MINUTES OF MEETING

October 11, 2005

The President, John Mahon, opened the meeting at 8:05 p.m.  John welcomes all members.

Minutes:  The minutes of the July meeting were approved on a motion by Gene Howard, seconded Kathy Fitzpatrick, all in agreement.

 New Tri County Reps: Todd Cunningham from Westwood, Eric Peterson from Greenwood Park and Steve Mills and Mike Coleman (primary) from Gibbstown are welcomed as new representatives.

 Committee Reports: 

Treasurer:  Paul Patterson gave the following report:

Deposits made were over $50,000

Saturday spectators 1,622   approximately 800 per session (paying spectators)

Sunday spectators were 1,395

Programs sold were 806 on Saturday and 566 on Sunday

Gate receipts were very good news    $21,945

The bills were steep however.  Old Orchard $16,979 plus $10,234

     $6,200 profit; the split was $4,765

Our ending balance is $15,100.99, which is much healthier than last year.

Asking for opinion on returning splash fees – Take 25% of total splash fees as a refund or credit toward next year.  Much discussion on what to do.  Show of hands – Opinion is to leave $15,000 until next year to help lower splash fees for 2006.

 Swimming Coordinator:  David Katz states there are a number of pools that do not meet the criteria for USS swimming.  Tri county reps are responsible for pools.  Make sure they are properly marked and have flags the proper distance from the walls.  Consider marking 15-meter mark on bottom of the pool.  Make sure there is a “T” mark.  All information is in the USS swimming rulebook.  Backstroke flags need to be 5 meters from the end of the pool.  U.S.S. swimming is looking for uniformity.  Urging all tri county reps to learn all the technical swimming rules.  Take the course – read the book – be informed.  Go to USAswimming.org for all swimming rules.

The championship meet overall went very well. The feeling is that the rules were enforced more strictly at this meet.  Should have met these standards all season.

Kathy Fitzpatrick – Tenby Chase – feels officials were not the most qualified.  Only the best should be chosen for the championship meet.

Some officials want to make themselves more important than the kids.  David states others felt there was over officiating.  Many in agreement with this.

Mr. Smaniotto – Georgetown – states if officials are not good, take them out.  Greg Shetler – Sunnybrook – agrees.  This is not fair to the kids.

David Katz states there have been 2 rule changes.  They are in backstroke and breastroke.  Look them up.  Question as to what happens if backstroke flags are not in position?

David states you have enough time now to fix this.  You could also stand and hold poles or change the venue.  If you need lines fixed, you may not be able to host a meet.  You can mark the lane lines yourself.  No club should forfeit a meet. This is not fair.

 Computer:  Joe Crick gave out envelopes with 2005 results and reports for next year.

 “B” Meets:  Coordinator is Sue Montchyk from Haddon Glen who asks that clubs send preferences a.s.a.p. , as well as how many meets you want.

 Old Business:  Future meeting dates at Riverton are January 10, March 14, and May 9.

 Championship Report:  Summary of report from Karen Shore from Old Orchard.  Very nice report.  Greg Shetler reports Sunnybrook supplied 50 to 60 volunteers for each session.  Ads generated a lot of revenue mostly from people in our club.  Profit from shirts was $13,000.  It is a good idea to combine with another team.

John Mahon thanks Sunnybrook and Old Orchard for working so well.  It was a very positive experience.

Meadowbrook is the next scheduled club and would like to do this.  Jay Doskis would be the meet director and hands out a meet summary.  Meadowbrook is looking for approval to host the meet.  Motion by Joe Crick, seconded Gene Howard for Meadowbrook to host the meet, majority vote yes.

Greg Shetler states there were lots of issues on Saturday of the championship meet.  Tri county reps were on deck with no job and in the way of swimmers and officials.  We must reinforce responsible rights of the tri county rep.

John Mahon states you should not be on the deck unless you are working.

There were a few negatives:  kids could not watch, the pool was slow, seating issues for coaches.

Many positives:  Staging was excellent as was the sound system and the overall meet.

David Katz states the coaches should not be close to the scoring table of officials.

Adjourn:  The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Hafner