USA ROLLER SPORTS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
FEBRUARY 26-27-28, 2004

The following actions resulted from the USA Roller Sports Annual Board of Directors Meeting, February 26-28, 2004, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  A copy of the motions upon which this summary is based is available to registered USA Roller Sports clubs.

USA Roller Sports
4730 South Street
Lincoln, NE  68506
Phone:  (402) 483-7551

GENERAL

SPECIAL RECOGNITION - In recognition of the outstanding service to USARS, and in particular the National Championships, special awards shall be given to Gene Cox and Paul McNeil, accompanied by a letter from the President expressing the gratitude of the Board.

COACHES HALL OF FAME - Elected David Downing of Cuming, Georgia, to the Coaches Hall of Fame. Downing has coached multiple World Speed Team members and is Vice-Chairman of the Southern Regional Speed Coaches Association.  In 2003 his J.O. club received the High Point Award at Nationals.  His overall speed club is currently the largest in the United States.  He has acted as speaker on the development of clubs at the 2003 Congress in Las Vegas

Elected Caroline Mirelli of Memphis, Tennessee, to the Coaches Hall of Fame.  Mirelli has been a successful coach for over 60 years and remains active today as a coach of artistic roller skating.  Caroline is a mentor and is well respected by other coaches and always willing to assist by sharing her knowledge.  She is an example of the best attributes of a club developmental coach and a role model for this sport. 

ATHLETES HALL OF FAME - Elected Scott Rupp of St. Charles, Missouri, to the Athletes Hall of Fame.  Rupp was seven times a participant on National Championship Puck Hockey Teams during the quad era, from 1983 to 1990, representing the St. Louis Blast Team.  Rupp was a member of the 1996 World Inline Hockey Team and is respected by his peers for his technique and play-making ability.

Elected Daryn Goodwin of Carlsbad, California, to the Athletes Hall of Fame.  Goodwin was a member of the 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 World Inline Hockey Championship Teams from the USA.  Twice in 1995 and again in 1996, he was named USA Team Co-Captain.  He was one of the leading team scorers and is an acknowledged world class athlete by his peers. 

Elected Darlene Kessinger of New Albany, Indiana, to the Athletes Hall of Fame.  Kessinger was a USA Team World Championship speed skater in the years 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, and 1991.  At the World Track Championships in 1983 in Mar del Plata, she won a Gold Medal in the 300 meter and the 1,500 meter.  In 1985 Kessinger earned Gold Medals at the World Championships in Colorado Springs in the 5,000 meter, 10,000 meter and the 5,000 meter relays.  In 1987 she achieved a Gold Medal in Grenoble, France, in the 5,000 meter relay; she was a Gold Medalist in 1991 in Ostende, Belgium, in the 300 meter distance.  At the National Indoor Championships (quads) she won a Senior Gold Medal in 1983, 1985 and 1986.  In 1980 she was a Gold Medalist in the Indoor Junior Division.  In the 1982 Outdoor National Championships, Kessinger earned a Gold Medal in the 500 meter timed race.  In 1985 at the Banked Track in Colorado Springs she won Gold Medals in the 300 meter timed race as well as the 5,000 meter and was declared the Overall Champion.  In 1986 at the Outdoor National Championships she again won the 300 meter timed race.  In 1991 Kessinger again won the 500 meter timed race and was declared the Overall Sprint Champion as well as the Overall Champion. 

SHATTUCK AWARD - Approved presenting the M.M. Shattuck Distinguished Service to Bud and Shirley Engle of Brookpark, Ohio.  The recipients of this award have consistently demonstrated outstanding service to the Confederation programs for more than 50 years throughout the competitive season, whether on the local, league, state, regional, national or international levels.  The Engles have served the sport in every administrative capacity that their substantial talents could be utilized, as meet directors, scorers, judges, referees, awards coordinators, etc.

RINGEISEN AWARD - The Elmer Ringeisen Sportsmanship Award was established to honor competitive skaters who have conducted themselves according to the highest ideals of good sportsmanship, exemplifying in an outstanding manner the USARS Code of Conduct.  Approved present the Ringeisen Sportmanship Award tothe 15 World Class Senior Women who competed in the 2003 Outdoor National Speed Skating Championships in Colorado Springs.  Theresa Cliff, a World Class athlete, had been injured prior to the National Qualifying Championships and would otherwise have been ineligible for the 2003 World Speed Skating Championships. Needing unanimous approval from all participants to become eligible for the trials, Theresa received total consent from participants, a rare display of sportsmanship and appreciation for a great athlete.  Theresa went on to qualify for the World Championships.

The names of the 15 girls shall be inscribed on the Ringeisen plaque that will be hung in the National Headquarters, with each person receiving an individual certificate commemorating this honor.  They are as follows:  Stephanie Brader, Channa Bradley, Kimi Butler, Kimberly Derrick, Erin DiJulio, Heather Elliot, Esty Frakes, Solange Franklin, Julie Glass, Heidi Miller, Ricci Porter, Jilleanne Rookard, Ceilidh Sligh, Jessica Smith, Kristen St. Nicolas.}

VAN ROEKEL LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD - Bestowed the Gordon B. “Budd” Van Roekel Lifetime Service Award  to Gary Castro of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  This award is given in recognition for the highest level of continuous service to the Confederation.  Castro is a founding Director of USARS, having served as both its President and Chairman, as well as being a World Team manager on multiple occasions.

SNEAD AWARD - The Dennis R. Snead Award is given to individuals who have shown exceptional efforts in the advancement of roller speed skating through their dedication as track officials.  The Committee recommends that this honor be bestowed in 2004 on Charles Wahlig, former Speed Committee Chairman and National Championship Meet Director.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARDS - Approved for the following:
Toby Mathews of Plantation, Florida -  For his outstanding dedication toward the development of the Dominican Republic Roller Sports Teams for the Pan American Games in 2003.  Mathews was instrumental in starting the development of the Dominican team, beginning by contacting local street and rail skaters.  From this raw start Mathews developed a speed and hockey team, started a national roller skating federation and began a training program for figure skating.
Antoine Brooks of Palo Alto, California –For two years, Brooks made many trips to the Dominican Republic to put together a training program for two different cities for the development of roller inline hockey.  He helped to organize a national roller skating federation for the Dominican Republic, which eventually was recognized by its Olympic Committee.  The hockey team that he helped to organize participated in the 2003 Pan American Games and was an important factor in roller inline hockey gaining acceptance in the Games and roller skating's retention of Pan American status.
Gloria Manning of Miami, Florida – In recognition for continuing outstanding service and leadership in the Southern Region.  Her hand and efforts have been felt in every important program that USARS installed in Florida and the Southern Region, including the engineering of the National Pilot Program that was tested in the Southern Region.  Manning has served USARS wherever she was asked as a committee member, speaker and seminar leader at the National Conferences in Las Vegas.

PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE - Re-established the Performance Enhancement Committee as a Standing Committee which will consist of:  Chairman–Dave Morrell without vote; Staff Liaison–Richard Hawkins without vote; Figure–Jane Wojnarowsky; Hardball–Billy Sisson; Inline Hockey–Charlie Kirchner; John Gustafson-Speed; Athlete Representative–Toby Mathews.  The balance of the former Performance Enhancement Committee shall serve as the special Advisory Board to the newly constituted Committee: Dan Whittaker, Harriett Graham-Athlete, Arlene Lehman, Barry Jackson, Mike Miller, Jim Jost, Don Allen, Jeff Rabold, Rich Garvey, Jeff Foster, John Gustafson, Jay Ingram, Derek Downing, Pat Jacques, Anna Carrier, Doris Walsh, Larry Chop,  Doug Eley, Marty Bailey, Gail Collier, Jim Pringle, Harriett Graham, Eric Anderson

FINANCIAL SERVICES POLICY MANUAL - Amended to state that all financial reports should be received by the Finance Committee by the 10th of the month instead of the 20^th as previously approved.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ADMISSION CREDENTIALS - Contestants, coaches and officials shall be issued a standardized admission card and lanyard for entry into the National Speed and Figure Skating Championships, replacing the more costly photo credentials used at the previous two Championships.

USARS COMMITTEES - Approved the USARS Committees as amended, effective with the close of this meeting and continuing through the conclusion of the 2005 Semiannual Board of Directors Meeting.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW COMMITTEES

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS SITES:  Approved the Regional Championships sites as submitted, subject to payment of appropriate fees and the receipt of complete event information.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SITES

DATES FOR 2004 ANNUAL BOARD MEETING - The USARS National Office will contact the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs regarding potential use of their facilities for the 2004 Annual Board of Directors Meeting, associated costs, meeting room availability, housing for Board Members and guests.  Arrival is tentatively set for early on Friday, September 17, 2004, to tour the Training Center, potentially having a session on that afternoon or evening.  Departure would be on Sunday, September 19 after the conclusion of the meeting at 12 noon.   

HARDBALL HOCKEY

SITE FOR NATIONALS - Ratified the mail ballot that approved Skagit Skate in Burlington, Washington as the site of the 2004 Hardball Hockey National Championships, July 11-16, 2004.

WOMEN'S WORLD HARDBALL HOCKEY TEAM SELECTION - The 2004 Women's National World Hardball Hockey Team and alternates will be selected on Saturday morning, July 17, 2004.  Players and alternates must attend the open training camps.  The selection criteria will be the same as for the Men's Team.

2004 Hardball Hockey World Team Criteria – Through regional training camps and tournaments, a National Hardball Hockey Team Selection will take place by a majority vote of USARS registered coaches and committee members to be selected for the opportunity to attend the final selection camp the day following the conclusion of the 2004 National Championships in Burlington, Washington.  All past and present National and World Team Members in good standing with USARS may attend any and all camps including the final selection camp to be held the day following the 2004 National Championships, subject to the following.   All players trying out for a spot on the 2004 World Team must:  (1) Participate at the 2004 Hardball Hockey National Championships, (2) Be a member of the current World Team or one of the players or goalies chosen from the Selection Camps held prior to the 2004 National Championships.  The Final Selection Committee will consist of the World Team Coach/Manager and Hardball Hockey Committee.

TWO AT-LARGE FOR WOMEN'S TRIALS - Adopted the following as a part of the 2004 Women's Hardball Hockey World Team Selection Criteria:   If submitted at least 30 days prior to the Final Trials Camp, up to two qualified at-large players may be permitted to participate in the final Trials Camp.  At-Large athlete candidates must be submitted to the USARS Executive Committee for a review of their abilities and the circumstances that prevented them from participation in the 2004 National Championships.   Final determination shall be made, after consultation with the Chairman of the Hardball  Hockey Committee and the World Team Coach.

2004 WOMEN'S HARDBALL HOCKEY TEAM LEADERS- For the Ladies World Hardball Hockey Championships that will be held in Wuppertal, Germany, September 19-25, 2004, approved the following staff: Aaron "Frankie" Lee - Team Coach (expense-compensated), Ruben Leni - Manager (at own expense), One Doctor or Trainer  - To Be Determined (expense-compensated).

USA REFEREE FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - Approved Jim Jost as the USA referee for the 2004 Ladies World Hardball Hockey Championships, participating at his own expense.

OFFICIALS FOR HARDBALL HOCKEY NATIONALS - Approved the following as expense-compensated officials for the 2004 Hardball Hockey National Championships:  Meet Director-Bill Sisson; Assistant Meet Directors-Hardball Hockey Committee (not expense-compensated unless serving in other capacity listed in this motion), Chief Referee-Jeff Rabold, Referees-Gary Hendrickson, Jim Jost, John McNeel, Mark Brailey and Kevin Crooks.  Score and Timekeepers-Linda McNeel, Kathy Crooks and Becky Phelam.

ELITE- DIVISION - Approved the following: The 2004 Hardball Hockey National Championships will include an Elite Division comprised of Gold and Silver Divisions.  After the elimination brackets are completed, the top eight (8) teams will move to the Gold Division and teams nine (9) and lower will comprise the Silver Division.

Bracketing will be according to World Championships rules.  If there are four (4) Silver Teams entered in the National Championships, the competitions will return to two divisions, Gold and Silver.

BRONZE DIVISION - Approved the following Bronze Division requirements:           Bronze - 35 years of age and older; Men - 35 years of age and older; Ladies -14 years of age and older; A player who has never medaled at a National Championship.  1st and 2nd year players may compete in the Bronze Division for two (2) years.  Then they must move to the other Divisions.

Bronze Division players are not allowed to participate in the Elite Division.
1. No more than one player who has participated in Gold or Silver Divisions at the National Championships in the past three years can be on a Bronze Team.
2.  Any player who has not participated in Gold or Silver Divisions at the National Championships for more than three years may enter the Bronze Division.  
3.  One (1) player, Silver or Gold, over the age of 35 may play in the Bronze Division.
2005-2006-2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIOSHIPS SITES - Approved moving the 2005 National Championships from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to San Jose, California.  Milwaukee, Wisconsin is granted the 2006 and 2008 National Championships.

INLINE HOCKEY

2004 INLINE HOCKEY TEAM LEADRS - Approved the following as expense-compensated staff:  Rob Chornomud - Men's Inline Hockey Team Coach, Jeff Prime - Women's Inline Hockey Team Coach, One Doctor or Trainer - To Be Determined, Ron Tracy - Junior World Cup Team Coach, One Doctor or Trainer - To Be Determined.  (Executive Committee-3-21-04)

2005 INLINE HOCKEY TEAM SELECTION CRITERIA - Approved the following:

Women's World Inline Team - The 2005 FIRS Women's World Inline Hockey Championships will be conducted by the Comite International de Roller In-line Hockey (CIRILH) in Paris, France, July-2005, subject to final approval. USA Roller Sports will qualify a ten (10) member team, consisting of eight (8) floor players and two (2) goalies.

World Team Qualifying Events

(a)        Preliminary Qualification Trials - The Preliminary Trials event will be open to all eligible players who compete in the 2004 Inline Adult Women's Hockey National Championships at the All-American Sports Center in St. Louis, Missouri, July 30 - August 2, 2004. In addition, players in the 19U and 16U Girls Division at either the 2004 USARS USA Championships in Detroit, Michigan, July 2- 8, 2004, or AAU Junior Olympics in St. Louis, Missouri, July 31 - August 8, 2004, will be eligible for selection.
A Selection Committee will evaluate players and select a minimum of 30 players, which shall include 4 goalies, to participate in the Final Trials.
(b)        Final USA World Team Trials Camp - Athletes who qualify at the 2004 Nationals as noted above, may attend the Final Trials Camp at a U.S. Olympic Training Center, or other site to be determined, on a date to be determined. A team consisting of 10 players and 2 goalies will be selected to represent the USA at the 2005 FIRS World Inline Hockey Championships.(c)        At-Large Players - If submitted at least 30 days prior to the Final Trials Camp, up to two qualified at-large players may be permitted to participate in the Final Trials Camp. At-large athlete candidates must be submitted to the USARS Executive Committee for a review of their abilities and the circumstances that prevented them from participation in the 2004 National Championships. Final determination shall be made, after consultation with the Chairman of the Inline Hockey Committee and the World Team Coach.

World Inline Hockey Team Selection Committee- Evaluators for selection of the 2004 Women's World Inline Hockey Team shall be taken from some or all of the following individuals who will monitor the National Championships and conduct the final player evaluations: Women's World Team Coach-TBD, 2004 National Championships Meet Director, USARS Hockey Athlete Board Representative and/or a USOC Eligible Hockey Athlete Representative, an Inline Hockey Official, the USA Roller Sports Hockey Committee Chairman and/or Committee Members.        (Executive Committee-3-21-04)

Men's World Inline Team - The 2005 FIRS World Inline Hockey Championships will be conducted by the Comite International de Roller In-line Hockey (CIRILH) in Paris, France, July-2005, subject to final approval. USA Roller Sports will send a 14 member team, consisting of 12 floor players and two goalies.

World Team Qualifying Events.

(a) Preliminary Qualification Trials - The Preliminary Trials event will be open to all eligible
players who compete in the 2004 Inline Adult Hockey National Championships at the All-American Sports Center in St. Louis, Missouri, July 30 - August 2, 2004. In addition, players in the 20U Men's Division at either the 2004 USARS USA Championships in Detroit, Michigan, July 2- 8, 2004, or AAU Junior Olympics in St. Louis, Missouri, July 31 - August 8, 2004, will be eligible for selection. A Selection Committee will evaluate players and select a minimum of 30 Senior players, which shall include 4 goalies, to participate in the Final Trials.  Note: If the collegiate division is sanctioned by USARS for the 2004-05 season, eight (8) skaters and two (2) goalies who are named to the All American 1st and 2nd team may be invited to the Team USA Final Trials Camp.

(b)        Final USA World Team Trials Camp - Athletes who qualify at the 2004 Nationals as noted above, may attend the Final Trials Camp at a U.S. Olympic Training Center on a date to be determined. A team consisting of 12 players and 2 goalies will be selected to represent the USA at the 2005 FIRS World Inline Hockey Championships.

(c)        At-Large Players - If submitted at least 30 days prior to the Final Trials Camp, up to two qualified at-large players may be permitted to participate in the Final Trials Camp. At-large athlete candidates must be submitted to the USARS Executive Committee for a review of their abilities and the circumstances that prevented them from participation in the 2004 National Championships. Final determination shall be made, after consultation with the Chairman of the Inline Hockey Committee and the World Team Coach.

World Inline Hockey Team Selection Committee - Evaluators for selection of the 2005 World Inline Hockey Team shall be taken from some or all of the following individuals who will monitor the National Championships and conduct the final player evaluations:  Senior World Team Coach-TBD, 2004 National Championships Meet Director, USARS Hockey Athlete Board Representative and/or a USOC Eligible Hockey Athlete Representative, an Inline Hockey Official, the USA Roller Sports Hockey Committee Chairman and/or Committee Members. (Executive Committee-3-21-04).

INLINE HOCKEY WORLD TEAM SELECTION COMMITTEES - Subject to holding current membership in USARS, approved the following Selection Committees:

Women's Inline Hockey Team Trials: April 30, 2004 - May 2, 2004 - Huntington Beach, California:  Jeff Prime - 2003 and 2004 Women's World Team Head Coach, Rich Garvey - USOC Eligible Hockey Athlete Representative, Mark Vittese - USARS Hockey Committee Member, George Pickard - FIRS Central Committee Member/CIRILH President - Trials Coordinator

USA Men's World Team Final Trials:  May 13-16, 2004 - Corona, California:  Rob Chornomud - 2003 World Team Head Coach, Barry Jackson - 2003 National Meet Director and USARS Hockey Committee Member, Mike Duffey - USOC Eligible Hockey Athlete Representative, Joe Norris, Perry Turnbull, George Pickard - FIRS Central Committee Member/CIRILH President - Trials Coordinator

Junior Inline Hockey Team Trials:  April 30, 2004 - May 1, 2004 - Detroit, Michigan:  Ron Tracy - 2004 Head Coach, USOC Eligible Hockey Athlete Representative, Barry Jackson - 2003 National Meet Director and USARS Hockey Committee Member, Peter Dale - USOC Eligible Hockey Athlete Representative
Don Molnar, Keith Noll - USARS Hockey Committee Member - Trials Coordinator.    (Executive Committee-3-21-04)

SPEED SKATING

QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - Effective immediately, when only one skater or team is entered in an event at a Regional Championship, that skater or team automatically will qualify for the National Championships without being required to skate the Regional Championships.  Regional entry fees for the event must be paid.  The Meet Director must notify the skater within 5 days after the 21 day regional entry deadline.  The skater will have the option to skate (either the entire distance or the one lap qualifier) or not to skate that event at the Regional Championships.

RULES FOR OUTDOOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - Effective immediately, the Outdoor National Championships will utilize the CIC rulebook, with modifications to fit Nationals requirements.  This includes the declassification and warnings that are issued in World Championships competition.

JUNIOR AND SENIOR TEAM QUALIFICATION FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - Effective immediately, amend the Senior World team qualification conducted at the Outdoor National Championships to include:  (1)  Winner of the 300m track event, (2)  Winner of the 200m road event,  (3)  Top three overall skaters on the track and road combined (when there is both a World Track and Road Championships in the same year), and the next overall skater if one of the top three is also a sprinter.  USARS will fund the participation of Senior Team Members selected by the above procedure, up to a maximum of five female and five male athletes.

Amended the Junior World team qualification conducted at the Outdoor National Championships to include: (1)  Winner of the 300m track event, (2)  Winner of the 200m road event, (3)  Top two overall skaters on the track and road combined (when there is both a World Track and Road Championships in the same year), and the next overall skater if one of the top two is also a sprinter.

WORLD SPEED TEAM MAXIMUM - Effective immediately, amended the Senior World Speed Team Selection procedure to permit eight (8) Senior men and eight (8) Senior women to qualify to participate in the World Championships.  In addition to the selected World Team, skaters placing overall in the combined championships on the road and on the track in any additional positions may qualify.  They must agree to be part of the World Team and follow the rules and regulations established by USARS.  The overall placement shall be used to determine a full compliment of eight women and eight men if winners of the 300m track and/or 200m road distances are also overall qualifiers.  Athletes qualifying in this manner must attend residency at their own expense, and agree to pay their own World Championships expenses, including travel, hotel, food, uniforms costs, CIC entry fees, etc.  These athletes can only be assured the opportunity to participate in the marathon race.

USA WORLD SPEED TEAM INJURY PLAN - Effective immediately, adopted the following to be included in the Qualification Procedures for the USA World Speed Team:

1. Skater must be a USARS member in good standing.
2. Skater must have written proof of injury from physician to USARS President and/or Executive Director.

3. Skater must be a world medallist the previous year in a Junior or Senior individual division.4. Two-thirds of the participants in the qualifying event at World Team Trials must approve by secret ballot the inclusion of the injured athlete in the residency program.
5. Skater must attend residency program at his or her own expense to try to qualify in the top nine races on the track and nine races on the road against all same gender in 18 races.
6.  Athlete must have entered the Outdoor National Championships and paid the appropriate entry fee(s).

2004 WORLD SPEED TEAM LEADERS - Approved the following as expense-compensated staff:  Joe Cotter - Senior Team Coach, Gypsy Tidwell - Junior Team Coach, John Gustafson - Junior and Senior Team Manager, Lou Alcorn - Junior and Senior Assistant Team Manager, One Doctor or Trainer - To Be Determined. (Executive Committee-3-21-04)

Relay Rule Amendment - Changed SR141, 1. (c) and 2. (c) to read:
1.(c)Four Mixed Two Men and Two Women skating a total distance of 4000m.  Each member skates a continuous 500m before relaying with another; women start.  Add:  Both women skate their first 500m before the men skate their first 500m, and both women skate their second 500m before the men skate their second 500m (and)
2. (c)Four Mixed Two Men and Two Women skating a total distance of 2,000m. 
Each member skates a continuous 500m before relaying with another; women start. Add:  Both women skate before the men. (Executive Committee-3-21-04)

DIVISION NAME CHANGE - Effective immediately, change the name of the Juvenile Division to Freshman at the Outdoor National Speed Skating Championships.

OUTDOOR NATIONAL RELAYS - Effective immediately, added three-person relays to both Banked Track and Road National Championships.  Relay teams must be made up from the same USARS club, not sponsored teams. Track relays will be made every lap.  Freshman Three Boy - 2,400 meter; Freshman Three Girl - 2,400 meter; Junior Three Man - 3,000 meter; Junior Three Woman - 3,000 meter; Senior Three Man - 6,000 meter; Senior Three Women - 6,000 meter; Master Three Man - 3,000 meter; Master Three Women - 3,000 meter.    (Amended by Executive Committee-3-21-04)

PRO ELITE POINTS RACE- Effective immediately, change the Points Race in the Indoor Pro Elite Division as follows:

•       Increase the distance to 5,000 meters for both Men and Women.
•       Increase the number of qualifiers for the Points Race final to 18.
•       Points awarded:  3 for 1st place, 2 for 2nd place, 1 for 3rd place.
Final Lap Points:  6 for lst, 4 for 2nd, 2 for 3rd
Bell Laps:  Begin with lap 48, bell every 3 laps
Points Laps:  Begin with lap 47, points every 3 laps
Lapped Skaters:  Skaters 2 laps down may be disqualified at discretion of referee.

RELAY SUBSTITUTION RULE - Effective immediately. Deleted rules SR 164. (b) and SR 164.1,  Revise rule SR 164.1 for skaters who are injured or did not show up to read as follows:
a. At a Regional Qualifying Championship, a relay team must skate and qualify for the National Championships.  Additional team members may be added for substitutions provided these team members entered the Regional Qualifying Championships and are listed on the master entry submitted for the National Championships.

At the National Championships, the relay team must be selected from the

names submitted on the regional master list.  Substitutions may be made in accordance with the rules of substitution.  A defending team must skate the initial heat race intact.

b.         Once the initial heat race has been run, no substitutions will be allowed, except as follows:  If an injury occurs to any team member after heats have started, and that skater or skaters cannot compete for the remainder of the competition, a substitution may be made from the original list of  skaters.  The injury must be verified by a medical officer appointed by USARS.  No team member can be removed and substituted from another relay team once the heat races have started.

c. The number of additional skaters allowed for substitutions is as follows:
1. Four Person Relays:  Two additional team members.
2. Four Mixed Relays: Two additional team members, one man and one woman.
3. Two Person Relays:  One additional team member.  At least one member that skated on the qualifying team at the regional qualifying level must compete at the National Championships in that race.
4. Two Mixed Relays:  Two additional team members, one man and one woman.  At least one member that skated on the qualifying team at the regional qualifying level must compete at the National Championships in that race.

Delete rule SR 164.4.  Revise as follows:  All relay team members registered for the National Championships must pay the appropriate entry fee for that event.  The relay substitution changes are to be submitted to the Meet Director prior to the end of the appropriate relay practice. All changes shall be made by a registered coach.

PLACEMENT AMENDMENT - Effective immediately, amended speed rule SR640.2 by adding the following sentence:  "In the event of a fall, the placement for any contestant whose skates do not have contact with the floor shall be determined by the front wheel of the lead skate."

Delete speed rule SR615 "commercial promotion tactics" in its entirety.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS SPEED OFFICIALS - Approved the following:

Outdoor National Speed Skating Championships - Expense-Compensated (11):  (1) Beverly Thibodeaux - Meet Director; (2) Arlene Lehman- Announcer; (3) Kay Gallatin and (4) Tish Gorman - Tabulators; (5) Dan Whittaker - Chief Referee on the Track; (6) Tony Williams - Chief Referee on the Road; (7) Mike Bell, (8) Jim Pitsch, (9) Kathy Rex, (10) Larry Pep - Referees; (11) Leonard Gallatin - Photo Finish

Outdoor - Not Expense-Compensated:  Bill Lehman - Supporting Steward; David Alcorn - Photo Finish; Josh Gallatin - Assistant Announcer; Lou Alcorn - Alternate Steward; Dan Zielinski and Janine Cobb - Alternates for Expense-Compensated Referee Positions.  Two officials required by USOC for security purposes.

Junior Olympic National Championships - Expense-Compensated (23):  (1) Lou Alcorn - Meet Director; (2) Beverly Thibodeaux - Assistant Meet Director; (3) Bob Justice - Announcer - subject to terms; (4) Tish Gorman and (5) Kay Gallatin - Tabulators;    (6) Brian Hook - Awards; (7) Ken Shelton - Chief Referee; (8) Allen Hughes, (9) Mike Bell, (10) Wayne Bowles, (11) Ed Rush, (12) Tony Williams, (13) Dan Whittaker, (14) Jim Pitsch and (15) Joe Robinson - Referees; (16) Kristin Dijulio - Starter; (17) Leonard Gallatin and (18) David Alcorn - Photo Finish; (19) John Gustafson and (20) Bill Lehman - Competitive Stewards; (21) Ted Leineke - Chief Place Judge; (22) Donna Jennings and (23) Chris Gallatin - Place Judges

Junior Olympic - Not Expense-Compensated:  Nick Chrissan, Dan Zielinski, Stephanie Fesko, David Lewis - Alternates for Paid Referee Positions; Mitch Thibodeaux - Lap Counter

Indoor National Speed Skating Championships - Expense-Compensated (31):  (1) John Gustafson - Meet Director; (2) Ted Leineke -Assistant Meet Director; (3) Bob Justice -Announcer - subject to terms; (4) Tish Gorman and (5) Beverly Thibodeaux -Tabulators; (6) Ed Rush -Chief Referee; (7) Jim Pitsch -Assistant Chief Referee; (8) Allen Hughes, (9) Dan Whittaker, (10) Mike Bell, (11) Tony Williams, (12) Ken Shelton, (13) Kathy Rex, (14) Larry Pep, (15) Nick Chrissan, (16) Troy Blystra, (17) Waynes Bowles, (18) David Glasgow, (19) Joe Robinson - Referees; (20) Kay Gallatin-Chief Place Judge; (21) Veronica Thompson-Assistant Chief Place Judge; (22) Donna Jennings and (23) Chris Gallatin-Place Judges; (24) Dan Zielenski-Chief Starter; (25) Kristin Dijulio-Assistant Chief Starter; (26) Leonard Gallatin and (27) David Alcorn-Photo Finish; (28) Lou Alcorn, (29) Bill Lehman, (30) Melanie Holt-Competitive Stewards; (31) Brian Hook-Awards;

Indoor - Not Expense-Compensated:  Sephanie Fesko and David Lewis - Alternates for Expense-Compensated Referee Positions; Mitch Thibodeaux - Alternate for Expense-Compensated Place Judge

COMMISSION UPGRADES - Approved upgrading Nick Chrissan and Dave Glasgow to "A" Commissioned Referees.

INTERNATIONAL REFEREE UPGRADE - USARS shall submit a letter to Roberto Marotta, CIC President, recommending that Jim Pitsch be permitted to stand for CIC international referee testing.

ELITE SPEED OFFICIALS - Approved the recommendation of the Elite Speed Officials Committee to recognize Mitch and Beverly Thibodeaux, Jeff Kujawa, and Ken Shelton as Elite Speed Officials.

BIDS FOR 2005 QUAD NATIONALS -  Bids for the 2005 Quad National Speed Skating Championships shall be sought immediately. USARS will post the dates of the 2005 Quad National Speed Skating National Championships on its web site by no later than May 31, 2004. 

FIGURE SKATING

REGIONAL FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARDS - Effective with the 2004-2005 season, USARS medals shall be given for first, second and third figure placements at the Regional Championships.  The National Office will provide each region with USARS standardized certificates to present to all other qualifiers to the National Championships.

 2004 NATIONAL FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS - Approved the following: 

Standard National Figure Skating Championships:

Expense-Compensated - Artistic Meet Director-Jim Pollard; Assistant Meet Directors - Doug Laing and Robin Haleber; Referees-Bob Lim, Robin Haleber, Dick Miller; Scoring & Data Entry-Janet Palm and Jean Fiebig; Computer Programmer-Bob Lim; Awards Coordinator - Howard "Bud" Engle; Organist-Dominic Cangelosi; Music Coordinator-Tommy Andrew; Sports Trainers-two to administer first aid during entire Championships; Judges Committeee- Doris Walsh-Chair, Marty Bailey.

Not Expense-Compensated (Junior Olympic and Standard National Championships) - Assistant Awards Coordinator-Shirley Engle; Assistant Music Coordinator-Jerry Miller

Judges Panel - Expense-Compensated - (1) Marty Bailey - Judges Coordinator/Judges Committee, (2) Laura Benson, (3) John Cawley, (4) George Davis, (5) Richard Dion, (6) Ginny Houle, (7) Debbie Houston, (8) Cecelia Kelley, (9) John Rangel, (10) William Spooner, (11) Doris Walsh - Judges Committee,  (12) Dottie Walsh.  First Alternates for Expense-Compensated Positions:  John Gustafson, Billy Mastriano, Gary Callahan

Judges - Not Expense-Compensated - (13) Sally Bailey, (14) Danny Brown, (15) Gary Callahan, (16) Sue Ellis, (17) Judy Graves, (18) John Gustafson, (19) William Houle, (20) John Lehni, (21) Billy Mastriano, (22) Marie McGee, (23) Ron Miner, (24) Ernie Palm, (25) Marion Spooner, (26) Donald Stewart    

Junior Olympic National Figure Skating Championships:

Expense-Compensated - Artistic Meet Director-Jim Pollard; Assistant Meet Directors - Robin Haleber (Chief Announcer) and Doug Laing (Announcer); Referees-Bob Lim, Bruce Muench, Dick Miller; Judges Committee-Marty Bailey; Computer/Scoring & Data Entry-Jean Fiebig, Joyce Ritter; Music Coordinator-Tommy Andrew; Organist-Dominic Cangelosi; Awards Coordinator-Howard "Bud" Engle; Computer Systems Operation/Referee-Bob Lim.

Judges Panel - Expense-Compensated:  (1) Sally Bailey, (2) Gary Callahan, (3) Karyn Cormier, (4) Ron Eller, (5) Sue Ellis, (6) William Ferraro, (7) Doris Giardini, (8) John Gustafson, (9) Mitch Hembree, (10) Billy Mastriano.  First Alternate for Expense-Compensate Positions:  Elizabeth Caldwell

Not Expense-Compensated:  (11) James Barnett, (12) Thomas Beebe, (13) Tony Bland, (14) Sheryl Pitman Bower, (15) Elizabeth Caldwell, (16) Roberta Jackson, (17) Bruce Johnson, (18) Janet Jordan, (19) Ron Nichols, (20) Paul Park.

2004 WORLD FIGURE SKATING TEAM LEADERS - Approved the following as expense- compensated staff:  Anna Carrier - Junior Team Coach, Mike Jacques - Junior Team Manager, One Doctor or Trainer - Junior Team - To Be Determined, Cindy Schrader - Senior Team Coach, Doug Eley - Senior Team Manager, One Doctor or Trainer - Senior Team - To Be Determined. (Executive Committee-3-21-04)

2004 WORLD FIGURE TEAM TRAVEL - Junior Team Members - Junior World Team Members must pay USARS the estimated total cost of food, lodging, walking around money and practice outfit. Athletes may book own travel to arrive in Fresno in time for the first team meeting - at a time yet to be determined.

Senior Team Members - Senior Team Members may book their own travel (without additional authorization from USARS if the amount is less than $325) to arrive in Fresno in time for the first team meeting - at a time yet to be determined.  The cost of travel will be reimbursed to the skater by USARS upon receipt of a copy of an official airline itinerary with price shown. (Executive Committee-3-21-04)

2004 WORLD FIGURE CHAMPIONSHIPS JUDGES  - Danny Brown has been invited to judge at the Senior World Championships and Laura Benson has been invited to judge at the Junior World Championships in Fresno, California.   

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ADMISSION CREDENTIALS - Contestants, coaches and officials shall be issued a standardized admission card and lanyard for entry into the National Speed and Figure Skating Championships, replacing the more costly photo credentials used at the previous two Championships.

FIGURE AND DANCE DRAWS - For the 2004-2005 season, figures and dances for the Regional and National Championships shall be drawn on June 1, 2005.  For Junior and Senior World Class events, the figures for the Regional Championships will also be drawn on June 1, 2005.  The World Class figures will be posted and announced by the Chief Referee on the first scheduled National Championships day.

RESTRUCTURING - Effective with the 2004-2005 season.  Approved the Figure Skating Technical Committee Report, including qualifying four entries in A-B-C events and increasing the entry fee to $55 per entry per event.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW FIGURE REPORT

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS FEES - Effective with the 2004-2005 skating season, all entry fees for Qualifying Regional Artistic Championships shall be the same amount for each event skated, with a maximum of $45 (no reduced fees for additional events entered).

MANDATORY WORLD TEAM MEETINGS - Approved the schedules for the 2004 Figure Skating National Championships, to include notice of mandatory team meetings for the Junior World Team, the Senior World Team and a separate one for Precision World Teams.  A notice will be included with the National Championships registration forms that are distributed at the Regional Championships, calling their attention to these mandatory meetings.

Notice of mandatory World Figure Team Meetings must be distributed in writing, posted on the USARS web site and submitted in advance.  Penalty for failure to attend will result in dismissal from the World Team.  The anticipated duration of these meetings is four hours the day following the conclusion of their event.  A notation should also be included on the World Class entry forms where athletes and/or parents are required to sign because of the waiver on the form.  Jim Pollard and Jane Wojnarowsky will review the schedule and set the meeting dates and times.