|
OFFICIAL NOTICE TO ALL OCA MEMBERS
This meeting will include election of all positions, including: President,
Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and 3 members at large. The four officer
positions are 2-year terms and the at-large positions are 1-year terms. Voter
qualifications are stated in Article III, Section 2 of the
OCA Bylaws.
Minutes of OCA Board Meeting 18 Aug 07
Present were:
President Chuck Unruh
Treasurer Jim Gray
Secretary Mike Swatek (reporting)
At Large Members Rev. Ed Boyle and Charles Unruh
Chuck shared comments about Oklahoma chess and the USCF Delegates Meeting.
Jim Gray presented financial information. The OCA has $4074.53 cash on hand.
Rev. Ed Boyle requested that four Oklahoma Correspondence Chess titles and
awards be issued by the OCA. Motion was seconded and approved.
Discussed issues relating to future tournaments.
Adjourned.
24 June 2007 - Annual Meeting and
Election
held at 8am, before round 4 of
the 62nd Oklahoma Open State
Championship in Tulsa.
Three Board Member At Large positions and five bylaws
amendment proposals were voted upon, as stated in the
minutes of the 2007 OCA Annual Meeting and
Board follow-up actions.
The following items were approved by a majority of the
entire OCA Board in email correspondence on 21-23 May 07:
-
Oklahoma
Agreement between Jim Berry and Chuck Unruh
-
The members will vote at the Annual Meeting on a proposal that "OCA Sundry
Bylaw VI.8. be eliminated from the Bylaws." It states:
VI.8. Review: These Bylaws should be reviewed by 2006 or earlier.
-
The members will vote at the Annual Meeting on a proposal to
require Oklahoma state
residency to vote in the OCA Annual Election.
-
Postponed the Quick Chess Championship from 21 July to 18 August and canceled
the Labor Day Memorial Open on 1-2 September. These resolved tournament
schedule conflicts in a gesture of goodwill toward schedule coordination with
the OCF.
For minutes of this meeting, click
HERE. These minutes contain
approval of three bylaws amendment proposals to go before the members at the 24
June Annual Meeting and Election at 8am, before round 4 of the
62nd Oklahoma Open State
Championship in Tulsa. The proposals include:
An OCA Board Meeting was held following the Tulsa Winter Open on 17 March
2007.
Participating were: President Chuck Unruh, Treasurer Jim Gray, Secretary Mike
Swatek, Board Members at Large Robert Phy and Ben Shaffer
Secretary reported the following membership, including those from the Tulsa
Winter Open: 31 patrons, 77 regular and 46 youth for a total of 154.
A motion was unanimously approved for the Board to endorse USCF Executive
Board candidates.
Discussed the awards and prizes for the 62nd Oklahoma Open Championship.
Meeting adjourned.
Reported by Mike Swatek
28 Jan 2007 - Board Meeting Minutes
Call to Order & Reports:
On or about 08:00 am the President called the meeting to
order with a Policy Board quorum in attendance to conduct the business of the
OCA. Present were Vice President Jim Bedenbaugh, Treasurer Jim Gray, Policy
Board Members , Robert Phy, Ben Shaffer, Charles Unruh, President Chuck Unruh,
John Dunlap and Jeff Carter.
Treasurer Jim Gray offered the financial report for review
and comment. The Policy Board discussion focused on our year to date progress
since the membership vote on changes to the bulletin and dues structure.
Discussion centered also on the 529 program, patron membership, donations,
mailing the bulletin and OCA tournament revenue. A summary of the report finds
OCA in stable financial standing.
President Chuck Unruh updated the Policy Board on a
national team mission to USCF headquarters. A team of members from the USCF
audit, finances and LMA committees met with the USCF office staff for a review
and report on the national parent’s actual year to date results. On a more local
overview, he discussed the recent bulletin mailing and the membership impacts of
scheduling more one day tournaments.
Member John Dunlap, a very experienced tournament director
and past OCA president, spoke to the issue of recruiting more tournament
directors for the OCA tournaments. Policy Board member Robert Phy suggested the
purchase of an OCA laptop computer in the future for purposes of the OCA
tournaments. The computer would lower the cost barrier for new volunteer
tournament directors.
A motion was made by Robert Phy and seconded by Ben Shaffer
to accept the reports. The motion was carried by unanimous vote.
Old Business:
Vice President Jim Bedenbaugh introduced the possibility of
longer policy board terms and staggered elections. The Vice President serves on
other not for profit policy boards and recommends that OCA change the time in
service for our elected policy board members. The issue is based in his
experience with other organizations and the advantages of time staggered board
service. The board discussed the issues and found merit in the changes. Our
Vice President will submit an on line motion for further discussion in the near
future. The Policy Board will vote on the issue before March and then prepare a
recommendation to the membership if necessary at the annual meeting in June.
Policy Board member Charles Unruh made a motion to schedule
the Labor Day Memorial Tournament 2007. The motion was seconded by Policy Board
member Ben Shaffer. After discussion a vote was called. The motion carried with
a vote of 5 yea, 0 nay and 1 abstaining vote.
Policy Board member Charles Unruh made a motion for the
traditional two day tournament structure. The motion was seconded by Policy
Board member Ben Shaffer
After discussion, the motion was called to a vote. The vote
was unanimous in favor of the two day event.
The issue of Political endorsement on the upcoming USCF
Executive Board election was discussed and recommended for further review and
discussion.
Hearing no other new business, the President asked for a
motion to adjourn. Motion was made and seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Resolved that,
the OCA will add the two day LDMO over Labor Day weekend to the
approved tournament schedule.
Issues scheduled for on line discussion.
1)
Final approval of the 2007 amended tournament schedule. Call for Vote.
2)
Proposal and motions for Policy Board term changes. Motion, Discussion &
Vote.
3)
Endorsement of Executive Board Elections. Motion, Discussion & Vote.
Respectfully Submitted by President, Charles D. Unruh for
the Secretary, Mike Swatek during his occupational overseas absence.
3 Sep 2006 - Board Meeting Minutes
The OCA Board met 3 September before the 4th round of the Labor Day
Memorial Open in Tulsa.
Attending: President Chuck Unruh, VP Jim Bedenbaugh, Treasurer Jim Gray,
Secretary Mike Swatek, Members at Large Robert Phy and Ben Shaffer. Members Jeff
Carter and Rod Whitlatch. 6 Board Members are a quorum.
Call to order.
Approval of the Annual Members Meeting Minutes was unanimous.
Bylaw changes from the Annual Meeting: Discussed proposed language revised at
the meeting and whether the term “individual” is appropriate, or could possibly
allow inappropriate use at some future date. Jim B made a motion that the
subject sentence be revised to state “In the discretion of the Policy Board, in
order to address either financial hardship or as a marketing promotion effort,
the regular or youth membership fee may be waived or reduced." This was approved
unanimously. The vote satisfies the ¾ Board majority required by the Bylaws for
enactment of a Bylaws change, which must now be ratified by the Members at the
next Annual Meeting to remain in force.
Secretary’s Report presented by Mike Swatek As of the 2nd Annual LDMO, the
membership stands at: 29 Patrons 36 Youth 56 Regular 121 Total. State scholastic
organization historical and current statistics were presented (see graphs
1 and
2). Prior to the school
year ending 1997 there is no significant rated tournament data that was
recognizable as scholastic K-12. The quantity of tournaments have been at
historic levels since OSCO’s first full school year ending July 2004, with
average participation significantly higher than ever before and growing very
nicely. Two tournaments set all-time state records in 2005-6 and rising school
interest levels indicate another record year ahead.
Treasurer’s Report: Jim Gray presented a detailed Statement of Receipts &
Disbursements for the period January 1 through June 22, 2006, with cash on hand
of $2379.47. Jim suggested
forming a scholarship committee to oversee the 529 scholarship program. Chuck
agreed to do so.
Secretary and Treasurer’s reports approved unanimously.
OCB Editor’s Report We have a lot of good material with more just in. We will
include coverage of the LDMO. The OCB is being assembled into a temporary
location on the website for Board review starting within a week.
Policy Board Vacancy Charles M Unruh who tied for Member at Large at the
Annual Election was nominated by Jim Gray to fill the remaining term of Jim
Rairden. There were no other nominations. Chuck Unruh abstained from the vote.
The nomination was approved unanimously by the other 5 Board Members present.
Class Prize Funds for Players Electing to Play Up/Report and Action: OCA
organized tournaments with multiple sections will not award a class prize from a
lower section to a player who plays up. This is according to tradition which was
confirmed in discussions with National TDs at the US Open.
Team Championship to be in May with the Quick Championship moved to a later
date. This motion by Mike was approved by Ben, Chuck, Robert and Mike with Jim G
and Jim B abstaining.
Remaining business was tabled due to the approaching start of the LDMO 4th
round.
Adjourned.
Recorded and reported by Secretary Mike Swatek
The OCA Board met 11 February following the Madison Bulldogs Scholastic Open
in Norman. Participating in the meeting were: President Chuck Unruh (presiding);
VP John Dunlap; Treasurer Jim Gray; Secretary Mike
Swatek; Members At Large Bill Molton and Ben Shaffer; and OCA Member Tom Pepper.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a
restructuring of the OCA. This was being considered due to the following:
1. OCA membership has
been flat to down for many years. This assessment discounts the temporary
membership inflation that occurred
prior to June, 2003 due to past Board members purchasing many
memberships for other people and youth memberships that were required for
several
years to participate
solely in scholastic events.
2. The OCA is
allowing more room in the schedule for independent tournaments and organizing
less on its own. This has naturally reduced OCA membership further in recent
months.
3. Overall Oklahoma
participation in rated open tournaments for all ages by all organizers was down
by 21% in 2005 compared to 2004.
4. The printing and
distribution costs of the OCB far exceed all OCA membership dues combined.
5. The structure of
the OCA, as it has been for many years, requires contributions by
corporate and individual sponsors and
supporters to remain financially solvent.
6.
Requiring tournament players to pay for
OCA
membership in exchange for a printed OCB may reduce tournament participation
due to objections and economics. It
almost certainly does nothing to increase participation.
The following items were
approved by the Board:
1. A change in the
OCA bylaws will be put to a vote of the membership at the Annual Meeting on
Sunday 25 June 2006. It will change the currently set Regular and Youth
membership dues stated in the bylaws to instead be maximum membership dues. The
verbiage will state: Any person may become a Regular Member of the OCA upon
payment of “no more than” $10.00 dues for one year. The Youth member dues will
also have “no more than” added similarly.
This measure was approved unanimously.
2. At the same
meeting, the members will be asked to approve Free Regular and Youth memberships
at OCA tournaments for participants that play in two or more rounds. This
membership will include full voting privileges until one year from the date of
the tournament at which the membership was conferred. The OCB for those with
Free memberships will be published on the OCA website in a format than can be
easily viewed and printed. This
measure was approved by a vote of 5-1.
3. Organizers of Free
OCA membership events will receive value added promotional services from the OCA
in consideration of a shared risk fee based on tournament participation.
4. Patron memberships
will remain at $25. Patrons will have a choice of receiving a printed copy of
the OCB, or instead viewing and/or printing it from the website. The OCA will
not lose money on these memberships.
5. Funding made
available by these changes will be put toward promotional activities to increase
participation in over-the-board tournament chess.
These changes will enable the OCA to be a
financially sound organization, with no reliance on benevolence of
corporate and individual sponsors and
supporters. The ability to invest in promotion of open chess
tournaments for all ages, combined with reduced objections and costs associated
with OCA membership, is expected to raise tournament participation for the
first time in many years. This will benefit players and organizers alike, and be
much better aligned with the mission of the OCA.
Adjourned.
An OCA Board meeting was held at the OKC Winter Open on Sunday morning of 29
January at 8:45am. Those participating included: President Chuck Unruh
(presiding); VP John Dunlap; Treasurer Jim Gray; Secretary Mike Swatek; Members
at Large Herschel Counts, Bill Molton and Ben Shaffer; and OCA Members Jeff
Carter, Charles Unruh and Aaron Shaffer.
President’s Report by Chuck Unruh:
The USCF has good leadership that is improving the financial outlook for the
organization. Chuck is on the USCF Finance Committee and has a lot of confidence
in the ability of Joel Channing as Committee Chair to do what needs to be done.
Expect changes and improvements from the USCF.
The state of Oklahoma chess is also looking up. The participation in open
events for all ages is still somewhat flat, due largely to the ongoing OCF
fostered controversy. However, OSCO is having record turnouts at its tournaments
this year. We’re starting to see more scholastic players moving up to open
events, some new faces and a few others that are returning to chess after
sitting out for some time.
Just like the USCF, the OCA is going to have to consider significant changes
to encourage growth in open events for all ages. One of those changes is already
under way with OCA encouragement of independent events that don’t require
anything other than USCF membership. The new low cost USCF tournament
memberships may also help to remove some of the cost barriers to chess
tournaments and encourage more participation. It will also be interesting to see
how some of the new tournament formats work out.
If anyone can provide a copy of the January OCQ it would be appreciated. A
repeat of the OCF 2005 Grand Prix rules that actually caused financial harm as
threatened to players and tournament organizers is not going to go unanswered
this year.
Treasurer’s Report by Jim Gray:
The checking account was at $1466 plus another $135 in memberships received
at the tournament. This is more than we started with in June 2003.
The largest single expense of the OCA is printing of the OCB, which consumes
nearly all of the membership fees.
Patron memberships account for nearly half of the revenue.
OCA tournaments are neutral with break-even finances, in keeping with the
business model of financially responsible tournaments.
Board members are no longer inflating membership numbers and revenue with
memberships they bought themselves for large numbers of other people, as was
happening before June 2003. Also, scholastic players are no longer forced to
join the OCA and pay membership dues to play in scholastic tournaments. Conversely,
unless they have voluntarily joined the OCA, OCBs are no longer sent to
scholastic players, the cost of which is literally 60-100% greater than their $5
OCA dues.
Secretary’s Report by Mike Swatek:
The membership, including those joining at the OKC Winter Open, stands at 89.
This includes: 24 Patrons, 46 Regular and 19 Youth. This number is down from
about 120 due entirely to the longer time between OCA required tournaments to
allow for more independent events. OCA members only join or renew at
tournaments, with very few exceptions.
OSCO membership stands at 357 players that have participated in at least one
of the first 4 OSCO Grand Prix tournaments this school year, plus many adult
volunteers that make it all happen. Also, OSCO has processed 236 USCF
memberships in relation with these tournaments. The most recent OSCO Grand Prix,
the Jenks Winter Open, broke a record for the largest rated tournament in
Oklahoma history with 229 players. The growth in Oklahoma scholastic chess is
incredible this year with average tournament participation at almost twice that
of last year.
USCF Delegate Nominations:
The current USCF Delegate has abused the trust of the Oklahoma USCF members
with procedural attempts to take the USCF State Chapter Affiliate designation
away from the OCA, without regard for the desires of most Oklahoma chess
players. An attempt was made to give it to an organization that discriminates
against chess players, does not represent the interests of ALL chess players,
and does not have an open and democratic organization. Therefore, it is
imperative that there be a change in the USCF Delegate and Alternate for
Oklahoma.
The OCA Board has nominated Chuck Unruh to be on the top of the ballot for
USCF Oklahoma Delegate. He has participated in the past two Annual Delegates
Meetings at the US Open and is an active member of the USCF Finance Committee.
Chuck has several long-time friends and new associates on the USCF Executive
Board and some influential committees.
Jim Gray has been nominated to be second on the USCF Delegate ticket on which
Oklahoma USCF Members age 16 and older will have two votes (Delegate and an
Alternate). Jim has also been to the last two USCF Annual Delegates Meetings to
represent the interests of ALL Oklahoma chess players. He is an active member of
the USCF States Committee and has also developed many relationships in USCF
leadership circles.
Chuck and Jim were both USCF Delegates at the USCF Annual Meeting the past
two years, acting on the behalf of other states that were short representation.
Tournament Structure and Schedule for 2006
All OCA Championships have been visible on the Clearinghouse and website
schedules for many months. There have been fewer OCA required events to make
room for independent tournaments and make those more appealing without the added
cost of OCA membership. Some of these are experimenting with new formats to
provide variety and determine what appeals to players.
The Quick Chess Championship ad for Chess Life will be finalized by 10
February. It will not be announced until after the ad editing deadline, to
address continuing concerns about conflicting events which have also been
scheduled nearby on several occasions.
The OSCO 2006-7 tournament schedule has 8 Grand Prix events, four each in the
OKC and Tulsa areas. Points will add up from the two state championships and any
other 4 events. This may reduce scholastic participation in open events for all
ages somewhat during the OSCO tournament season from October through March.
OSCO Update and Growth Forecast
Included in the prior topics for the most part.
New school clubs are participating in OSCO tournaments at every event this
year and others have indicated an interest in doing so at future events.
The Premier section for players rated 1000 and over continues to grow and
these players are starting to appear more often at open events for all ages.
Nominations for the OCA Policy Board in June
All positions on the OCA Board are up for election this year. Active members
are needed for the Board to help distribute the effort. Those interested in an
active role on the OCA Board to help advance chess for everyone in Oklahoma are
encouraged to express their interest to the OCA leadership. The OCA Board will
prepare a list of Nominees for the election, and floor nominations may be added
to the ballot by the OCA Members present.
OCB Articles and Format
A list of the current content was provided for Board review and comment.
Herschel Counts recommended an article stating what all is available on the
OCA website.
Adjourned for the 4th round of the OKC Winter Open
Location: Best Western Airport Tulsa
Attending:
President Chuck
Unruh, Treasurer Jim Gray, Secretary Mike Swatek
Board Members At
Large Bill Molton and Ben Shaffer
OCA Patron Member
Max Geier and Attorney Jim Beauchamp
Minutes of the Annual Members Meeting were approved
unanimously.
Jim Gray reported that finances are in good shape with
$1448.94 in the bank. Treasurer’s report approved unanimously.
Mike Swatek reported that we have 100 OCA members with 20
Patrons and 26 Youth. Members largely renew only at tournaments and there is a
long stretch between the State Championship in June and the Class Championship
in November. OSCO’s membership is 323 from the two 2004-5 school year OSCO State
Championships. This school year there will be six OSCO tournaments due to the
OSCO Grand Prix and official OSCO membership is expected to be sharply up.
Secretary’s report approved unanimously.
OSCO affiliate scholastic chess clubs are increasingly
requesting assistance from experienced chess players. The OCA is beginning to
encourage adult players to help out by coaching at clubs that already have
organizers to run them.
Attorney Jim Beauchamp shared information about Oklahoma
tort reform now in place to stop meritless lawsuits, based primarily on
revisions to Section 12 O.S. 2011.1 of Oklahoma Civil Procedures rules.
Beginning 1 Nov 05 it is now much easier to cause those filing such lawsuits to
pay all associated legal fees. Also, in preparation for the 17 Oct 05 change in
bankruptcy law, homestead assets in Oklahoma have been expanded to protect more
personal property from lawsuits. Jim recommended that everyone should have an
umbrella policy to cover things beyond what normal insurance addresses. These
policies are generally inexpensive, costing about $20 monthly for $1M coverage.
Meeting adjourned.26 June 2005 - Annual Members Meeting and Election
Present: President Chuck Unruh, VP John Dunlap, Treasurer Jim Gray, Secretary
Mike Swatek
Reviewed minutes from 20 March Board Meeting. Approved unanimously.
Treasurer's Report: $1593 in the checking account as of 6 May 05.
Discussed OCB content.
Secretary's Report: 124 Members, 21 Patrons, 39 Youth, 64 Regular, 218
Additional OSCO Youth from Championships with 85 & 203 participants. There are
many more OSCO adult volunteer members with scholastic clubs across the state.
Discussed tournaments:
3 Sep was reserved with USCF Clearinghouse for OCA to make room for US Class
Championships the weekend before in MO. We will conduct a tournament as planned
that day. We will not move again as requested by Tom Braunlich. TLA deadline for
August Chess Life is 10 June.
2006 Major Tournament schedule of 6 events was approved unanimously as
presented and will be forwarded to the USCF Clearinghouse. These include:
28-29 January 06 OKC Winter Open
11-12 March 06 Tulsa Open
6 May 06 Quick Chess Championship
24-25 June 2006 - 61st Oklahoma Open State Championship
24 September 06 Oklahoma Team Championship
11-12 November 06 Oklahoma Class and Blitz Championships
Adjourned,
Mike Swatek
Present: President Chuck Unruh, VP John Dunlap, Treasurer
Jim Gray, Secretary Mike Swatek and At-Large Board Member Bill Molton.
Secretary’s Report:
-
136 members with youth members
now stable at about 15%.
-
203 participated in the OSCO
State Championship.
-
Overall participation at
scholastic tournaments so far this year is up.
Treasurer’s Report:
Discussed OSCO election:
Discussed tournaments.
-
The OCF club affiliate is putting on some nice tournaments. Their cooperation
with scheduling would be helpful to everyone.
-
OSCO volunteers and others are providing much appreciated help for the OCA.
-
Discussed future tournaments, including Quick Chess in May, Jeff Carter's
early June event, the 60th Oklahoma State Championship the last
weekend of June, etc.
Discussed next election and OCA Board nominations for three
At-Large members.
Discussed next OCB material and deadline.
Adjourned,
Recorded by Mike Swatek
Secretary
The OCA Policy Board met Saturday 2 October 04 immediately following the
Oklahoma State Team Championship.
The meeting was convened by President Chuck Unruh at the
Holiday Inn Express in Edmond. Present were Unruh and Board Members Jim Gray,
Mike Swatek and John Dunlap, thereby constituting a quorum.
There was discussion concerning the upcoming OCA tournaments and
tournament scheduling.
It was moved and seconded to accept the OCA membership resignations submitted
in writing by Jim and Frank Berry in Fort Lauderdale following their withdrawal
of ADM 04-22. The motion passed unanimously.
adjourned
27 June 2004 -
Annual Members Meeting and Election
The OCA Policy Board met Sunday 7 March 04 at the OCA Tulsa Winter Open.
The meeting was convened by Vice President Chuck Unruh at 9:05 am at the
Quality Inn in Oklahoma City. Present were Unruh and Board Members Jim Gray,
Steve Sawyer and Sergey Galant, thereby constituting a quorum.
There was discussion concerning extensive OCA financial books, records and
archives that former Secretary-Treasurer Frank Berry has yet to deliver to the
current Policy Board. The Board took note of the recent unanimous decision by
the USCF States Committee stating that (i) the OCA would remain the official and
sole USCF State Affiliate for the State of Oklahoma; and (ii) the OCF would not
be granted State Affiliate status. In view thereof, it was moved and seconded
that VP Unruh would contact and request of Mr. Berry that he deliver all OCA
property and materials. The motion passed unanimously.
Due to concerns expressed by some members since the last Annual Election on
6-28-03, there was extensive discussion concerning voting privileges of the
General Membership at the Annual Meeting. The concerns are twofold: (i) that OCA
members entitled to vote must also be USCF members; and (ii) so as to facilitate
verification of OCA and USCF membership without detracting from or delaying the
time scheduled for the Annual Meeting, that OCA membership must be made current
prior to the date of the Annual Meeting - either by registering and playing in
the State Championship or by submitting current dues at least 10 business days
prior to the first day of that State Championship tournament. It was moved and
seconded that Bylaw III.2 should be amended so as to encompass these two
conditions. The motion passed unanimously.
Pursuant to Bylaws Sec. VI.7, which empowers the Policy Board to amend the
Bylaws, Section III.2 was amended to read as follows:
III.2.
Rights and Privileges:
Each Member of the OCA shall be entitled to receive a copy of the official state
publication, to participate in the Annual Meeting, to hold office, and to enjoy
all other rights and privileges of membership, with
the following exceptions:
a) any OCA member shall be entitled to vote in the
Annual Meeting only if he/she is also a current and verifiable USCF member; and
b) any new or renewing OCA member shall be entitled to vote in the Annual
Meeting only if either
(i) he/she has registered for and played in at least
one round on the first day of the current Oklahoma State Championship
tournament; or
(ii) his/her OCA membership dues are received by the
OCA Secretary, Treasurer or State Championship contact person at least ten (10)
business days prior to the first day of the current State Championship
tournament.
For purposes of the upcoming Oklahoma State Championship tournament in Norman
on June 26 & 27, 2004, it was noted that the 10th business day preceding this
tournament would be Monday, June 14, 2004. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 am.
Submitted by Jim Gray OCA Treasurer
The OCA Policy Board met Sunday 11 January 04 at the OCA Tulsa Winter Open.
Attending were: Chuck Unruh (VP)
Presiding, Jim Gray (Treasurer), Mike Swatek (Secretary), Jacqueline Bentele (At Large), Sergey Galant (At Large) and
John Dunlap. A quorum was present.
USCF Delegate nominees to be considered further and submitted to USCF by 1
Feb 04.
Reviewed and Approved minutes of prior meeting. Include youth as separate
count in future membership summaries.
Discussion of OCA tournament scheduling plans. The OCA will organize the
State Championships and a few other events. This will leave plenty of room in
the schedule for other tournament organizers to organize non-conflicting
tournaments which the OCA can mutually support. Other types of championship
tournaments were discussed.
adjourned
The OCA Policy Board
met 7 Dec 03 at the Smokehouse BBQ in Sand Springs.
Attending were: Alan
Pfeiffer (President), Chuck Unruh (VP), Mike Swatek (Secr/Treas), Steve Sawyer
(At Large), Jacqueline Bentele (At Large), Sergey Galant (At Large) and Jim
Gray. A quorum of 4 was present.
1) Vote to separate
Secretary and Treasurer as proposed in the bylaws immediately. This proposal was
unanimously approved. Mike Swatek will continue as the Secretary and Jim Gray
was unanimously appointed to serve the OCA as Treasurer.
2) Bylaws approval.
After some discussion, it was decided that the bylaws revision is not yet ready
to vote on.
2a) A plan and
commitment to assure bylaws approval at next PB meeting was agreed upon. The OCA
membership will be notified in the OCB of the bylaws revision process underway
and their opportunity to participate. The notification will refer them to the
proposed version on the OCA website for review and comment. The PB members will
complete review of the bylaws and provide any feedback to the entire PB via
email. Changes agreed upon will be incorporated into the proposed version. Areas
of disagreement will be drafted into separate verbiage proposals to be voted
upon separately. All of this must be completed by 7 January and will be voted
upon at the next PB meeting at the OCA Tulsa Winter Open, 8:00 AM on Sunday 11
January.
Steve Sawyer,
Jacqueline Bentele and Sergey Galant left at this point in the meeting, after
one hour.
3) Nominating Committee
Selection. The PB will act as the Nominating Committee for USCF Delegates. The
PB should identify USCF Delegate nominees able to attend the annual convention
by 7 January, for consideration at the next PB meeting on 11 January.
4) Set 2004 OCA State
Tourney dates and towns for the schedule and planning. The Quick Chess
Championship will be April 3 in Tulsa. The Jerry Spann Memorial / Oklahoma Open
State Championship will be 26-27 June in OKC. The Bela Rozsa Memorial / Oklahoma
State Class Championship will be 6-7 November (the week after the OU/OSU
football game) in OKC.
5) Trademark
Enforcement. The OCF/OCQ will be sent a letter officially advising them that
the term 'Oklahoma Chess' is a registered trademark of the Oklahoma Chess
Association, use of which is strictly prohibited without the express written
consent of the Oklahoma Chess Association. To avoid undue inconvenience and
expense to the OCF/OCQ, the PB agreed to consider a unilateral offer to the OCF/OCQ
to utilize the term 'Oklahoma Chess' for a limited period of time and upon
conditions to be established by the PB.
6) Financial report. A
complete report was provided, including details for the two OCA tournaments
held. The OCA has $1020 in the bank.
7) Secretary’s report
was presented with membership figures of 213 OCA members, 285 OSCO members and
735 USCF members in Oklahoma.
8) Minutes of last
meeting were presented.
9) Other business.
Discussed appropriate response to the OCF scheduling on the same day as 10
January OCA Tulsa Winter Open an invitational tournament for “top players”,
which exclude supporters of the OCA, like State Champion John Dunlap and Chuck
Unruh.
Adjourned
There was an OCA Policy Board Meeting from 8:00 to 9:00 AM Sunday 12
October 2003 at the OKC October Open in Oklahoma City.
VP Chuck Unruh presiding. Attending: Mike Swatek - Sec/Treas; Steve Sawyer -
At Large. OCA Members: Alex Relyea, Bill Molton, Nita Patel and Jim Gray.
A quorum was not convened, having only 3 members present.
No Secretary's report. Reviewed list of OCA accomplishments in the fall OCB,
including:
- A new website has been created
at
www.ochess.org.
- The Bela Rozsa State Class
Championship has been restored as an OCA event to be held a week earlier on 1
November. Nobody will be denied the opportunity to compete in this tournament,
regardless of our personal differences of opinion. Results will be available
through the OCA website and OCB. Furthermore, corporate sponsorship has been
recruited to provide some very nice guaranteed cash prizes!! And we have
plenty of TDs capable, willing and quite happy to direct the tournament.
- An OCA organized tournament
was arranged in Oklahoma City on 11-12 October to take the place of the Bill
Lange Memorial this year, with the hopes of the BLM’s return next year.
- Another major OCA tournament
is being organized in Tulsa on 10 January 2003.
- Postcards have gone out to a
large number of Oklahoma chess players informing them of the OCA changes and
upcoming tournaments, pending this issue of the OCB.
- The OCA has been incorporated
in the State of Oklahoma as a Non-Profit Organization, to help protect the
members it serves from any future poor leadership.
- There has been a USCF mediated
session with the OCF, along with some other written and verbal USCF
communications, to address misrepresentations that threatened the OCA’s USCF
State Affiliate status for a short time.
- The OCA bylaws are being
revised in full view of the members, via the website, as a cooperative
activity with those members who care to participate. A lot of time and care is
being taken to assure that several bylaws deficiencies are addressed to
prevent reoccurrence of recent problems, create more stability for the
organization, and return control of the organization to the members it should
be serving.
- Several members’ concerns
about recent events have responded to very promptly, to their satisfaction.
- And of
course, this OCB has been prepared completely from scratch, with a fresh new
look and a much friendlier character.
The OCA Policy Board has not filed any legal or ethics complaints about any
OCA members. Some OCA members who felt they had been treated wrongly have done
so as individuals, but with no support from the Policy Board..
The OKC tournament will at least break even, due to corporate sponsorship.
The TDs, Jim Gray and Mike Swatek, donated their time to the OCA for this
tournament.
Jim Gray has been handling the treasurer's responsibilities for Mike Swatek
and reported that the finances re in good shape with a positive balance.
There has been only one request for an OCA membership refund. That refund was
not granted. There were no records turned over by the prior Secretary/Treasurer
to backup the membership roles or payments.
It has been proposed to separate the Secretary and Treasurer positions.
Discussion was asked for regarding this issue for an upcoming Board Meeting.
There would then be 8 voting members. The Immediate Past President is currently
proposed to remain as a voting member of the Policy Board, but must complete
their term as president before moving into this position. It has been proposed
that the Past President be a non-voting position, in an advisory role, which
will be discussed further. Another possibility is one less At Large Member to
retain seven board members.
Oklahoma Chess is now a Trademark of the OCA.
A nominating committee will be a very important part of the process, if the
currently proposed bylaws are approved.
Ideas to improve the business model are: guaranteed prize funds; other items
listed earlier by the Secretary.
A process is needed for review of the finances periodically by a committee.
Decided to send to USCF representatives the OCB, with a cross table from the
OKC October Open. This to counter recent claims of the OCA's inactivity. Bowman,
Vandermark and Guy Hoffmann will receive these.
The OCB will be included on the OCA website at www.ochess.org .
Direct expenses for the OKC October Open are being paid by check, including
prizes, to provide accountability.
Adjourned.
There was an OCA Policy Board Meeting at 3:00 PM Sunday 17 August 2003 at the
Western Sizzler Steakhouse (1130 E Charles Page) in Sand Springs.. The meeting
was announced in advance to all Policy Board members, per the bylaws, with the
exception of Steve Wharry who has requested no contact from the
Secretary/Treasurer. Notification to all OCA members also appeared on this
website at this location.
Minutes
Attending were: Alan Pfeiffer - President, Chuck Unruh - VP, Mike Swatek –
Sec/Treas, Steve Sawyer – At Large, Jacqueline Bentele – At Large and Jim Gray.
Reviewed and approved the upcoming OCA postcard and mailing list.
Handed out copies of the
OCA's USCF
State Affiliate renewal certificate received by the Secretary. This will
also be on the website, with the member number deleted.
The OCA is now registered with the Oklahoma Secretary of State as a
Non-Profit Corporate Entity, with all rights and privileges that includes.
Secretary submitted expenses of $265 associated with postcard mailing, USCF
renewal and OK Secretary of State fees. This was approved and a check written.
Officer indemnification was discussed. It was decided that this would not be
proposed
revisions to the OCA Bylaws.
Discussed the tournament schedule. The Policy Board will establish the
championships and an open. Other organizers and TDs will fill in between. The
Oklahoma State Championship/Jerry Spann Memorial will be the 3rd week of June
2004. The Bela Rozsa Memorial/Oklahoma State Class Championship will be mid
November 2004, and once again include the State Speed Chess Championship for
entertainment the first evening. The State Quick Chess Championship will be held
mid April 2004. The OCA will also organize a large Open State Tournament in mid
January 2004.
The next OCA Policy Board meeting will be
8:00 to 9:00 AM on 12 October before scheduled play begins at the
OKC October Open in Oklahoma
City. The proposed
revisions to the
OCA Bylaws approval may be ready to consider by that time, after plenty of
time for member feedback and board dialog to firm things up.
Adjourned.
There was an OCA Policy Board Meeting at 3:30PM Sunday 3 August 2003 at the
home of Chuck Unruh in Owasso. The meeting was announced in advance to all
Policy Board members, per the bylaws and notification to the members also
appeared on this website at this location. The
single topic was to be upcoming OCA tournaments.
Minutes
This meeting was video taped for the first 80 minutes (until running out of
tape) and minutes were as follows (pending approval at
the next Policy Board meeting):
Attendees:
Alan Pfeiffer (President), Chuck Unruh (VP and National Master), Mike Swatek
(Secretary/Treasurer), Steve Sawyer (Member at
Large), Jacqueline Bentele (Member at Large), Tom Braunlich (Past State
Champion), Alex Relyea, Jim Gray and Charlie Beal.
The meeting opened with a very lengthy (80 minute) discussion of concerns
expressed by Tom B and Alex R regarding a couple of technical points regarding
parliamentary procedure of past meetings.
Tom first presented was an interpretation by the American Institute of
Parliamentarians regarding the officer resignation process which is not
addressed by Roberts Rules of Order. However, the American Institute of
Parliamentarians interpretations are not referenced in the OCA Bylaws, and
therefore not considered by the Policy Board to be applicable. The Policy Board
will carry forward as we have with our handling of resignations as a standard
motion of order, per the process determined earlier to be legal (as explained in
the Letter to USCF).
Tom then presented the concern that the VP election at the Annual Members
Meeting was illegal, since the Bylaws state that vacancies shall be filled by
the Policy Board and this position was a year away from its scheduled election
at the members meeting. However, it was decided that the Policy Board's decision
to put this position to a vote of the membership at a convenient annual members
meeting was certainly within its appropriate discretion and therefore quite
proper.
Tom proposed USCF Arbitration to resolve the dispute between the current and
prior leadership of the OCA, which was declined. He also proposed that some kind
of compromise be otherwise be sought, which was also declined. He also proposed
that the text of his concerns and proposals presented to the board be included
in the minutes, which was also declined due to their strong bias.
The minutes of the 20 July 03 Board Meeting were approved with the addition
of the motion that was made and passed to table all further discussion of any
compromise until the financial records have been turned over by the former
Secretary/Treasurer, Frank Berry.
Steve Wharry has submitted in writing that he will not require OCA membership
for his 8 November Alzheimer Chess Jubilee in Bartlesville, which had been
planned as the Bela Rozsa Memorial/Oklahoma State Class Championship. The
current Bylaws state "Only OCA members residing in the State of Oklahoma shall
be eligible to receive the titles and trophies." Therefore, this tournament must
require OCA membership for Oklahoma residents in order for them to be eligible
for the titles and trophies. In consideration of this, a motion was moved,
seconded and passed to withdraw OCA sanctioning of the 8 November tournament as
the Bela Rozsa Memorial/Oklahoma State Class Championship.
After some discussion, a motion was moved, seconded and passed to reschedule
the Bela Rozsa Memorial/Oklahoma State Class Championship to be an OCA Policy
Board organized tournament in Tulsa on 1 November with Alan Pfeiffer as Chief
TD. There will also be a Speed Chess Championship tournament at this event. The
Tournament Life Announcement will go out this week and details of the tournament
will be posted on the OCA website.
Due to time constraints, a motion was moved, seconded and passed to table
further discussion of upcoming tournaments until the next meeting.
The next Policy Board meeting will be in Sand Springs on 17 August and the
meeting agenda will be posted on the OCA website.
Minutes
This meeting was video taped and minutes were as follows:
Attendees:
Alan Pfeiffer (VP), Sergey Galant (Member at Large and Past State Champion), Steve Sawyer (Member at
Large), Jacqueline Bentele (Member at Large), Jared Cranke (video), Chuck Unruh
(National Master),
Tom Amburn (3-time State Champion and National Master), John Dunlap (Reigning
State Champion), Tom Braunlich (Past State Champion), Jim Gray and Mike Swatek. It was
interesting to note that 4 of the top 5 active chess players in Oklahoma were in
attendance.
A motion was made and passed to suspend Robert's Rule #42,
allowing the Chair to participate in the discussion.
The meeting opened with a nice lengthy discussion wherein Tom
Braunlich stated he was there on his own accord and offering to act as an
intermediary between the new OCA Policy Board and the officers of the new OCF,
with whom he had already met and had been invited to join their board. It was agreed by all present that the former leadership had
blundered regarding their reluctance to give the Oklahoma Scholastic Chess
Organization enough autonomy with the proposed bylaws changes to confidently
make long-term plans regarding their responsibilities toward Oklahoma scholastic
chess. A significant part of this error was the continued insistence by the
former OCA leadership that all scholastic players should be paid scholastic
members of the OCA, in addition to their free OSCO membership. These are what
precipitated the actions taken at the 29 June annual members meeting, which all
agreed they would have preferred to avoid. A compromise was proposed by Tom that
he thought the OCF officers might consider, suggesting that some of the current
OCA Board members resign and call new elections. This proposal was rejected. The current OCA Board will move forward with the
business of fairly fulfilling its obligations to all Oklahoma chess players. If
the former leaders reconsider their position and decide to again become
positively involved in OCA administration, they would be welcome to do so.
A motion was made and passed to table all further discussion of
any compromise until the financial records have been turned over by the former
Secretary/Treasurer, Frank Berry.
The resignation of Secretary/Treasurer/Editor Frank Berry, as
stated before the Annual Members Meeting, was accepted by all the Board Members
present, with VP Alan Pfeiffer presiding.
The resignation of President Steve Wharry, per his
letter, was accepted by all
the Board Members present, with VP Alan Pfeiffer presiding.
A motion to reject Alan Pfeiffers resignation, per his later
retraction, was accepted by all the Board Members present, with VP Alan Pfeiffer
presiding. At this point Alan Pfeiffer was recognized as the new President of
the OCA to fulfill the remaining year of John Acken's term. Also, Steve Wharry
became Immediate Past President, replacing John Acken.
Jim Gray was nominated for Secretary/Treasurer. However, Jim
chose to withdraw his nomination when asked to comment on it. He will provide
support to the board as requested.
Mike Swatek was nominated for Secretary/Treasurer. This was
accepted by all the Board Members present, with Alan Pfeiffer presiding.
John Dunlap was nominated for Vice President. However, John
chose to withdraw his nomination when asked to comment on it. He will provide
support to the board as requested.
Chuck Unruh was nominated for Vice President. This was accepted
by all the Board Members present, with Alan Pfeiffer presiding.
Mike Swatek was nominated for OCB Editor. This was accepted by
all the Board Members present, with Alan Pfeiffer presiding. Mike will be
soliciting for OCB material and articles from all of the OCA membership.
The bylaws changes reflecting recent dues practice and the votes
of the Annual Member Meeting were approved.
VP Chuck Unruh will contact Frank Berry regarding the prompt
turn over of all OCA records and funds, which has already been requested by Alan
Pfeiffer a few times with no success.
Tom Braunlich will contact Jim Berry regarding the continued
need
for the NAO to require OCA membership for Oklahoma participants to retain it's status as the last of four
Grand prix events. Jim has not directly indicated anything to the contrary, but
the requirement has been removed from the former OCA web site maintained by
Steve Wharry.
Tom Braunlich will contact Steve Wharry regarding the need for
his 8 November Alzheimer Chess Jubilee / Bela Rozsa Memorial / Oklahoma State
Class Championship to remain an OCA required event for it to be the official
Bela Rozsa Memorial / Oklahoma State Class Championship. The OCA requirement has
been removed from the listing he maintains on the old OCA website.
Due to the length of the meeting, it was decided to table
discussion about the tournament schedule until the next policy board meeting
which will be held in about three weeks.
Agenda
OCA BOARD
MEETING AGENDA
Location:
Arbies at 49th W Ave
exit off Hwy 44 near Turner Turnpike entrance in Tulsa
Date:
Sunday 20 July 2003
Time: 3 PM
NEW
BUSINESS
-
Acceptance of
President and Sec/Treas/Editor resignations
-
APPOINTMENT OF SEC/TREASURER
-
APPOINTMENT OF NEW VICE PRESIDENT
-
APPOINTMENT OF OCA EDITOR
-
Changes to Bylaws
per annual members meeting votes of approvaL, and dues amounts
(all other changes to be handled at the
next board meeting after more correspondence and preparation)
-
OPEN DISCUSSION FOR NEW AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS
FOR THE OCA, THAT WILL INCLUDE DIRECTION FROM THE PRESIDENT
-
GATHERING SUPPORT FROM AVAILABLE TOURNAMENT
DIRECTORS AND COMPLETING ROUGH DRAFT ON 2003-2004 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE.
SCHEDULE NEXT BOARD MEETING FOCUSING ON BYLAWS IMPROVEMENTS
Alan Pfeiffer
- 15 July 2003
| 
