Minutes

Also present:
David Garber, Executive Director

Not present:
Donna Purkey

1. Call to order. Anderson called the meeting to order at 11:58 p.m.

2. Date and site of Olympic Trials. The Salt Lake Organizing Committee, which would be the host of the Olympic Trials, has requested that the Trials date be moved later in December from the current dates of December 3-9, 2001. The request originated with The Ice Sheet, due to the SLOC "takeover date" of December 18, and Ice Sheet concerns with breaking up their hockey season. The Elite Programs Committee met via conference call to consider the request, and proposes that the Trials dates be either November 26-December 2, December 3-9 (first choice), or December 10-16. If none of these dates are available, Elite programs proposes moving the Trials to a Midwest site, on the rationale that staying within the window of the three dates is critical to optimum team performance, as well as Olympic preparation time for the winners. Motion by McNelly, Fenson second, to approve the Elite Programs Committee’s proposal for three acceptable dates, or if none of these dates are available, to move the site to the Midwest. Thompson stated that the coaching committee agreed with this approach. Swisshelm stated that she had input from some athletes who preferred a later date in December. Maskel urged that the USCA gather more comment on athlete preference. Approved with no opposition. Anderson directed McNelly and Lowe to negotiate with SLOC. Fenson and others discussed possible costs to hold Trials in Ogden, and whether USCA can afford the cost. Lowe stated that the motion at hand is step one, with step two a negotiation of an acceptable contract.

3. NOQ dates. Duluth (men) and Utica (women) have been board-approved to host the National Olympic Qualifiers. However, Duluth cannot hold the event on the preferred dates April 5-8. Motion by McNelly, Higgins second, to approve Duluth to host the men’s NOQ March 28-April 1. Comments from Roza and Maskel regarding disadvantages of this date. Maskel pointed to a need to evaluate impact on the draw of eight versus six sheet sites. Approved, with Maskel and Swisshelm dissenting.

4. Podium camp site and dates. Motion by McNelly, Fenson second, to consider moving site of the elite camp now scheduled to be held in Ogden in June, 2001, to a Midwest site, assuming USOC Podium approval, and to be held on one of four date options in August and September. Swisshelm observed that it would be possible that one or more final 12 teams may not be able to compete or practice at Ogden prior to the Trials. McNelly acknowledged but characterized the chance as fairly remote. Hatch said she prefers addressing the date change, with the site decision deferred. Maskel and Swisshelm would like to keep the Ogden option open. Motion amended to address moving the camp dates, with the site to be negotiated. Approved.

5. Arbitration case. Anderson related an offer from an athlete’s attorney to amend the USCA imposed sanction to limit the ban on entering 2001 competition to junior competition only. There was no support for this expressed by any committee member. Roza observed that if this change was adopted, juniors who were "aging out" would have no motivation to observe the no alcohol rule.

6. Poll athletes. Maskel asked if USCA office could poll skips of top teams regarding their preference for Trials dates. Agreed by consensus.

7. Adjourn. Anderson adjourned the meeting at 12:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
David Garber, Recording Secretary

Reviewed and authorized by
Clark Higgins, Secretary