New England Swimming

Wellesley Community Center

Wellesley, Massachusetts

September 15, 2008

 

Members Present: Laura Matuszak (GMA), Priscilla Davis (UN-NE), Joe Frazier (BGSC), Carol Healey (SAC), Mariella Allard (UN-NE), Mary Ellen Tynan (PSC), Pam Warner (UN-NE), Matt Craven (SAC � 8PM)� Clare Foster (SAC � 8PM), Chuck Batchelor (ABF), Jessica Harrison (SAC), Bob Menck (UN-NE), Jamie Bloom (WYST), Tim Murphy (BOSS) Guests: Sherry Wingfield (NAS), Mary Riddell (NE-Office), Rick Osterberg (Webmaster), Jack Fabian (GMSC), Chris Sheppard (CRA), Nadine Jesionek, Jeff Worthy.

 

Remarks from the Chair, Laura Matuszak (GMA): Laura welcomed Jessica Harrison (SAC) as Junior Athlete Representative. Jessica will attend the convention in Atlanta.� Laura highlighted New England swimmers at Olympic Trials � 22 attended and 4 made it back in top 16.

 

Laura reviewed the names of the Calendar and Technical Committees.� Committees are posted on the website.

Laura reminded everyone of Robert�s Rules of Order.

 

Quorum established at 7:05 p.m.

 

Secretary�s Report, Mary Riddell (NE-Office): Minutes of the June 10, 2008 meeting discussed. Motion made to accept the minutes with small typographical changes made by Mariella Allard (UN-NE), second by Bob Menck (UN-NE), motion passes unanimously. March approved minutes and Annual Meeting minutes still pending.

 

Treasurer�s Report, Carol Healey (SAC): Accounts are as follows as of September 15, 2008:

Checking Account: $58, 919.83

Certificate of Deposit: $52, 171.62

Money Market Account: $127, 516.20

Plan is to move some money from checking and savings to CDs to earn more interest.

 

Motion made to accept the Treasurer�s Report by Priscilla Davis (NE-UN) second by Bob Menck (UN-NE)� Motion passes unanimously.

 

Reimbursement Requests, Mary Riddell (NE-Office): Discussion concerning waivers, money swimmers received from other sources.� Motion made by Carol Healy (SAC) to approve requests for those swimmers who met the reimbursement criteria, Second by Priscilla Davis (UN-NE). motion passes.

 

Discussion of waiver request followed.

Carol Healy (SAC) made a motion to discuss Kaia Simmons� (ABF) waiver first and take them one at a time in order, second by Joe Frazier (BGSC). Kaia applied for three meets -� $1650 in total.� She attended 4 meets in New England.� Carol Healy (SAC) motions to approve Kaia�s waiver request.� Tim Murphy (BOSS) second.� Motion passes.

 

Lindsay Woodward (BOSS):� Discussions on past protocol for swimmers who did not attend any meets in New England and her representation over the years. Motion made to grant her waiver by Chuck Batchelor (ABF), second by Tim Murphy (BOSS).� Tim Murphy (BOSS) stated that we have philosophical issues with the waivers.� We have policy and then allow for waivers without any real criteria as to how to evaluate the waivers.

Joe Frazier (BGSC) discussed the effect of the waivers on the budget.� We have budgeted $35,000 in National meet reimbursement. The total of all these requests is $25,800.� Short Course Nationals and Junior Nationals are left.� Last year reimbursed $3000 for these meets.� Chuck Batchelor (ABF) said that we need to look at length of meet in the future to determine reimbursement, not just the name of the meet.� Mariella Allard (UN-NE) called for the vote on the motion to accept Lindsay�s waiver.� Motion passes.

 

Carol Healy (SAC) made a motion to approve Candice Peak�s (MAG) waiver. Second by Laura Matuszak (GMA).� Motion passes.� Joe Frazier (BGSC) motioned to approve the waiver for Amanda Cecere (MAG), second by Carol Healy (SAC).� Motion passes.� Carol Healy (SAC) motioned to approve waivers for Olympic Trials for Eric Nilsson (ABF), Pat Reams (ABF),� David Russell (ABF) and PJ Sullivan (ABF). Second by Bob Menck (UN-NE). Motion passes.

 

Joe Frazier (BGSC) motioned to approve Pat Bigg�s (ABF) waiver for US Open.� Second by Carol Healy (SAC).� Motion passes.� Joe Frazier (BGSC) made motion to approve Jame Fee�s (ABF) waiver for US Open.� Second by Carol Healy (SAC).� Motion passes.� Joe Frazier (BGSC) made motion to approve Eric Nilsson�s (ABF), Pat Reams (ABF) . and David Russells� (ABF) waivers for US Open.� Second by Carol Healy (SAC).� Motioned failed (2-6).� Discussed that failure to pass was due to these being requests for a second reimbursement without participation in any New England meets.

 

Joe Frazier (BGSC) made motion to accept Michael Sullivan�s (ABF) waiver for US Open.� Second by Mariella Allard (UN-NE).� Motion passes.

 

Reimbursement Policy 2008�2009, Laura Matuszak (GMA):� Will limit discussion to 10 minutes and forward issues to Technical Committee and then vote. Rick Osterberg (Webmaster) suggested that we post unapproved policy on the website and encourage meeting attendance.

  1. Age � should there be an age-limit to reimbursement.
  2. Number of waivers � should we limit the number of waiver for which swimmers can apply for during their swimming career.
  3. Amount per day and level of meet � should discuss on a yearly basis.
  4. Clarify criteria for waivers.
  5. Who reimbursement payment goes to � the athlete or the team.

 

Open Water, Jack Fabian (GMSC): Jack spoke of the possibility of having an open water championship for swims 11 and over next summer.� Discussion occurred over how to establish eligibility for this type of championship meet as well as what would be required to hold such a meet (venue, EMTs, lifeguards, timing system, generator, boats, video, GPS, PA system, date�).� Laura Matuszak (GMA) asked Jack Fabian (GMSC) to continue to find out more information and to begin the process of planning a potential championship meet during the long course season. He also talked about have a camp (similar to the one held by USA Swimming) to help the top qualifiers learn the strategies of open water swimming.

 

Outreach, Nadine Johnson-Jesionek: Nadine has established a program called B.E.S.T. (Boston Elite Swim Team).� Her focus is to help disadvantaged youths from the inner city get involved with swimming and then advance to USA swimming when they are ready. She has been working with Bernal Gators Swim Club and would like to reach out to more teams who might be able to help these youths.� She has non-profit status.� She would like to have a Coach�s summit so the coaches in the inner city could voice their needs and she feels there is a need for workshops and clinics for her coaches and parents.

 

Calendar Committee:

Long Course End of Season Meets: Meets went well.� Mariella Allard (UN-NE) suggested that if we ever hold an outdoor championship meet again that it be limited to finals only.

Short Course End of Season Meets: No bids yet for 12 and Unders or Seniors.� Also, need one more Regional venue.

 

Zones Meet, Sherry Wingfield (NAS):� A very large group attended Zones this year.� Everything went well aside from issues with the venue for the 13 and Overs.� Sixty-seven of 88 swimmers had at least one personal best swim and 4 swimmers won events.

 

Convention, Laura Matuszak (GMA):

Delegates:� Ray Grant (SSA), Matt Craven (SAC), Laura Matuszak (GMA), Chuck Batchelor (ABF), Jessica Harrison (SAC), Priscilla Davis (UN-NE) will be attending along with Mike and Amy Parratto (SSA). Convention is September 23-28, 2008 in Atlanta, GA.

Proposed Legislation: Packet is at www.usaswimming.org.� Click on �volunteers,� �convention,� �legislation packet.�

 

Banquet, Laura Matuszak (GMA): Banquet is October 19th.� Sherry Wingfield (NAS) has booked Elizabeth Beisel (ABF) as the speaker.� Reservations will be due October 9th

 

Catch the Spirit Camp, Sherry Wingfield (NAS): There will be a Catch the Spirit Camp the day before (October 18th) with Elizabeth Beisel (ABF).� They are requesting Attleboro High School for the camp.

 

Technical Committee: Lots up for vote at the Convention.

 

Athlete�s Report, Clare Foster (SAC):� Welcomed Jessica Harrison (SAC).� Clare will not be attending the Convention as she must attend a recruiting trip.

 

Coaches� Report, Laura Matuszak (GMA): ASCA Age Group Coach of the Year � Mike Spring (MAG) and Carl Cedarquist (MAG) will share this award.

 

Official�s Report, Bob Menck (UN-NE):� Bill D�Innocenzo (MAG) and Lisa Sholudko (LRAC) will be attending the National Referee Meeting in Minneapolis.

 

Other:

New suits: Chris Sheppard (CRA): Given Nadine�s presentation, need to consider this seriously.� Tim Murphy (BOSS) suggested to wait and see what rulings they vote in at Convention.

2009 Registration: Mary Riddell, (UN-NE) stated that 2009 Registration forms are available.

Senior Circuit Cut Times: Mary Ellen Tynan (PSC) asked whether or not there would be cut times for Senior Circuit Meet.� Chuck Batchelor (ABF) reported they would be similar to times for the New England Senior Meet.

Sanctioned vs. Approved Meets: Bob Menck (UN-NE) asked for a clarification of sanctioned vs. approved meets.

Championship Cut Times: �Matt Craven (SAC) reported the 13 and Over cut times are ready, 12 and Under and Regional cut times are almost done.

Open Water: Jack Fabian (GMSC) asked about next steps.� Laura Matuszak (GMA) asked him to proceed with a plan for Long Course 2009.� Tim Murphy (BOSS) would be happy to help.

B.E.S.T: Nadine Jenionek needs help, reduced meet fees or a meet fee waiver.� She would like any other ideas.

Strategic Planning: Laura Matuszak (GMA) stated that Peter Clark and Sue Anderson from USA Swimming will help the board with strategic planning and the philosophical issues.

Safety Training for coaches: Matt Craven (SAC) reminded everyone that safety requirements have changed for coaches.

 

Next meeting � October 20, 2008 at 7PM

Motion to adjourn made by Priscilla Davis (UN-NE), second by Joe Frazier (BGSC).� Motion passed.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Ellen Tynan , Secretary

New England Swimming