June 27, 2000

Present:
Andy Anderson
Geoff Broadhurst
Phil Draper
Bob Fenson
Peggy Hatch
Clark Higgins
Warren Lowe
Richard Maskel
Jack McNelly
Donna Purkey
Leland Rich
Jane Thompson
Tom Violette

Not present:
Ann Swisshelm

Also present:
David Garber, Executive Director

Call to order. Anderson called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. CST. Anderson has allowed Swisshelm to give her vote proxy to Maskel for this meeting only.

Citizenship at 2001 M/W Nationals. In the context of more information received from the USOC and the WCF, Anderson led a review of the committee’s decision on citizenship eligibility for the 2001 Men’s and Women’s Nationals, which had been taken June 17-18. Since some concern had been expressed by the USOC about the inclusion of the 2000 nationals winners in the Trials, Anderson reaffirmed that the USCA will make every effort to fight to include the 2000 nationals winners in the Trials field. Anderson reported that Doug Ingram (USOC Games Prep) and John Ruger (USOC Ombudsman) felt that selecting one team from 2001 M/W nationals was likely to be approved on the basis of the "competitive disadvantage" rationale. Selection of more than one team from this event would likely not be approved. The WCF allows non-citizens who are two-year residents of a member nation to compete for Worlds berths. Ruger feels that, based on his interpretation of the Amateur Sports Act, the USCA must allow WCF-eligible athletes to compete in national playdowns, even though the WCF allows its members to be more strict than the WCF "minimum eligibility standards." Motion by Lowe, Higgins second, to reverse the Executive Committee decision taken June 17-18, and thus to allow non-citizens to compete in the 2001 Men’s and Women’s national playdowns. Extensive discussion followed, including various scenarios. Maskel stated that the AAC consensus was not to reverse the decision. Maskel felt that, due to conflicting opinions from the USOC, the USCA does not know where it stands. He stated that, should any grievances occur, the grievance process may help the USCA to determine where it stands. Anderson asked each committee member for comments. Violette read sections of the Amateur Sports Act (sections dealing with IF impact on NGB eligibility rules, and the definition of amateur athlete). Vote called. Approved by 7-6-1 vote. For: Draper, Hatch, Higgins, Lowe, McNelly, Thompson, and Anderson casting tiebreaking vote. Against: Fenson, Maskel, Purkey, Rich, Swisshelm (by Maskel proxy), and Violette. Broadhurst abstained.

Motion by Fenson, Hatch second, that all team members must be Olympic-eligible in order to qualify for berths in the National Olympic Qualifier. Approved unanimously.

Budget. Higgins will distribute approved budget information today, and asks that all officers review their numbers closely. Final document to be approved by or shortly after July 1.

Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at about 11:00 a.m. CST.

Respectfully submitted,
David Garber, Executive Director

Reviewed and authorized,
D.C. Higgins, Secretary