NEWSLINE STORY

published September-October 2016

 

Minutes: State Officer’s and Regional Directors Meeting

by Phyl Quist

 

The meeting was held July 30, 2016, Montgomery, Alabama

 

NHPA President, Stu Sipma chaired the meeting.  21 states were represented at the meeting.  Stu opened the meeting welcoming all and thanking all for the support at the charter level.  He urged all to take the ideas and discussions back to their membership.

 

V.P. Bill Marvin reported that the court sanction reports were turned in and appreciated the good response from the regional directors.  He asked that all take a good look at patch requests – it is better to have to reorder than to have lots not used.  He also has patches for the officers upon request.

 

V.P. Jerry Smith reported on the Sanction Leagues.  Last year he had 297 sanctioned leagues.  There were 400 new members in leagues last year.  Jerry rewrote the Red Book and it is now available with all the up to date information.  H.S. Master does not have rules for setting up leagues.  Participants are limited to 1 patch – however, if someone wants to get repeats, Jerry will send upon request.  All forms are on the web site.  Longevity plaques are given for every 5 years.  You are not allowed to have non-sanctioned persons pitch in sanctioned leagues.  Discussion is being held on maybe allowing them to pace for a week or two.

 

Stu asked how many used H.S. Master – about ˝ by hand count.  We would like to see 100%.  NHPA will help anyone get set up.

 

Stu reported on membership.  In 1993 we had approximately 15,000 members – in 2015 the count was 9630.  We may need to raise our dues and increase our tournament fees.  Treasurer, Dave Sidle reported that many charters do not send in their dues for the year until October.  At this time he has only 6000 paid members.  One solution might be to have all pay for dues on line.  And of course increasing membership is the key to increasing income.  Some ideas were to give a free membership, H.S. Mania and have an active promotion director in all charters.  We all need to promote.

 

V.P. Dan Sanders reported on the judging clinics being held.  He will be putting it on the NHPA web site for charters to use.  He encouraged all state tournament directors to have official judges at State Tournaments.  Dan also discussed handicapping tournaments and procedures used to determine tiebreakers and class setup.  There are several options.  Charters need to set up their own rules on how to determine placement.

 

V.P. Tina Hawkins reported on looking for sponsors for the World Tournament.  She will be setting up a Sponsorship Committee.

 

Stu encouraged all convention delegates to read their packets and base votes on the best interest of all the membership.

 

Meeting was adjourned.