MEMBERS PRESENT: Dave Anderson, Carol Graham, Cris Lewis, Jim Mohr, Cathie Marty, Matt Miller, Dale Nickels, Mary Schneider, Chelsey Walden, Drew Walden, Cathy Warmington, David Westfahl, Bob White, Susan Zblewski
CALL TO ORDER: D. Nickels called the meeting to order at 5:50 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: M. Schneider moved and J. Mohr seconded that the minutes of October 23, 2001 be approved. They were approved by unanimous vote.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS/COMMITTEES
General Chair: D. Nickels reported that Dave Dahler stepped down as Rules Chair and Barb Stirn stepped down as Records/Top 16/Official Verification Cards Chair. He would like recommendations for filling these positions.
Schroeder thanks the Board for the donation of $5000.00, which was used to purchase equipment for the pool.
D. Nickels reminded us that USA Swimming rules now require that there must be at least 5 feet of water depth when teaching starts. There was no rule change concerning the depth for competition. However, some high schools are now hesitant to allow starts in 3 1/2 ' to 4' of water depth. In November, the National Federation of State High Schools Association stated that if water depth is 3 1/2' to 4', starts must be from the deck or in the water. This new rule may result in cancelled meets, poor attendance or rescheduled meets. In Port Washington, GHOST may lose the ability to have the sectional meet due now to insurance liability issues. Alternative pools are being discussed.
D. Walden pointed out that at the USA Swimming Convention, it was stated that in less than 3'6" of water, racing starts had to start in the water. However, at the convention it was also stated that there would be no change in the less then 3'6" water depth rule. If that is the case, the previous ruled stated that in less than 3'6" of water, racing starts had to start from the deck. So there is a discrepancy here.
D. Walden feels a long-term planning group should be developed to work out how to handle meets next year when USA Swimming will probably go to 5' starts. He feels that this can result in huge changes for the LSC. The Technical Planning Committee was advised to do this.
C. Marty suggested that there be a requirement that a facility that bids for sectionals has a minimum pool depth of 5' at the starting end. D. Nickels feels that this would be hard to enforce at this point since it is counter to the current USA Swimming rule, however, this idea can be used as a suggestion.
D. Nickels indicated that the USA Swimming Governance Study will be hiring a consultant and developing focus groups.
Items distributed were the Unofficial Meet Schedule for Long Course Summer 2002 Season, Wisconsin Long Course Records dated November 1, 2001, and Wisconsin Short Course Records dated June 2001.
Finance Report: M. Schneider reported that the financial information is now finished and going to the accountant. Further information will be distributed at the delegates meeting. Registrations to USA Swimming have just been sent out.
Age Group Committee Report: D. Anderson indicated that due to the water depth rule change, perhaps information should be collected about the various pools in Wisconsin.
D. Anderson distributed a facility improvements sheet showing what was spent from mid August to mid January to improve the Schroeder pool.
At the delegate meeting tonight, D. Anderson will distribute a questionnaire concerning what teams do to provide financial help to their families and athletes. The information gathered will then be distributed so that teams can use these ideas.
M. Miller stated that at the delegate meeting there will be a vote on the travel fund changes. The US Open was added and will be retroactive for this year.
M. Miller reported that the committee has suggested that there be two preliminary/final long course state meets this summer, one for swimmers 14 years old and under (August 2-4) and the other for seniors and those making the time cuts (August 9-11). At the 14 and under meet more events will be added for the 11 and 12 year olds, and time trials will possibly be allowed for those trying to get more cuts. M. Miller indicated that Schroeder Swim Team would be willing to host the August 2-4 meet. In order to encourage a club to host the senior meet which is probably less lucrative, he suggested that LSC pay the pool rental of $4,500. LSC agreed to this.
D. Nickels indicated that at the delegates meeting, the Age Group Chair Report should be before the Administrative Chair Report so that the long course state issues could be discussed in a more logical manner.
Coaches' Representative Report: D. Westfal indicated that awards for Senior Swimmer of the Year, Age Group Swimmer of the Year, Senior Coach of the Year, and Age Group Coach of the Year will be paid for by Walter's Swim Supply.
Registration/Membership Chair Report: C. Graham would like mailings to her by March 1, 2002.
UPCOMING MEETING: The next board and general meeting will be April 23, 2002.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:00 p.m. by consensus.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Warmington
Secretary