Revised
Minutes
WBL Board
Meeting
August 15,
2001
In attendance: Barbara Doran, Barbara Shaw, Bill Cole, Lee Jensen, Michael
Carroad, Dick Wegman, Don Berman, David Ruderman, Kathy Kruskal, Fred King.
President Barbara Doran called the meeting to
order a 7:40 p.m.
The revised minutes of the June 20, 2001
meeting were approved without objection.
Treasurer Steve Robinson mailed his report
and said that there was $7218.00 in our checking account and that included some
of the Regional money. Lee Jensen stated
that some of the checks for the Regional haven=92t cleared the bank yet. The report was approved without objection.
Barbara Doran then discussed Easy-Bridge.
Edith McMullin ran an Easy-Bridge I class at the Smithsonian for six weeks in
July and August. There were 120 people
(30 tables) who participated. They turned approximately 20 people away. The class was open to Smithsonian
associates. There was lots of energy
and excitement from the students.
Approximately 1/3 of the participants were from Maryland, 1/3 from
Washington, and 1/3 from Northern Virginia.
We then discussed ways of keeping these 0-20
pt. Players interested and coming to the Unit game, the WBC or other area
games. We need to find a teacher to
teach Easy-Bridge. There is also Easy-Bridge
II to be taught to those who have all ready taken the first course. Edith thinks we should have a follow-up for
this class. Dave Ruderman pointed out
that the central location of the Smithsonian was important. And perhaps follow-up classes for these
people should continue to be taught there if the Smithsonian would
cooperate. We could teach another I
level class and continue with a II level class for those who all ready showed
so much interest. We have to do it soon
before these enthusiastic players drift away from the game. It was also suggested that we mail a letter
to all of those who took the class and offer them and free game at one of our
Thursday night Unit games. We could
also set up a separate section for these novices. They would play only about 12 boards in an evening and therefore
should be charged only 1/2 price entry.
We could also provide a teacher to give a mini-lesson each week before
the game. We would pay the teacher. It
was suggested that we check with Edith and see whom she would recommend as a
teacher.
The Sectional in Clubs was accepted by
Millard Nachtway. Lee Jensen said that
Player of the Year points would count from this sectional. Bill Cole reported the scheduling meeting
was rescheduled and when the meeting occurs a date will be picked in 2002 for
this sectional. There may be more that
two sites. There may also be a site in
Northern Virginia. We are also going to
look at the logistics of splitting sites for sectionals and see how successful
it is at this sectional. It was
discussed that we may want to split the Fridays at regular sectionals due to
traffic in our area.
Michael Carroad reported that our attendance
has been declining at the Church. We had 48 total tables the first week. We are losing tables in the 0-50 game and we
are low in the Flight A game. We had
only 20 tables the first week. The
lighting is poor at the church and we need additional lights. It is good to have all players in one room.
Dave Ruderman began a lengthy discussion on
C&E committees and the guidelines for the members and the committee
itself. There are discovery problems
and apparently no firm standard guidelines from which the committee
operates. In the past there have been a
variety of rulings depending on who the Chairman is. He felt that it is appropriate for the committee to know the
witnesses in advance.
Kathy Kruskal said that no one seemed to know
what was expected of them. There needs
to be procedures established for the members and guidelines for the chairperson. Barbara Doran felt that she was on trial
when she was a witness before a C&E committee. There are disciplinary
guidelines from the ACBL in a Conduct of Committees manual 200 pages long. The Chairman should be familiar with the
manual. There should be training for
C&E members. An outstanding issue
was discussed briefly. Bill Cole asked
it anyone had talked to the two women involved in the June incident. Barbara Doran said she would send a letter
to the ladies involved. Don Berman said
he would call them. This is typical of
the committee. These complaints should
not drag on for months. Issues brought before the committee should be handled
expeditiously.
Dick Wegman Chairman of the C&E committee
stated that simply because a complaint is lodged that doesn't mean the C&E
committee has to take action. There
should be some procedure established for the handling of complaints. Michael Carroad stated that at the tournament
level all complaints go through the Chief director. There is also the Recorder system in place. A form is filled out and received by the
Recorder, in our case Don Berman. He decides along with the C&E Chairman
whether he complaint merits a committee hearing. If the complaint is at a local
tournament the Unit C&E committee may
take over for the tournament C&E committee. A committee can decide whether to hear or not hear a complaint on
an ad hoc basis. Bill Cole stated that
there should be standards, procedures and rules for what is a C&E issue and
what isn't. Don Berman suggested a
Grand Jury type system. A committee
should meet to determine whether an issue belongs before a C&E Committee or
not. Dick Wegman asked to what extent
do you take into account prior violations when determining guilt or
innocence. Michael Carroad said, not at
all. It is in the National Rules.
Don Berman reported that Rich Colker, the
National Recorder, held a seminar at the Toronto Nationals on the Recorder=92s
duties. Dave Ruderman asked that the Recorder should report to the Board every
2 or 3 months the number of forms received and the actions taken. Don Berman said that Rich Colker wants the
forms sent to the National Committee when complaints involve National level
players. Michael Carroad questioned
that and said it couldn't be done. Past
President Lee Jensen said that all recorder forms of substance were sent to the
ACBL. These forms of substance include
complaints concerning violation of rules, behavioral problems, and cheating of
a National level person.
Don Berman moved that the Recorder meet with
the C&E Chairman to decide whether there is merit to proceed with a
complaint. A quorum of the C&E
committee would meet and decide whether the matter should proceed. Fred King seconded the motion. Dick Wegman wants the decision to be made expeditiously. Dave Ruderman suggested tabling the motion
so Dick Wegman and Don Berman could discuss it further. The motion was tabled until the September
meeting.
Fred King talked to Charity Sack about the
strange ACBL letter they received.
There was a request to have a liaison to the ACBL from our Unit. He is working on education for our
Unit. And he will be working with Kathy
Kruskal to place ads in the local college papers inviting students to play
bridge with us on Thursday nights.
Dave Ruderman reported that we are paying the
church custodian $50.00 per week to set up and take down the tables and chairs
for our Thursday Unit games. Parking is a problem and he will talk to the staff
at the nursing home next door to the church to see if we could use their
parking lot on Thursday nights.
Barbara Doran stated that Abby Heitner is to
present her report on Appeals Committees at the September meeting.
Dave Ruderman and Barbara Shaw volunteered to
write an article for the Unit Bulletin about filling out convention cards
properly. The article will be submitted to Barbara Doran for her approval
before going to Bryan Coleman for publication.
New Business: Lee Biggs moved all the tables from Our Kodesh to the Church and
refused to take any compensation for it.
It was asked that a thank you card be sent to Lee for he
assistance. Also we need to send a get
well card to Eddie Burke who was injured in at fall at his home.
Barbara Doran thanked Dave Ruderman for
hosting the meeting. The next meeting is September 19 at Barbara Shaw=92s. Directions: from the Beltway proceed up Rte.
29, Columbia Pike past Burtonsville and Dave Ruderman=92s turn into Howard
Co. After you pass the Pautuxant River
into Howard Co. turn right at the top of the hill. There is a golf driving range at the hairpin turn. Proceed on Old
Columbia Pike and turn to the left onto Harding Road. Go about 1 mile to the top of a hill. You=92ll see a red brick retaining wall. Turn left onto Scotts Landing Road. Follow circle around either direction until
you get to the back. Turn left or right
up a pipe stem driveway that has 4 mailboxes at the end. We are at 11052 Scotts Landing, the house on
the left. 301-598-3339=20
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
The October meeting will be a Lee Jensen's
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Shaw, Recording Secretary