USA National Shuffleboard Association
Established 1931

The USA National Shuffleboard Association’s Semi Annual Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. est. on Tuesday, July 20, 2010.  The meeting was held in the Aigler Room of the Fountain Inn.

The President asked John Brown to lead us in prayer.  This was followed by the Pledge of  Allegiance.

A roll call of Presidents and Delegates taking part in the teleconference was made prior to the meeting:  Ray Jones, AZ; Liz Backus, CA; Rosi  ElRite, CA; Roger Schroeder, IA;  Rob Robinson, WA; Chuck Crouse WA; Brian Sullivan, TX; and Don DeHart, IN.  Also, Western District Rep. Jan Crouse and Webmaster, Colleen Austin.

A roll call of Executive Board Members in attendance:  Jim Bailey, President; Gus Bondi, 1^st Vice President; Bob Zaletel, 2^nd Vice President; Sandi Quinn, 3^rd Vice President; Carl Howell, Treasurer; and Ninfa Bailey, Secretary.

A roll call of Presidents and Delegates in attendance: Landy Adkins, FL; Walt Wedel, MI;  Robert Sudomir, OH; Wilma Rudolph, TX; Sue Krynak, OH; Carol Howell, MO; Stan Quinn, NC; and Kay Buchanan, PA.  Also, North East Rep. John L. Brown and many additional members of the NSA were in attendance.

The president asked for a motion that the minutes be accepted as posted on the internet.  Landy Adkins made a motion that the minutes be accepted as posted.  Seconded by Bob Zaletel.

The President asked for the Treasurer’s Report, presented by Carl Howell.  An audit conducted by Sylvia Smith in March and witnessed by Jan Crouse was accepted.  A copy of the signed affidavit will be on file.  The Financial Report as of July, 2010 states the Checking Account has $8876.04.  In our Vanguard Account, there is a total of $16,113.30.  The American Century balance is $5310.58.  A question was put forth to the group asking if anyone had any ideas as to where we could invest our money, to let Carl know as we received only $0.40.  That is 40 cents interest earned per month.  A general discussion followed.  Joe Messier asked why the interest was so low and will look at the statement.  California Rep. Liz Backus remarked that California interest rates are just as low.  Landy Adkins, FL, made a point of asking Carl Howell if he had looked into other funds and he said he would.  He would like suggestions from anyone.  Carl said that he would follow up on all suggestions and report back.  The President, Jim Bailey, said that we don’t want to make any rash decisions with our money because of recent history, stock markets and other funds.  Our money is safe right where it is, so if Carl or someone comes up with a decent idea and it looks fairly safe, then we will have to contact the board members to discuss it and if the board agrees, then a decision will be made.  AARP was suggested.  A bank balance was requested which was $30,299.92 total.  President Jim Bailey asked if there were any more questions for the Treasurer.  Bob Zaletal asked if any monies were received from the East West Games in September.  Carl Howell said he did not receive any monies.  President Jim Bailey explained that the decision was made to make the E/W Games a National Tournament calling it, The East-West Goodwill Games, and to forgo the $1.00 per person for this time only.  After the explanation, no more questions were asked so a motion was made by Rosi ElRite to accept the Treasurers Report.  It was seconded by Joe Messier.  A vote was taken and the motion was approved.

President Jim Bailey received a phone call from Rich Phifer of Lakeside with concerns about the cost of the Hall of Fame Banquet.  A discussion by the Executive Board was made about the overall rising costs with no relief in sight and that maybe we should cancel the banquet.  An idea was put forth about the Hall of Fame recipients receiving their plaques and pins in front of all the players. They would be introduced on the Wednesday evening at the playoffs and then given their awards on the following day.  After a discussion, it was decided to give The Executive Board permission to make the decision after looking at different alternatives.  It was decided to try it next year with the option to bring the Banquet back the following year.

A discussion was held regarding the new Arizona team tournament in the fall.  Each team will consist of 16 players, both men and women.  You only need four players from your area to qualify.  With regards to the same subject, Rob Robinson from Washington state, was asked to explain why a new National Team Pin is needed.  A team event should have its own National Pin because some players on a team may not even win a game.  That person does not deserve to win a National Pin.  But a new Team National Pin would just say that the person was on a winning team.  Ray Jones from Arizona was granted permission to speak with regards to the new team pin and is in full agreement that a new pin be designed to protect the integrity of the Singles and Doubles National  Pin which is given once in a lifetime to the winners.  A motion from Bob Zaletel stated that a new National Team Pin be designed for National Team Tournaments and a person can only win this new pin once in a lifetime.  Seconded by Sandi Quinn.  A roll call of the presidents and delegates on the teleconference and those in attendance was made and the motion carried.  Another motion was made by Bob Zaletel.  It stated that the executive board should decide with input on the design developed by M & S Trophy of Mesa, AZ.  Seconded by Rob Robinson.  A vote was taken and the motion approved.  A discussion followed about the tournament’s rules and qualifications.  Rob Robinson explained the rules about previous year’s players paying monies by a certain date to qualify.  Any state can hold a team tournament.  Contact Rob Robinson to get more information.

Bob Zaletel reported on publicity letters written to different companies and is hoping for more help from people to be on his committee.  John L. Brown suggests that the Regional  Directors work with him on trying to promote Shuffleboard. 

Sandi Quinn will be in charge of receiving letters for the Hall of Fame Nominees.  The cut- off date is November 10, 2010.  So please send your letters to Sandi.  Her home and e-mail addresses are on the web site.

Colleen Austin, our Webmaster, will put the web link for the Germany ISA Games on the NSA web site. Colleen will also be putting the 10-Day notices on line for review.  They will also be mailed out for a vote in November with the ballots for the Hall of Fame for your consideration.

Jan Crouse, Western Director, says they are looking forward to the East West Games at Clearwater, Florida on September 16, 2010; Arizona National Singles, February 14-17^th; and Hemet, California National Doubles, March 28-31^st.  Congratulations to the East and West Teams traveling to Germany.

John Brown mentioned that Indiana is holding more tournaments than ever with five (5) this year and more to come.  Don DeHart as President has done a wonderful job.  So if you are traveling east and are in Indiana, stop and play.

Under new business, President Jim Bailey stated that the East West Games will be in Clearwater, FL starting September 16-20, 2010 with 34 players from the East and 34 from the West.  Each player will play 14 games.  They will use the same format as the ISA, 8 yellow and 8 black.  Special thanks to Larry Farris who made up the schedule for the tournament.  We really do appreciate all the time and effort he put into it. Thanks again.

George Adkins discussed the youth tournament regarding the change in the number of games played.  There was no need to vote or make a motion since the state of Ohio is requesting the change.  The tournament directors are aware of the change.

An announcement was made by President Jim Bailey that the teleconference equipment was sent from California by James Bailey III.  He has approved the costs incurred for the teleconference to be covered.  It has been approved for the January24, 2011, meeting also.  Presidents and Delegates please note that it will be up to you to sign up to participate in the teleconference with the Secretary, Ninfa Bailey.  She will send out the information needed to join the conference as usual.

President Jim Bailey entertained a motion for adjournment at 8:45 p.m. est.  A motion was made and seconded.  Motion approved.

NATIONAL TREASURER’S REPORT for July, 2010 by Carl Howell, Treasurer