NHTOA Annual Meeting Report for March 4, 2006

The twelfth annual meeting of the NHTOA was called to order at 9:55am on March 4 2006 by our president, Bob Brown. He spoke briefly about rules of order and recognized our first lifetime member, Ed Thibodeau. Bob B. indicated we need to have everyone’s e-mail address; stated that a screening policy for the future is now a work in progress; and that in the next year we would be working on the bylaws for our association. Doris Tuson banded out copies of the meeting agenda then Bob B. continued to discuss these topics namely, we would focus on housekeeping amendments; and that meetings are posted on the track website. This being an even year for the testing process, taking plenty of time to achieve clear understanding of the rules and hoping that members ask questions will be important. He stated that in the coming year there will be a new challenge for us to take the collection of works that many members have taken part in for years and include this information in the Constitution and Bylaws. Next year each member could be given a copy of the potential bylaws and use the following year as a probationary time to work on getting them tight. Bob B. asked that any input from the members be given to the board.

Bob B. asked Doris T. if she had received any correspondence. She indicated none had been received. He called for committee reports to be given next.

The secretary’s report was given by Doris T. who gave a brief overview of the previous years’ report which had been placed on the website previously. Mark Tuson made a motion to accept the report and David Grant seconded it. The membership voted to approve and accept this report.

The treasurer’s report was given by Paul Huard. The 2005 report was discussed. Mark T. made a motion to accept it and Dave G. seconded it. Discussion followed. Ted McComiick asked about the $3 bank fee and Bob B. stated that easy access would be needed for the secretary and treasurer. Mark T. thanked Paul H. for all his efforts in getting things squared away. Lance Turley spoke of what was done in the past Paul H. presented the 2006 report and indicated the current balance is $1812.46. Mark T. made a motion to accept this report and Bob B. seconded it. Both reports were voted and approved for acceptance by the membership.

Bob B. told us that since our income comes from the membership fees, that beginning today we will be working with a budget for the first time.

The supervisor’s report was given by Nancy Eastman. She discussed the following topics namely, review of the NHIAA lightning policy, new sector measurement for throwing events required for the end of season meets then mandatory for 2007, the NHIAA screening policy, what to do about an athlete’s meet disqualification and the need for supervision, no warm ups in field events without a coach or official present, scoring issues, and the need to know the rules of your officiating event.  She told us that the pilot program for official testing is not ready. A discussion was held on mileage and we were told to try to keep track of it. It was recommended that we enforce the jewelry rule from the start of the season to make it easier later to enforce it. Officials should meet at the beginning of the meets with the coaches and captains of the teams present to verify usage of correct uniforms, jewelry and equipment Nancy E. asked us to complete forms and send to her regarding disqualifications at meets.

A short assigning report was given by Doris T. She announced that the first assigning meeting was planned for next Wednesday at 3pm. The latest information about the schools’ schedules and the officials’ paperwork was also discussed.

Richard Sholtanis spoke about liability and mentioned javelin issues such as carrying it with the tail up, raising the tail before removing it from the ground, never turning your back to the javelin while its being thrown, keeping people away from the discus cage net, informing athletes that the discus is not a Frisbee and to not let them throw it in the air for fun. Warnings should always be given first.

Paul H. told us that the insurance will be paid by April 1st every year so that our officials would be covered for the outdoor track season. The dues are due by March 30

The three members at large introduced themselves and talked about what they can do for the members. Bob B. stated that their information is on the website along with committee assignments as well.

Paul F requested a list of all member names and addresses for insurance purposes from Doris T. Ed T. announced his retirement after 35 years and that he would retire from the Cross Country committee next year.

Next Bob B. introduced the new member proposal for the membership to review. Mark T. made a motion to accept the proposal and Lance T. seconded it. Discussion followed along with questions. Bob B. mentioned that we could save 33% on our insurance if we had more members. With the addition of these categories, there would be less liability issues at the end of the season meets when there is a great need for certified officials at those meets. The membership voted to accept the new proposal. Included were associate and special event members with descriptions of each.

The issue of having an audit done for next year was addressed. Mark T. made the motion and Lance T. seconded it. The membership voted approval for this action. A paper indicating new proposals for meetings was presented. Bob Cain made the motion to accept them and Roger seconded it. Then Mark T. introduced an amendment to one of the meeting proposals and Paul seconded it. Bob C. made a motion to accept it as amended and Roger M. seconded. The last proposal was tabled. The membership voted to accept the first meeting proposals only.

Jesse Taylor made a motion to give the library a stipend of $50.00 for the use of their facility. Bob C. seconded it and the association voted to approve this expenditure.

Bob Gidari expressed his thanks for the help everyone gave him and his family during last spring and spoke of a meet of interest to be held on May 6th and 7th. Doug Glance said he would coordinate with Doris T. about the Manchester Invitational to be held on September 23rd.

John Eastman gave a discussion on the pole vault and emphasized the important things to remember when officiating at that event. He also answered questions and gave us a better understanding of this event.

The meeting was called to a close and then the National Federation test was given to the members by the executive board in groups.