Minutes
of the ISOA Meeting –
The meeting was called to order at 10:04 A.M. by President Phil Dawkins.
IHSA Assistant Executive Director Ron McGraw was introduced by President Dawkins and praised the officials on their fine job during the preliminaries on Friday. He answered a few questions regarding sportsmanship patches and the use of air horns this weekend in lieu of starter's pistols.
Copies of the minutes of the November meeting were passed out to those in attendance. Since these had previously been mailed to the membership, President Dawkins noted their acceptance.
Al Wienke read and passed around his Treasurer's Report. The present bank balance: $1,028.17 and there are 109 members. Al reminded the members that when they meet a newly-licensed official that they should recommend the ISOA. New Officials should be reminded that they are welcome to make themselves available to work at the State Final. The Treasurer's Report was accepted and filed with the Secretary.
Mike Hutton spoke regarding the Observer's Program. One new official has been observed and it went well and both parties felt it was a good program. We are in compliance with the IHSA recommendations for this program. More officials will be observed next season. The plan is to begin with newer officials and proceed. Any member official may request an observation at any time.
IHSA grant money is available to offset the costs of the Observer's Program along with other recruiting and education programs. The ISOA will be applying for grant money.
Election of Officers: Congratulations to Mark A. Anderson, Vice President and Barbara Richardson, Secretary. Both were re-elected to their respective offices. Terms will be for two (2) years and begin on April 1, 2008.
There were people from ESPN and Sports Illustrated in attendance at the Swim Meet. 100 years in operation and 50 years of hosting the State Final are being celebrated by Evanston Township High School. Information will be posted on our website for members once publication and broadcast dates are available.
Phil Dawkins had Rule Books dating back to 1957! He was presented a bottle of wine by Tony Campo.
Power Ratings were not listed on an official's personal page this season. The IHSA will restore them beginning with the 2008-09 school term. All officials are sent a manual each season which contains the different categories that compose the power rating and how you earn points in each category.
Phil spoke briefly regarding the Officials Conference for 2008 which will be held in Peoria on July 18-19.
The annual ISOA Awards were presented as follows: Rookie of the Year - Nancy Carpenter; Most Improved Official - Pamela Ahern; and Official of the Year - Nancy Myer.
Starting June 1, 2008 all credit for rules interpretation meetings and clinics will be redeemed online using a code obtained at the meeting.
SAVE YOUR RULE BOOKS AS NO BOOKS WILL BE SENT FOR THE 2008/2009 SWIM SEASON. They will be available for purchase directly from the NFHS if an official so chooses. Rule changes and updates will be handed out at next season's rules interpretation meetings.
Nancy Meyer spoke about a Diving Meet on March 9th @ Stevenson H.S. in Lincolnshire.
U.S. Diving is the sponsor. Many different ages
will compete and she was very enthusiastic about using it as a learning experience
for all officials.
Phil praised Tony Campo for his efforts to bring information to our members regarding the purchase of a prosthesis for Ollie Dunson who lost his leg to diabetes. There are however, some considerations as we move forward that will have to be resolved to properly assist Ollie:
1. The ISOA is not recognized as a 501 (c) 3 organization for tax purposes.
2. How the ISOA can aid those members who wish to contribute.
3. How will disbursements from the fund be controlled.
An information sheet about the costs associated with Ollie's prosthesis was distributed. The cost, originally $8000, has been negotiated by Tony Campo down to just over $5700. It was decided that the Executive Committee would re-convene after this meeting to decide on an appropriate course of action that will be recommended to the members.
Dennis Yard motioned for adjournment, 2nd by Bill Bavirsha. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11:18 AM.
The Executive Committee convened at 11:20 AM. It was decided that a savings account will be established using Ollie's name and social security number as the primary account holder. The ISOA Treasurer, Al Wienke, will also be a signer on the account. Checks may be sent to Al made payable to "The Ollie Dunson Fund." The account will require both Ollie's and Al's signatures for withdrawals. Al's address is 8836 Clifton Way, Mokena, IL 60448. The fund will be established as soon as possible and be in existance for approximately 6 months. At that time, if the necessary funds have not been raised, monies will be returned to those who contributed. The Executive Committee adjourned at 11:35 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara E. Richardson
Secretary