UMMAF is honored to announce that Michael Santschi has accepted appointment as the UMMAF Ombudsman!

The Ombudsman is responsible for providing independent advice to athletes at no cost about the applicable provisions of UMMAF policies and procedures and bylaws of UMMAF/KICK International, and with respect to the resolution of any dispute involving the opportunity of an amateur athlete to participate any future Olympic and Paralympic Games (Pending IOC acceptance), IMMAF World Championship competition or other protected competition as defined by IMMAF, USOC and IOC as it pertains to amateur MMA competition . Other functions are to assist in mediating any such disputes; and report to the Athletes’ Advisory Council on a regular basis. Michael will also be assisting on UMMAF’s Judicial Committee!

UMMAF Vice President Ryan Brueggeman elaborated, “The Ombudsman role is a critical one, giving athletes a pathway for dispute resolution with experienced counsel. The fact that Michael has accepted this role is a testament to his dedication to the athletes and fairness. We couldn’t be more grateful to have someone of Michael’s experience to represent the concerns of the athletes.”

Athletes may contact Michael Santschi by emailing their concerns to ombudsman@UMMAF.org

Here is a little bit about Michael:

Family:
Married to Shannon (Stone) Santschi of Horton, Kansas
Home-school father – 19 years
Adoptive father – 1 child (Vietnamese)
Foster parent – guardianship’s – 3 children (Vietnamese)

The Lord:
Bread of Life East Church
Gideon, member

Community:
Landlords, Inc. of Kansas City – Member
Volker Neighborhood Association, Member
Independence Square Association (Independence, Missouri) – Member
Broadway Westport Council – Board Member, Chairman of Membership
Jackson County Republican Party Central Committee – Committeeman, 5th Ward

National
National Rifle Association, member
United States Chess Federation, member

Professional Legal
Missouri Bar Association
Florida Bar Association
Kansas City Missouri Bar Association – Member, Solo/Small Firm Section, Vice Chair of Social Committee