Western Region AWSA

The meeting of the Western Region was called to order by John Goodman
EVP at 7:42am at the Fountain Suites, Sacramento, CA. January 4th, 1997.

Those in attendance:
Mark Showah, Don Schmidt, Andrea Plough, Mike Parsons, Steve Mills, Jim
Kinney, Brian Holm, Randy Hocking, Mike Hayes, Tom Hanson, Bob
Hardeman, John Goodman

Directors, Guests and Committee Members: Lucie Goodman, Iris Hardeman,
Bob Cosby, Elaine Bush, Ed Cleveland, Will Bush, Wayne Canfield, Barb
Canfield, Frank Harrison, Don Parsons, Norm Wingerd, Frederick Weber, Terry
Dwyre, Jim Bristow, Ed Fisher and Dawn Farrell

Minutes: A motion was made by Brian Holm to approve the last year
minutes of the General Meeting and Council Meeting. Second Jim Kinney
Passed

Financial Report: Bob Cosby presented the Financial Report and gave an
Income Projection. At the end of this meeting which gave time for
Council members to read the report, Brian Holm made a motion to approve
this budget. Don Parson and Don Schmidt 2nd. Passed.

Rule 6.14: John discussed the responsibility of the Chief Judge and
Appointed Officials at a tournament. Rule 6.14 ….and these officials
shall remain on site throughout the entire tournament. Tournaments
that didn’t follow this shall be downgraded from “C” to Novice.

Nominations Report: was given by Iris Hardeman. John will run for
EVP and be a mentor for Mike Hayes who will run the following year.
Jim Lange will run in Area 3 for Councilman. Anyone interested in
running for positions, contact Carol Solomon

Records: Brian Holm’s motion not accept late records was seconded by
Steve Mills. There was no scorebook in B Canfield’s possession for the
Hawaii State Championships Oct. 12, 1996 so Eric Lee and Merry Finch
have to wait pending proof of performances and there was no score for
Mickey Wilkinson in the scorebook a the Montana States Open Aug.24-25th,
1996. Bob Hardeman motion to approve pending proof of performances. Don
Schmidt second. Passed. I will send out certificates.

Regional Guide Ads coming in this year are very slow. It seem
everybody is behind schedule. Brian Holm motion to continue payment of
$500 for doing the Guide. Don Schmidt second. Passed.

Junior Development: John gave a “thanks” to Fred and Elaine for the
continued work doing Jr. Development. They are in the process of
rewriting the program. The West is setting a president for the other
areas of the United States. The cost per child comes out to be $35.
each. Clubs in the West are asked to contribute $50 per tournament or
whatever possible. Money will be also be distributed back to each area
for camps. Some areas in the West have their own programs and we need a
way to announce this to our Region. There is the “Learn to Ski
Challenge” from AWSA too. Gatherings, Implementing and Points of
Contacts are key points in the new format for the program. Motion by
Brian Holm to continue with criteria for Jr. Development. Second Mike
Hayes. Passed.

Regionals for 1997 Laku Landing: Motion by Brian Holm to approve
proposed officials for the ’97 Regionals. Seconded by Bob Hardeman.
Passed

Drivers: Jim McIntyre, Marty Mills, Joe Nolan, Jack Wilson, Randy
Hocking, Will Bush, Wayne Canfield, Janice Garrett, Bob Hardeman, Bill
McHannah, and Don Schmidt 1st alt. 2nd Alt Jack Hanna and Tom Hanson
Appointed Judges: Ed Cleveland, Jack Hanna, Kaye Nock, Andrea
Plough, John Goodman. Alt. Jim Kinney Assistant Chief Judges: Kim
Schaefer, Jim Kinney, Mike Hayes, Elaine Bush Scorers: Kathy
Gibson, Barb Canfield The full information will be published in the
Guide.

Laku has a Web Site for the upcoming Regionals: http://www.laku.com

Up-coming Regionals: 1998-Arizona, Crystal Point, 1999-Montana Tom
Hanson’s, 2000-bids-Orting, WA maybe

1997 National Officials: Appointed Judges: Ed Cleveland, Richelle
Matli, Assigned Jack Hanna, Lucie Goodman, Stacie Pelucca Scorers:
Barb Canfield, Andrea Plough Drivers: Will Bush, Bob Hardeman

Sports divisions:
American Barefoot Club: Dawn Farrell reported on the Barefoot
activities. A discussion on the Barefooter’s accidental death and
whether or not a face mask would have saved his life. There will be a
full page listing in the Guide called Foot Notes West.

International Activities Committee: Frank Harrison submitted his
report. Many items were accomplished at the two day meeting. Outgoing
and incoming committee members had strong input and knowledge.

1. This is the first year the new criteria for selection will be used
to obtain the 17- 21 age skiers based on performance standards at the
most recent Pan American Championships or the most recent International
competition.

2. For the team trials, the performances will be the better score of
the team trials or the 1996 Pan American Championships.

3. Recommend to the Rule committee to establish a 40m (132′) minimum
for 5.5′ jump for open women.

4.US Junior Team Trials – Team trials or Pan American performances

5.Junior Boys/Girls qualifications 3D a review of all data
performances and boys slalom will be 3/12m.

6. McCormick’s will be the 1997 Team Trial site – July 2nd through July

6th.

7. Official Nominations for World Championship, Team Trials, and
American Challenge have been made. New Dr. who were skiers are showing
interest and participation.

8.Veteran Team selection will be performances at the 1997 Nationals or
that most recent international competition. The original Veterans team
of 1996 may compete in the 1997 American Challenge. The men age is 35
and over and women will be 30 and over.

Executive and Finance: Andrea explained the process and explanations of
the By-Laws revision to the Council.. In the next issue of The Water
Skier, Andrea recommended that we vote “yes” on the new By-Laws. The
dead line is Jan. 29th. Please vote. If approved there will be a
meeting Feb 15-16 for our acceptance into USOC.

We also need to be involved more with Water Ways Committee
We need to put a lid on number of skiers at the Nationals which adds to
lack of volunteer officials.

Liability Insurance is going up so membership fees will go up in ’98.
Reprimanded skiers in on entity can still cross over and ski in another
entity.

Trying to find out number of wakeboarders so maybe there will be a
wakeboard “division”. too. World Pub handles wakeboarders now.
Regional Guide- Two EVP didn’t want other divisions included in their
traditional guide. This will be discussed at the Board meeting. A lot
will be discussed at the January 1997 Board of Directors Meeting.

Web Page: After discussion Tom Hanson made a motion for the Western
Region Council to pay Fred Weber the cost of $100 to pay for the
creating of our own Web Domain. Fred Weber would manage it with the
approval of the EVP for anything that is put on the Web Site. Second
Don Schmidt. Passed. A possible address would be AWSAWest.com.

Age Divisions: Mr. Ed Fisher presented his involvement about
implementing 5 year increments starting at age 50. Frank Harrison
commented that it was the “cart before the horse”, because no homework
was done on ratings. Will be reviewed at the Board Meeting. 55-60 –
34mph, 60-65 – 32mph, and 65-70 – 30mph or 32mph.

Rules Committee: Mike Hayes noted that this a moratorium year. Some
consensus needed by group.

1. Foreign skiers skiing in Regionals. Vote by Council No 20

2. Foreign skiers skiing in Nationals ” No

3. Eliminate declared trick list ”

Yes
4. Relax trick code ”

Yes

5. Foreign resident married to US Skiers should be allowed to
participate in Regionals and Nationals. ” No

6. Missed gates allowed to opt up ” No

Rules committee approved the qualification of Women jumping 132′ or 40
meters to be able to jump on the 5.5′ jump.

Judges Qualification Committee: Ed Cleveland explained that the new
more efficient process is in effect as to the way testing is done. And
that is that the only thing the testee has to do is directly call the
tester in his/her area upon receiving notice from AWSA that all of his
requirement are registered at headquarters. The Chairperson of this
committee is responsible for the communication between the Chairperson
of the United States Judges and Scores Committee and the communication
to Headquarters, as well as reporting to the Mid-Winter Council Meeting.
This year 49 upgrades were made and 15 more are ready to test. Melanie
McKeen will be informing people who need to attend a clinic this year.

National Boat Drivers Committee: Wayne Canfield The Driver’s Committee
were asked the following:

1. Reduce the number of driver/examiners required from 3 to 2 for
clinics and/or testing.(end course video required) Yes approval

2. A list of problems and answers for troubleshooting timing systems is

being compiled

3. Should we re-test drivers every 1 to 4 years? No

4. How can drivers not current in ability be removed from the system?
The Committee felt those in this category would eventually not be asked
to drive.

5. Should there be a mandatory retirement age: No

6. Have you been criticized for asking a driver to be closer to actual?

The majority of the committee has had the same criticism.

7. An approved letter will be sent to all drivers with their renewal.

8. Rule 1.12 is clear to committee members but enforcement is another

issue!! There has been a lot of discussion about the word “intent”.

9. Do we need to tighten tolerances for “R” tournament? No

10. Do we need to tighten tolerances for “C” tournament? No

Skiers Ratings: Presented by Andrea in absence of Stacie. At this time
they are trying to get ratings to be same as the number of skiers at the
Nationals.

Technical Committee: A lot of involvement with technology. The
committee recommended and the Board approved a functional specification
that increased the breaking strength requirement to 1800lb.
Technical infusion has snow-balled this year alone. The job of the
technical committee is to define the standards for “its” use. One
example being jump video.

Safety Committee: Jim Bristow. Statistical report shows that injuries
are down.

AWSA is looking at sanctioning Wake Board tournaments and AWSA has asked
the Safety to look into:

1. The use of not use of PFD’s. (flotation devices)
2. The use of extended pylons.
3. Adding weight to the boat to increase wake size.
4. The use of or not use of grind rail.
Also The jump site questionnaire will be compiled for a report.

Tow Boat Committee: Will Bush Current policy! Towboats are to be
supplied for use at tournaments exactly as they are tested.
No equipment or device will be attached to any towboat that affects
performance, handling, maneuverability unless such equipment has been
tested as part of the Association’s Towboat tests or such equipment is
otherwise tested and/or approved by Technical Committee and/or the
Towboat Committee…Exceptions may be made with joint approval by both
Chair heads.

The Technical Committee recommended “Technical Infusion Policy” When
such equipment is attached, it must meet the exception approval. (see
above) Such use shall be for data gathering purposes.

USAW’s Level of the Towboat Committee should be different than AWSA’s
Towboat Committee Recommend that USAWS Committee be comprised of
representatives from respective sport division committees.

Pilot Program: The Board approved a two year pilot program which would
allow an unmodified boat to be tested every other year. This has been
effective. So the recommendation is to make this a permanent program.
The addition of policies to the guidelines for prop pitch due to
elevation has to go through a request for exception to the Chair of the
Towboat Committee.

Towboat testing was held at Shortline Lake in Elk Grove, CA. This was
the first time the tests were held on the West Coast. Expenses were
significantly less than in prior years.

National Seeding Committee: Barb Canfield The committee has considered
the inclusion of out of region performances for their respective
Regional Guide Listings. Mike Hayes motion for the inclusion of out of
region performances for other Regional Guides. second Don Schmidt Not
passed.

After discussion on using the top 5 or 3 scores for standings, Bob
Hardeman made a motion to use the top 3 scores like all of the other
regions.. Mike Hayes seconded. Passed.

Headquarters wants it mandatory for scorers to submit ODF files with
every tournament in order to receive $10 credit. Dave Clark and Mark
Crone are still working on the scoring program so it is more “friendly”,
and works successfully.

Age Division: The division is determined by the skiers age as of
January 1st. Even if they are not yet the age for the new division after
the Nationals they must change.

ByLaws: Lucie Goodman. Andrea covered the formal explanation of the
ByLaw changes. We must vote when the new Water Skier comes out. This
must be into Headquarters before Jan. 29, 1997

National Coaching: Fred Weber. Fred explained the interest of Jump
Surface Preparation. He wanted to know why all sites should not be expected to use AWSA type wax. It was concluded that different areas of the
country have, for example, different temperatures and therefore
different preparations could not be universal to every jump site.

National Nominating: Bob Cosby It is important that a treasurer be
chosen who has a very good background of accounting.

Time and Place: John Goodman. The vote tallied by the committee voted
to have the Board Meeting in Las Vegas. This will be the recommendation
from the committee to go to the Jan. Board Meeting.

Awards: Randy Hocking. The National Awards nominees were presented by
Randy.

Water Ways: Don Parson. I have been involved with the different
regulatory department in dealing with wetlands and building lakes. If
you have any questions, maybe I could be of some help. Call me. The
problems that arise are handled by different agencies in different
states. There is no set procedure. Maybe there should be a state person
in each state to begin a communication process so this committee can
compile significant data.

1997 Tournament Schedules: John said he has been told that many of the
Tournaments will not accept entries until May 1, 1997 Again it was
discussed about penalties for now filling in sanctions correctly or
submitting them on time. John will put in the Council Packet even more
explicit directions so the Council Person gets the correct information
to give to each sponsoring club for their tournaments

New Business: Elaine Bush and Fred Weber went over the newly developed
program and ask for continuation of policies. Bob Hardeman’s motion:
All 9 Council area’s provide $35 for each junior skier in their area.
And Areas that have an excess of money paid will receive a credit. This
credit balance will be left in the account rather than paying back the
amount which would make more paper work. Seconded Jim Kinney. Passed.

John Goodman will be EVP one more year with Mike Hayes working with him.
Then Mike Hayes will put his name on the Ballot for EVP. Please remember
anyone can run for these positions. I feel this is a good approach to
introducing the duties that go with the EVP or a Council person’s
position. We welcome people to come with a Councilman or a Committee
Person and listen in on these meetings.

Recommendations to the Board of Directors:

1. Top 3 not 5 for seeding format.
2. 34mph Open Division
3. Single event TC persons
4. Age divisions: 55 – 5 year increments.20
Women 60yrs – 32mph 70yrs – 28mph
Men 60yrs – 32mph 70yrs – 30mph
5. AWSA publish entry list on Web for Nationals
6. AWSA save money by not sending envelopes with sanctions
7. Abandon credit coupons for scoring on computer
8. Simply sanction application.

Bob Hardeman made a motion to adjourn. Mike Hayes seconded!

Adjourned at 7:00
Dinner was at the Fountain Suites

Should you have any input for these pages contact:

Executive Vice Pesident:
John Goodman
602 W Lake Samish Dr.
Bellingham, WA 98226
[email protected]

We prefer to get your input by text file or in your email.

Western Region AWSA

AWSA
WESTERN REGION
1997

Minutes of the 1997 Mid-Winter Western Region

AWSA WESTERN REGION 1997

Minutes of the 1997 Mid-Winter Western Region

AWSA
WESTERN REGION
1997