Minutes of OCA Policy Board Meeting

4 Sep 05 at 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.