Board of Directors Meeting:
Board of Directors meeting was called to order at 9:30 A.M. by President, Jim O’Neill.
Minutes:
Corrections were requested of the Minutes as follows:
1. Kettle Moraine has paid USCA dues.
2. That the loss of $2,500.00 is in the WSCA budget for 2006/2007.
3. On page 3 it is Waukesha who owns three sheets of rocks.
With these corrections, on a motion duly made and seconded, the Minutes from April 28, 2007 were approved.
Treasurer’s Report - Greg Dunlop Reporting:
All clubs except Superior have paid WSCA dues. There is approximately $9,500.00 in the bank. This is net after sending copies of the Mixed Doubles DVD to all clubs but Superior. The DVD is also available on the USCA website.
Upon a motion duly made by Mike Dry and seconded by Bill Wilberg, the Treasurer’s Report was approved.
Roll Call:
The following clubs were present: Appleton, Arlington, Blackhawk (Janesville), Centerville, Clintonville, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Kettle Moraine, Madison, Portage, Poynette, Racine, Stevens Point, Tri-City, Wauwatosa, Waukesha, Rice Lake, and La Crosse. There being 17 member clubs present, there is sufficient quorum to continue with the business of the Board of Directors meeting.
The following clubs were absent. The number in parentheses represents the consecutive meetings missed: Alpine (6), Loch Wissota (16), Medford (7), Milwaukee (1), Wausau (5), Pardeeville (3), Marshfield (2) and Waupaca (2). Lodi did submit a report as to its status but did not have a director present.
USCA Director’s Report - Mark Swandby Reporting:
Mark Swandby stated that the fall mailing from the USCA has gone out to the club Presidents. This mailing includes brochures on the various aspects of the sport, a curling poster and a poster concerning the Korbel Challenge. Compete-at-Large, a software company, has come on board with a sponsorship of the USCA. The USCA will be using internet registration for its championships for this season. The internet portal is through Compete at Large, whereby a player is to sign-up with a passport as an individual. This sign-up is free. This site is also available for use by individual clubs as a method of managing their bonspiel entries and draw sheets. The fee is 5% of the bonspiel fee. However, if the club has a junior or charity bonspiel, the fee is waived. There is also a credit card payment option, but the club will have to pay the merchant fee for the credit card in addition to the 5% fee. Compete-at-Large site also has time clock program which can be used to time games.
The 2010 Olympic team selection site has been determined. It is in Denver. Other finalists included Bismarck, North Dakota, Rochester, New York, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Metro Denver Sports Commission is the organizing committee for the Denver site. The site of the Olympic team selection will be a 7,000 seat ice arena in the a suburb of Denver. There is no financial risk to the USCA.
The financial status of the USCA is that the budget for 2006/2007 was projected to be negative. The actual budget resulted in approximately a $20,000.00 surplus. The reason for the surplus was an increase in USCA membership, additional sponsorship fees, and additional entry fees for national championships. Also, the USOC allowed a shifting of $5,000.00 to $10,000.00 of funds. In addition, the officers, in particular the President, paid a significant portion of their travel expenses out-of-pocket without seeking reimbursement.
Discussion at the USCA level is focused on the concept of having more frequent at smaller percentage dues increases. Also, there is discussions with Curl TV to add a new benefit to the USCA membership for individual curlers. At the present time the subscription fee is $60.00 per year for an individual. USCA is discussing with Curl TV a possibility that this fee could be significantly reduced and subscription to Curl TV offered to each individual curler who is registered with the USCA. However, this may be at a slight increase in the USCA dues.
Mike Dry observed that he thought it would be more palatable to the individuals if there were more frequent dues increases in smaller percentage amounts. Jim O’Neill agreed as it being similar to golf club dues increases. Chris Daly questioned the level of interest by individuals in signing up for Curl TV at the local clubs. A suggestion was made to create a hand out explaining the Curl TV benefit. Jeremy Roe inquired as to how long the reduced fee access to Curl TV would be available. He observed that St. Paul was selling Curl TV subscriptions prior to their Cash Spiel for a reduced fee. Geoff Goodland suggested that the USCA look to sell sponsorships to cover the costs. Richard Maskel observed that during the initial negotiations with Curl TV it was proposed that the individual curler fee be $30.00, which has now been negotiated down by Rick Patzke to $2.00 a curler. Judy Maier observed that this was an excellent way to provide a service to the grass root curlers from the USCA. Dave Lewis raised the question about whether there would be a sign-up as a club as a whole, which in turn then would cause the club to have to apportion out the costs as they saw fit.
Mark Swandby reported that Rob Meakin is leaving as Assistant ADD to renew his competitive curling career. At this time it is unclear as to who his replacement may be. Scott Higgins has been hired for a new position. This position is Coach Development Director. This program is funded with USOC funds. USOC funds also fund the full time ADD, Ed Lukowich. Also funded through USOC funding is the Junior ADD position, Lynita Delany.
WCF published new rules to be effective for the 2007/2008 season. These rules will be reviewed after the season for further possible modifications. The Stick Release Point Rule as proposed by WCF was not adopted by the USCA. Rather, it is recommended by the USCA that individuals try it so that, in turn, input may be given to the WCF based upon actual experience. The Canadian Curling Association also did not adopt the proposed WCF Stick Release Point Rule. Input needs to be given to WCF as to the proposed rules concerning any changes or modifications by February of 2008.
Discussion was had concerning the Stick Release Point Rule. Concerns raised included the following:
1. What release point should be taught;
2. How about using a release point somewhere in between the T and the hog line;
3. What advantage is there in using the stick over the sliding delivery by way of speed of the stone and ease of practice;
4. Should there be examination made of equipment design limitations, such as length of stick;
5. With the use of the free guard zone, stick player may be at a disadvantage in throwing draws contrasted with being a better hit curler;
6. Before future implementation of any release point rule, more input should be received from individual curlers;
7. Stick curlers should be “left alone”;
8. The integrity of the game needs to be preserved which is the reason for having a release rule. However, the USCA shouldn’t be handicapping individuals;
9. Is the stick the next revolutionary development in the sport of curling similar to the change from using a swing corn broom to brushes and from a swinging stone delivery to a no lift delivery;
10. Will the sliding delivery go the way of the swing corn broom, so that by using a stick curling becomes a “mutant form of shuffle board;
11. Are there truly increasing numbers of stick curlers in individual clubs.
A proposal was made for consideration by the board to adopt a resolution regarding the use of a stick. The proposal was in the context of the Spirit of Curling. The proposed resolution read:
WHEREAS, the delivery stick is intended to allow participation by curlers who are physically unable to use a sliding delivery;
AND WHEREAS, delivery sticks are not intended to be used to an unfair advantage to persons who are capable of using a sliding delivery;
NOW THEREFORE, it is resolved that it is contrary to the spirit of curling to use a delivery stick if one is physically able to use a sliding delivery.
No action was taken on this resolution at the meeting.
Mark Swandby continued with his report stating that approximately 45,000 tickets have been sold for the Men’s World Championships scheduled for Grand Forks. USCA Early Ice Grants for the 2007/2008 season were awarded to Poynette, Wisconsin, Green Bay, Wisconsin, Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Bemidji, Minnesota, and Seattle, Washington. The National Championships for Juniors, Mixed and Women’s will fill to 10 teams for this season. Travel reimbursements will be paid for out of the entry fees. Also, the Club National Championships will be filled to 10 teams for this season.
USOC’s long term goal is to create an Olympic TV network. Thus, USOC is seeking media rights from all Olympic sports including curling. The USCA has not agreed to give up all of its media rights. Rather, the USCA is in negotiations with the USOC to grant USOC first refusal to media content whereby if the USOC doesn’t use the event, then the USCA retains the rights and may sell the rights to a third party. A question was raised as to the duration of this proposed agreement.
Directory Website Committee Report - Mark Hartman Reporting:
Due to Mark Hartman’s need to leave, President O’Neill recognized Mark Hartman at this time to give his report. Mark reported that the website is now up and running. The website is being used in lieu of a printed directory. Information formerly found in the printed directory is now on the WSCA website. The website address is: http://www.wi-curling.org. The contents of the website include Championships, Minutes, Meeting Agendas, By-Laws of the WSCA and Bonspiel Calendar. It also includes historical information from WSCA Championships and past presidents. During the State Championships it will have draws posted for the Championships and a score board. Mark asks that he be contacted concerning any errors on the site. He’s looking to dress up the site over time.
Upon a motion duly made by Sharp, seconded by Garber and carried, Mark Hartman is named as the WSCA Website Administrator.
The cost to develop the website was approximately $3,300.00. There is a link from the USCA website to the WSCA website.
USCA Director’s Report - Judy Maier Reporting:
Site selections have been completed for the 2007/2008 Championships. Portage is the site for the Junior Men’s and Women’s National Championships, February 2nd to the 9, 2008. Waupaca is the site for the Mid-West Men’s Qualifiers, January 3rd to the 6, 2008. Eau Claire is the site for the Men’s and Women’s Challenge Round, January 24th to the 27, 2008. Rice Lake Wisconsin will be the site for the Men’s Senior National Championships set for January 19th to the 25, 2009. Medford will be the site of the Mixed National Championships set for March 21st to the 28, 2009.
The Men’s and Women’s National Championships/Olympic Trials set for Suburban Denver will be held February 21st to 28, 2009.
There will be a conflict in 2009 between the Olympic Trials and the World University Games dates. The USCA decided to keep the Olympic Trial Dates as established to minimize the delay in going to the World’s. Judy continues to work on a five year plan in selecting sites for the championships. The USCA is now an affiliated member of the National Congress of State Games. The goal is to have curling in enough state games so that it will be recognized as part of the National Games.
A background check is now being required for all individuals volunteering to work with juniors on a USCA sponsored level. These include team coaches, and team leaders. It is recommended that all individual clubs also follow-up with background checks for persons involved in their junior programs. They can check with the USCA as to the logistics of how to go about obtaining a background check and the costs associated with it.
The USCA Stone Program was a success. The stone inventory of 80 sets have been fully distributed to the clubs.
The USCA will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2008. A new logo has been designed in recognition of the 50th anniversary which will be placed on pins, clothing and other items.
The USWCA has 65 club members with 2,685 individual members. The Duluth club will be hosting the USWCA National Bonspiel. The USWCA Senior National Bonspiel will be in Chesapeake. The 5 year and under Spiel will be hosted by the Blackhawk Club in Janesville.
USCA Director’s Report - Richard Maskel Reporting:
Richard commented further on the conflict between the Olympic trial dates and the World University Games dates. To eliminate the conflict would require the USCA to move the Trial’s date. There were too many negative consequences in moving this date coupled with the fact that it was uncertain whether the World University Games was, in fact, a protected event.
Part of the ongoing need to review dues levels and increase the same is that the revenues from the donation program has consistently gone downward over the last several years. Therefore, there is a need to replace these funds lost with other revenues which would include increasing dues.
Mark Haluptzok is the newest inductee into the USCA Hall of Fame.
Athletes Advisory Counsel to the USCA has 8 positions. Three are held by curlers from Wisconsin. They are Richard Maskel, Nicole Joraanstad and Bill Todhunter.
Break at 11:28 A.M
President’s Report - Jim O’Neill Reporting:
Jim O’Neill reviewed the benefits of the membership in WSCA. He also read a proposed Mission Statement for the WSCA. This statement provides:
WSCA is an organization of member clubs. The WSCA supports member clubs with information gathering and dissemination towards the purpose of helping the clubs grow in membership. The WSCA is also responsible for running events to determine representatives to national competitions sponsored by the USCA and to select directors to the USCA who represent Wisconsin clubs’ interests. The WSCA is also committed to enhancing communication amongst the member clubs in Wisconsin.
Upon a motion duly made by Chris Daly and seconded by Mike Dry, it was carried to adopt the preceding as the Mission Statement of WSCA.
Committe Reports by Chairpersons; Directory/Website:
David Carlson reported that with there being no paper directory printed for the season, there is nothing further to report. He has shared all the information on clubs, their officers and bonspiel dates gathered for the paper directory with Mark Hartman for posting on the website.
Mark Hartman has previously reported on the website to the directors as set forth herein.
By-Laws:
David Russell has no report on the By-Laws. He does want the WSCA to recognize the passing of Elgie Nobel who was instrumental in the creation of the WSCA. Elgie made substantial contributions to the WSCA and to curling in general in Wisconsin. David also wanted to bring to the directors’ intention that starting in January of 2008 all clubs who are 501(c)(3)’s will have to file a Form 990 regardless of whether they have less than $25,000.00 gross receipts per year.
Championships - Jeremy Roe Reporting:
Jeremy will be disseminating flyers to Wisconsin clubs for the State championship events. He asks that the clubs post the same. Medford will be hosting the State Juniors; Green Bay will be hosting the State Mixed; and Clintonville/Green Bay will be hosting the State Men’s and Women’s Club Championships for the 2007-2008 season.
Discussion was had concerning patches for participates in the State Club Championships. The participation patches in the shape of the State of Wisconsin cost $8.00 each.
Upon a motion duly made by David Russell and seconded by Greg Dunlop and carried, participation patches for Men’s and Women’s State Club Play Downs will be offered for purchase by the participants at $8.00 a patch.
Jeremy observed that play downs are now the largest expense for the WSCA.
Senior Curling:
Bernie Dushek reported that it’s been a busy season. He outlined a number of Senior Bonspiels on the schedule in Wisconsin and elsewhere for the 2007/2008 season.
The WISCA and Monday day leagues will continue for the 2007-2008 season.
High School Curling:
Neither Joel Caulum nor Vicki Griepentrog were present at the meeting. However, they did submit a written report which was presented to the Board by David Carlson. The highlights of the report were that there were 18 boys teams and 14 girls teams participating in the 2007 Wisconsin State High School Championships in February. A manual has been created which is available to anyone interested in being a high school coach. The 2008 Wisconsin State High School Curling Championships are schedule for Portage on February 15th and 16th. All teams who seek to enter will participate in the State Championships as there will be no district play downs.
Rules - Richard Maskel Reporting:
Richard reported that the World Curling Federation (WCF) is the world wide governing body for the sport of curling. The WCF sets the rules of the game with the purpose of having a universal set of rules for curling applicable world wide. Obviously, the members of the WCF are free to adopt the rules or not. In promulgating the new set of rules for the 2007-2008 season, the WCF did not solicit information from its members for any rule changes. Rather, the rules were changed pursuant to the work of a select committee. A summary of the rule changes as promulgated by the WCF were published in the U.S. Curling News. Richard pointed out an interpretation that was needed to clarify the sweeping rule. This was that there is no sweeping of an opponent’s rock put in motion above the T-line. An opponents rock may only be swept when it is at and past the T-line.
Mark Swandby added that the IOC has decided to start a youth Olympics. The is for the age group of 14 to 18. The winter youth Olympics will be held during the same year the summer adult Olympics are held.
Judy Maier reported that there is under consideration creating a youth curling tour for the purpose of obtaining points to qualify for the youth Olympics.
Old Business:
Superior has not paid the USCA or WSCA dues. There is allegedly an ongoing issue with Superior concerning their past hosting of the USCA Club Nationals. Mark Swandby responded that this occurred during the time he was USCA President. He was in communication with the organizer at Superior about hosting the Club Nationals and believe that he did what they wished for the USCA to do. This was that Superior was satisfied with the arrangements that Mark had made on behalf of the USCA for representation of the USCA at the Club Nationals. Mike Britton, President of the Superior club contacted Jim O’Neill in the summer of 2007. Jim O’Neill reported that after an extended conversation as to Superior’s complaints about the USCA, that Superior indicated they still intended to remain an member of the WSCA. However, this puts the WSCA in a position of having to pay Superior’s USCA dues if Superior remains a member of the WSCA.
Jim O’Neill will write letters to Superior and La Crosse to address the issue of their being removed as WSCA members.
Gold Line Program:
David Carlson reviewed the Gold Line Program offering that was briefly discussed in the April, 2007 meeting. A proposal was made by Doug Flowers, on behalf of Gold Line, to the Wisconsin State Curling Association to have Gold Line provide to the WSCA a program similar to what is being provided through the Grand National Curling Clubs. There are three facets to the program as being proposed. These are:
1. 5% discount off of Gold Line’s US wholesale prices to any club purchases, which clubs are members of the Wisconsin State Curling Association;
2. Gold Line would issue an annual $1,000.00 credit (USD) to the WSCA based upon US wholesale price list. This has an approximate retail value of $1,600.00. This credit would be usable for any purpose as directed by the WSCA;
3. Gold Line would bring its mobile Pro Shop to clubs on an as requested basis. Any purchases made from the mobile Pro Shop would result in an 8% royalty to the hosting club.
Gold Line is requesting only that the program be referenced in communication with the membership so that they are aware of the same.
David Carlson voiced the opinion of “what is the down side to this offer?” Steven Brown was recognized. Steve commented as to his extensive connections with the State of Wisconsin. He has provided, on an ongoing basis, discounts to junior curlers through his curling supply business. He has also in the past collected scraper blades from Wisconsin clubs and taken them to Canada for sharpening. He asked the question of who has been supplying Wisconsin curlers? He believes that the price differential between his curling supplies and those of Gold Line are nominal or non-existent.
Larry Sharp observed that he did not think the Wisconsin State Curling Association should be in the business of promoting one curling business or another. No action was taken on the Gold Line proposal.
Nominating Committee:
A Nominating Committee to be appointed by the President will be created. Historically there are 3 to 5 people on the committee.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting for the WSCA is set for April 26, 2008 at Tri-City Curling Club at 9:30 A.M.
Upon a motion duly made by Daly, seconded by Dushek and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 1:15 P.M.