USATT Teleconference Minutes

October 2, 2008

Board Teleconference Minutes
9:00a.m. Eastern time

Board Members Present:  Peter Scudner, Michael Babuin, Ashu Jain, David Del Vecchio, Linda Leaf, Christian Lillieroos

USATT Staff Present:  Michael Cavanaugh, Doru Gheorghe, Deborah Gray,         Wendell Dillon 

Peter Scudner, Deborah Gray:  YTD financial status at 8-31-08 reviewed and budget is on target.  Financial statements will be submitted to the Board on a monthly basis.  Cash balance levels and investments were discussed.  Certificate of Deposit will be reviewed at maturity. 

Doru Gheorghe:  A group effort by athletes and the USOC for a successful Olympic Games.  Outstanding performances by our Women’s Team.

New ITTF rule for players competing in World Events in effect as of  9-1-08.  Board to take closer look at the impact on our athlete pipeline.  USATT could make a unilateral appeal to the ITTF.

Doru Gheorghe, Wendell Dillon:   ITTF new gluing rule and racket testing procedures discussed.  USATT uses Enez VOC testing devices and is providing device use training to officials and umpires attending the US Open and Nationals tournaments.  The problem with new rubbers that are sealed in plastic, purchased at tournaments testing positive was discussed.  The Board suggests further research and educational steps be taken with members and vendors/suppliers.

Doru Gheorghe:    Han Xiao and Doru Gheorghe will prepare a ‘white paper’ on our HPP to be discussed at the Board of Directors meeting on 10-12-08.  The Board will submit an interim report on our HPP to the USOC by 10-15-08.

Christian Lillieroos:  Committee Restructure Task Force will report on a survey with former Committee Chair members.  Preliminary report to the Board on 10-12-08.

Ashu Jain:  Bylaw Review Task Force Report.  The Bylaws review is in progress.  Preliminary report to the Board on 10-12-08.

Michael Babuin:  CEO Search Task Force Report.   25 candidates for the CEO position were received.  Short list of five individuals under consideration is being interviewed.  All candidates to be kept notified of the process.

Michael Cavanaugh:

• 501(c)(3) Report – A step by step process report is planned to assist clubs with this process.
• Email Lists – Policy position needed to manage USATT member lists for all possible uses.
• Red Cross Certification – USATT will provide the opportunity for Red Cross certification on-line for coaching first aid and safety certification.
• Russian Invitation – Interim CEO seeking an International Relations grant through the USOC.
• Business Plan Proposal – Dale Neuburger, consultant for the USOC, will make a proposal at the Board of Directors meeting on 10-12-08 on a business plan and NCAA strategy for USATT. 
• Future US Open & Nationals – Interim CEO  exploring different city venues for USATT major events.
• Multi-year Sanctioning – Several requests suggest the need for a policy on all future multi-year sanctioning requests.

Next Board of Directors meeting:  October 12, 2008 – Orlando, Florida

Meeting adjourned:  10:35a.m. Eastern time

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah Gray
USATT Finance Director