WGA stand for the World Goldpanning Association, which is the recognised network of National Goldpanning Clubs and Associations.

The WGA members are National Goldpanning Organisations. Each member nation are allowed two national representatives who vote on future competition bids as well as changes to the rules or competitions.

The general assembly of national representatives forms the WGA council. The council meet yearly during the World Championships.

The executive board of the WGA consists of a president, vice president, treasurer and secretary, who are elected for a three year term. The board is assisted by the Competition Committee and Communications Committee, formed by an appointed and authorised group of people.

The main aims and objectives of the WGA are:

Click here to download the complete Statutes.

Last year's meeting was hosted by the Navelgas Championship committee. Although some changes have been discussed, no important votes have taken place. There were also no bids to host the 2012 World Championships. The minutes of this meeting will be published soon.

The executive board of the WGA consists of 4 members: president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, who are elected by the annual meeting and appointed for a period of 3 years. It is possible for a person to be elected for a second 3-year term. The board closely cooperates with the Competitions Committee and the Communications Committee. Chairman of a committee is a standing position, which is appointed by the board. The present board is given below. Click on the names to find some personal info on the board members.

	President Vincent Thurkettle Great Britain - Elected with 3 year term - starting in 2003
	Vice President Arturo Ramella Italy - Elected with 3 year term - starting in 2005
	Secretary Pirjo Muotkajärvi Finland - Elected with 3 year term - starting in 2008
	Treasurer Esko Orava Finland - Elected with 3 year term - starting in 2003
	Chairman Competitions Committee Ken Karlsson Sweden - Standing postition - Appointed by the Board -
	Chairman Communications Committee Paul Thurkettle Great Britain - Standing postition - Appointed by the Board -

The Competitions Committee works year round on issues for the WGA. During World competitions the committee monitor the event and assist the organizers where required.

It is their mission to monitor the approved WGA rules and recommend modifications or changes to the board and the member nations at the annual WGA meeting. Modifications and changes only take place if the board and a majority of the memebers vote in favour.

Click here to download the latest version of the Competition rules

The 2009 Competition Committee are:

	Ken Karlsson Sweden - Chairman -
	Cecile Thibaud France - Senior member -
	David Millar Canada - Senior member -
	Eugene Swanepoel South Africa - Senior member -
	Ulla Kalander-Karlsson Sweden - Senior member -
	Esko Orava Finland - Senior member -
	Ana Santiago Spain - Senior member -
	Geraldine McCrossan Italy - Organiser of WC 2009 -
	Jiri Dunovsky Czech Republic - Organiser of WC 2010 -
	Konrad Mardyla Poland - Organiser of WC 2011 -

The Communications Committee works year round to support the board on all communication areas. Their main job is to publish the magazine "Golden Times" bi-annually and to develop and maintain our website.

If you would like to send an article for pubication in the Golden Times, please send it to one of the committee members mentioned below.

The Communications Committee in Canada (2007)

The 2009 Communications Committee are: