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A NOTE FROM THE OUTGOING SECRETARY

September, 1999

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

The 1999 Workshops and Meetings in Reno, Nevada were very successful. Thanks to everyone who helped make the event a success.

This document includes the minutes of the last meeting of the 1998-1999 USCF Policy Board meeting, the 1999 USCF Membership Meeting, and the 1999 USCF Delegates' Meeting.

We have a new Executive Board. Let’s get behind them and give them our full support. There are many issues to resolve. The important thing is to work together.

It has been a real privilege to be your Secretary these past six years. I will now be devoting my time to expanding our partnerships with health and social agencies to focus public awareness of chess as a tool for prevention. I will be seeking sponsorships as part of this effort. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or leads in this area please e-mail your suggestions to [email protected] .

I wish each of you and the USCF the best.

Sincerely,

Rachel Lieberman

ACTIONS BETWEEN USCF POLICY BOARD MEETINGS

The following motions were passed by objections procedure between May and August, 1999:

PB 99-77 (Cavallo):

Resolved that: In view of John Watson’s contributions to chess and his urgent current medical needs, $10,000 from the Health and Benefit Fund immediately be made available to the John Watson Medical Fund and that a further $10,000 be available to match contributions from others. PASSED BY OBJECTIONS PROCEDURE

PB 99-78 (Lieberman): The Executive Director and/or the President shall inform the Board of any litigation filed by or against the USCF. PASSED BY OBJECTIONS PROCEDURE

 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 08/99 USCF POLICY BOARD MEETING

RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 12, 1999

The last meeting of the 1998-1999 USCF Policy Board took place on Thursday, August 12, 1999. President Schultz called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. The Board met in closed session to review the Executive Director and Editor. The following two motions came from closed session:

PB 99-79 (Board): The Executive Board has concluded its review of the Executive Director and accepts the committee recommendations that there be no increase in compensation this year. PASSED 5 – 1

(Dorsch, Eade, Goichberg, Lieberman, Scott in favor; Schultz opposed)

PB 99-80 (Board): The Board has reviewed the Editor and concurs with the recommendations of the Executive Director. PASSED 6 – 0

Note: Garrett Scott gave his votes to the Secretary when he arrived shortly after the vote was taken.

The meeting adjourned at 11:18 AM. The Board remained available to answer questions in the Policy Board/Staff forum.

Policy Board/Staff Forum

An inquiry was made as to the number of employees at the USCF office. Mike Cavallo indicated that the current number was 40.

Alternative US Open schedules were discussed.

A question was asked regarding the new computer system. Mike Cavallo indicated that the original software vendor had been replaced and the custom coding is in progress. Estimated time for completion of coding is about 6 weeks.

It was pointed out that national tournaments with high entry fees and big prize funds tend to lose money.

The status of the Stan Vaughn lawsuit was reviewed.

Contents of the 1999 Annual Report were discussed, with the focus of interest being on the financial reporting..

A question was asked regarding the lack of the mailing of significant BINFOs to the Delegates prior to the meeting, which was generally done in the past. It was the sense of those present that the mailing should be resumed. It was also pointed out that the BINFO summaries on the web are still three months behind.

The requirements and costs for providing services to Life Members were discussed.

A question was asked as to why a former employee has not received her pension payment. Mike Cavallo indicated that payment would be made as soon as the employee supplied the required paperwork. Severance payments to former employees were also discussed.

Additional financial questions were raised, and it was noted that the financial workshop would take place at 1PM on Friday, and that all who are interested should attend.

The forum concluded at noon.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 1999 USCF MEMBERSHIP MEETING

RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 13, 1999

  1. Welcome by USCF President Donald Schultz
  2. President Donald Schultz opened the 1999 Membership Meeting at 4:30PM and welcomed the group.
  3. Introduction of USCF Policy Board Members and Staff.
  4. President Schultz began by introducing the USCF staff members who were present, including Executive Director Mike Cavallo, Associate Director and "Chess Life" Editor Glenn Petersen, Scholastic Director Beatriz Marinello, Technical Director Ernie Schlich, Assistant Director Joan DuBois, Executive Assistant Barbara DeMaro, and. Purchasing Assistant Heather Weygant.

    President Schultz also introduced those Board members who were present at the time: Vice President Bill Goichberg, Secretary Rachel Lieberman, and Member-At-Large Garrett Scott. Please note that Member-At-Large Jim Eade arrived shortly thereafter. Treasurer Tom Dorsch was not present.

    Members of the new Executive Board who were present were also introduced.

  5. Old Business
  6. There was no Old Business at the 1999 Membership Meeting.
  7. New Business

Harold Stenzel (NY) introduced the following motion:

Membership Motion 99-01 (Harold Stenzel, NY): The membership expresses their disappointment that not all of the Policy Board attended the Membership Meeting. PASSED

A question was asked as to why other organizations are holding chess events at our US Open site. An example was the WBCA Blitz tournament. The USCF currently offers Blitz events through the WBCA. The Executive Director will examine the feasibility of the USCF developing its own Blitz program.

A question was asked regarding pay increases for the staff. With the exception of the Executive Director, all USCF staff will receive a minimum of a three percent cost of living increase this year.

A question was asked as to how one person can adequately handle both, the position of "Chess Life" Editor and the position of Associate Director. It was suggested that these positions are separate and should not be merged. This is an issue for the new Board and the Executive Director to resolve.

A question was asked regarding the possibility of holding a tournament where a win counted for three points, a draw one point, and a loss zero points. It was indicated that as long as all advance publicity for a tournament specifically mentions any new or unusual circumstances, it is OK.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:04PM.

WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR OLD/ADVANCE/NEW DELEGATE MOTION?

This cross-reference is the quick and easy way to find out.

The Advance Delegate Motions (ADMs) listed in the Delegates' Call are presented below. To see what happened to any of them, simply look for the ADM number in the left column. You will find the DM number to use for more information in this document, the basic subject, sponsors, and disposition. The same information is provided for New Delegate Motions (NDMs) which were not printed in the advance agenda.

1999

ADM #

1999 DM#

SPONSOR (S)

TOPIC

DISPOSITION

99-01 99-01 HAROLD WINSTON, IL RE-ELECT DELEGATES AT LARGE PASSED
99-02 99-02 RACHEL LIEBERMAN,AZ 1998 MINUTES ACCEPTED PASSED
99-03 99-03 RACHEL LIEBERMAN,AZ CERTIFY 1999 ELECTION PASSED
99-04 99-04 RACHEL LIEBERMAN,AZ THANK ELECTION TELLERS PASSED/ BY ACC
99-05 99-05 BOARD ADOPTION OF 1999-2000 BUDGET PASSED/AMENDED
99-06 99-06 BOARD USCF ACCOUNTING FIRM PASSED/ AMENDED
99-07 99-28 HAROLD WINSTON,IL MOTION TO RATIFY PASSED/AMENDED
99-08 99-29 HAROLD WINSTON,IL PROMOTIONAL MEMBERSHIPS PASSED
99-09 99-07 HAROLD WINSTON/BYLAWS ALLOCATION/ALT DELEGATES PASSED
99-10 99-08 GUY HOFFMAN,WI; DAVE KUHNS, MN; MIKE NIETMAN,WI ALLOCATION/ DELEGATES PASSED
99-11 99-30 JAMES EADE,CA/N RECORD VOTES ON WEBSITE PASSED/AMENDED
99-12 99-34 MANY SPONSORS R.HOUGH & F. CAMARATTA ARE ELECTED LADs & DALs PASSED (2ND YEAR ) � VOTE
99-13 99-35 H. WINSTON,IL; P. NIXON,MI;

R. GOTSCHALL,IA;

S. WEERAMANTRY, NY

FAN ADAMS IS ELECTED A LVM AND DAL (POSTHUMOUSLY) STANDING OVATION; TITLE NOT CONFERRED
99-14 99-36 DM98-62/ADM98-40 ANALYSIS OF DUES STRUCTURE PASSED FOR 2000
99-15 99-37 GUY HOFFMAN, WI RATINGS BELOW FLOOR WITHDRAWN
99-16 99-14 TIM JUST,IL, FOR KEVIN BACHLER SCHOOL TEAMS WITHDRAWN
99-17 99-15 TIM JUST,IL, FOR KEVIN BACHLER SCHOOL TEAMS WITHDRAWN
99-18 99-16 TIM JUST,IL, FOR KEVIN BACHLER SCHOOL PLAYERS WITHDRAWN
99-19 99-38 M.PINTO; H. POSCHMANN; R. KOEPCKE (ALL CA/N) NO NEW DALs ARE CREATED WITHDRAWN
99-20 99-39 M. CARR, CA/S; M. LIEBERMAN,AZ; H. TERRIE, NH TABLING A MOTION AMENDED/FAILED
99-21 99-31 STEVE DOYLE,NJ EXCESS OF REVENUE EXPECTED SENSE OF DELGTS
99-22 99-65 STEVE DOYLE,NJ REIMBURSEMENTS TO PB NOT PRESENTED
99-23 99-40 MYRON LIEBERMAN,AZ $5 GIFT CERTIFICATE FAILED
99-24 99-41 KENNETH HORNE, NV USCF BOOTH AT 2000 AARP CONVENTION REF TO EB/ POWER TO IMPLEMENT
99-25 99-66 ANTHONY COTTELL, NJ LMA ASSETS NOT PRESENTED
99-26 99-24 WOMEN’S CHESS COMM STIPEND FOR WOMEN’S COACH WITHDRAWN
99-27 99-25 WOMEN’S CHESS COMM WOMEN’S PRIZE FUND/ SUBSTITUTE SUBMITTED FAILED
99-28 99-26 WOMEN’S CHESS COMM CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS WITHDRAWN
99-29 99-27 WOMEN’S CHESS COMM REGIONAL EVENTS FOR WOMEN PASSED
99-30 99-42 RICHARD PETERSON,AZ BYLAWS CHANGE/BORROWING PASSED
99-31 99-17 RALPH BOWMAN,KS/ SCH COMM SCHOLASTIC REGULATIONS WITHDRAWN
99-32 99-18 D. LITHER, UT, FOR ROBT SYNDER CLUB TEAMS AT SCHOLASTICS WITHDRAWN
99-33 99-22 ROBERT SINGLETARY,NC RATING LISTS/SCHOLASTICS PASSED/ AMENDED
99-34   D. BARBER,CA/S; P. NIXON, MI;

R. PETERSON,AZ; A. WOOLUM,TX

USCF SHALL CREATE A NEW SCHOLASTIC ORGANIZATION AMENDED/DIVIDED INTO 3 MOTIONS
99-34 A 99-19 SCHOLASTIC COMM SCHOLASTIC ISSUES PASSED
99-34 B 99-20 SCHOLASTIC COMM SCHOLASTIC ON-LINE RATING PASSED
99-34 C 99-21 H. WINSTON,IL; G. HOFFMAN, WI BYLAWS CHANGE PASSED
99-35 99-45 D. BARBER, CA/S; P. NIXON, MI;

A. WOOLUM, TX

CHANGE THE NAME OF THE USCF WITHDRAWN
99-36 99-46 MANY SPONSORS RACHEL LIEBERMAN IS NAMED A LAD AND DAL PASSED BY �. RESUBMIT IN 2000
99-37 99-47 HAROLD WINSTON, IL DON SCHULTZ IS A DAL PASSED
99-38 99-48 OMOV COMM OMOV BYLAWS CHANGES FAILED/ROLL CALL VOTE
99-39 99-49 OMOV COMM OMOV TASK FORCE PASSED
99-40 99-51 JAMES EADE, CA/N OMOV TASK FORCE WITHDRAWN
99-41 99-52 RACHEL LIEBERMAN, AZ FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REF TO BYLAWS
99-42 99-53 MYRON LIEBERMAN, AZ E-MAIL ACCESS PASSED/AMENDED
99-43 99-54 BYLAWS COMM APPOINTMENTS FOR COMM PASSED
99-44 99-55 ETHICS COMM APPOINTMENTS FOR COMM PASSED
99-45 99-56 MYRON LIEBERMAN, AZ ETHICS INTERPRETATIONS FAILED
99-46 99-57 RICHARD PETERSON, AZ REPRMAND ETHICS COMM WITHDRAWN
99-47 99-32 S.DOYLE, NJ LMA MANAGEMENT COMM/

SUBSTITUTE SUBMITTED

PASSED/AMENDED
99-48 99-33 LMA MANAGEMENT COMM APPOINTMENTS FOR COMM PASSED
99-49 99-58 MYRON LIEBERMAN, AZ CHESS LIFE SHALL BE SPLIT REF TO PUBLICATIONS
99-50 99-59 ALAN BENJAMIN, NY WOMEN’S OLYMPIC TEAM WITHDRAWN

1999

ADM #

1999 DM#

SPONSOR (S)

TOPIC

DISPOSITION

99-51 99-09 KENNETH SLOAN, AL US OPEN SHALL FINISH BY 8/15 PASSED
99-52 99-60 KENNETH HORNE, NV RULEBOOK FORMAT CHANGES REF TO RULES
99-53 99-61 KENNETH HORNE, NV ELECTRONIC RATING REPORTS PASSED/AMENDED
99-54 99-10 BILL GOICHBERG, NY LIFE EXPERT TITLE/ 250 GAMES PASSED
99-55 99-62 B.HOLLIMAN,MO; M.LIEBERMAN INTERNET RATING ESTABLISHED REF TO EB
99-56 99-63 B. HOLLIMAN,MO; M.LIEBERMAN INTERNET MEMBERSHIP MOOT
99-57 99-67 BOB HOLLIMAN/CLUB DEV COMM CLUB DEVELOPMENT SURVEYS REF TO CLUB DEV
99-58 99-68 BOB HOLLIMAN/CLUB DEV COMM CLUB DEVELOPMENT SURVEYS REF TO CLUB DEV
99-59 99-64 RICHARD PETERSON, AZ "NO CONFIDENCE" MOTION/

SUBSTITUTE SUBMITTED

TABLED (MOTION & SUBSTITUTE)

NEW DELEGATE MOTIONS (NDMs)

1999

NDM #

1999DM#

SPONSOR (S)

TOPIC

DISPOSITION

99-60 99-69 DEWAIN BARBER, CA/S RATINGS USED/SCHOLASTICS WITHDRAWN
99-61 99-70 J.PECHAC,OH; L. DUBECK, NJ LMA LONG RANGE PLANNING/

SUBSTITUTE SUBMITTED

PASSED/ AMENDED
99-62 99-71 PETE NIXON, MI/SCH WORKSHOP CLUB TEAMS PASSED
99-63 99-72 GARY GAIFFE, TX BALLOT COUNT REF TO BYLAWS
99-64 99-44 MANY SPONSORS STENOGRAPHER FAILED
99-65 99-43 H.WINSTON,IL; W. HARRIS,VA;

G. HOFFMAN,WI; R.KOEPCKE,CA/N

BYLAWS CHANGES PASSED/AMENDED
99-66 99-73 LAWRENCE COHEN, IL BALLOT REFORM: NAME ONLY PASSED
99-67 99-74 KENNETH HORNE, NV "MEMBERS ONLY" SECTION/ WEBSITE REF TO INTERNET COMM/ EB
99-68 99-75 R. JOHN MCCRARY, SC AMEND STANDARDS OF CONDUCT & CODE OF ETHICS PASSED
99-69 99-11 AL LOSOFF, IL; RULES COMM WHITE MOVES FIRST PASSED
99-70 99-12 AL LOSOFF, IL; RULES COMM TOUCH MOVE/ CASTLING FAILED
99-71 99-13 AL LOSOFF, IL; FULES COMM RESCIND ADM 98-53 (DM 98-76) PASSED
99-72 99-76 JIM PECHAC, OH ACTIONS OF CONT INTEREST #25 REF TO BYLAWS
99-73 99-77 S. SHUTT, PA; P. NIXON, MI RANDOM COMM PLACEMENT FAILED
99-74 99-23 BOB SMITH, FL AFFILIATE SUPPORT PROGRAM PASSED
99-75 99-78 LAWRENCE COHEN, IL FEE FOR SCH CROSSTABLES REF TO SCH AND FINANCE COMM
99-76 99-79 SAM SLOAN, NC ABOLISH LIFE VOTING MEMBERS FAILED
99-77 99-80 SAM SLOAN, NC ABOLISH DEL-AT-LARGE FAILED
99-78 99-81 HAROLD WINSTON, IL AMEND DELEGATES ACTIONS OF CONTINUING INTEREST PASSED
99-79 99-50 TOM DORSCH, CA/N APPOINTMENTS/ OMOV COMM PASSED
99-80 99-82 HAROLD WINSTON, IL THANKS TO PARLIAMENTARIAN PASSED BY ACCLAMATION
99-81 99-83 HAROLD WINSTON, IL THANKS FOR ORGANIZERS OF 1999 US OPEN PASSED BY ACCLAMATION

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 1999 USCF BOARD OF DELEGATES MEETING

RENO, NEVADA AUGUST 14 AND 15, 1999

  1. Call to order by USCF President Donald Schultz
  2. President Donald Schultz called the meeting to order at 9:00AM on Saturday, August 14, 1999. Organizer Jerry Weikel was introduced. Mr. Weikel welcomed the Delegates and stated that he hoped to deliver a quality event. Parliamentarian Mike Nolan was also introduced.
  3. Roll call of Delegates

Secretary Rachel Lieberman called the roll.

The following Delegates attended the 1999 convention:

STATE

DELEGATES IN ATTENDANCE AT THE 1999 DELEGATES’ MEETING

AK NO DELEGATES PRESENT
AL WALTER SCHAETZLE, KENNETH SLOAN
AR NO DELEGATES PRESENT
AZ RACHEL LIEBERMAN, DENIS BARRY, MYRON LIEBERMAN, R. ANTHONY PETERSON, STEVE KAMP
CA/ N THOMAS DORSCH, JAMES EADE, RICHARD KOEPCKE, MARK PINTO, HANS POSCHMANN, CAROLYN WITHGITT, JOHN MCCUMISKEY, ART MARTHINSEN
CA/ S DEWAIN BARBER, JEROME HANKEN, GERALD BLEM, RANDALL HOUGH, MICHAEL NAGARAN, MICHAEL CARR, JOHN SURLOW
CO RICHARD BUCHANAN
CT ROBERT MILARDO

STATE

DELEGATES IN ATTENDANCE AT THE 1999 DELEGATES’ MEETING

DC NO DELEGATES PRESENT
DE NO DELEGATES PRESENT
FL DONALD SCHULTZ, ARNOLD DENKER, FRANK CAMARATTA, BOB SMITH, RALPH BOWMAN, CAROL JARECKI
GA NO DELEGATES PRESENT
HI LAWRENCE REIFURTH
IA ROGER GOTTSCHALL
ID STEWART SUTTON
IL GARRETT SCOTT, TIMOTHY JUST, HELEN WARREN, HAROLD WINSTON, JAMES WARREN, ALAN LOSOFF, FRED GRUENBERG, LAWRENCE COHEN, THOMAS FINEBERG
IN NO DELEGATES PRESENT
KS NEIL A. ANDREWS
KY NO DELEGATES PRESENT
LA NO DELEGATES PRESENT
MA HAROLD DONDIS
MD DENIS STRENZWILK
ME NO DELEGATES PRESENT
MI DAVID W. CALTON, H. JAY CARR, PETER C. NIXON, SYLVESTER ROBES
MN DAVID KUHNS
MO WILLIAM H. WRIGHT
MS NO DELEGATES PRESENT
MT NO DELEGATES PRESENT
NC SAM SLOAN
ND NO DELEGATES PRESENT
NE JIM JIROUSEK
NH HENRY TERRIE III
NJ JOE IPPOLITO, E. STEVEN DOYLE, MIKE SOMERS, ROGER INGLIS, DORIS BARRY
NM WILLIAM C. MOFFATT
NV KENNETH B. HORNE
NY BILL GOICHBERG, ED FRUMKIN, AL LAWRENCE, ALAN BENJAMIN, HAROLD STENZEL, SUNIL WEERAMANTRY, MARTIN MERADO, WALTER BUEHL, PHYLLIS BENJAMIN, BRENDA GOICHBERG, BILL ARLUCK, JAMES MENNELLA
OH JAMES PECHAC
OK NO DELEGATES PRESENT
OR CARL ANDERSON HAESSLER
PA IRA LEE RIDDLE, STEVE SHUTT, ERIC JOHNSON, LARRY EVANS
RI NO DELEGATES PRESENT
SC ROBERT JOHN MCCRARY
SD DAVE KNUDSON
TN WILLIAM ORGAIN, HARRY SABINE, JACK MALLORY
TX TIMOTHY REDMAN, GARY GAIFFE, LUIS SALINAS, SELBY ANDERSON, FORREST Z. MARLER, GEORGE C. JOHN, ALBERT E. WOOLUM
UT ROBERT TANNER
VA F. WOODROW HARRIS
VT NO DELEGATES PRESENT
WA MARVIN Y. HAYAMI, OLLIE LAFRENIERE
WI MIKE NIETMAN, GUY HOFFMAN
WV JAMES R. MEYER
WY NO DELEGATES PRESENT

DM 99-01/ ADM 99-01 (Harold Winston, IL): The Delegates re-elect as Delegates-At-Large those whose terms are expiring or have expired and who are present at this meeting PASSED

This year the following DALs were renewed: Denis Barry, AZ; Harold Dondis, MA; Bill Goichberg, NY; Woody Harris, VA; Al Lawrence, NY; Myron Lieberman, AZ; and Harry Sabine, TN.

III. Approval of the minutes of the 1998 Delegates’ Meeting.

DM 99-02/ ADM 99-02 (Rachel Lieberman, AZ): Moved, that the Minutes of the 1998 Delegates’ Meeting be accepted. PASSED

IV. Certification of election results-

DM 99-03/ ADM 99-03 (Rachel Lieberman, AZ): Moved, that the results of the 1999 election be certified. PASSED

Please note that 392 ballots were received out of a total of 453 ballots that were mailed to voters (87% participation).

Elected to Four-year Terms

Total

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

BOB SMITH

219

12

36

25

27

11

6

21

20

4

20

32

5

DORIS L. BARRY

215

13

42

24

14

13

5

17

11

6

22

41

7

HELEN WARREN

213

12

22

23

8

16

8

34

8

6

20

48

8

 

Elected to Two-year Terms

Total

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

JIM PECHAC

212

12

27

16

11

22

8

22

15

10

26

39

4

JOHN McCRARY

210

17

37

34

23

10

5

18

19

6

13

20

8

TIM REDMAN

207

15

22

17

7

20

9

26

7

8

26

44

6

JOE IPPOLITO

185

11

41

22

7

11

8

21

16

6

10

27

5

Other Candidates

Total

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

ROBERT TANNER

178

7

35

20

18

10

9

14

20

8

9

20

8

E. STEVEN DOYLE

167

15

30

20

6

16

4

21

7

6

14

22

6

BOB HOLLIMAN

164

15

23

19

6

9

5

20

9

3

17

34

4

RALPH BOWMAN

163

10

31

14

17

12

9

12

16

5

9

23

5

FRANK CAMARATTA

152

16

32

22

11

8

6

6

15

3

6

20

7

ARTHUR BISGUIER

150

15

33

22

18

8

5

4

9

3

7

19

7

TOM DORSCH

120

12

15

5

0

9

2

17

5

2

14

36

3

ANTHONY P. COTTELL

27

1

13

3

0

1

0

2

2

0

0

3

2

SAM SLOAN

19

2

5

3

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

4

3

Write-in: Jim Eade

4

 

1

       

2

   

1

   
Write-in - Selby Anderson

2

                 

2

   
Write-in - George Bush, Jr.

1

       

1

             
Write-in - William Lombardy

1

 

1

                   
Write-in - Gary Sperling

1

 

1

                   
Write-in - Gary Prince

1

 

1

                   
Write-in - Yasser Seirawan

1

 

1

                   
Write-in - Holly Prisco

1

 

1

                   
Write-in - Robert Ferguson

1

   

1

                 
Write-in - Ira Lee Riddle

1

   

1

                 
Write-in - Maurice Ashley

1

         

1

           
Write-in - Tim Just

1

           

1

         
Write-in - Richard Peterson

1

                 

1

   
Write-in - David Bannon

1

                     

1

Ballots received

392

27

68

43

28

27

13

38

27

11

32

65

13

Total Votes

2619

185

450

291

173

178

90

258

179

77

217

432

89

Ballots not received

Ballots were not received from the following individuals as of the time of the vote count: Please note that a ballot not received does not necessarily mean that the individual did not vote. It simply means that the ballot was not received.

REGION

NAMES OF INDIVIDUALS FROM WHOM BALLOTS WERE NOT RECEIVED AS OF THE VOTE COUNT (8/11/99)

I

MICHAEL STANGO, CT; MARK KAPRELIAN, MA; CHRISTOPHER CHASE, MA

II

MAXIM DLUGY, NJ; ERICH MARCHAND, NY; JOSEPH FELBER, NY;

III

RALPH MIKELL, DC; WILLIAM BARNES, DC; BOB COHEN, PA; LORENZO TRALDI, PA; MATT TRALDI, PA; TIMOTHY GOAN, WV

IV

GABRIEL SCHWARTZMAN, FL; ARDEN DILLEY, FL; WILLARD TAYLOR, FL; GEORGE PYNE, FL; DONALD STONE, FL; MICHAEL ROME, GA; STEVE SCHNEIDER, GA; GARY SOUTHERLAND, GA; DANIEL GARRETT, NC; CLAUDE W. CORBETT, SC

V

TOM COOK, IN; JAY A. CARR, IN; RAYMOND GARRISON*, MI; STEVE ROSENBERG, MI; JOHN SMALEC, MI; PAUL GRAMS*, MI; SELAH CHEHAYEB, MI; WALTER SMITH, MI; DAVID ALDENDERFER, OH; FRED SCHWAN, OH

VI

PHILIP SMITH, MN; DAN VOJE, MN; BERTRAND WILSON, MN; NATHAN HOOVER, MN; JOSH KAUL, WI

VII

MIKE LEALI, IL; JOSH SKAGGS, MO

VIII

TYLER MADSEN, AR; ROBERT H. BALLARD*, LA; WILLIAM DEVLIN, LA; STEVE PERRY, MS; RONNIE BARNES, TN

IX

CRAIG WILCOX, CO; LOREN POMEROY, UT

X

TERENCE TOOMEY, NM; GARY GAIFFE, TX; RICHARD DRIGGERS, TX

XI

STEVE STUBENRAUCH, AZ; KEITH MEHL*, CA/ N; RAY ORWIG, CA/ N; DENNIS WAJCKUS, CA/ N; PETER YU, CA/ S

XII

JEFFREY ROLAND, ID; THAD SUITS, MT; RICHARD BANNER, OR; DAVID ROPER, WA; ROBERT ALLYN, WA; PAUL BARTRON, WA; DRAYTON HARRISON, WA

Ballots received after the vote count

Ballots were sent out on July 9 and were to be received in Reno by August 10, with the actual pickup between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM on August 11. The following four ballots were received after the August 11 vote count. They are indicated by * on the above table.

 

Paul Grams (MI, Region V) - Sent Express mail, postmarked August Tenth

Raymond Garrison (MI Region V) - Sent standard post, postmarked August Sixteenth

Bob Ballard (LA, Region VIII) - Sent standard post, postmarked August Ninth

Keith Mehl (CA/N, Region XI) - Sent standard post, postmarked August Ninth

DM 99-04/ ADM 99-04 (Rachel Lieberman, AZ): The Delegates thank and commend the Tellers and Assistants in the election. PASSED BY ACCLAMATION

Secretary Rachel Lieberman expressed thanks to the Tellers and Assistants:

Tellers: Chief Teller Walter Buehl, NY; Ira Lee Riddle, PA; David Calton, MI; Mike Carr, CA/S; Jack Mallory, TN

Easel Tally Assistants: Myron Lieberman, AZ; Peter Nixon, MI

Transportation Assistants (Hotel to Post Office): Dewain Barber, CA/S; Richard Koepcke, CA/N

Thanks also to Barbara DeMaro and the USCF office staff for providing excellent materials and assistance for the ballot count.

  1. Reports of USCF officers and staff.
  2. A: Report of the President:.

    President Donald Schultz praised Executive Director Michael Cavallo and his staff for improving member services and helping to bring a World Championship to Nevada. He offered the following advice to the new Board: Give the staff space. Keep criticisms confidential. Treat the Executive Director like a CEO. Help your fellow Board members enjoy their job.

    President Schultz stated that there have been financial problems. Among the solutions are to begin a Publishing operation and expand our Internet presence. He stated that the highest priority for the new Board in addressing the financial problems is to increase the number of regular (adult) members. The decline in this category was a major factor in creating the shortfall.

    Don Schultz discussed the current election process. He stated that it is important to stop what is going on in USCF elections. He voiced support for OMOV.

    President Schultz stated that the USCF is involved in litigation, and that it is inappropriate to comment regarding that litigation. He then thanked his chess friends and colleagues and reminded everyone that his book will be available after the Delegates' Meeting is concluded..

    B. Report of the Executive Director

    Executive Director Michael Cavallo reported that the FIDE World Championship going on in Las Vegas was a significant event for America.

    Staff retention has been a problem due to the fact that the USCF has not been able to pay as well as the private sector.

    Mike Cavallo reviewed the financial situation with the Delegates. He stated that there is pressure to provide increased services, but no way to provide increased funding. It is valuable to send teams abroad but it costs money. Adult dues cannot be raised, and there is no consensus to raise scholastic dues. Although we lost Novag as a sponsor, we still have several sponsors including ICC, K-O Interactive, and Mindscape. He pointed out that in the past the primary sponsors have been the manufacturers of standalone chess computers, but today the market has moved to chess software for general purpose computers. He also mentioned that USCF is still involved in a royalty situation with AOL's online chess, which is administered by Interplay and/or a successor. Talks regarding possible sponsorship are also underway with Lego. Lego now produces chess software.

    The Executive Director described the deliberations of the ad-hoc committee appointed at the Finance Workshop for the purpose of drafting a revised budget to present to the Delegates. He. stated that we have to make choices. There is no free lunch. If we can’t raise dues we have to cut costs. Regular adult membership needs to increase. We have to examine ways to attract people to our organization.

    Executive Director Michael Cavallo commended the College Chess effort and stated that new people will be attracted to chess through the ongoing Scholastic program.

    C. Report of the Treasurer

    Treasurer Tom Dorsch began his report by stating that no organization can survive if it continually moves in a downward direction. Treasurer Dorsch referred to the President’s Report and the Executive Director’s Report as "falsehoods" and a "snow job"

    Former President Harold Winston (IL) objected to the use of terms such as "falsehood" and "snow job" without clarification. As Chairman of the meeting, President Don Schultz ruled that the Treasurer was out of order and would not be allowed to continue his report without an appropriate explanation of his remarks.

    Parliamentarian Mike Nolan (NE) agreed that the Chair was within his right to make that decision. Treasurer Tom Dorsch appealed the ruling of the Chair. A vote was then taken and the ruling of the Chair was reversed by a vote of 36-48. The Treasurer continued his report.

    Treasurer Dorsch expressed concern over apparent substantial losses in Operations and excessive turnover in the office. Grandmaster Arnold Denker asked what the Treasurer had done to resolve these issues. This prompted former Executive Director Al Lawrence to tell the group that we have not gotten off to a good start. We have aired out some issues but we must resolve to be constructive. Performance reviews should not be done in public.

    The following motions are submitted as part of the Treasurer’s report:

    ADM 99-05 (Board): The 1999-2000 budget as presented by the Treasurer is adopted.

    An ad hoc committee was named at the Finance Workshop to review the budget and prepare a revised budget to present to the Delegates. Jim Pechac was named Chairman. Members were Mike Cavallo, Steve Doyle, Frank Camaratta, Al Lawrence, and Mike Carr. Treasurer Tom Dorsch stated that he could not present the budget, as he had not seen it. He asked that Jim Pechac present the revised budget. Myron Lieberman (AZ) suggested an amendment to 99-05, which was accepted, that the motion be changed to "The 1999-2000 budget as presented by Jim Pechac, Chair of the ad-hoc budget committee, is adopted."

    Lawrence Cohen (IL) suggested an amendment that the revenue line for rating fees and crosstables be increased $500 to $1000, to be funded by charging scholastic events for rating fees and crosstables. This was not accepted as a friendly amendment and was subsequently withdrawn.

    A major issue for the 1999-2000 budget was SASP funding. It was taken out altogether in the revised budget.

    Mike Nietman (WI) and Guy Hoffman (WI) introduced an amendment to restore the $30,000 to the SASP funding line. It was not accepted as a friendly amendment. Larry Evans (PA) offered a compromise amendment that would restore $15,000 to the SASP line. This was not viewed as a friendly amendment by Mike Nietman and Guy Hoffman. A sense of the Delegates straw poll was taken just before lunch break and the result was substantial support for the $15,000 compromise.

    As it was 12:00 noon, the meeting was recessed for lunch, with many Delegates attending the Awards Luncheon. Please note that a description of the Awards Banquet and a list of Award recipients is appended to these minutes.

    The meeting resumed at 2:00 PM with a continuation of the SASP discussion Joe Ippolito (NJ) indicated that if $15,000 was restored to SASP funding, NJ would donate its remaining share of SASP funds back to USCF this year. The Evans compromise amendment to the Nietman/Hoffman motion passed, after which the Nietman/Hoffman amendment to the budget passed.

    Woody Harris (VA) and Jim Pechac (OH) proposed an amendment to add the following to the budget acceptance "It is the sense of the Delegates that additional cuts be examined in additional line items for the fiscal year 2000-20001 budget, including invitational event expenses." The amendment was accepted as a friendly amendment and the budget was adopted with the following motion:

    DM 99-05/ ADM 99-05 (Board): The 1999-2000 budget as presented by Jim Pechac (chair of the ad-hoc Budget Committee) is adopted with the exception that $15,000 is to be restored to the SASP funding line of the budget. It is the sense of the Delegates that additional cuts be examined in additional line items for the FY 2000-2001 budget, including invitational event expenses. PASSED

    ADM 99-06 (Board): The employment of the accounting firm of Stanley Marks and Company is ratified.

    Steve Doyle (NJ) offered an amendment to simply authorize the Board to hire an accounting firm without specifying the name of the firm.

    DM 99-06/ ADM 99-06 (Board / Steve Doyle, NJ): The Board is authorized by the Delegates to hire an accounting firm. PASSED

    At this time a set of time guidelines to limit debate was recommended by Pete Nixon and accepted by the Delegates: Each topic can be discussed for a maximum of fifteen minutes. If there is sufficient interest in extending the time, additional time can be authorized by a majority vote. Each speaker has a maximum of two minutes to present his or her point(s), No speaker shall speak twice to a topic until all speakers have had their first opportunity.

    D. Report of the Editor of Chess Life

    Editor Glenn Petersen reviewed his upcoming budget with the Delegates. He stated that he has had to work with fewer pages and he expects to be working with less money next year.

    He commended the Chess Life staff and stated that it is because of them that the United States Chess Federation has a magazine.

    A question arose as to why FIDE events are not reported in the magazine. The Editor stated that Chess Life is a house organ, and governance publication, and that we have a business relationship with FIDE. This is an editorial decision.

  3. Reports of the FIDE Delegate and Zonal President.

As the FIDE Zonal President was not present at this time, committee reports were the next item of business. Please note that the FIDE report was given later in the form of a FIDE Forum, where Arnold Denker, Steve Doyle, Carol Jarecki, and Don Schultz answered FIDE related questions.

VII. Committee Reports

Bylaws (Co-Chairs: Harold Winston, IL; Mike Nolan, NE) Please note that the Delegates select the members of this Committee.

Co-Chair Harold Winston stated that in the opinion of the Committee, OMOV deserves a vote on its merits this year. He then brought two motions forward for consideration by the Delegates.

DM 99-07/ ADM 99-09 /DM 98-38 as amended by the Bylaws Committee (Harold Winston, IL, and the Bylaws Committee) - Allocation of Alternate Delegates - Amend the new Bylaws to read: "Each state with 200 or more USCF members must have at least one Alternate Delegate; each state with at least 400 USCF members must have at least two Alternate Delegates." PASSED

DM 99-08/ ADM 99-10 /DM 98-39/ ADM 98-17 as amended by Guy Hoffman (Guy Hoffman, WI, Dave Kuhns, MN, Mike Nietman, WI) - Allocation of Delegates - Amend the new Bylaws to add to the section on allocation of Delegates: "… each state with 1000 or more USCF members must have at least two Delegates" PASSED 53-34

Please note that Ken Horne (NV) offered a friendly amendment to make the number 800 instead of 1,000. This amendment was not accepted as a friendly amendment. A vote on the amendment then failed.

Chess in Education (Chair: Sunil Weeramantry, NY)

Chairman Sunil Weeramantry stated that seminars held across the country have been well attended and that the Committee meeting at the US Open was well attended. He also discussed the Chess in Education workshop.

Sunil Weeramantry stated that he would be stepping down as Committee Chair. He thanked the members of the Committee, and in particular, those individuals who have attended events at their own expense.

Club Development (Co-Chairs: Bob Holliman, MO; Herman Drenth, NJ)

The chair was not present. Please see the report in the Delegates’ Call.

College Chess (Chair: Tim Redman, TX)

No further report was given. Please see the report in the Delegates’ Call.

Correspondence Chess (Chair: Harold Stenzel, NY)

Chairman Harold Stenzel stated that several Correspondence Chess events have been named after Jack Battelle, Hans Berliner, John Collins, Al Horowitz, and Victor Palauskas.

Harold Stenzel expressed appreciation to Ken Smith for a donation that was given to support a Smith-Morra Gambit event. It will now be a Ken Smith memorial event.

He then thanked Joan Dubois for all she has done with Correspondence Chess. Joan received a round of applause.

Fred Cramer Awards (Chair: Frank Brady, NY)

The Fred Cramer Awards were read aloud by Jim Eade (CA/ N).

Best State Magazine Illinois Chess Bulletin

Best Chess Book Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy (John Watson)

Best Journalist of the Year Michael Frannett (Inside Chess)

Best Tournament Report Michael Rohde (Article on the 1998 Interplay US Championship)

Best Regular Newspaper Chess Column Lubomir Kavalek (for the Washington Post)

Best Picture Cover of August, 1999, Chess Life

Best Human Interest Article Brian Killigrew (for story on Maurice Ashley, 05/99 Chess Life)

Best Chess Magazine Chess Life Magazine

Best Chess Website University of Pittsburgh

Best Historical Chess Article James Weinheimer and Amgus Carroll (05/98 Biblio Magazine)

Special Award to US Chess History Research Jacques N. Pope (for his book Paul Morphy’s "Chess Development")

Best Chess Theoretical Article Larry Kaufman (03/99 Chess Life Magazine)

Arnold Denker Championship Committee (Chair: Joe Ippolito, NJ)

Chairman Joe Ippolito invited all Delegates to a reception for the 1999 Denker tournament participants. He stated that the goal of the committee is to have all fifty states represented in the Denker tournament.. Joe Ippolito reviewed the scholarships that have been offered by the University of Texas.

At this time the following motion was brought forward:

ADM 99-51 - The US Open shall finish no later than August 15.

Discussion centered on the fact that many schools start in mid August. There was considerable thought also given to requiring the Denker to be held during the first week of the US Open, but no amendment or substitute was offered to accomplish that.

Eric Johnson (PA) offered a substitute that would make it acceptable to start the US Open in the last week in July. It was not accepted.

Please note: It was understood that this does not apply to bids already accepted or in progress.

DM 99-09/ ADM 99-51 (Kenneth Sloan, AL): The U.S. Open shall finish no later than August 15. PASSED

FIDE FORUM

At this time Arnold Denker, Steve Doyle, Carol Jarecki, and Don Schultz held a forum to answer questions regarding FIDE issues. Please note that Bill Kelleher is the current FIDE Delegate, but was not present at the meeting.

A question was raised as to why there was not a strong USCF presence at the FIDE World Championship. Mike Cavallo indicated that USCF was prepared to operate a book and equipment concession but the hotel had no available rooms. There were official USCF representatives there at the start and the end of the match, but finances precluded an official representative there for the duration. USCF relied on local volunteers to help disseminate information. The advance publicity was poor because it was never known until just before the event that it would take place at all.

It was noted that the Program for the FIDE World Championship does include information regarding the USCF chess in the US, as well as a full page ad for the US Open. The USCF logo is on virtually every page.

Following the FIDE forum, Committee reports continued.

Ethics (Chair: Andrew Thall, TX). Please note that the Delegates select the members of this Committee

The chair was not present. Please see the report in the Delegates’ Call.

Events (Chair: Alan Benjamin, NY)

Chairman Alan Benjamin gave the report. No changes were recommended regarding the American Classic tournament designation. The Committee examined several bids this year and came out in support of most of them, including the bids for the US Junior Open and the US Blind.

During the year the Committee examined the concept of a Three-Person Team. Overall, the Committee was opposed to it. However, the Committee urged reestablishment of the US Masters in Illinois in 2001. Certain aspects of the US Senior were examined, including cost and age restrictions

The disparity in the rules/requirements between the US Junior and the tournaments for which it is a qualifier is expected to be a priority topic for consideration by the committee next year.

Fast Chess

No report was given. This Committee was inactive this year. Garrett Scott stated that he had sought a Chair and was unable to locate one.

FIDE Advisory (Chair: Robert John McCrary, SC)

No further report was given. Please see the report in the Delegates’ Call.

Finance (Chair: James Pechac, OH)

No further report was given. Please see the report in the Delegates’ Call.

Grandmaster Affairs (Chair: Joel Benjamin, NY)

No report was given.

Grants (Chair: Leroy Dubeck, NJ)

No report was given.

Hall of Fame (Chair: Robert John McCrary, SC)

No further report was given. Please see the report in the Delegates’ Call.

Historians (Chair: Peter Tamburro, NJ)

The chair was not present. Please see the report in the Delegates’ Call

Internet (Chair: Doris Barry, AZ)

No further report was given. Please see the report in the Delegates’ Call.

LMA Management (Chair: Tom Dorsch, CA/N) Please note that the Delegates select the members of this Committee.

No further report was given. Please see the report in the Delegates’ Call.

Master Affairs and Development. (Chair: Hal Terrie, NH)

Chairman Hal Terrie distributed a written report at the meeting. He indicated that the main goal of the Chairman this year has been to expand on an archive project that contains 1421 games played by New England Masters in New England tournaments from 1976 to the present.

Olympics Participation Task Force (Chair: Bruce Draney, NE)

Executive Director Michael Cavallo commented on the progress that has been made this year. Because the International Olympic Committee has recognized FIDE as a Sports Federation, new doors have been opened for chess.

Organizers (Chair: Luis Salinas, TX)

No further report was given. Please see the report in the Delegates’ Call.

Outreach (Chair: Myron Lieberman, AZ)

Chairman Myron Lieberman mentioned new developments with the Chess As a Positive Alternative (CAPA) Project. That transpired since the written report was submitted. Please see the report in the Delegates’ Call. He stated that the Outreach Workshop unanimously made two recommendations.. The first is to simplify the membership structure. Jim Meyer (WV) volunteered to help work out a structure. The second is to have an Outreach Page on the website.

He thanked Mike Nolan for his analysis of membership figures and asked Mike to present what he found. Over half of our Life Members have not participated in a chess tournament or played a rated game in at least three years. We need to upgrade the quality of the membership information that we maintain. There are a number of members in age dependent categories whose age is documented as not qualified for their membership category or with age unknown. Nearly 20% of the Life Members have unknown ages. This has LMA liability implications. The membership analysis was made available by state for anyone who was interested.

Prison Chess (Co-Chairs: Steve Frymer, MA; Norman Zemke, IL)

No report was given.

Publications (Chair: Denis Barry, AZ)

No report was given.

Ratings (Co-Chairs: Mark Glickman, MA; Frank Camaratta, FL)

Co-Chair Frank Camaratta gave the report. He pointed out that there was a report published in the Delegates’ Call.

At this time ADM 99-54 was brought forward.

DM 99-10/ADM 99-54 (Bill Goichberg, NY): Moved, the number of expert games required for the life expert title is 250, as actually proposed by the Ratings Committee, not 200, which was a typographical error. PASSED

Frank Camaratta discussed the situation of Vinay Bhat, who missed an opportunity to go to an Invitational event due to the fact that two of his tournaments that were submitted in time were not rated. Executive Director Michael Cavallo stated that he would meet with the Bhat family to discuss this issue.

Rules (Co-Chairs: Carol Jarecki, NJ; Al Losoff, IL)

Co-Chair Alan Losoff gave the report. Co-Chair Carol Jarecki was also present and participated in the discussion. Al Losoff stated that the Committee has resolved a majority of the appeals filed. In general, the letters regarding the final decision of an appeal have been distributed by BINFO. The interpretations normally find their way to the TD Corner section of the rating lists (without names).A question arose about the possibility of having the appeals and interpretations published in one place where it could be a reference for TDs and Organizers. Al Losoff indicated that if he is on the committee next year he would work toward that end. George John (TX) volunteered to help enter the data and post it on a website.

The following three New Delegate Motions were brought forward at this time:

DM 99-11/ NDM 99-69 (Al Losoff/ Rules Committee): White must make the first move on the Board before starting Black’s clock. PASSED

There was extensive discussion on the following point and it did not pass at the Rules Workshop. It failed here as well.

DM 99-12/ NDM 99-70 (Al Losoff/ Rules Committee): The Touch Move rule shall be modified such that if a player deliberately touches a Rook and then the King, castling is not allowed with that Rook, and Touch Move applies to that Rook. FAILED (33-48)

Next to be considered was the reinstatement of the use of USCF rules in some FIDE rated events. The mechanism to do that is to rescind DM 98-76 (NDM 98-53), which is worded as follows: DM 98-76/ NDM 98-53 (Eric Schiller, CA/ N): Effective July 1, 1999, all tournaments designated "FIDE" in the TLA will apply FIDE rules in accordance with provision 2.1 of the FIDE rating regulations. The introduction to the TLA section in Chess Life will remind readers that all tournaments not designated "FIDE" are held under USCF rules and not FIDE rated. The USCF pledges to work closely with FIDE to reconcile differences between the two sets of rules.

Al Losoff indicated that this was passed last year based on the misinformation that if we didn't use FIDE rules FIDE would not rate the events. He pointed out that FIDE confirms that if USCF rules are being used and that fact is mentioned in pre-tournament publicity. FIDE will rate the events.

DM 99-13/ NDM 99-71 (Al Losoff/ Rules Committee): DM 98-76 (NDM 98-53) is rescinded, effective immediately.

PASSED

One of the most important tasks of the Rules Committee has been and will continue to be to clarify and improve the rules and available information regarding Time Delay Clocks. There are now 8 different manufacturers, some offering several models.

Scholastic (Co Chairs: Ralph Bowman, KS; Joe Ippolito, NJ)

Co-Chair Ralph Bowman gave the report. Co-Chair Joe Ippolito and several committee members were also present and participated in the discussions. Scholastic Director Beatriz Marinello was thanked and praised for her efforts.

The following Scholastic motions were withdrawn:

DM 99-14/ ADM 99-16 /DM 98-72/NDM 98-49 (Tim Just, IL, for Kevin Bachler, IL) In national Scholastic tournaments school teams must represent schools that are: certified, approved, chartered, or otherwise registered and accepted by the applicable state, or Given degree-granting status by the state, or Accredited by a major accreditation agency. WITHDRAWN

DM 99-15/ ADM 99-17 /DM 98-74/NDM 98-51 (Tim Just, IL, for Kevin Bachler, IL): Any team that finishes within the top five places of a section must document its status and the enrollment of players by letter from the school or school district to USCF within 60 days of the end of the tournament. Failure to do so allows USCF to revoke the team’s status in the tournament. WITHDRAWN

DM 99-16/ ADM 99-18 /DM 98-75/NDM 98-52 (Tim Just, IL, for Kevin Bachler, IL): Any player that finished within the top five places of a section must document his or her academic status, age, and grade in writing from the school or school district to USCF within 60 days of the end of the tournament. WITHDRAWN

DM 99-17/ ADM 99-31 (Ralph Bowman, KS, on behalf of the Scholastic Committee): The Scholastic Regulations shall be approved for implementation beginning January 1, 2000. WITHDRAWN

DM 99-18/ ADM 99-32 David Lither, UT for Robert Snyder, CA/S): The following basic guidelines for club teams competing at National Scholastic Tournaments be adopted:

  1. The club team must be an established USCF affiliate for at least three months.
  2. All participants on the club team must have attended meetings at the club's facility. WITHDRAWN

ADM 99-34 was discussed next.

ADM 99-34 ( Scholastic Committee) The USCF shall create a new organization devoted to Scholastic and Junior chess. The organization shall be called the Chess in Education Association. All membership and sales revenue from the Scholastic and Full Youth membership categories and Scholastic affiliates, plus all profits derived from the national scholastic championships will go to this new organization. All decisions regarding scholastic and junior chess will be made by this organization. The Delegates appoint a committee of five members to create separate bylaws and structure for the Chess in Education Association. The committee will present these bylaws to the Scholastic Committee for review and approval, then to the Executive Board in January of 2000 for approval. A board of directors for the Chess in Education Association shall be elected in the summer of 2000 by a vote of the Scholastic affiliates. Rationale: Scholastic and Junior chess deserve the attention of an organization devoted entirely to their interests. The finances of the USCF and the new organization would be separate. The new organization would continue to use the USCF rating service.

Pete Nixon addressed the group regarding this issue. He handed out a substitute motion offered by the Scholastic Committee and endorsed by the Scholastic Workshop. The substitute automatically replaced the original wording and was on the floor for discussion. The revised wording was:

ADM 99-34 - (Scholastic Committee) The USCF shall create a Scholastic Board of Directors. All decisions regarding Scholastic and Junior Chess will be made by this Board with the USCF Executive Board having oversight authority. The Scholastic Director will report to the Scholastic Board. Day to day oversight will be by the Executive Director.

The members of this Board shall be elected by the summer of 2000 by a vote of the Scholastic affiliates. The Scholastic Committee shall appoint a subcommittee to create separate bylaws and structure for the Scholastic Board of Directors. The (sub)committee will present these Bylaws to the Scholastic Committee for review and approval, then to the Executive Board for approval.

Mike Nolan recommended that it be referred to Bylaws. A procedural motion to extend the time limit on the debate passed. Frank Camaratta recommended that a document be prepared to outline the proposal. Discussion continued. Co-Chair Ralph Bowman suggested that the Scholastic Committee meet with the Bylaws Committee and the Finance Committee in order to consider this issue and make recommendations to the Delegates on Sunday morning. A procedural motion to postpone debate on this issue until the first item of business on Sunday morning passed.

The meeting was recessed at 5:16 PM on Saturday evening. President Don Schultz then asked everyone's indulgence for two toasts in honor those who had recently passed away. He then offered a toast to Fan Adams and indicated that he knew Fan would appreciate the toast more than a moment of silence. Secretary Rachel Lieberman's tribute to Fan Adams can be found in the "Chess Buzz" section of Chess Life Online #101 in the archives at www.uschess.org. Secretary Rachel Lieberman proposed a toast in appreciation of the contributions and accomplishments of John Osness and Ken Smith. She further toasted Joseph Ilito, an expert level player that was recently murdered in a highly publicized shooting rampage in the Los Angeles area.

A joint meeting of the Scholastic, Bylaws, and Finance Committees was held on Saturday night at 9:00 PM to look at the ADM 99-34 substitute and other alternatives that might be available. They are to present their recommendations to the Delegates on Sunday morning. Participants included Dewain Barber, Ralph Bowman, Frank Camaratta, Michael Carr, Guy Hoffman, Joe Ippolito, De Knudson, Richard Koepcke, Myron Lieberman, Mike Nietman, Pete Nixon, Mike Nolan, Jim Pechac, Richard Peterson, Garrett Scott, Steve Shutt, Bob Smith, John Surlow, Sunil Weeramantry, Harold Winston, and Al Woolum. Any member of these committees, in attendance full or part time, are listed as participants.A number of spectators were also present.

SUNDAY AUGUST 15 1999

President Donald Schultz called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. The first order of business was a continuation of the discussion involving ADM 99-34. The recommendation of the group that had studied the motion on Saturday evening was to replace it with three separate motions, which were distributed to the Delegates.

DM 99-19/ ADM 99-34 A (Scholastic Committee): The USCF shall have a full time Scholastic Director, working in consultation with the Scholastic Committee. The job description and workload priorities of the Scholastic Director will be developed jointly by the Scholastic Committee and the Executive Director.

The Finance Committee shall include at least one member recommended by the Scholastic Committee.

The USCF shall implement an income and expense system, which separately identifies scholastic chess activities. PASSED

The next motion generated extensive discussion. A procedural motion to extend debate passed. The initial wording did not include "All names and addresses will be shared immediately with USCF". An amendment proposed by Executive Director Mike Cavallo to add that sentence was accepted..

DM 99-20/ ADM 99-34 B (Scholastic Committee): The USCF grants the Scholastic Committee the authority to create an experimental on-line rating system for over the board scholastic competition, at no cost to the USCF. All names and addresses will be shared immediately with the USCF. PASSED 47-35

The next motion is a Bylaws change and requires a 2/3 vote to pass, which it received.. The effect is to give the Executive Board and Executive Director the ability to set up new promotional membership categories that do not necessarily include Chess Life.

DM 99-21/ ADM 99-34 C (Harold Winston, IL; Guy Hoffman, WI): Amend Article III, Section 12 to delete the word "Promotional" in line 2 PASSED

The next motion brought up in the Scholastic Committee report was ADM 99-33:

ADM 99-33 (Robert Singletary, NC): The rating list to be used for the National Scholastics will be the February list for events starting from April 1 to April 15, and the April list for events starting after April 15.

There was a great deal of discussion on this motion. Al Woolum (TX) suggested a friendly amendment, which was accepted, that the word "spring" be added in front of "National Scholastics". Harold Stenzel (NY) offered the following friendly amendment, which was also accepted: "Pre-tournament publicity shall say the February supplement will be used if the tournament takes place during the first two weeks of April.Bill Goichberg (NY) offered the following Amendment, which was not accepted and was subsequently withdrawn: "The rating list to be used for spring National Scholastic events after April 15 shall be the April list. The rating list for tournaments starting before April 15 will be either February or April, at the organizer’s discretion."

The final motion was as follows:

DM 99-22/ ADM 99-33 (Robert Singletary, NC): The rating list to be used for the spring National Scholastics will be the February list for events starting from April 1 to April 15, and the April list for events starting after April 15. Pre-tournament publicity shall say the February supplement will be used if the tournament takes place during the first two weeks of April. PASSED AS AMENDED

 

At this time the Scholastic Committee asked to bring up NDM 60, but the Delegates objected. It would be discussed when it comes up naturally on the agenda, however it was subsequently WITHDRAWN.

Senior (Chair: Ken Horne, NV)

Chairman Ken Horne noted that a report was published in the Delegates’ Call. He stated that the 1999 US Senior Open would be a seven-day Caribbean cruise. It will take place in November. The 1998 US Senior Open was held in Denver, Colorado, in conjunction with the Interplay US Championship.

Ken Horne discussed a survey that was taken at the 1998 Senior Open. He also discussed the World Senior Championship, which is to take place in Germany in November. He had literature for those interested.

Secretary’s Note: It is with sadness and a tremendous sense of loss that I must report that Ken Horne was killed in a plane crash returning home from Reno. His contributions were many. He will be missed. RL

States (Chair: Bob Smith, FL)

Chairman Bob Smith pointed out that a report was in the Delegates' Call. He also discussed the reduction in SASP funding for this year and offered the following motion, which passed without objection.

DM99-23/ NDM99-74 (Bob Smith, FL) Refer to the States Committee a study of the future of the (State) Affiliate Support Program as to its impact on the future viability of the State Associations and USCF membership created by state operations. PASSED

A report was published in the Delegates’ Call.

Tournament Director Certification. (Chair: Randy Hough, CA/S)

No further report was given. Please see the report in the Delegates’ Call.

Women’s Chess (Chair: Anjelina Belakovskaya)

Harold Winston (IL) gave the report. He pointed out that a report was published in the Delegates’ Call. Committee members Carolyn Withgitt and Phyllis Benjamin were also present.

Harold Winston stated that it is important to have space for women’s chess on the website and that more publicity for women is needed in Chess Life.

The motions sponsored by the Women's Chess Committee were brought forward except for ADM 99,-28 which did not pass at the Women's Chess Workshop. It would be considered in its normal place on the agenda, however it was subsequently WITHDRAWN. The first motion to be considered dealt with budgeting for a chess coach. In view of the current financial condition the motion was withdrawn with the understanding that if funds become available this should be considered.

DM 99-24/ ADM 99-26 (Women's Chess Committee) The Delegates direst that $2,000 be budgeted to assist Members of The Women's Olympic Team with a stipend to hire Chess Coaches - preferably GMs - for a training and preparation for the Olympiad. WITHDRAWN

Next to be considered was the prize fund of the US Women's Championship.

ADM 99-27 (Women's Chess Committee) The Delegates direct that $2,000 be budgeted to add to the prize fund of the Women's Chess Championship to go toward 1:2 ratio relative to the US Championship.

Harold Winston presented the following substitute, which had been accepted by the Women’s Workshop:

DM 99-25/ ADM 99-27 (Women’s Workshop): The Delegates endorse the principle that the US Women’s Championship prize fund be at least half the amount of the US Championship prize fund. As soon as feasible the appropriate funds should be allocated to implement this resolution. FAILED

The Women's Chess Committee did not bring ADM99-28 up during their report since it did not pass the Women's Workshop. It was to come up in its normal rotation, but was WITHDRAWN due to the current financial concerns.

DM 99-26/ ADM 99-28 (Women's Chess Committee) The Delegates direct that $3,000 be budgeted to organize National Championships for Girls similar to the US Cadet and Junior Championships. WITHDRAWN

Next to be considered is the allocation of regional funding for women's chess events.

ADM 99-29 (Women's Chess Committee) The Delegates direct to modify an existing motion: "$100/per year/per region for women chess activities" in the following way: "$1,200/per year split evenly between all regions who wants to organize chess events for women and apply before deadline".

DM 99-27/ ADM 99-29 (Women's Chess Committee) The Delegates direct to modify an existing motion: "$100/per year/per region for women chess activities" in the following way: "$1,200/per year split evenly between all regions who want to organize chess events for women and apply before the deadline set by the USCF Office". PASSED 32-25

VIII. Motion to ratify.

ADM 99-07 (Harold Winston, IL): The Delegates ratify all actions of the Policy Board appearing in the published minutes of the Policy Board meetings between the 1998 and 1999 Delegates meetings.

This is generally a routine and non-controversial motion that essentially confirms that the Policy Board had the right to maike the decisions that they made. It does not speak to agreement with or disapproval of any Policy Board actions.

Tim Redman (TX) voiced an objection to ratifying the actions. He alleged three Bylaws violations. The first was what he referred to as the Board's refusal to call a special meeting at the request of three of its members The second was what he referred to as failure to hire a Publications Director. The Publications Director was appointed Associate Director without Board approval. He is serving in both capacities. The third was what he referred to as the Board not appointing legal counsel A lawsuit is currently in process against an organizer. He also alleged that incorrect information was included in the Annual Report.

A great deal of discussion followed. It was pointed out that a date was set for a special meeting. The Board later determined that the meeting was not necessary due to the Finance Workshop that had taken place at the USATE. It was also pointed out that the status of the Publications Director was not a Bylaws violation. Published minutes refer to the official minutes, published as such in the Policy Board Newsletter or Delegates' Call.

Harold Winston (IL) proposed the following amendment in order to clarify the meaning: "Amend ADM 99-07. To add "in the Policy Board Newsletter and Delegates’ Call."" The motion then PASSED.

DM 99-28/ ADM 99-07 (Harold Winston, IL): The Delegates ratify all actions of the Policy Board appearing in the published minutes of the Policy Board meetings in the Policy Board Newsletter and Delegates’ Call between the 1998 and 1999 Delegates meetings. PASSED AS AMENDED

The next motion was as follows:

ADM 99-08 (Harold Winston, IL): Pursuant to Article III, Section 9 of the USCF Bylaws, the Delegates have reviewed the promotional memberships offered by the Policy Board in 1998-99 and authorize their continuation.

Treasurer Tom Dorsch raised the question of what promotional memberships had been authorized in the past year. Parliamentarian Mike Nolan stated that the Policy Board does not have to authorize every action it has taken in order for the motion to pass. Member-At-Large Jim Eade proposed an amendment that would say that the "Policy Board and/or Executive Director" had offered the Promotional Memberships. It was pointed out that this would violate the Bylaws and cannot be accepted.

Executive Director Mike Cavallo pointed out the Promotional Memberships, including the Automatic Annual Renewal 10% off Membership and the special College Membership. There was also a promotional membership that was offered to former Youth members. It allowed for a $28 membership. The motion then PASSED.

DM 99-29/ ADM 99-08 (Harold Winston, IL): Pursuant to Article III, Section 9 of the USCF Bylaws, the Delegates have reviewed the promotional memberships offered by the Policy Board in 1998-99 and authorize their continuation. PASSED

The next motion was as follows:

ADM 99-11 /DM 98-46/ ADM 98-24 (Jim Eade, CA/N/Ralph Bowman, KS): All Delegate votes on ADMs shall be recorded and published on the USCF website.

Ralph Bowman and Jim Eade offered the following revised wording:: "The final decision of the Board of Delegates on ADMs shall be recorded and published on the USCF website." This was clarified to mean if there is a roll-call vote, the vote of each Delegate will be posted. If there is a vote count, the results of the count will be posted. In short, all available information about each vote shall be posted.

It was pointed out that this is the current procedure and this motion will assure that it be continued.

DM 99-30/ ADM 99-11 /DM 98-46/ ADM 98-24 (Jim Eade, CA/N, Ralph Bowman, KS): The final decision of the Board of Delegates on ADMs shall be recorded and published on the USCF website. All available information regarding the vote shall be included. PASSED AS AMENDED

Steve Doyle (NJ) requested and was granted special permission to bring some of his motions forward:

ADM 99- 21(Steve Doyle, NJ): The USCF Executive Board is instructed to generate an excess of revenue over expenses for the fiscal years ending in 2000, 2001, and 2002.

It was pointed out that it should be a sense of the Delegates for the Executive Board to "budget" or "plan for" the excess of revenue over expenses.

DM 99-31 ADM 99- 21(Steve Doyle, NJ): The USCF Executive Board is instructed to generate an excess of revenue over expenses for the fiscal years ending in 2000, 2001, and 2002. PASSED AS A SENSE OF THE DELEGATES

ADM 99-47 (Steve Doyle, NJ): The LMA Committee will consist of three members, each being elected by the Delegates. (Please note that this motion, if passed, will automatically remove the Executive Director, Vice President of Finance, and Past Treasurer from the Committee unless they are appointed by the Delegates.)

Steve Doyle proposed the following substitute:

DM 99-32/ ADM 99-47 (Steve Doyle, NJ): The LMA Management Committee shall consist of the current Vice President of Finance and four others selected by the Delegates, one of which shall be a past Treasurer. PASSED AS AMENDED

ADM 99-48 (LMA Management Committee): The Delegates appoint the following two members (three if ADM 99 – 47 passes) to the USCF LMA Management Committee (Names will be presented by the LMA Management Committee. The passage of DM99-32 above required that the Delegates name four members.

A discussion was held regarding the qualifications needed to serve on the LMA Management Committee. Jim Pechac (OH) stated that he is looking for technical and accounting expertise. Frank Camaratta was chosen to serve in the role of the Past Treasurer. Other members of the Committee selected were Michael Carr (CA/S), Steve Doyle (NJ), and Mark Pinto (CA/N). The final motion was as follows:

DM 99-33/ ADM 99-48 (LMA Management Committee): The LMA Management Committee shall consist of Jim Pechac, Frank Camaratta, Michael Carr, Steve Doyle, and Mark Pinto. PASSED

President Donald Schultz pointed out that DM 98-37 calls on the LMA Management Committee to publish an Annual Report showing the performance of the fund’s investments, the investments owned, the investment strategy, and an assessment of investment risks. He asked that reports of that nature be submitted in the future.

The remaining motions considered before the lunch recess were Old Business:

DM 99-34/ ADM 99-12 /DM 98-48/ ADM 98- 26 (Jerry Hanken, CA/S, John Donaldson, WA, Steve Doyle, NJ, Al Lawrence, NY, Sylvester Robes, MI, Woodrow Harris, VA, John McCrary, SC, Myron Lieberman, AZ, Rachel Lieberman, AZ, Harry Sabine, TN, Tim Redman, TX, Fred Gruenberg, IL, Bill Snead, TX, Bill Goichberg, NY, Fan Adams, NY, Harold Winston, IL, Allen Hinshaw, VA ): Randy Hough (CA/S) and Frank Camaratta (FL) shall be elected Life Voting Members and Delegates-At-Large. PASSED

Please note that this was the second consecutive Annual Meeting in which this motion PASSED with at least a � vote.

DM 99-35/ ADM 99-13 /DM 98-49/ ADM 98-27 (Harold Winston, IL; Peter C. Nixon, MI; Roger Gotschall, IA; Sunil Weeramantry, NY): Resolved: That Faneuil Adams be elected a Life Voting Member and Delegate-At-Large for his many services to chess. (Please note that this status would be conferred posthumously and would not affect the DAL count).

SINCE FAN ADAMS PASSED AWAY NO VOTE WAS TAKEN. THE TITLE WAS NOT ACTUALLY CONFERRED. FAN ADAMS WAS GIVEN A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

Attention was then given to the fact that the Scholastic and Finance Committees were unable to produce the membership category cost analysis that was requested last year due to the unavailability of information. Jim Pechac indicated that the new computer system should be able to handle it.

Treasurer Tom Dorsch asked that the Scholastic Committee and Finance Committee be tasked to prepare a report for the 2000 Annual meeting. He offered a friendly amendment to the motion, which was accepted, to change the year to 2000 in ADM 99-14 from 1999 to 2000.

Jim Pechac pointed out that no report had been prepared due to the fact that the accounting system in New Windsor does not facilitate costs associated with Memberships. He stated that he had spoken with members of the Finance and Scholastic Committees. He believes that the new computer system should provide the capability of providing the necessary information.

DM 99-36/ ADM 99-14 /PB 99-10 (DM 98-62/ ADM 98-40): The Delegates instruct the Scholastic Committee and the Finance Committee to analyze the present dues structure and report their analysis and recommendations to the 2000 Delegates’ Meeting. PASSED

 

DM 99-37/ ADM 99-15 /DM 98-63/ADM 98-41 (Guy Hoffman, WI): Ratings below the published rating floor shall be maintained by the office and used for subsequent rating calculations. WITHDRAWN

DM 99-38/ ADM 99-19 /DM 98-79/NDM 98-68 (Mark Pinto, CA/N; Hans Poschmann, CA/N; Richard Koepcke, CA/N): The Board of Delegates resolves that no new Delegates-At-Large shall be created. The current "Delegates-At-Large" shall retain their status, until their term expires. WITHDRAWN

As it was 12:04 PM the meeting was recessed for lunch.

  1. New Business

The first item under New Business was the report of the Membership Meeting, which consisted of the reading of the motion that had been presented by Harold Stenzel and PASSED at the Membership Meeting: "The membership expresses their disappointment that not all of the Policy Board attended the membership meeting." As the motion did not recommend Delegate action, no Delegate motions arose from the report.

New wording was received for ADM 99-20, which follows.

DM 99-39/ ADM 99-20 (Michael Carr, CA/S; Myron Lieberman, AZ; Hal Terrie, NH): Effective immediately, the following standing rule is adopted for USCF Delegates’ Meetings:

If, when the maker of a motion has finished speaking to it, there are at least four speakers waiting at the microphones, indicating substantial interest in a debate, then until the fourth speaker is heard it shall require a two thirds vote for a motion to table to succeed. FAILED

ADM 99-22 (Steve Doyle, NJ): Effective with the 1999 – 2000 fiscal year, reimbursements to Policy Board members / Executive Board members will not be made if the fiscal year ended in a loss.

As Steve Doyle was no longer at the meeting, this motion was moved to the end of the agenda.

ADM 99-23 (Myron Lieberman, AZ): The $5 membership discount that is given to first time Scholastic Members is replaced with a $5 gift certificate which can be used toward the purchase of books, equipment, or membership renewal.

Myron Lieberman presented the following substitute wording for his motion:

DM 99-40/ ADM 99-23 (Myron Lieberman, AZ): The $5 affiliate commission that is given for first time Scholastic Members is replaced with a $5 gift certificate which is sent to the member and can be used toward the purchase of books, equipment, or membership renewal. FAILED

DM 99-41/ ADM 99-24 (Ken Horne, NV): It is moved that the USCF have a booth at the 16 - 18 May 2000 American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) convention; that the 1999/2000 budget include a $10,000 line to cover the cost of this booth; that two membership specials be offered: Convention Specials: 1, A six month introductory membership for $15 which can be converted to a year's membership for an additional $20. 2. A one year membership for $35 (new or renewal). REFERRED TO NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD WITH POWER TO IMPLEMENT

ADM 99-25 (Anthony Cottell, NJ) The Life Membership Assets, including the Land and Building, and any and all invested assets, liquid or otherwise, be transferred to a New York State non-profit corporate entity to be managed by a Board of Trustees elected by each Life Member having one ballot vote. The effect of this motion will be accomplished by January 1, 2000. As Anthony Cottell was not present, this motion was moved to the end of the agenda.

DM 99-42/ ADM 99-30 (Richard Peterson, AZ) Remove the words "at any given time" from Article IX Section 10 B. so that it will read "Borrowing of an aggregate of more than $200,000 is possible only when: (All five conditions apply and are unchanged.) PASSED

 

A procedural motion to suspend the rules to bring two motions forward passed. Those motions were considered next. Originally there was no provision to address conflict of interest of a state affiliate President. Ralph Bowman suggested a friendly amendment, which was accepted, to add the phrase "or if the President is involved in the tie." The wording "on May 31 of the election year" replaced the original wording "on the day by which the ballots are to be returned". An alternative was originally considered that would have ties broken by a Credentials Committee . It was dropped as an alternative.

DM 99-43/ NDM 99-65 (Harold Winston, IL; Woody Harris, VA; Guy Hoffman, WI; Richard Koepcke, CA/N); Make the following changes to the Bylaws regarding SOMOV:

In Article IV, Section 2, insert the words ‘residing in the USA’ after the word ‘member’ in the first sentence.

In the first sentence of Article IV, Section 2, replace the words ‘at the time of the election’ with the words ‘on May 31 of the election year’.

In Article V, Section 2, add the word ‘resident’ before ‘USCF membership’ in the first sentence.

In Article V, Section 5, replace the word ‘members’ with ‘Voting Members’ in the first sentence.

In Article V, Section 5, after the sentence ‘Ties shall be broken by the President of the State Chapter in which the tie occurs.’, add the following:

If the President of the State Chapter has not responded by October 1st, or if the President is involved in the tie, the others officers in the State Chapter shall be contacted and asked to break the tie. The response received by November 1st from the highest ranking Officer (In order, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, members at large) shall break the tie. If no response is received, any other official contacts for the State Chapter as provided on their latest affiliate renewal shall be contacted and asked to break the tie. If no response is received by December 1st, the tie shall be broken by the Executive Board. PASSED AS AMENDED

The issue of mandating a stenographer as opposed to giving the Secretary the option of using whatever help may be appropriate was considered. Larry Evans proposed a friendly amendment, which was accepted, which added the "sense of the Delegates" paragraph. A procedural motion to extend debate passed. A second such motion failed.

DM 99-44/ NDM 99-64 (Harold Winston, IL; Don Schultz, FL; Myron Lieberman, AZ; Rachel Lieberman, AZ; Randy Hough, CA/S): Delete the first five sentences and the last sentence of Article VI, Section 8 (Secretary) and the fifth sentence of Article X of the Bylaws.

Insert the following at the beginning of Article VI, Section 8 (Secretary) of the Bylaws:

The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the Membership, Board of Delegates, and Executive Board. The Secretary shall be allowed whatever assistance is needed.

It is the sense of the Delegates that Executive Board meetings be taped or video recorded if a stenographer is not used.

FAILED 46-30 (While this is a majority, it did not meet the 2/3 vote needed for Bylaw changes not on published agenda)

DM 99-45/ ADM 99-35 (Dewain Barber, CA/S, Peter C. Nixon, MI, Al Woolum, TX): The name of the United States of America Chess Federation, better known as the US Chess Federation, is changed to the United States Scholastic Chess Federation. WITHDRAWN

Next to be considered were two motions to name individuals Delegates at Large.

Please note: This motion must pass by at least a 3/4 vote this year and next year in order to be implemented..

DM 99-46/ ADM 99-36 (John McCrary, SC; Scott Freneaux, AZ; Bill Goichberg, NY; Brenda Goichberg, NY; Jerry Hanken, CA/S; Myron Lieberman, AZ; Helen Warren, IL; Jim Pechac, OH; Richard Peterson, AZ): Resolved, that Rachel Lieberman is elected a Delegate-at-Large and is thanked for her many contributions to chess on a local and national level. PASSED BY OVER A � VOTE

Please note: As this motion passed it is automatically to be placed on the preprinted agenda for the 2000 Delegates' Meeting.

Please note: This motion requires only a simple majority and does not need to be resubmitted next year.

DM 99-47/ ADM 99-37 (Harold Winston, IL) - The Delegates elect outgoing USCF President Donald Schultz a Delegate at Large. PASSED 45-24

One Member One Vote was the next item to be considered. There was a tremendous amount of discussion. Three Amendments were offered. John Surlow (CA/S) offered the following Amendment: "Add to Article IV, Section 2: The parent or guardian of a USCF member, under age 18, receiving Chess Life or School Mates, may cast one vote on behalf of that member." An attempt to modify the Surlow amendment to allow for proportional voting failed, after which the amendment FAILED. Harold Winston (IL) offered the following Amendment, which PASSED: "Change the filing fee from $500 to $250". Steve Shutt (PA) offered the following Amendment, which FAILED: "Delete from Article IV, Section 2: is 18 years or older at the time of the election."

A roll call vote was requested. The vote on whether or not to have a roll call vote was 30 in favor and 35 opposed. As this is a significant minority, which is the Roberts Rules guideline, the chair authorized the roll call.

Discussion then went back to the main motion which FAILED by a vote of 36-45-1 (see roll call vote):

DM 99-48/ ADM 99-38 (OMOV Committee):

Bylaw changes recommended by the OMOV Committee

The OMOV Committee proposes the following changes to the new Bylaws: FAILED 36-45-1

Article IV: Voting Members

Section 1. Responsibility. The Voting Members are responsible for electing the Executive Board, and the Delegates and Alternate Delegates that represent their state. An insert containing nominees and voting instructions shall be inserted in an appropriate issue of Chess Life.

Article V Section 9. Deleted

Article VI: Executive Board

Section 4. Nomination. Any USCF member shall be eligible for nomination to the Executive Board upon submitting to the Secretary both of the following by January 15 of an election year:

1. A valid petition containing the signatures of thirty or more Voting Members.

2. A filing fee of $250 made payable to USCF.

No full-time employee of the USCF is eligible to serve on the Executive Board. The Secretary shall have advertised a call for nominations in the issue of Chess Life published no later than November 20th of the year prior to an election year and shall publish a list of all duly-submitted nominations in the issue published not later than April 20th of an election year.

Section 5. Delete and Replace with: Election. Executive Board members shall be elected by the voting members. Ballots for that purpose shall be included in an issue of Chess Life to be mailed prior to June 10 with ballots to be returned no later than July 20 of a year in which there is an election so that the ballots can be counted no later than August 1. Ballots shall be authenticated by use of official mailing labels provided with the ballots. The ballot shall list all duly submitted nominations. Each voting member may vote for as many persons as there are Executive Board positions to be filled. The persons receiving the largest vote totals shall be elected to the available Executive Board positions. The ballots shall be returned by mail to an independent agency and counted by an independent agency or by the Secretary or his or her designee and by tellers appointed by the Executive Board prior to the Annual Meeting of the Board of Delegates. Ties, if any, shall be broken by a secret ballot vote of the Delegates present in person at that year’s Delegates’ meeting, taken at the time that election results are certified. The election of Executive Board members shall take place in odd numbered years starting in 2001.

Article VI Section 8. Duties.

Secretary. USCF Operations, with the approval of the Secretary, shall engage a stenographic service to attend and record each meeting of the Executive Board. The stenographic service shall be directed to prepare a full official transcript and a summarized official transcript of each Regular and Special Meeting. Members of the Executive Board shall be provided with a copy of the full transcript through the BINFO system, and all Delegates andAlternate Delegates shall be provided with a copy of the summarized transcript in a Executive Board Newsletter distributed by the Secretary not more than six weeks after each Regular Meeting of the Executive Board. Transcripts of Special Meetings may be included with and distributed with the transcript of the next Regular Meeting. The Secretary shall review the summarized transcript of each Executive Board meeting and post the summarized transcript of Executive Board meetings, Membership Meetings, and Annual Meetings on the USCF Internet web page. The Secretary shall act as custodian of the corporate seal, preside over Federation elections, ensure that the annual report is filed with the Secretary of State of the state of Illinois, and perform such other duties as are prescribed by these Bylaws. The Secretary shall officially publish and mail and also post on the USCF Internet web page a summary of the minutes of Membership Meetings, Annual Meetings, and Executive Board meetings. USCF members may purchase a copy of the complete transcript of Executive Board meetings at a reasonable cost.

Article VI Section 10. Removal and Recall. Members of the Executive Board are subject to removal through recall by Petition for Recall.

Petition for Recall. A Petition for Recall bearing the signatures of 300 Voting Members may be filed with the USCF Secretary, except that a Petition to Recall the USCF Secretary shall be filed with the USCF President. A recall election may also be initiated by a vote of 75% or more of the Delegates present and voting at an annual meeting of the Board of Delegates. Upon certification of the petition or initiation of recall by the Board of Delegates, timely notice of the recall shall be provided to the Voting Members by notice in Chess Life magazine. All interested parties shall have no less than sixty days to communicate his/her views to the Voting Members. At the end of that period a recall ballot shall be included and prominently placed in an issue of Chess Life magazine. Ballots must be received by mail by an independent agency by the end of the month following the issue date of the Chess Life magazine containing the recall ballot. At the end of that period the ballots shall be opened and tabulated by an independent agency agreed upon by both sides or in the presence of three tellers, one appointed by the Executive Board member who is subject to recall, one appointed by the first available signer of a recall question, and one appointed by the other two tellers. If at least two-thirds of those voting support recall and at least 500 votes are received, the Executive Board Member is recalled. Both sides shall be allocated 250 words in Chess Life magazine to be included in the issue with the ballot for recall.

Section 11. Candidate statements and advertising. Each duly nominated candidate who has met the requirements established inSection 4 is entitled to a 150 word statement plus photo in the issue of Chess Life published no later than April 20 of the election year, plus reasonable and equitable space on the USCF website. Election supplements shall accompany or be inserted in issues of Chess Life published no later than May 20 and June 20 of the election year. Each duly nominated candidate who has met the requirements established in Section 4 is entitled to one-half page of space in each election supplement The purchase of additional campaign space in the election supplements or other USCF publications is prohibited.

Section 12. Effective date. Revisions to the bylaws relating to the election of the Executive Board take effect on January 1, 2001.

The results of the OMOV motion were taken by roll call vote. That vote was as follows:

YES

NO

PASS

ABSTAIN

NO VOTE GIVEN

KEN SLOAN, AL WALTER SCHAETZLE, AL     MARK PINTO, CA/N
RACHEL LIEBERMAN,AZ DENIS BARRY, AZ     ART MARTHINSEN, CA/N
MYRON LIEBERMAN,AZ RICHARD PETERSON, AZ     DEWAIN BARBER, CA/S
JEROME HANKEN, CA/S STEVE KAMP, AZ     GERALD BLEM, CA/S
MICHAEL NAGARAN,CA/S THOMAS DORSCH, CA/N     CAROL JARECKI, FL
RICHARD BUCHANAN, CO JAMES EADE, CA/N     DENIS STRENZWILK, MD
ROBERT MILARDO, CT RICHARD KOEPCKE, CA/N     STEVEN DOYLE, NJ
DON SCHULTZ, FL HANS POSCHMANN, CA/N     WILLIAM MOFFAT, NM
ARNOLD DENKER, FL CAROLYN WITHGITT, CA/N     ED FRUMKIN, NY
BOB SMITH, FL JOHN MCCUMISKEY,CA/N     ALAN BENJAMIN, NY

YES

NO

PASS

ABSTAIN

NO VOTE GIVEN

RALPH BOWMAN, FL RANDALL HOUGH, CA/S     BILL ARLUCK, NY
LAWRENCE REIFURTH, HI MICHAEL CARR, CA/S     CARL HAESSLER, OR
ROGER GOTSCHALL, IA JOHN SURLOW, CA/S     IRA LEE RIDDLE, PA
STEWART SUTTON, ID FRANK CAMARATTA, FL      
GARRETT SCOTT, IL TIMOTHY JUST, IL      
NEIL ANDREWS, KS HELEN WARREN, IL      
HAROLD DONDIS, MA HAROLD WINSTON, IL      
H. JAY CARR, MI JAMES WARREN, IL      
SYLVESTER ROBES, MI ALAN LOSOFF, IL ALAN LOSOFF, IL    
SAM SLOAN, NC THOMAS FINEBERG, IL L. COHEN, IL L. COHEN, IL  
HENRY TERRIE III, NH PETER NIXON, MI      
JOE IPPOLITO, NJ DAVID KUHNS, MN      
KENNETH B. HORNE, NV WILLIAM WRIGHT, MO      
BILL GOICHBERG, NY JIM JIROUSEK, NE      
MARTIN MERADO, NY MIKE SOMERS, NJ      
WALTER BUEHL, NY ROGER INGLIS, NJ      
PHYLLIS BENJAMIN, NY DORIS BARRY, NJ      
BRENDA GOICHBERG, NY AL LAWRENCE, NY      
JAMES MENNELLA, NY HAROLD STENZEL, NY      
STEVE SHUTT, PA SUNIL WEERAMANTRY, NY      
ERIC JOHNSON, PA JAMES PECHAC, OH      
LARRY EVANS, PA ROBERT JOHN MCCRARY, SC      
LUIS SALINAS, TX WILLIAM ORGAIN, TN      
ROBERT TANNER, UT HARRY SABINE, TN      
MARVIN HAYAMI, WA JACK MALLORY, TN      
OLLIE LAFRENIERE, WA TIM REDMAN, TX      
  GARY GAIFFE, TX      
  SELBY ANDERSON, TX      
  FORREST MARLER, TX      
  GEORGE JOHN, TX      
  AL WOOLUM, TX      
  WOODROW HARRIS, VA      
  MIKE NIETMAN, WI      
  GUY HOFFMAN, WI      
  JAMES MEYER, WV      

TOTALS: 36

45

2

1

13

Next was ADM99-39 which was to be brought up only in the event that the previous motion failed.

DM 99-49/ADM 99-39 (OMOV Committee)

The following motion is to be voted only in the event that the previous motion fails.

Fallback Motion

The delegates see merit in the idea that the voting membership electing the Executive Board is the next logical step after SOMOV (State One Member One Vote), and hereby appoint a task force to further develop the detailed proposal presented in Reno and report back with an implementation proposal for the 2000 delegates meeting. PASSED 44-32

Tom Dorsch offered a motion that the OMOV Committee already in place last year be continued as the task force . Please note that the members of the OMOV Committee are Bill Goichberg (Chair), Randy Bauer, Mike Cavallo, James Eade, Larry Evans, Mike Nolan, and Wayne Praeder.

DM 99-50 / NDM 99-79 (Tom Dorsch, CA/N) The task force to develop an OMOV proposal is to be the same OMOV Committee that is already in place. That committee is to be continued another year. PASSED

DM 99-51/ ADM 99-40 (Jim Eade, CA/N) An OMOV Delegates' Task Force is established to develop a proposal which establishes direct election of officers by the membership. The task force should hold a workshop during the Annual Meeting in the year 2000, make a report to the Delegates at that Annual Meeting, and present its final proposal to the Delegates at the Annual Meeting of 2001, at which point the Task Force is disbanded. WITHDRAWN

ADM 99-41 (Rachel Lieberman, AZ): All candidates for the Executive Board shall report any campaign contributions which have a value in excess of $150 to the USCF Secretary no later than June 15 of an election year. The USCF Secretary shall distribute this information to all electors with the ballots. If there have been no contributions in excess of $150 value the candidate must report that fact. If the contribution is in the name of a group or committee, the chairperson must be named. Failure to provide a financial disclosure report by June 15 shall result in the statement "This candidate has refused to provide a financial disclosure statement" being documented next to the candidate's name on the ballot.

 

 

Rachel Lieberman accepted some changes from the Bylaws workshop. The final motion was as follows:

DM 99-52/ ADM 99-41 (Rachel Lieberman, AZ): All candidates for the Executive Board shall report any campaign contributions and loans which have a value in excess of $150 to the USCF Secretary no later than June 15 of an election year. The candidate must file a second report by September 15 listing contributions received subsequent to amounts listed in the previous report. The USCF Secretary shall distribute this information to all electors with the ballots. If there have been no contributions or loans in excess of $150 value the candidate must report that fact. If the contribution or loan is in the name of a group or committee, the chairperson must be named. Failure to provide a financial disclosure report by June 15 shall result in the statement "This candidate did not provide a financial disclosure statement" being documented next to the candidate's name on the ballot. REFERRED TO THE BYLAWS COMMITTEE

ADM 99-42 (Myron Lieberman, AZ): The chairs of all USCF Committees are required to have access to e-mail and to check their e-mail regularly. If there are co-chairs only one must meet this requirement. All committee members are strongly encouraged to have access to e-mail as well. All committees are encouraged to communicate by e-mail, Net Meeting, Instant Messenger, or chat whenever practical.

The following new wording was presented to the Delegates:

ADM 99-42 (Myron Lieberman, AZ): The members of the USCF Executive Board and the Chairs of all USCF Committees are required to have access to e-mail and to check their e-mail regularly. If there are Co-Chairs only one must meet this requirement. All Committee members are strongly encouraged to have access to e-mail as well. The Executive Board and all Committees are encouraged to communicate by e-mail, Net Meeting, Instant Messenger, or chat whenever practical.

There was extensive discussion on this motion, mostly centering on mandating anything.. Al Losoff suggested that the word "required" be replaced with "strongly recommended". This was not accepted and withdrawn as an amendment. Discussion continued. Rachel Lieberman offered a similar friendly amendment to replace "required" with "strongly encouraged". This was not accepted as a friendly amendment. A vote on the amendment passed. Since it would eliminate the mandate, the sentence regarding co-chairs becomes moot and was also removed from the final version, which PASSED.

DM 99-53/ ADM 99-42 (Myron Lieberman, AZ, Rachel Lieberman, AZ): The members of the USCF Executive Board and the Chairs of all USCF Committees are strongly encouraged to have access to e-mail and to check their e-mail regularly. All Committee members are strongly encouraged to have access to e-mail as well. The Executive Board and all Committees are encouraged to communicate by e-mail, Net Meeting, Instant Messenger, or chat whenever practical. PASSED AS AMENDED

DM 99-54/ ADM 99-43 (Bylaws Committee): The Delegates appoint the following people to the USCF Bylaws Committee (for 1999-2000):) Alan Benjamin, NY; Frank Camaratta, AL; Bill Goichberg, NY; Guy Hoffman, WI; Randy Hough, CA/S; Gary Kitts, MI; Richard Koepcke, CA/N; Al Losoff, IL; Myron Lieberman, AZ; David Mehler, MD; Michael Nolan, NE , Paul Shannon, OR; and Harold Winston, IL. PASSED

Please note : The members of the Bylaws Committee present in Reno met and elected Mike Nolan as chair.

DM 99-55/ ADM 99-44 (Ethics Committee): The Delegates appoint the following people to the USCF Ethics Committee (for 1999-2000): Ralph Bowman, KS; Richard Buchanan, CO; Frank Camaratta, AL; Michael Carr, CA/S; William Deer, CA/N; Bobby Dudley, PA; Roger Gotschall, IA; Alan Losoff, IL; Jack Mallory, AL; Kenneth Sloan, AL; Henry Terrie, NH; Andrew Thall, TX; and Carolyn Withgitt, CA/N. PASSED

Please Note: As of this writing the Chair of the Ethics Committee has not been named. Please also note that Jim Eade nominated and the Delegates accepted the addition of William Deer and Carolyn Withgitt. The other names were proposed by the committee.

DM 99-56/ ADM 99-45 (Myron Lieberman, AZ): The Delegates instruct the Ethics Committee to provide whatever interpretations or clarifications to the Executive Board Standards of Conduct and the USCF Code of Ethics as may be requested by any Delegate. Such interpretations or clarifications are to be provided whether or not there is an active complaint or claim of violation involved. FAILED

DM 99-57/ ADM 99-46 (Richard Peterson, AZ): Taking no position on the substance of the allegations, the Delegates hereby reprimand the Ethics Committee for knowingly violating Code of Ethics / Procedure 6f in their performance of the Goichberg / Dorsch matter. Further, the Delegates order the withdrawal of the Ethics Committee's findings. Please note: procedure 6f of the Code of Ethics states:: "If any member of the Ethics Committee or of the USCF Policy Board (Executive Board) has a conflict of interest of any kind that might preclude objective participation in the consideration of any case, that person may not act in the capacity of a committee member or Board member on the case." WITHDRAWN

DM 99-58/ ADM 99-49 (Myron Lieberman, AZ): "Chess Life" shall be split into two different publications. One is to be oriented toward tournament players and feature games, analysis, and news. The second is to be oriented toward the casual chessplayer and shall feature personality profiles, features, human interest, cartoons, art or photos, and other items of general interest. Both are to include TLAs and catalog information. The intent is that the second publication be designed to have newsstand sales appeal and can help attract new members. Members may choose which publication they wish to receive with their membership, and they can receive both for an additional charge.

REFERRED TO THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

DM 99-59/ ADM 99-50 (Alan Benjamin, NY): The members of the next Women’s Olympic Team shall include the first three finishers in the 1998 US Women’s Championship. WITHDRAWN

DM 99-60/ ADM 99-52 (Ken Horne, NV): It is moved that the next revised copy of the Rulebook be published in loose leaf and in CD format; and that yearly updates will be made with page changes and upgraded CDs. There will be a charge for the initial copy and for the page changes and upgrades. REFERRED TO THE RULES COMMITTEE

ADM 99-53 (Ken Horne, NV; Myron Lieberman, AZ): It is moved that by 1 January 2000 the USCF shall have the ability to receive rating reports electronically (through the Internet or e-mail with attachments).

Ken Horne revised the date requirement to "1 August 2000". Myron Lieberman (AZ) pointed out this ability exists, and offered the following friendly amendment, which was accepted "The USCF shall receive rating reports electronically". The final motion was as follows:

DM 99-61/ ADM 99-53 (Ken Horne, NV): It is moved that by 1 August 2000 the USCF shall receive rating reports electronically PASSED AS AMENDED

DM 99-62/ ADM 99-55 (Bob Holliman, MO, Myron Lieberman, AZ) The USCF shall establish an Internet rating. Specifics shall be determined by the Executive Board seated in August, 1999. REFERRED TO THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

DM 99-63/ ADM 99-56 (Bob Holliman, MO, Myron Lieberman, AZ) The USCF shall establish an Internet membership. Cost and benefits of this Internet membership shall be determined by the Executive Board seated in August, 1999. MOOT

ADM 99-59 (Richard Peterson, AZ) Because of the longstanding indifference of the office to answer or acknowledge repeated requests for information from the official Delegate Committee charged with reporting the value of each category of membership, the Delegates have "no confidence" in the Executive Director.

Richard Peterson revised the wording to replace" Delegate" with "Policy Board"

Robert Tanner (UT) and Arnold Denker (FL) submitted the following substitute motion:

For his longstanding efforts on behalf of USCF; for all the time he has sacrificed away from his family to help our organization; for persevering with dignity despite a campaign of outrageous attacks, the Delegates commend Executive Director Mike Cavallo, and express confidence in his leadership.

The amendment and the main motion were tabled on a motion to table by Tim Just (IL)

DM 99-64/ ADM 99-59 (Richard Peterson, AZ) Because of the longstanding indifference of the office to answer or acknowledge repeated requests for information from the official Policy Board Committee charged with reporting the value of each category of membership, the Delegates have "no confidence" in the Executive Director. THE ENTIRE ISSUE, INCLUDING THE MOTION AND THE SUBSTITUTE, WAS TABLED

At this time the following four motions which had been moved to the end of the agenda due to the fact that their sponsors were not present) were considered:

DM 99-65/ ADM 99-22 (Steve Doyle, NJ): Effective with the 1999 – 2000 fiscal year, reimbursements to Policy Board members / Executive Board members will not be made if the fiscal year ended in a loss. NOT PRESENTED

DM 99-66/ ADM 99-25 (Anthony Cottell, NJ) The Life Membership Assets, including the Land and Building, and any and all invested assets, liquid or otherwise, be transferred to a New York State non-profit corporate entity to be managed by a Board of Trustees elected by each Life Member having one ballot vote. The effect of this motion will be accomplished by January 1, 2000. NOT PRESENTED

Tim Just, a member of the Club Development Committee, asked that ADMs 57 and 58 be referred back to the Club Development Committee.

DM 99-67/ ADM 99-57 (Bob Holliman, MO, for the Club Development Committee): The USCF shall develop a survey for the purpose of determining the availability and willingness of local masters to assist in publicity matters to assist local clubs. REFERRED TO THE CLUB DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

DM 99-68/ ADM 99-58 (Bob Holliman, MO, for the Club Development Committee): The USCF shall develop a survey for the purpose of determining areas of mutual cooperation between the clubs and full time chess studios. REFERRED TO THE CLUB DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

All motions on the advance agenda having been considered, it was time to consider new motions added to the agenda (NDMs). Please note that two of the NDMs were WITHDRAWN before they reached the floor. As they were never brought up, they are not listed below. One motion dealt with USCF representatives to the World Youth playing in the lowest age section for which they qualify. The other dealt with the Executive Director being empowered to obtain loans from the LMA at better interest rates than are available from the bank.

:

DM 99-69/ NDM 99-60 (Dewain Barber, CA/S): The most recent USCF rating posted on the USCF website may be used for all scholastic only events except for National, Regional, and State Championship events. Organizers are encouraged to do this. WITHDRAWN

DM 99-70/ NDM 99-61 (James Pechac, OH): Revise DM 96-14. Change "All income from life memberships" to "90% from Life Memberships". PASSED

DM 99-71/ NDM 99-62 (Pete Nixon/ Scholastic Workshop): Club Teams are not allowed at the National Elementary, National Junior High School, National High School, K – 12, and Supernationals, except for existing contracts (which are Grandfathered). PASSED

DM 99-72/ NDM 99-63 (Gary Gaiffe, TX): Any individual present at the ballot count whose name is called as not having a ballot received, will be offered a ballot to fill out and add to their Region’s certified ballots. REFERRED TO THE BYLAWS COMMITTEE

DM 99-73/ NDM 99-66 (Lawrence Cohen, IL): Ballot reform. Name and state only. (No titles, credentials, or other honors on any ballot). PASSED

DM 99-74/ NDM 99-67 (Kenneth Horne, NV): It is moved that the USCF have a Members Only section of the USCF website. To be included in this Members Only section will be the current issue of Chess Life, School Mates, and the rating data. REFERRED TO THE INTERNET COMMITTEE & EXECUTIVE BOARD

DM 99-75/ NDM 99-68 (John McCrary, SC): The "Standards of Conduct for the USCF Policy Board" is amended by substituting "Executive Board" for Policy Board" throughout the Standards.

The "Code of Ethics of the United States Chess Federation" is amended by substituting "Executive Board" for "Policy Board" throughout the Code of Ethics. PASSED

DM 99-76/ NDM 99-72 (Jim Pechac/ Finance Committee): Delete Delegate Actions of Continuing Interest, Paragraph #25. Unrealized gains have been included in financial statements for the past two years, consistent with revised financial reporting standards. (Page 27 of Delegates’ Call) REFERRED TO BYLAWS

This motion was originally submitted without the last sentence. Harold Winston and Mike Nolan proposed a friendly amendment, which was accepted, to add "Delegate Committees shall appear before Executive Board Committees."

DM 99-77/ NDM 99-73 (Stephen Shutt, PA; Pete Nixon, MI): The order of presentation of the Committee Reports at the Annual Meeting will be randomly determined prior to the printing of the Delegates’ Call booklet. This will replace the current method of using an alphabetical listing of the committee names to determine the order. Delegate Committees appear before Executive Board Committees. FAILED

DM 99-78/ NDM 99-75 (Lawrence Cohen, IL): The USCF shall charge a fee for scholastic crosstables. REFERRED TO SCHOLASTIC AND FINANCE COMMITTEES

A motion to refer this to the Bylaws committee failed by a count of 30-31, after which the motion FAILED.

DM 99-79/ NDM 99-76 (Sam Sloan, NC): Resolved: That the position of Life Voting Member be abolished. FAILED

DM 99-80/ NDM 99-77 (Sam Sloan, NC): Resolved: That the position of Delegate-At-Large be abolished. FAILED

DM 99-81/ NDM 99-78 (Harold Winston, IL): In Delegate Actions of Continuing Interest, replace the words Policy Board by Executive Board whenever they appear. PASSED

DM 99-82/ NDM 99-80 (Harold Winston, IL): The Delegates give a vote of thanks to Mike Nolan for his services as Parliamentarian. PASSED BY ACCLAMATION

DM 99-83/ NDM 99-81 (Harold Winston, IL): The Delegates give a vote of thanks to Chief Organizers Jerry and Fran Weikel, Barbara Woodward of the Sands Regency Hotel, and the entire tournament direction staff for the successful 100th (1999) US Open. The Delegates commend the signs showing each and every player’s state and country, demonstrating that all players in the US Open are important. PASSED BY ACCLAMATION

XI. Presentation of Certificates of Governance

The following members of the Board are outgoing: Don Schultz, Bill Goichberg, Rachel Lieberman, Tom Dorsch, and Jim Eade. President Donald Schultz announced that Certificates of Governance were not available at the meeting and would be mailed to all outgoing members of the Policy Board. Jim Eade, Bill Goichberg, Rachel Lieberman, and Don Schultz spoke.

XII. Installation of New Executive Board Members

The Delegates gave the new Board a round of applause. New officers are as follows:

President Bob Smith, FL

Vice President Robert John McCrary, SC

Vice President for Finance Jim Pechac, OH

Secretary Doris Barry, AZ

XIII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 PM.

1999 USCF AWARDS PRESENTATION

The following awards were presented at the 1999 USCF Awards Luncheon, held at noon Saturday August 14:

The Chess City of the year award was given to San Francisco, CA, and Gilbert, AZ. John Donaldson accepted for San Francisco Vice Mayor Maggie Cathey accepted the award for Gilbert.

The Chess Club of the Year honor was awarded for the first time. It was awarded to the Pittsburgh Chess Club.

The Committee of the Year award went to the Rules Committee and the Finance Task Force. Co-chairs Alan Losoff (IL), and Carol Jarecki (NY) were present for the Rules Committee, Ms Jarecki taking time away from the FIDE World Championship to attend the presentation.

The Meritorious Service award went to Erv Sedlock (IL),Selby Anderson (TX), and Ken Smith (TX). Selby Anderson accepted his own award. Ken Smith's widow, Elaine Smith, accepted the award for Ken Smith/. Two other members of the Smith family were present.

The Distinguished Service award was given posthumously to Jerry Spann (OK). His widow, Alice Spann, accepted the award for him. Six other members of his family were present.

The Frank J. Marshall Ambassador award was given posthumously to Faneuil Adams.(NY).

The Grandmaster of the Year award was given to Nick DeFirmian.

The Organizers of the Year award was given to De Knudson (SD) and John Donaldson (CA/N), who each accepted their own awards.

The Outstanding Career Achievement award went to Stuart Laughlin (ME), Bob Fischer (IN), and James Hurt (CO). James Hurt, who is over age 80, attended and accepted his own award.

The Special Services award was given to Tim Just (IL), Mike Carr (CA/S), and (posthumously) Alice Loranth (OH). Tim Just and Mike Carr accepted their own awards and the award for Alice Loranth will be mailed to her widower, Leslie Loranth, at his request.

Fred Gruenberg (IL) did his usual great job as emcee with the assistance of Jim Eade (CA/N).

Note: The recipients of the Fred Cramer awards are listed in the report of the Fred Cramer Award Committee in the minutes of the Delegates' Meeting.

DR. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN INDUCTED INTO US CHESS HALL OF FAME

Dr. Benjamin Franklin was inducted into the US Chess Hall of fame. It was noted that he is not only the last inductee of the millennium, but he might be the last inductee ever since the US Chess Hall of Fame is expected to merge into the World Chess Hall of Fame next year. Jim Gassaway, a direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin, was on hand for the induction and provided a copy of "The Morals of Chess", autographed by the author and donated to the Hall of Fame by the American Philosophical Society, to the Hall of Fame. Mr. Gassaway represented not only the Franklin family, but Friends of Franklin and the American Philosophical Society as well. Another descendant of Benjamin Franklin, Jim Gassaway's nephew Jon Peter was also on hand. He had previous experience with chess in High School and participated in the Blitz tournament on Saturday night. The induction will be covered in an upcoming issue of the "Franklin Gazette".



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