available)
4 points – Participating in USPT sanctioned Charitable events.
4 points – Attending and graduating from any USPT recognized pizza academy, university or class.
4 points – Promote USPT on national television news or newspapers.
3.75 points – Compete in any national competition recognized by the USPT Council. (1 point for every additional CULINARY category entered, if multiple available)
3 points – Promote US Pizza Team at a tradeshow booth (cooking/acrobatics) or speaking/demoing at a tradeshow.
2 points – Coach Visits: Visit with a USPT coach or coordinator about interest in the team, culinary or acrobatic advice, USPT competitions, and pizza competitions in general at trade shows, social media or phone. Visit subject to approval for points. Must be substantive, honest and show initiative and interest. May not apply more than 2 coach visits a year.
2 points – Donating product, time, space or labor to any local schools, educational centers or youth related events & sports leagues.
1.5 points – Donating product, time, space or labor to any local charities, foodbanks or causes in the name of your pizzeria and the USPT.
1.5 points – Promote USPT on local television news or newspapers.
1 point – Attend any pizza competition as a spectator.
¼ point – Winning 1st place in local People’s Choice competitions. Events and wins to be ruled on by the Council as valid or invalid. Members must share info beforehand for verification and recognition of event. Points will only be awarded for 1st place.
Taking 1st place in any category at the Campionato Mondiale della Pizza earns the winning member tenure. There is no possibility of losing one’s position on the team after a 1st place win at the Campionato Mondiale della Pizza as long as the member continues to abide by the USPT’s general rules of personal and professional behavior.
Only a 1st place win at the Campionato Mondiale della Pizza grants tenure. All other international competition placements will be graded on a similar point system, including 2nd and 3rd at the Campionato Mondiale della Pizza.
Point values for categories not mentioned above are TBD and will be added to the list.
Culinary Competition - Placing Point Values
National Competitions
6 points – 1st place wins in national recognized competitions.
5 points – 2nd place wins in national recognized competitions.
4 point – 3rd place wins in national recognized competitions.
International Competitions
8 points –1st place wins in international recognized competitions (Except for Campionato Mondiale della Pizza, a 1st in that competition grants tenure of membership).
7 points – 2nd place wins in international recognized competitions.
6 points – 3rd place wins in international recognized competitions.
5 points – Best from Country.
USPT Hosted Athletic Competitions -Competing Point Values
4 points – Competing in Freestyle Acrobatics in any USPT Hosted competition
2.5 points – Competing in Largest Dough Stretch in any USPT Hosted competition
2.5 points – Competing in Fastest Pie Maker in any USPT Hosted competition
1 point – Competing in Fastest Box Folder in any USPT Hosted competition
Point values for categories not mentioned above are TBD and will be added to the list.
Placing Point Values
Freestyle
5 points – 1st place Freestyle Acrobatics
4 points – 2nd place Freestyle Acrobatics
3 points – 3rd place Freestyle Acrobatics
Largest & Fastest
4 points – 1st place Largest & Fastest Pie
3 points – 2nd place Largest & Fastest Pie
2 points – 3rd place Largest & Fastest Pie
Box Folding
3 points – 1st place Box Folding
2 points – 2nd place Box Folding
1 point – 3rd place Box Folding
Nat'l. & Intl. Athletic Competitions - Competing Point Values
3 points – Competing in Freestyle Acrobatics in any national or international recognized competitions
1.5 points – Competing in Largest Dough Stretch in any national or international recognized competitions
1.5 points – Competing in Fastest Pie Maker in any national or international recognized competitions
1 point – Competing in Fastest Box Folder in any national or international recognized competitions
Point values for categories not mentioned above are TBD and will be added to the list.
Placing Point Values
Freestyle
4 points – 1st place Freestyle Acrobatics
3 points – 2nd place Freestyle Acrobatics
2 points – 3rd place Freestyle Acrobatics
Largest & Fastest
3 points – 1st place Largest & Fastest Pie
2 points – 2nd place Largest & Fastest Pie
1 point – 3rd place Largest & Fastest Pie
Box Folding
2 points – 1st place Box Folding
1.5 point – 2nd place Box Folding
1 point – 3rd place Box Folding
Member Requirements
Premiere Member Requirements:
Top level of USPT membership a Premiere member has proven their desire to continue to grow, learn about and teach pizza, both to their fellow team members, as well as the industry at large. They also display the willingness to compete and grow their skill whenever possible.
- Must place in the top 10% in culinary in 2 recognized events in the last 2 years to be considered for membership at Premiere status. Unique cases may be voted on by the Council
- Must place in the top 3% in athletic events in 2 recognized events in the last 2 years to be considered for membership at Premiere status. Unique cases may be voted on by the Council.
- Must accrue 50 points before membership will be considered.
- New Premiere Members will be voted on once a year by the USPT Council.
- Members must earn 15 points a year to maintain their membership status.
- Must be an owner or have approval from management or ownership to join.
- Must display culinary or acrobatic skill and constant willingness to learn and improve.
- Must maintain the desire to compete and represent the team publicly.
- If a pizzaioli applies and already has required win credentials for Premiere status within 365 days of application, they may be moved to a Council vote with a Council Member sponsorship.
- Members will have a 6-month probationary period to make sure they fit the team standards and dynamic.
- After the 6-month probation, the Council will meet and evaluate the members to confirm they are on a trajectory to meet the annual requirements. Council will vote whether to remove the probation, extend it, demote, or remove member from the team.
- Must be available to vote on Team Captain and Coaches every 2 years on May 1st.
- Members must provide prior notice and proof of participation in any event to be counted toward the annual point quota and must confirm that said event is in fact a US Pizza Team recognized event. Members can upload info to USPizzaTeam.com/MemberReport.
- Must be accepting of all races, religions, nationalities, and orientations. Any discrimination on any of the preceding, will result in immediate evaluation and/or dismissal from the team.
- Must maintain a civil attitude in all social media and public facing statements and interactions, especially in interactions with fellow team members and other pizza makers, groups, or organizations, and during competitions or any public event.
- Must maintain a civil personal and professional attitude in all live arenas. The member now represents the team and all members. Any issue will immediately be investigated and ruled upon by the Council.
- “Civil” behavior includes no name calling, starting and/or engaging in fights or feuds, or belittling/berating others through your personal and professional social media or any other public communication platforms. Refer to Avenues to Membership
Competing Member Requirements:
The first level of USPT membership, the duty of the Competing member is to represent the team in as much competition the member can manage and better their pizza skills to gain Premiere status. They must demonstrate desire to continue to grow and learn about pizza, both from their fellow team members, as well as the industry at large through competition and events.
- Must accrue 50 points before membership will be considered.
- Members must earn 15 points a year to maintain their membership status.
- New Competing members will be voted on once a year by the Council.
- Must be an owner or have approval from management or ownership to join.
- Must display culinary or acrobatic skill and constant willingness to learn and improve.
- Must maintain the desire to compete and represent the team publicly.
- If a member applies and already has required win credentials for Competing status, they may be moved to a Council vote with a Council Member sponsorship.
- Members will have a 6-month probationary period to make sure they fit the team standards and dynamic.
- After the 6-month probation, the Council will meet and evaluate the member to confirm they are on a trajectory to meet the annual requirements. Council will vote whether to remove the probation, extend it, demote, or remove member from the team.
- Members must compete at least once a year in an officially recognized event, either nationally or internationally, to maintain their membership status.
- Must be available to vote on Team Captain and Coaches every 2 years on May 1st.
- Members must provide prior notice and proof of participation in any event to be counted toward the annual point quota and must confirm that said event is in fact a US Pizza Team recognized event. Members can upload info to USPizzaTeam.com/MemberReport.
- Must be accepting of all races, religions, nationalities, and orientations. Any discrimination on any of the preceding, will result in immediate evaluation and/or dismissal from the team.
- Must maintain a civil attitude in all social media and public facing statements and interactions, especially in interactions with fellow team members and other pizza makers, groups, or organizations, and during competitions or any public event.
- Must maintain a civil personal and professional in all live arenas. The member now represents the team and all members. Any issue will immediately be investigated and ruled upon by the Council.
US Pizza Team Booster Requirements:
A pizzeria, restaurant or other retail entity that supports the US Pizza Team, the pizza industry and local pizza and pizza makers in general.
- Annual fee of $750.
- Must be accepting of all races, religions, nationalities, and orientations. Any discrimination on any of the preceding, will result in immediate evaluation and/or dismissal from the team.
- Must maintain a civil attitude in all social media and public facing statements and interactions, especially in interactions with fellow team members and other pizza makers, groups, or organizations, and during competitions or any public event.
- Must maintain a civil personal and professional in all live arenas. The member now represents the team and all members. Any issue will immediately be investigated and ruled upon by the Council
- “Civil” behavior includes no name calling, starting and/or engaging in fights or feuds, or belittling/berating others through your personal and professional social media or any other public communication platforms. Refer to Avenues to Membership
USPT Member Emeritus Requirements:
A US Pizza Team member that has served on the USPT Council and/or other Team Leadership Roles for a minimum of 6 years. This member has earned the right to do as little or as much as they wish for the team, as long as they continue to represent the team with honor and dignity.
- Emeritus status to be voted on by the Council.
- Must have served honorably for at least 6 years in a position on the Council or in other Team Leadership Roles. Years need not be consecutive.
- Must maintain the desire to represent the team publicly and continue to recruit new members, and field any questions about the team in good faith from the public and team members alike.
- Must be accepting of all races, religions, nationalities, and orientations. Any discrimination on any of the preceding, will result in immediate evaluation and/or dismissal from the team.
- Must maintain a civil attitude in all social media and public facing statements and interactions, especially in interactions with fellow team members and other pizza makers, groups, or organizations, and during competitions or any public event.
- Must maintain a civil personal and professional in all live arenas. The member now represents the team and all members. Any issue will immediately be investigated and ruled upon by the Council.
- “Civil” behavior includes no name calling, starting and/or engaging in fights or feuds, or belittling/berating others through your personal and professional social media or any other public communication platforms. Refer to Avenues to Membership
Membership Benefits
Premiere Member Benefits:
- Premiere Members will have access to US Pizza Team press releases, which can be sent directly to local media to promote their USPT competition accomplishments, participation in USPT events and major USPT-related news.
- Press releases will also be published on USPizzaTeam.com, PMQ.com, in the USPT and PMQ’s e-newsletter targeting the entire subscriber database, and, when space allows, in the print magazine.
- Personalized USPT-related press releases are available upon request.
- All USPT Premiere Members will be in rotation for a “Tips from the Team” article in PMQ Pizza Magazine. Once the roster has been run through, the rotation begins again.
- Premiere Members will get a profile page at https://uspizzateam.com/members/. This will contain a bio, list of accomplishments and any editorial created around the member.
- Premiere Members will receive a 15% discount on registration in all USPT hosted competitions. Members may not register others with discount.
- Premiere Members will have access to an exclusive chat group for competition prep and team ideas, accessible only to Premiere Members and Council.
- Premiere Members will have access to the full team chat group for competition prep and team ideas.
- Early Bird access and notification of registration for USPT events and competitions.
- Exclusive rights to appear at official USPT festivals, demos, speaking engagements and appearances requested through USPT contact form or direct communication with the USPT Coordinator.
- Possible travel cost assistance for any member asked to participate or help with any USPT managed events.
- Updated uniforms/chef coats annually (if desired)
- Premiere Members do not need to compete once a year to maintain status. Can maintain status by earning points alone.
- 20% of annual dues will be set aside each year for members to use as they see fit on any USPT sanctioned or recognized event. May be used for event fees, for travel for competitions, uniforms, saved to be put towards international event later.
- 15% Discount in the US Pizza Team Champion Store.
- Premiere Member may choose a Team Number.
- Premier Members will have a chance to be featured on the cover of PMQ’s print magazine based on team nominations and votes. To be considered for cover treatment, the chosen member must submit their own high-resolution, high-quality photography in compliance with editorial requirements. The editor in chief and art director must approve submitted photos. One Premiere Member will be chosen for this benefit per year.
- Chance to win the Premiere Member of the Year Award, to be based on point scores and awarded at a date and location TBD every year.
- Consideration for editorial in PMQ Pizza Magazine, PMQ.com and any PMQ related social medias when needed or available.
- Consideration for Speaking engagements at all USPT Hosted and attended shows like the Pizza Tomorrow Summit and The Pizza Power Forum.
- May serve in additional Team Leadership Roles (annual dues waived for service).
Competing Member Benefits:
- Competing Members will have access to US Pizza Team press releases, which can be sent directly to local media to promote their USPT competition accomplishments, participation in USPT events and major USPT-related news.
- Press releases will also be published on USPizzaTeam.com, PMQ.com, in the USPT and PMQ’s e-newsletter targeting the entire subscriber database, and, when space allows, in the print magazine.
- Personalized USPT-related press releases are available upon request.
- Competing Members will get a profile page at https://uspizzateam.com/members/. This will contain a bio, list of accomplishments and any editorial created around the member.
- Competing Members will receive a 10% discount on registration in all USPT hosted competitions. Members may not register others with discount.
- Competing members will have access to an exclusive USPT chat group for competition prep and team ideas.
- Early Bird access and notification of registration for USPT events and competitions.
- Updated uniforms/chef coats every 2 years.
- 10% of annual dues will be set aside each year for members to use as they see fit on any USPT sanctioned or recognized event. May be used for event fees, for travel for competitions, uniforms, saved to be put towards international event later.
- 10% Discount in the US Pizza Team Champion Store.
- Chance to win the Rookie of the Year award, to be based on point scores and awarded at a date and location TBD every year.
- Consideration for editorial in PMQ Pizza Magazine, PMQ.com and any PMQ related social medias when needed or available.
- Consideration for Speaking engagements at all USPT Hosted and attended shows like the Pizza Tomorrow Summit and The Pizza Power Forum.
- May serve in additional Team Leadership Roles (annual dues waived for service).
- Additional consideration for advancement to Premiere status by holding Team Leadership Roles.
US Pizza Team Booster Benefits:
- Company profile link on the “USPT Supporter” page (TBA) at uspizzateam.com leading to Supporter website or social media.
- “Proud Supporter of the US Pizza Team” decals as needed (within reason), for all locations.
- Use of “Proud Supporter of the United States Pizza Team” custom logo for all menus, boxes, t-shirts and social media.
- Introductory post as a Supporter of the USPT on team social media.
- Introduction as a US Pizza Team Supporter in the USPT ad in PMQ Pizza. New supporters are to be announced every 6 months.
- Access to Early Bird access and notification of registration for USPT events and competitions.
- 5% Discount in the US Pizza Team Champion Store.
USPT Member Emeritus Benefits:
- Indefinite Tenure of Membership
- Members Emeritus do not need to compete once a year or accrue points to maintain status.
- Updated uniforms/chef coats when requested.
- 20% Discount in the US Pizza Team Champion Store.
- USPT Member Emeritus does not have to pay annual dues.
- Members Emeritus have access to press releases from the US Pizza Team sent direct to local media (as well as PMQ’s entire subscribership) about accomplishments, events, and any large news. Personalized releases available upon request.
- Members Emeritus will receive a 20% discount on registration in all USPT hosted competitions. Members may not register others with discount.
- Members Emeritus will have access to an exclusive chat group for competition prep and team ideas, accessible only to Premiere Members and Council.
- Premiere members will have access to the full team chat group for competition prep and team ideas.
- Early Bird access and notification of registration for USPT events and competitions.
- Exclusive rights to appear at official USPT festivals, demos, speaking engagements and appearances requested through USPT contact form or direct communication with the USPT Coordinator.
- Possible travel cost assistance for any Member Emeritus asked to participate or help with any USPT managed events.
- Consideration for editorial in PMQ Pizza Magazine, PMQ.com and any PMQ related social medias when needed or available.
Member Obligations
Premiere Member Obligations:
- Must attend the “mandatory” annual USPT Meet Up and Team Awards ceremony. Dates and locations TBD ASAP.
- Premiere Members must be available for up to 2 USPT-related requests a year, assuming there is no conflict of interest with members’ personal sponsors.
- Must be available for up to 2 sponsor-related requests a year, assuming there is no conflict of interest with members’ personal sponsors.
- Some sponsor-related requests may be paid appearances, some may be made at the convenience of the requested member in their pizzerias.
- Sponsor-related requests may include:
- Recipe Videos.
- Thank you videos, or posts for sponsors. (assuming no conflicts of interest)
- Testimonials about sponsor products for social media or print editorial. (with members agreement and assuming no conflicts of interest)
- Sponsor requested appearances at trade show booths for demos.
- Must wear team logo in local, national or international events and competitions, barring any conflict with event sponsors or rules.
- Must report all events they participate in for points to count toward annual quota. Prior notice is best when possible.
- Must send pics and/or videos or make a member of the Council aware of social media posts that can be shared.
- Must tag #PizzaGold & #USPT on all social media posts. You may also use the following tags as they apply: #USPizzaTeam, #USPTCompetes
- Must report all wins and accomplishments to USPizzaTeam.com/MemberReport.
All members will pay annual team dues totaling $300 per member due once voted on to the team.
Competing Member Obligations:
- Competing Members must be available for up to 2 USPT-related requests a year, assuming there is no conflict of interest with members’ personal sponsors.
- Must attend the “mandatory” annual USPT Meet Up and Team Awards ceremony. Dates and locations TBD ASAP.
- Must be available for up to 2 sponsor-related requests a year, assuming there is no conflict of interest with members’ personal sponsors.
- Some sponsor-related requests may be paid appearances, some may be made at the convenience of the requested member in their pizzerias.
- Sponsor-related requests may include:
- Recipe Videos.
- Thank you videos, or posts for sponsors. (assuming no conflicts of interest)
- Testimonials about sponsor products for social media or print editorial. (with members agreement and assuming no conflicts of interest)
- Sponsor requested appearances at trade show booths for demos.
- Competing Members must wear team logo in local, national or international events and competitions, barring any conflict with event sponsors or rules.
- Must report all events they participate in for points to count toward annual quota. Prior notice is best when possible.
- Must send pics and/or videos or make a member of the Council aware of social media posts that can be shared.
- Must tag #PizzaGold & #USPT on all social media posts. You may also use the following tags as they apply: #USPizzaTeam, #USPTCompetes
- Must report all wins and accomplishments to USPizzaTeam.com/MemberReport.
All members will pay annual team dues totaling $300 per member due once voted on to the team.
US Pizza Team Booster Obligations:
- Must pay annual dues of $750.
- Adhere to the USPT Code of Conduct in any public venue, be it in person or through the supporting pizzerias online presence and social media.
USPT Member Emeritus Obligations:
- Must maintain the desire to represent the team publicly and continue to recruit and field any questions about the team in good faith from the public and team members alike.
USPT Council Duties & Team Roles
For time and service, Council Members do not have to pay annual dues.
USPT Council:
To consist of USPT Coordinator, Team Captain, Athletics Coach, Culinary Coach and 1 Team Representative. The Council’s duties will be to maintain the smooth running of competitions, consistent growth for the US Pizza Team, through social engagement, humanitarian efforts, publicity events, recruiting new members and growing the skillset of the entire team through each new member. First and foremost, the duty of the team is to its individual members and their pizzerias. All Council members must be Premiere Members.
Duties of USPT Coordinator:
- Represent the voice of WTWH Media and PMQ Pizza as the owner and founder of the team.
- Create and coordinate events and competitions for USPT members.
- Fulfilment of sponsorship contract obligations.
- Coordinate with the Team Council members on all major team decisions regarding status levels, recruitment, and member evaluations.
- Coordinate with all other team coordinators (social media, PR, humanitarian efforts).
- Conduct a Bi-Monthly Team Update (BMTU) meeting with the USPT Council the 4th every 2 months via Zoom.
- Actively recruit quality culinary and athletic members.
- Manage Promotion of team.
- Manage team website and team social media (in conjunction with other coordinators).
- Manage opportunities for member appearances, requested through the US Pizza Team website or sponsors, based on skillset and proximity.
- Must maintain consistent communication with and be accessible to the Council, coordinators, culinary & athletic members of the team for ideas and concerns.
- Confront teammates’ negative attitudes, complaining, gossip, disrespect of their fellow members or lack of effort.
- Must vote on new membership admittance (Only in event of a tie between other 4 Council members).
- Must supply new members with one chef coat of the appropriate membership color, Black for Premiere members, and White for Competing members.
- USPT Coordinator must host a Town Square zoom meeting once every 6 months with all active members, to allow members’ voices and ideas to be heard by the USPT Coordinator and Council.
Duties of USPT Captain:
Be a strong leader by example (one of the hardest workers on the team, displaying a high level of commitment, focus, intensity, passion, and effort) and strong vocal leader with good communication skills (one who will encourage, support, and positively hold all teammates accountable).
The primary purpose of the US Pizza Team Captain will be to positively influence teammates on-and-off the competition floor, in the pizza kitchen, at all USPT and non-USPT events possible, in the press, and in the local community.
- Team Captain must be accessible to all team members, coaches and coordinators for any questions, concerns, or ideas they may have.
- Team Captain must attend the BMTU with the Council on the 4th Wednesday, every 2 months via Zoom.
- Must vote on new membership admittance.
- Team Captain will be voted on by the team every 2 years on May 1st.
- Team Captains will serve 2 years as captain.
- Team Captain will be the main spokesperson for the team besides the coordinator.
- Manage social media posts for the team on Facebook and Instagram (in conjunction with other coordinators).
- Oversee recruitment of both culinary and acrobatic members in coordination with those coaches.
- Be the hardest worker on the US Pizza Team.
- Model mental toughness by remaining confident and focused and by responding to individual and team setbacks/mistakes in an appropriate manner.
- Develop strong interpersonal and team relations with individual members.
- Provide energy and passion to their fellow members.
- Support their teammates.
- Challenge teammates to get better and work harder.
- Confront teammates’ negative attitudes, complaining, gossip, disrespect of their fellow members or lack of effort.
- Refocus teammates when distracted
- Make good decisions (on-and-off the floor)
- Check in with the head coach.
Duties of USPT Athletics Coach:
Find, hone and nurture the best in pizza athletic members. Through leadership and example, the USPT Athletic Coach is responsible for growing the Athletic side of the USPT with quality talent and attitude.
The Athletics Coach is also responsible for the development of our Acrobatics arm through training sessions and individual coaching sessions with struggling members. USPT Athletics Coach must respect boundaries of title and defer any Culinary item or concern to the USPT Culinary Coach.
- USPT Athletics Coach must be accessible to all team members, coaches and coordinators for any questions, concerns, or ideas they may have.
- USPT Athletics Coach main duties shall consist of managing the Athletic/Acrobatic members training, needs and concerns.
- USPT Athletics Coach must attend the BMTU with the Council on the 4th Wednesday, every 2 months via Zoom.
- Assisting members with routines and technical leadership.
- Research and development of new techniques to make members more efficient in Largest Dough Stretch and Fastest Pie Maker.
- Identify weak areas members may need to work on and approach them about said areas.
- Create and maintain a supportive and inclusive chat room that fosters learning and growth.
- Confront teammates’ negative attitudes, complaining, gossip, disrespect of their fellow members or lack of effort.
- Work with new Acrobatic members to assess, grow and refine their best skillset.
- USPT Athletics Coach will also oversee athletic member recruitment, with help from USPT Coordinator and other Council members, such as finding new talent on social media and events and approaching them about the team if they are a qualified recruit.
- Must vote on new membership admittance.
- USPT Athletics Coach will be voted on by the team every 2 years on May 1st.
Duties of USPT Culinary Coach:
Find, hone and nurture the best in new and eager pizzaioli. Through leadership and example, the USPT Culinary Coach is responsible for growing the Culinary side of the USPT with quality talent and attitude.
Through constant curiosity, the Culinary Coach will continuously evolve with the times to keep the USPT as in touch with current trends, techniques and procedures. USPT Culinary Coach must respect boundaries of title and defer any Athletic item or concern to the USPT Athletic Coach.
- USPT Culinary Coach must be accessible to all team members, coaches and coordinators for any questions, concerns, or ideas they may have.
- USPT Culinary Coach main duties shall consist of managing the culinary members training, needs and concerns.
- USPT Culinary Coach must attend the BMTU with the Council on the 4th Wednesday, every 2 months via Zoom.
- Assisting USPT members with recipe development for competitions.
- The USPT Culinary Coach will also oversee culinary member recruitment, with help from other Council members, such as finding new talent on social media and events and approaching them about the team if they are a qualified recruit.
- Must vote on new membership admittance.
- USPT Culinary Coach will be voted on by the team every 2 years on May 1st.
- Provide members with specific critiques to help improve competition performance.
- Demonstrate proper cooking techniques and methods, emphasizing correct procedure for different styles of pizza and dough.
- Teach and mentor Competing Members in all aspects of pizza making, including dough preparation, baking techniques, and recipe creation.
- Offer guidance and support to Competing Members as they develop their own approaches to pizza making.
- Create and maintain a supportive and inclusive chat room that fosters learning and growth.
- Evaluate Competing Member performance and progress and maintain accurate records of event participation and scores (in conjunction with USPT Secretary).
- Collaborate with other professional pizzaioli to develop best practices and stay up-to-date on culinary trends and innovations in the pizza industry.
- Confront teammates’ negative attitudes, complaining, gossip, disrespect of their fellow members or lack of effort.
Duties of Team Representative:
To be the voice of the average team member on the Council, namely Competing Members.
- USPT Team Representative must be accessible to all team members, coaches and coordinators for any questions, concerns, or ideas they may have.
- USPT Team Representative must attend the BMTU with the Council on the 4th Wednesday, every 2 months via Zoom.
- May make recommendations to the Council for new, qualified members.
- Must relay team concerns immediately to USPT Culinary & Acrobatic Coaches, Captain and ultimately the USPT Coordinator.
- Report teammates’ negative attitudes, complaining, gossip, disrespect of their fellow members or lack of effort to the Council immediately.
- Must vote on new membership admittance.
- USPT Team Representative will be voted on by the team every 2 years on May 1st.
Additional US Pizza Team Leadership Roles
For time and service, Leadership Roles do not have to pay annual dues. Leadership Roles may be held by both Premiere and Competing Members. More roles will be added as we go.
- Social Media Coordinator – Manage social media accounts and other digital platforms to engage with fans. Grow the fanbase and post in most relevant platforms for maximum reach.
- Secretary – Keep track of members’ wins and other stats and bragging points, to include member pizzeria information, team number, and contact info.
- PR Coordinator – Manage press for the team, talking with news outlets and directing any interested parties to the USPT Coordinator as needed.
- Humanitarian Outreach Coordinator – Develop areas where the USPT can help local and national charities. Either on a regular basis or during natural disasters. Develop “Quick Response Procedures” for anything we may need to move fast to aid. Develop ideas for public events for the team benefitting pizza related charities preferably.
