Wisconsin Swimming, Inc. House of Delegates
Meeting Minutes: May 26, 1998 (Tuesday)
University of Wisconsin Center, Waukesha

MEMBERS PRESENT: See attached Meeting Sign-In.

1. CALL TO ORDER: Barb Stirn, Administrative Chair, called the meeting to order, 7:05 PM.

REVIEW OF MEETING MINUTES: Carol Graham asked that the March 17, 1998 minutes be amended in the Registration/Membership Coordinator's Report, section pertaining to "Change in USS Membership Numbers" to read "USS assured Graham that HyTek was aware of the problem of dual membership numbers that would occur between September 1, 1998 and January 1, 1999. USS still is working on the new registration program; when this program is complete, it will take HyTeck about three weeks to modify its programs to work with the dual number system;" and "Graham suggested that she mail a disk (not e-mail) of member information to host clubs. Graham moved, Joe Schweitz seconded accepting the minutes of the January 27,1998 and the March 17,1998 meetings as amended. Motion passed.

ACTING GENERAL CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Barb Stirn reported that Jim Mohr was out of the country, but would return for the July LSC meeting.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Mary Schneider reported the LSC’s 1998 YTD (May 25, 1998) financial status as follows:
 
 

Income $81,079
Expenses 64,205
Net Income $16,874
       
Current Assets (Certificates of Deposits & Savings) $183,222
Property & Equipment               0
Total Assets $183,222
     
Current Liabilities $ 0
Fund Balances: Unrestricted 75,668
Travel Fund, Restricted  107,554
Total Liabilities & Fund Balances $183,222
 
An apparent surplus now in YTD net income is due to USS fees collected during one period in the year, but expended throughout the year. In general, the budget is as projected except for two items. First, Registration/Membership expenses are higher than expected as the LSC purchased a new copier recently. The cost to repair the old copier was more than the cost to purchase a new one at $800. Second , Officials expenses are higher due primarily to a large mailing that included mid-year USS Rule changes. Sue Zblewski asked for clarification on some Officials expenses and will discuss these further with Schneider. Schneider asked the Age Group Chair to provide information on the outstanding awards from the March LSC Short Course Championships, so that the Meet Hosts may be billed appropriately for the medals awarded.

ADMINISTRATIVE CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Barb Stin reminded members that Club Meet Bids for the LSC Fall - Winter Meet Schedule are due on July 14, 1998 (second Tuesday of July). She asked each Meet host to indicate whether it was bidding a sanctioned or an approved Meet. Each Meet Bid must be sent to the Administrative Chairman and include the $20 Meet Bid fee.

AGE GROUP CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Drew Walden reported.

Time Standards for the LSC 12 and Under Long Course Championships: These remain the same as for the LSC Short Course Championships. No House of Delegates approval is required.

Timers for LSC Long Course Championships: Bob Jenkyns, Meet Director for Lake Country Swim Team (LAKE), reminded members that LAKE agreed to host this Meet, if the LSC provided the Officials and Timers. He reported that the Meet needs 18 Timers per session, two Timers per lane and two back-up Timers. LAKE has determined that for each 1-30 swims that a Club averaged in the past two LSC Long Course Championships, the Club must provide two timers for one lane. The Club quotas are given on the reverse side of the "Wisconsin State Championships' Timer Request Form," distributed at the meeting and attached to these minutes. Jenkyns also reported that:

    1. LAKE will accept Club session preferences for Timers, on a first come first served basis.
    2. LAKE's Head Timer will assign Clubs to sessions when necessary.
    3. The LSC will fine any Club $50 per day for each day that it fails to satisfy its quota of Timers.
    4. A Club with no swimmers in the 1998 LSC Long Course Championships, that had swimmers compete in prior Championships, remains obligated to provide Timer(s).
    5. An Official who works the Meet does not satisfy a Club's "position" or quota for a Timer.
    6. A Timer receives free admission to the Meet for the Session worked.
Team Wisconsin, Central Zone Championships: Team Wisconsin will compete in the Central Zone Championship, August 7-10, 1998, at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center, Minneapolis. Walden reported that the LSC continues to recruit for a Team Wisconsin, Central Zone Manager. However, the following arrangements have been made: Walden moved on behalf of the Age Group Committee, Jim Kesserling seconded, reducing the number of Assistant Coaches for Team Wisconsin from eight to seven, thereby reducing the costs for Assistant Coaches by $400 (each Assistant Coach receives a stipend of $400) and increasing the stipend for the Team Wisconsin Manager from $575 to $1,000.

DISCUSSION: Those favoring the motion cited the difficulty in recruiting a Manager with a stipend of $575, especially since the Manager has considerable work for several months, while the Head Coach has the same stipend, but works for about four days. Those opposed to the motion, commented that the reduction in coaches is a disservice to the swimmers and that much of the work for 1998 had been accomplished. Further, paying some LSC volunteers and not others, who work an equal number of hours, if not more hours, than the Team Wisconsin Manager, creates a class distinction among volunteers. Motion failed.

Team Wisconsin - Central Zone Committee: The following persons volunteered to serve: Patty Kramer, Dale Nickels, Joe Schweitz, Jacob Weber, with John Bradley as Chairperson.

Meet Planning: Walden reported that the Age Group and Senior Committees met twice, April 28th and May 12th. The Technical Planning Committee met April 21 and forwarded to the Age Group/Senior Committees its recommendations to 1)retain the current format for LSC Championships; and 2) to host other Meet(s). Much of the LSC Meet planning revolves round the availability of the Schroeder Aquatic Center, as it is the only facility in the LSC with both an in-indoor 50 meter, which converts, to two 25 yard pools. The Schroeder facility is not available for any March 1999 weekends. Some 1999 dates to consider:

By consensus, members approved the 1999 LSC 13 & Short Course Championships for February 25-28 and the 1999 LSC 12 & Under Short Course Championships for March5-7.

Walden moved and an unknown member seconded the Age Group/Senior Committees' recommendation regarding a Team Championship Meet in December as follows:

DISCUSSION: Those favoring the motion stated a need for a "mid-year" Meet ending the first half of the LSC Fall-Winter season; for a Team Championship meet that did not prolong the series of championship Meets at the end of the Fall - Winter season; to add some excitement to the "long season;" to meet the needs of all swimmers. Those opposing the motion stated concern for eliminating at least four Club Meets normally conducted on that second December weekend and acknowledging that Meets are sources of revenue for these clubs; for adding income for larger clubs, as only the larger clubs can bid for LSC sponsored Meets; creating a Meet that does not "lead" to any other Meet, i.e., LSC, Zone, or Junior Championships. Motion failed 9 - 18.

February Meet: Walden moved and Graham seconded a series of recommendations concerning conduct of the February Meet, formerly called Sectionals that included.

Dale Nickels moved to amend the motion, and Bob White seconded to:
    1. Provide team awards, paid for by the LSC; and
    2. Name the "Meet Sectionals".
Motion passed.

White moved, Al Rogers seconded amending the motion that:

Amendment passed, 24 yes, 6 no.

DISCUSSION: Those supporting the main motion stated their interest in having a "last chance" to qualifying for the LSC Short Course Championships; in increasing the number of individual events for a swimmer to increase income for Meet host; and in providing a Meet at which only swimmers who have not qualified for the LSC championships may receive awards. The group also acknowledged that high school boys were unlikely to compete due to the WIAA Boys Swimming Championships on that weekend.

Motion passed as amended twice, 26 yes, 2 no.

Sectional Team Alignment: Walden moved, Steve Suprenant seconded that the team assignments for the 1999 four Sectional Meets will be the same as were assigned for 1997. The Age Group and Senior Committees will assign new teams to appropriate Sectional Meets. Motion passed.

Dale Nickels volunteered to chair the committee to prepare the disks for the Sectional Meets hosts.

1999 LSC Championships: White recommended that the LSC House of Delegates discuss the 1999 Championships at its July 1998 meeting, rather than at its October, 1998.

REGISTRATION/MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR’S REPORT: Carol Graham reported the LSC’s membership:
 
 

4,559 Regular Athlete Members
316 Seasonal Athlete Members
568 Non Athlete Members
62 Club Members

Graham asked that Club Registration Chairmen keep their registrations current and forward information to her. Dated information creates problems. One LSC coach arrived at USS Junior Championships without having USS registration, so he was not permitted on deck until registration was completed. Out-dated addresses resulted in having a number of invitations returned inviting swimmers to the LSC Camps. She also reminded that she needed to verify USS memberships for swimmers competing in USS Junior or National Championships. She also reported that USS is implementing a new unique member identification number beginning with the 1999 membership year. The new number will be unique and rarely, if ever, will be changed. The numbering system will apply tom both athlete and non-athlete members. For further information, please refer to "Unique I.D. Number" attached.

SAFETY CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Cathie Marty reported that the USS reports 32 LSC accidents for 1997 and 12 accidents for the first quarter 1998. USS is making a new video on safety issues with three sections, new swimmers, age group swimmers, and senior swimmers. USS will send each club a copy. The senior section include information provided by Mel Stewart and Tripp Schwenk. Dick Zache will conduct "Coaches Safety training" at the Germantown High School on June 13th beginning at 10:30 A.M. She provided attachments to these minutes:

TECHNICAL PLANNING CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Joe Schweitz reported that the Committee met on April 22, 1998 to draft a "LSC Mission Statement" for use as a preface to the LSC Handbook. A copy is attached. He asked that members review it and that the House of Delegates vote on it at the July meeting. He also noted some updates to the Rules concerning payments to swimmers and the fee for Time Trials. He will distribute a copy of the proposed changes to the members for their consideration at the July LSC House of Delegates meeting. He also expressed some concern about the accuracy of some of the information in the 1998 LSC Handbook as compared t the 1997 LSC Handbook and said that the Technical Planning Committee will review both Handbooks to obtain specific information.

ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVES’ REPORT:

Resignation: Carina Tennessen announced that she is resigning as Junior Athlete Representative effective August 31,1998 because she is leaving the State to attend college.

Nominations: Andy Kopacz reported that no nominations had been received to date and requested that they be send to Carina Tennessen, 5520 Citation Lane, Racine, Wisconsin 53402. The LSC’s athletes will elect two representatives, one to succeed Kopacz and one to complete the second year of Tennessen’s term.

Athlete Scholarships: Tennessen moved, Kopacz seconded that the LSC fund two scholarships, one for a female athlete and one for a male athlete, each year in the amount of $500 to $1,000 each with qualifications as follows: the athlete must have junior or senior standing in high school, have a 3.0 or better grade point average, be a member of USS and planning on continuing education after high school. The candidates would be evaluated on scholastic excellence, community service, non-swimming extra curricular activities, positive representation of USS, participation in the LSC Championship Meets; and planning to continue swimming in college or through USS. Each candidate would complete a short questionnaire and an essay.

DISCUSSION: Members expressed concern that the scholarships not impact the swimmers’ ability to compete in college, i.e., that they adhere to NCAA requirements.

Jeff Wirch moved, Cathie Marty seconded tabling the motion until the July LSC House of Delegates meeting so that an Athlete Representative could contact the NCAA to determine whether the proposed criteria was consistent with NCAA rules. Motion passed.

CAMPS CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Lynn Winiciki reported that over 160 swimmers participated in the LSC Camps conducted over the Memorial Day weekend, featuring Neil Walker, NCAA Swimmer of the Year and member of Verona Area Swim Club (VAC). She was concerned that some swimmers may not have gotten their invitations because the LSC lacked current address.

CLUB DEVELOPMENT CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Jacob Weber had not report.

FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Mary Schneider reported on behalf of the Chairman, Jim Mohr, that the Committee, functioning as the Audit Committee reviewed the LSC 1997 financial results. The CPA firm that prepares the LSC tax reports indicated that an audit by an outside source would not be cost effective at this time and would cost about $1,000. The committee determined that the financial statements submitted by the Treasurer appropriately presented the financial affairs of the LSC.

OPEN WATER CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Joe Reischl reported that the Southeast Aquatic YMCA Swim Team (SEAY) would host for the fifth year an open water meet, called the "Quarry Meet" at the Racine Quarry during the Fourth of July weekend. SEAY is adding a Masters Swimming event.

OFFICIALS CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Sue Zblewski reported that:

RECORDSS, OVC’s CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: None.

RULES CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: None

OLD BUSINESS:

Meet Distance Event as it Relates to Swimmers 8 and Under: Barb Stirn referred the issue to Technical Planning.

Nominations: Dale Nickels moved, Jeff Wirch seconded closing nominations for LSC Officers. Motion passed. All nominees elected for two year terms as nominated at the March LSC House of Delegates Meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

USS 1998 Convention: Stirn announced that the Convention would be held in Cincinnati from October 29 – October 4. One or more of the LSC’s Delegates to the Convention will be unable to attend, so General Chairman, Jim Mohr, is interested in knowing who else from the LSC is interested in attending. Interested parties should contact Jim Mohr directly.

July LSC House of Delegates Meeting Date: Barb Stirn moved the Meeting be held on July 21st, the Tuesday prior to the LSC Long Course Championships, rather than on July 28th. Motion failed for lack of a second.

Participant Cost for Team Wisconsin to Compete at 19989 Central Zone Championships: Mary Schneider moved, Patty Kramer seconded establishing the participant costs at $180 for members "Traveling with Team" and $40 for members "Traveling on Own." Motion passed.

1998 USS Scholastic All American Team: Stirn announced that applications are due to USS August 1, 1998 and must include a copy of the swimmer’s most recent high school transcript. Candidates must have at least a 3.5 grade point average and have competed in USS Junior or National Championships. Applications are available from USS in Colorado Springs or on USS web site.

AJOURNMENT: The House of Delegates adjourned at 10:16 by consensus.

 
Submitted by ________________________________________ June 30, 1998