AWSA EASTERN REGION

WINTER MEETING

 

King of Prussia, P.A.

January 10, 2004

 

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

 

Meeting called to order by E.V.P. Doug Robbins at 8:40 am

 

Council members present:

Mark Dingeman (VT), Steve Lohr, Gary Noll (PA), Jean Giove (MD), John Harris (VA), Rod Barney (VA), Sam Ingram (WV), Ed Nichols, Clarence Swift (DE), Roger Hammel, Pat Byrne (CT), Alan Frederick (NY), Dean Rudy (NY), John Davis (PA), David Allen (MA).

 

Web site information on VA council – changed to John Harris – all information is corrected on the web site

 

Summer meeting minutes presented by Ed Nichols and reviewed - motion to accept by Pat Byrne and seconded by Gary Noll.

 

Treasurer’s Report – Marie Baker (not present) – her report showed balances as of 12/31/03: checking $1,723.97/savings $19,972.30/junior development $5,513.60  - reviewed and motion to accept by Pat Byrne and seconded by John Harris.

 

Presentation of proposed 2004 budget -  questions - why the printing of guidebook is cheaper than last year. 

The clinic fees might increase including chief judge of Regionals to be re-imbursed for travel fees for the senior judge’s clinic in February in West Palm Beach.  Steve mentioned that it’s not required for the chief to attend, that it’s an official’s choice – what about chief scorer?  By a raise of hands no one was in favor of this idea.  A motion to strike was made by Dean Rudy and seconded by John Davis.  It was decided that the clinic fee was only to be reimbursed. 

The last newsletter seemed to only be mailed to active members (approx. 1,100) and not all Eastern members (approx. 4,000).  AWSA should be contacted to have them give us all names for future mailings.

EVP should approve all expenditures for Directors and Committee for future years.  Steve made a motion that all Directors and Executives should receive $ 300.00 per meeting and that was seconded by Roger Hammel.  Marie Baker should be informed of these new changes. 

USAWS HQ’s is trying to raise $500,000.  They are asking each region to pledge $2,000/yr. for the next 3 years.  Steve mentioned that HQ’s has definitely improved since they moved from Winter Haven but is less inclined about having the region donate versus general membership.  Ed Nichols agrees and states that the burden should be proportionate to the size of our region.  A motion to deny this request was made by Ed Nichols and seconded by Alan Frederick.

A motion to accept the budget as modified was made by John Harris and seconded by Dean Rudy. 

 

Review of 2004 Tournament Schedule – Nationals dates were discussed.  E.R. lobbied to keep the date the same but with only one National bid it was decided to move it up one week.  As a region we should try and promote “5 star” and “NSL” tournaments. 

Pat Byrne made a motion to approve the schedule seconded by Gary Noll. 

 

Regional & National Officials –

Chief officials at Regionals –

CJ Ralph Hall, ACJ Clarence Swift, CS Jennifer Frederick-Kelly, ACS Ann Lohr, CD Bill Swaffield, CS Pat Byrne/Dave Knight, ACS Kathy Roach, TC Dan Baumgart, Tournament Director Pat Byrne/Tom Hinman, Announcer Brett Patton

Appointed Judges – Fritz Hasler, Bill Baker, Steve Lohr, Dave Robbins, Roger Hammel, Sara Roach

Appointed Scorers – Leslie Carr, Mark Dingeman

Appointed Drivers – Marie Fields, Mark Smith, Rusty Coffin, Doug Robbins

 

National Drivers – Ralph Hall, Doug Robbins

National Judges – appointed Steve Lohr, Bill Baker / assigned Ed Nichols, Fritz Hasler, Dave Robbins  / ACJ Roger Hammel

National Scorers – Ann Lohr, Jennifer Frederick-Kelly

 

Preview 2004 Regionals – Pat Byrne stated that the dates were changed due to the National dates being moved ahead.  A Friday thru Monday schedule is to be continued.  Doug posted this question on-line and the majority vote was to keep this format the same.  Possible moving of the regional meeting to same night and venue as the Jr. Development party.  Posting of the schedule of events would be helpful for regional skiers.  With a Florida Nationals the thought is the Regionals entries will increase.  Pat will clarify with appointed officials what procedures Avon will follow.

 

2005 Regionals – Lake Holly  

 

2006 Regional Search & Site Report – John Davis reported a possible a bid from Hidden Pass, NY

 

Future Regional dates – Dean Rudy suggested if Nationals stays at the current dates ER should change the Regional dates to Labor Day.  Advantages would be ER skiers would be skiing better and skiers would know months in advance that they would head in Nationals.  The only down fall would be 2 Regionals in the first year.  There are quite a few issues that affect the skier.  A discussion will be held during the general membership meeting.

 

Policy & Procedures – Gary Noll presented a report with numerous changes that have been made to the policy and procedures manual and the by-laws.  All regions have been encouraged to have the updated version on our web site.  Motion to accept the changes and policy was made by David Allen and seconded by Alan Frederick. 

Other discussions included the Regional tow boat selection and Regional official’s selection.  Motion to accept by Pat Byrne and seconded by Jean Giove.

 

Membership Committee Volunteers –

 

Guidebook – Leslie Carr stated updated bios should be submitted to her with photo if the council person wants.  She has till the second week of February to have items into AWSA.  Final deadline for Leslie is January 25th to give her ample time.

 

New Business or Regional Recommendations – none to report

________________________________________________________________________

 

 

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

 

Meeting was called to order at 1:27 pm with another roll call of council and introduction of membership.  Minutes of the summer meeting and treasurer’s report were reviewed. 

 

E.V.P. Doug Robbins recognized all committee members, council, and federation presidents as a vital part of skiing in the east.   Doug talked about the request from USAWS HQ for regional donation that was denied by the council.  Roger noted that our budget was a negative in 2003 and more than likely another negative for 2004.  Individual donations will be sought out during the ski year. 

 

E.R. Tournament Coordinator Doug Milner stated that 54 tournaments are being proposed for 2004 with 34 being sanctioned at the time of the meeting.  All the tournaments must be sanction and paid by January 25, 2004.

 

Guidebook coordinator Leslie Carr will be looking for a replacement for the year 2006.  She will work with the next editor in 2005.

 

Pat Byrne mentioned a few items regarding NSSA.  He also stated Joel Zeisler is requesting a site for the WSDA Nationals.  The WSDA will take care of everything and the hosting club will give up their site for 4 days 1 week following Nationals. 

 

Regional site committee – John Davis mentioned Avon in 2004, 2005 in Lake Holly, and discussing 2006 with a bid at the 2004 summer meeting

 

Pat Byrne, spokesman for Avon, said they will maintain the new date of 2 weeks prior to Nationals and the Friday thru Monday format.  They will operate similarly to 2003 with a possible juggling of schedule of events.  The banquet will be held on Saturday night at the same location.  The E.R. summer meeting could possibly be on Friday night in conjunction with the junior development banquet to get further participation of members.  Information will be posted on-line and in the guidebook.  Slalom course instructions will be made clearer and the schedule of events will be posted on-line. 

Ralph Hall, spokesman for Lake Holly, said their tournament director will be Jon Thacher.  They are looking forward to 2005 Regionals.

 

Executive Committee – Steve Lohr stated trick skiers are still a thriving group, 5 star sanctioning tournaments are being encouraged. 

 

By Laws – Gary Noll stated that some changes were approved by our earlier meeting.  Mainly in terms of wording and cleaning up the procedures and policies. 

 

Junior Development – Kim Spear (not present) her report was e-mailed to Doug. 

As always, there will be instructional clinics this summer. The Virginia Federation will be holding 3  1-day clinics for its skiers under age 11 and taking its skiers over age 11 to Coble Ski School. This decision came about due to the increased # of skiers in Virginia. I assure you that other clubs will be hosting clinics this summer and I will keep you updated as I receive their information.

 

The Region is entertaining the idea of a traveling collegiate coach. He/She will visit 3-4 sites throughout the Region and offer 1 or 2 day clinics at each site. We are working closely with Phil Chase, the collegiate contact at AWSA, to develop a list of interested collegiate athletes. We will need hosting sites/clubs for this to happen. Please contact me if your club is interested. This program is made possible due to the overwhelming response and financial support given during the auction/raffle at the regional banquet in Avon, Ct. But again, it cannot happen without volunteer support from the Region.

 

Here is a list of Junior development team skiers separated by state: 19 in VA, MA/NJ each had 5, CT 4, NH 3, NY/PA each had 2, and ME/DE each had 1.

 

Three clinics were held in 2003– in May there was a clinic for 6 skiers; in June there were 2 clinics- 1 for 7 skiers and the other with 4 skiers; in July the Sparta clinic trained 22 skiers.

 

AWSA President’s NSL committee – Steve Lohr met in December and again next Friday – to improve the attendance in National ski league tournaments.  Guidelines will be assigned as a guideline but they are optional per tournament.  Anyone who has any recommendations should contact Steve.

 

NSL Tournament - Ron Ramsey (not present) – his report indicated a directive from HQ’s to include a N or F at each State Championships. 

 

Rules Committee – Lee Mershon/Ken Crofton (not present) – the report was distributed and discussed.  Also there was a request to change the M6 and above jump speed from 30 to increase 32 mph but that failed in the committee.

 

IAC – Ralph Hall reported they have been active and had the largest team trials. 

 

Safety Committee – Suzan Andrews – there was recommendation to prohibit wearing piercings of lip, tongue, or nose while skiing– this was not approved.  Rope trick releases were approved and that the ropes should be 24” or 1 M.  A request to have helmets to be worn by young skiers at slow speeds was voted down.  Statistics showed .11% of injuries in the ski year 2003.  Thunder storm recommendations will be brought up at their annual meeting.  Some guidelines should be set. 

 

Membership –

 

Judges & Scorer’s Rating – Bill Baker passed the reigns over to Dean Rudy – clinics tomorrow

 

National Coaching Advisory -  Tom Hinman (not present)

 

Seeding Committee – Jennifer Frederick-Kelly stated there were 47 sanctioned tournaments in 2003.  Only a hand full of tournaments were scored manually with the majority scored with WSTIMS.  Any out of region scores should be submitted directly to her.

 

Skiers Rating – Gordon Gay (not present) – John Harris presented his report to include ½ buoys.  The new ratings have not yet been approved.   

 

Sports Medicine & Science – Pat Byrne stated the committee has been disbanded.  Work is on-going to resurrect this committee.  This will start with input from Olympic athletes. 

 

Technical Committee – Dan Baumgart (not present) – his report was presented by Doug Robbins. 

 

Towboat Committee – Doug Robbins submitted a list of the approved boats for ’04.  MasterCraft was listed with the wrong prop.  An Acme nibral prop will be used not stainless as listed.  No AccuSki driving system was tested or approved for use on a 2004 boat. 

 

Speed Control – Ralph Hall – PerfectPass 6.5 was approved for 2004.  Skier factor is back, fewer lines in tournament mode, offset mode – can change for each lake and not change your original settings.  Switch in jumping will be brought up at the next control meeting.  Slalom switch is still being used but with a very few percentage using it. 

 

Unfinished Business –

Ann Lohr audited all the treasurer books and reported that everything was as it should be with no problems or concerns. She has some recommendations to go over with Marie Baker and Doug Robbins.

 

New Business –

Dean Rudy discussed with Nationals date staying at the 1st week of Nationals maybe the E.R. should move our Regionals to Labor Day weekend.  Positives would be E.R. skiers hit their peek in August.  The negatives would be kids starting sports/school and traditional Labor Day vacations.  There seemed to be positive/negative feedback from the members.

 

Announcements-

            Clinics – judges/driver’s speed control session then they will separate for individual clinics.  Scorers will have their own clinic and safety is in the hotel pool.  Lohr’s are thinking of having a level 2 coaches clinic at their site possibly in May. 

            Steve Vincent is planning an Acapulco, Mexico trip in January through March 16th .  Please contact Steve if interested.

            Gertha Hancock, a senior scorer and past Steve Sylvester Award, has suffered a brain aneurysm, and is on life support in a coma in the hospital.  Doug offered to send a card and flowers with our prayers from the E.R.

            Robbie Ware’s mother, Nell, has also been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Our prayers are with the Ware family. 

 

2003 ski season records were passed out to recognize great performances in the East. 

 

Regional recommendations for the BOD meeting – Doug stated Lee Mershon would like to recommend to the BOD to look at sanction fee costs – 1 day, 1 event are charge the same as 2 day, 3 event tournaments.  He is referring to the National fee only not E.R.  Mark Dingeman suggested the individual state federations could reimburse the site that had a low turnout or fiscal issues. 

 

A motion to adjourn at 5:05 pm was made by Ed Nichols and seconded by Alan Frederick

 

Submitted by Jennifer Frederick-Kelly