Present: Justin Easter (Summit), Brian Tate (Steamboat), Josh Smullin (Steamboat), Mike Elliot (Durango), John Ogier (Durango), Peggy Frias (Steamboat), Josh Dalley (Durango), Karl Remsen (Leadville), John Callahan (Aspen), Rich Jortberg (Boulder), Eric Pepper (Boulder), Rich Smith (Crested Butte), Duncan Callahan, (Crested Butte), Karen Perkins (Summit), John Zdedlich (Vail), Dan Weiland (Vail), Karl Hochtl (Vail) Cindy Ryerson (Vail)
Justin Easter (RMN executive director) called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. He noted that the fall minutes were on the website and moved to approve them, if there were no objections. There were no objections.
Review of Finances: Copies of the financial statement were distributed. The profit/loss summary was reviewed. A decrease in membership due to a reduction in Colorado Cup participation was identified. It was stated that The Colorado Cup needs to be re-invigorated.
Karen and Brian Perkins were instrumental in having a snowmobile donated to RMN from the Breckenridge ski area. The transaction resulted in $4900.00 revenue for RMN. Karen has submitted letters to Keystone and Breckenridge to get on their list again.
Justin would like to find a way to liquidate the stock of RMN hats and patches that have been in storage for 2 years. It was recommended that individual clubs be approached to sell them for $10.00 ea. Selling the hats through a line item on the membership form was also recommended.
It was noted that RMN did not loose money this year. There is $43,000.00 in the bank.
Mike Elliot reported that there is a positive variance from JN wax funds, however the Peak Performance invoice had not yet been reflected.
It was discussed that RMN still possesses a credit card in Ruthie Brown’s name. Justin reported that Annie D. (treasurer) recommended getting a bank card in RMN’s name rather than having a credit card in an individual’s name. The problem of not acquiring air miles was mentioned. Annie is working on a solution to this.
Select Team: Current select team qualifying criteria was discussed. It was suggested that select team criteria be more focused on including up and coming younger athletes who had top RMN points and top finishes at J.N.’s. Having a J2 Select team was discussed. A proposal was made to include the top 3 finishers on the RMN points list who had top 10 finishes at J.N.’s in addition to the top 6 qualifiers on the USSA NRL. It was proposed to adopt the J2 select team criteria for next year, and invite the J2’s that are impacted to attend camps this year. A final decision on J2 select team criteria will be made at the fall meeting.
Clarification on what the select team members receive was requested. It was noted that in the past, camp scholarships were offered, but due to lack of funding, cannot currently be mandated. Jackets will be provided by “Podium Wear” at a reduced cost contingent on a commitment from RMN for future orders. Advantages were discussed including the price, better quality, and the ability to add-on orders. Select team jackets should be similar to RMN uniforms, but should be able to be distinguished from others.
Eric P. expressed that RMN need to fund or partly fund the jackets, because the athletes have earned it. Josh S. expressed that he’d like to see athletes receive scholarships to camps.
Mike Elliott motioned for RMN to fund ½ of the price of the jackets. Cindy Ryerson seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
An RMN uniform design change was discussed. It was recommended this be done on a less expensive J.N. year, considering the projected high cost of travel to Presque Isle. It was suggested that we move forward with the design, have kids submit designs by June 15th. and have the Select Team/Coach choose the design.
Select Team Coaching
Coach responsibilities were outlined, including: level 100 certification, US Ski team liaison, athlete education re: the opportunities that exist ( e.g. REG camp, Scando Cup, etc.)
For camps, select team coach will be the constant coach, and the home coach will participate. Select team coach should make it to the REG camp.
John Callahan expressed that he does not wish to renew as Select Team Coach. The application process will be instated. A committee of three will be named to create the job description, determine the pay, and select a candidate. Justin will publish the position on the web site by Saturday. A coach will be named by June 5th.
Summer Camp Schedule:
(An information sheet on insurance was referred to. Rich J. will contact Terry S. to see what the issue is with insurability. Insurance costs should be built into camp fees.)
June 6-9th University of Wyoming on –snow/crust skiing camp geared toward J2’s and J3’s.
June 21-28 REG Camp Park City
July 2-5 Leadville Camp (Eric Pepper/Boulder). Targets J2’s and older. Participants need to be experienced roller skiers.
August 6-9 Boulder Testing Camp geared toward select team.
July 30-- August 2. Aspen J2, J3 level camp
Oct 10-12 (Columbus Day weekend). Aspen Fall Camp. J2 and up.
Justin will add some Saturday a.m. roller skiing sessions. The first will be June 13th. Meet at Main St. Frisco on the path.
RMN/JOQ Winter Race Schedule:
The advantages and disadvantages of pairing an RMN/JOQ race with the Aspen Owl Creek Race on President’s weekend were debated in detail. As well, an article of the history of the race was distributed. The potential advantages of RMN hosting a JOQ at Devil’s thumb were also discussed. Finally, the following schedule was proposed, to be approved at the Fall Meeting:
December 5 -6 NRL at Summit/Gold Run* Interval start Classic 5k/10k
Interval Freestyle 5k 10 k
December 19-20 Crested Butte Individual Classic 5k/10k
Mass Start Freestyle 5k/10k
January 15-16 Durango Sprint Classic
Interval Freestyle 5k/10k/15k
January 29-30 Soldier Hollow* Sprint Freestyle
Mass Start Classic 5k/10k/15k
February 26-27 Steamboat*,( JOQ to be combined with Western Regional NCAA, add J3 championship race.) Individual Freestyle
Mass Start Classic
* denotes NRL race
Junior National Qualifying Criteria
John Callahan proposed a change to a simplified points format that is similar to World Cup format.
Data using each format has been studied and the end results are the same.
A vote was held to change to a simpler system, further investigate which system to change to, and score 4 races with no substitutions.
Mike Elliott renegged stating that substitutions are good for college racers.
A final decision re: which system to use will be made at the fall meeting.
Others:
An accurate data base of RMN skiers is needed before points can be calculated.
RMN forms need to be standardized. One system that all coaches can access on line would reduce duplication of work.
Early renewal of USSA licenses is recommended.
Junior Nationals Report
Mike Elliott suggested that part of the $3000.00 variance should be refunded to the clubs that paid for development coaches (Boulder, Steamboat, Durango). Some felt it should be kept in the RMN account.
Having the Boreal Hotel was good. Having the menu designed by the 3 parents worked out well. The help with shuttling from parents was very much appreciated. Parent drivers should be listed on insurance. Specific coaches should be assigned to specific vans.
A contact list of parents on the website would be helpful to J.N. parents trying to coordinate lodging, activities, etc.
Re: transition for JN team leader: Mike is including Jeanne Pastore and Josh Dalley in the planning/preparation process.
Presque Isle lodging is reserved at The Northeastern Hotel. Lodging costs will be comparable to Alaska. Various scenarios for transportation to Presque Isle were discussed.
Fundraising and Long Term Sustainability
Plan to “brand” RMN did not work out. RMN needs to focus on increasing memberships and Colorado Cup participation. It needs to open it up to more racers, and get Louisa’s involvement. Nathan Shultz is willing to help out. Sending an e-mail to new members with a list of benefits and races was recommended. A family membership option should be included.
The Daniel’s Fund Grant ($10,000.00) should be re-applied for. It should be kept separate from the general fund and used to fund the select team.
For sponsorships, try for a single event sponsor rather than blanket RMN sponsorship.
Rudy Project is in the works. If pro-form sales are successful, RMN will benefit.
Nathan Shultz is interested in helping sponsor the select team by providing some equipment.
The potential advantages of having an RMN race at Devil’s thumb were presented. Connecting with Grand Nordic Council could be beneficial.
RMN Business
The structure of a board is needed for 501 C3 status needs to be retained.
The executive director should report to the board, the board president should run the meetings. Parent representatives need to be on board.
This should be put on the fall meeting agenda.
Annie D. is serving as treasurer.
Fall meeting is on the Saturday of the Aspen Camp weekend.
The spring meeting date needs to be set at the fall meeting.
RMN Website
There is a need for news and human interest stories.
The blog spot from Scando Cup was a good example and appreciated.
Select team members should be responsible for reporting items of interest.
Info from kid’s and coaches summer activities involvement is desired.
Articles of interest can be e-mailed to Justin.