Present: Ralph Chown, Mary Brinklow, Darlene Brown, Charlie Lane,

Ann Gunther, Lesley Mason Ward, Claus Koch,

Regrets: Pat Niblett, Chris Smith

Guests: Barrie Malloch, Geoff Camp, Brian Croker

Meeting called to order at 1:48 PM

Approval of Agenda

To approve the agenda as presented.

Moved by Ralph Chown, seconded by Charlie Lane

CARRIED

Approval of last meetings minutes

To approve the minutes of the meeting from December 17, 2000 as presented.
Moved by Darlene Brown, seconded by Ann Gunther.

CARRIED

Ralph advised the Board that Lea Bredschneider, Executive Director of Swim Ontario would be joining the meeting at some point during the day.

REPORTS:

CONSTITUTION: Mary was inquiring as to whether we should include something concerning the neutrality of politics, sex orientation, ethnic background, etc.; as listed in the Canadian Charter of Rights. After discussion agreeing with her, Mary said she would put something together for the next meeting.

SWIM ONTARIO: Lea Bredschneider joined the meeting. Lea emphasized that she has no intention of interfering with the daily running of Masters. Swim Ontario does not have the manpower nor desire to be deeply involved in the running of Masters. She did request a few things, such as a copy of the sanctioned meets. Charlie will work with Lea on this matter. Lea’s concern regarding insurance issues with Swim Ontario was the main focus. After a lengthy discussion with different scenarios, it was decided that Claus would draft a letter to clarify areas of the insurance coverage. The letter would be sent to Sheldon Rogers (the Insurance agent), Lea and the Board prior to being sent to the clubs and unattached swimmers.

One piece of insurance information to note: if you travel outside of the Province to a meet, you MUST fill out the Travel Permit (?) form and send to Swim Ontario ATTN:

Tania Cox in order to be covered by the Swim Ontario insurance. Not adhering to this will forfeit the insurance coverage.

The Board thanked Lea for her assistance and her hard work at Swim Ontario. Lea thanked us for allowing her to attend the meeting and looked forward to a pleasant and productive relationship with MSO as it has been it the past.

STRATEGIC PLANNING: Ralph would like all Committee Chairs to email him with their intentions for the coming year.

FINANCIAL: Darlene presented the financial statements. See attached.

MSC: Geoff Camp was in attendance for Pat Niblett. Geoff reported that there has been a major turnover on the Executive of MSC. Six Provinces have new Reps. Quebec’s Rep is an Official-not even a Masters Swimmer.

Robin MacDonald of Ontario has been "hired" to look for Marketing funds for SNC and has been approached for MSC.

There is a Sponsor for the 2001 Nationals in Calgary.

PUBLICATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS: It was decided to work on the handbook for Fall distribution. The handbook must be ready to go to the printer by June.

SWIM ONTARIO: Again the Hall of Fame issue was raised. Again it was discussed with no definite decision.

Discussion took place about a meet managers program for MSO. There is the possibility of the HYTEK system or Don Clinton from Nepean has developed one that was used for Nationals 1999. Further investigation is necessary.

MARKETING: Ann discussed the possibility of having a postal meet as they have in the States. It could be run in conjunction with the web site. She would put something together for the next meeting.

WEB SITE: Barrie has looked into getting Adobe software so it would be easy to load club meet information packages on the website.

Motion: To approve the purchase of the Adobe software to a maximum of $400.00. Moved by Charlie Lane, seconded by Mary Brinklow.

CARRIED

MEMBERSHIP: Brian reported that 9 clubs have not renewed memberships as of January 12, 2001. A letter will be sent out as the last note of communication from MSO and giving them a chance to renew. The Clubs are: Champion Aquatic Club-Toronto, Claringdon Masters-Claringdon, Carleton Place Masters-Ottawa, London Y Masters-London, Northumberland Masters-?, Olympic Gold Masters- Sudbury, Stratford Y Masters-Stratford, Timmins Lane Burners-Timmins and Welland Y Masters-Welland.

MSO has seen 6 new clubs register this year in Acton, Durham (Oshawa), Downtown Toronto (Fitness Institute), Ingersoll, Owen Sound and Uxbridge.

Nicole MacDonald of 1000 Islands had contact Brian about becoming involved with MSO. Since there is a vacancy, it was a unanimous decision to welcome Nicole on to the MSO Board.

MSO has purchased time cards from Swim Ontario and are selling 100 of each color cards for $5.00 (includes postage). Please contact Brian at 416-944-9226 or msoreg@mastersswimmingontario.ca to order cards.

It is sad to report that University of Western Ontario Aquatic Masters has decided to fold.

Quotes from long time founder Bryan Finlay:

"Its been a long way from my first Masters swim in 1978 Senior Games in Etobicoke-and then my first Ontario meet at the North York Pentathlon that year-encouraged by Mike Rockwood-who set me so many challenges as a Breaststroker. From the early days of Dick Weick, Brian Timney, Bonnie Weber and me to the current "base" of Don Hambley, Chris Engelke, and me-we’ve always been a Small Club with a Big Heart. Never more than 25 registrants at our "peak"- but many National Records and even a couple of World Records. I guess we’re really no more than what other people say about us-our impressions of ourselves are just measures of Self Gratification- Mental Master-bation!

Thanks to everyone on the MSO committee that keeps the ball rolling so smoothly."

Just a quick note that the St. Mary’s Quarry Swim will still live on…. Just being run by a "different "club".

FITNESS: No report.

MEET COORDINATOR: Charlie reports most meets are now sanctioned with a few in February and March planned but not sanctioned yet.

RECORDS & TOP TEN: Lesley reports that all results are in for 2000 calendar year and posted. Check the website for your age group! If you find any errors or omissions, please contact:

Top Ten: Lesley Mason-Ward at lmasonwa@magma.ca or 613-722-1203

Records: Pat Niblett at niblett@magma.ca or 613-828-4113

Next Meeting: Sunday March 25, 2001 At Etobicoke Olympium at 11 AM

Meeting Adjourned:

Motioned by Lesley Mason Ward

CARRIED