Referee's Meeting

March 16^th, 2005

Royal Motel, Vacaville, CA

 

Meeting called to order at 7:32 p.m. by President Dave Pickett

 

Roll Call: 13 of 30 Clubs in Attendance

 

Minutes:  February minutes approved. 

 

Committee Reports:

 

Cross Country:  Steward Duane Scott reported:

Ø       Our last race was the Old Crow, 552 entries; conditions were awesome. Red Neck Roosters did a great job the race went off flawless. Some things to improve on: we need more D-36 Committeemen to help at the track: in particular helping to direct new riders through sign-ups and we need to locate the transponder sales and scoring closer to the sign-up area. Al Fitch reported: 5 injuries: Injuries sustained were: broken ribs and a punctured lung, a broken arm, 1 broken wrist and 1 sprained wrist. Injured riders have been contacted and all are doing well.

Ø       Still looking for some one to take over as the B/C Steward, in training for the full Steward position in 2006.

Ø       Edd Haymond is helping to get the Rank and Championship points up to date and posted on the web site.

 

Youth Cross Country:  Steward Al Fitch reported:

Ø       Old Crow was our last race. The rain made course set-up difficult, but the Red Neck Roosters made it happen. Rider turn out was: 21 50’s, 101 C, 30 A/B, and 24 Beginner Women for a total of 176 riders. There was one section which developed a bottleneck, there was no way to divert riders and so became a real learning experience for the kids. Our next event is the Phantom.

Ø       Riders have not been slowing down through the home check area, so for the next few races all riders will come to a complete stop at the home check.

 

Enduro:  Steward Jim Peacock reported:

Ø       Since the last meeting, two enduros were held: The Quicksilver National Enduro on February 20^th and the Wild Boar Enduro on March 13^th.

Ø       For the Quicksilver rider turnout was a total of 247: 87 A riders, 77 B’s, 71 C’s and 12 AA’s. The course was approximately 103 official miles with ground miles of approx. 86 for all classes. Conditions were very wet. No reported injuries. One protest regarding an incorrect mileage marker which resulted in check 10 and 11 being reverted to observation checks. There was a mud hole after check 2 at approx. 14 miles that caused a great number of riders to hour out. Race Referee was Ed Tobin.

Ø       For the Wild Boar rider turnout was a total of 232: 63 A riders, 69 B’s and 100 C’s. The course was 85.9 official miles with ground miles of 79 for all classes. Trail conditions were excellent with no dust, but some mud. No reported injuries. Protests: none. Many complimented the club on the course, but there were some complaints about the “W” arrows being distracting because they were the same background color as the arrows. Race Referee was John Davis.

   

Youth Enduro:  Steward John Davis reported:

Ø       One event the Wild Piglet Family Enduro. 253 riders, course was 65 ground miles with a little dust on the road sections, 3 minor injuries and no protests.

 

Dirt Track:  Steward Carter Fisher reported:

Ø       Our first event of the season has been cancelled. Motowest events scheduled at Sandhill Ranch will be re-located to Newman, check the schedule for up-dates.

 

AMA/Congress: Dave Pickett reported:

Ø       As one of the 11 people appointed by the AMA recently attended AMA task force meeting concerning the Head Tax issue, progress is being made in this area.

 

Newsletter:  Jill Patterson reported:

Ø       Newsletter # 8- April 1^st, 2005 issue marks the beginning of our third year for the newsletter and is scheduled to be mailed out March 29^th. Thank you to those who submitted.

Ø       Newsletter #9- July 1^st issue date, submission deadline is June 4^th. Target mailing date will be June 27^th.  Please make submissions on time.

 

Rulebook:  Randy Patterson reported:

Ø       Dave Pickett reported on compliments received at the AMA Congress meeting on our well organized rule book.

 

Membership: Jill Patterson reported:

Ø       245 March renewal notices were mailed out. 466 cards processed in the last month. Thank you to Salinas Ramblers, Red Neck Roosters and Timekeepers for their prompt submission of membership applications from recent events.  Prior to events clubs are now receiving a detailed list of things to look out for when processing the membership applications, this has lessened the number of incomplete applications being turned in. Some clubs have inquired and been forwarded the bad check list for sign-up personnel to help catch those participants needing to clear up a bad debt.

Ø       Wanted: District 36 Marketing person. We are currently looking for someone with Marketing/Sales skills to help promote District 36 membership and newsletter. Anyone interested email Jill Patterson at: d36photo@pacbell.net.

 

Sanctioning:  Steward John Davis reported:

Ø       Reminder to all Clubs and Promoters: Contact Sanctioning Steward John Davis regarding all schedule changes. Email= sanctioning@ama-d36.org

Ø       The Youth Cross Country event which was cancelled during this years Hollister National has been rescheduled for April 17^th.

Ø       Super Moto Productions has scheduled a short track event on May 8^th, to be held at Cal Expo in conjunction with the Sacramento County fair.

 

Director of Competition: James Davis reported:

Ø       No protests, one issue involving unsportsmanlike conduct to be discussed in the Competition meeting.

Ø       Bret Eckert reported: District 36 sanctioning forms are now available to Clubs and Promoters on the District 36 web-site.

 

LAO:  Dave Pickett reported:

Ø       “The Emperors new clothes” - On 4-15-05, an OHV Division Commission meeting will be held, and the agenda indicates a decision will be made to appoint anew Commission Chairman and co-chairman. Efforts underway to de-throne King Paul I are in process. Whether possible, that is another story, but hope remains in the 4-3 anti-OHV balance of power. LAO will suggest “fresh blood needed.”

Ø       3 bills for OHV change are in the works at the Committee level. Key to OHV is #36 pushed AB-555, which would eliminate the “sunset clause” of the reauthorization of the OHV Program, and make it a permanent program. Years ago it was this way, but in the early 80’s, a sunset was added. Enemies of OHV have already started whining and complaining, but it is time to end this “political wedge” that wastes everybody's time. After 35 years, the program is NOT going away. 2 other bills are floating around, AB-1086 which deals with license issues and a Dual-Sport bill. Both are inside the Transportation Committee. LAO will testify on these. All 3 are being monitored, supported or attacked, as necessary. Our lobbyist is on this daily.

Ø       #36 again is sponsoring a portion of Legislative Reception/OHV Lobby Day at the capitol. 4 #36 Board of directors will be in attendance to make sure Senators and Assembly people behave and not drink to much. This is an excellent opportunity for the politicos to meet and greet #36 and see in person that #36/AMA is alive and well, AND watching what is going on.

Ø       Dirt Diggers again have graciously offered, at their expense, to host “Hangtown Dignitary Day at the Races. LAO has used  prior prototype event exposure to bring in politicians for a first hand look at motorcycling. Using this professional event as the hook, it has paid off handsomely for #36. Most who come want to return, and really enjoy themselves with their children in a fun, intense and hi speed action event with all the hoopla. Thanks DDNMC.

Ø       AMA/Politics. Perhaps at the AMA BOD meeting in May will decide the END of AMA District #35, an inactive district. #36 has pushed this issue, and working with #37, submission at AMA Congress yielded consensus to delete #35. #36 would move South, and #37 would move North. Some adjustment is needed to accommodate the Merced Dirt Riders, AKA the “The little Polecat Enduro” because they are near the new border between #36 & #37. Trust me, OUR Merced club WILL be in #36. Reason for all this? Political! This would give the entire state AMA locked and loaded coverage, with united cooperation on issues of OHV concern without the “gray” area.

Credibility is everything in politics, and united support statewide helps denounce the hole of #35 that our green friends use................

Ø       Emergency Regulation submitted to the Office of Administrative Law should be approved soon. A submission has been rejected 2 times prior because OHV did not like the content. We were successful in getting it yanked, re-written, and our interests protected. While not perfect, it brings the OHV Division back into legal compliance so the 05-06 Grants Cycle can go forward. E-regs are only good for 120 days, and #36 and our partners will make more comments during the 120 days. Kudos to ORBA (Bill Dart) & BRC (Don “the General” Amador) for assisting #36 in this effort. The entire OHV community worked together on this important project....

Ø       Designated Trail Inventory continues to move forward. Forest by Forest, GPS trail monitoring is slowly being recorded. Upon completion, each forest will have maps, then OHV can go in double check they didn’t miss any trails. Trust me, our OHV clubs are on this, and yes, they have missed MANY trails. I expect a lawsuit to be filed when the process is done. Lots of errors. Public comment meetings are showing a very hostile response to the individual forests. Shasta-Trinity for example, has anticipated a crowd of about 25 to show. 130 showed up on a Friday night of a 3 day weekend, and you could smell blood. USFS was not prepared very well, and LAO had to “make a few corrections” in public. One was ADA compliance for off trail use by an ATV rider/hunter who was lacking a left leg and unable to pick up his bagged deer and put it on his ATV. Difficult to walk 300 yards and drag a deer back to his ATV. Problems like this are being corrected on a “forest by forest” review, and submitted to USFS Region headquarters.

Ø       This is getting long, so just know LAO is trying to cover the bases for #36 members and clubs, and protect their interests. Coming up soon is the Shasta Dam GP Hare Scrambles. This event is back, and based upon heavy lobby efforts we have this event on our calendar. OHV partners worked together with our club the Redding Dirt Riders, as well as friend Congressman Wally Herger and put the fear of God into the USFS - BLM/ - Bureau of Reclamation to insure this event runs. As stated, it is our money, and we pay for the right to recreate on our land...........

They got the message....................

Dave

 

Legislative Activist: Ken Heuser reported:

Ø       Attended meeting of the Rock Creek Collaborative Forum. During this meeting the special K provisions for Grey Eagle and Rockeye IR contracts were discussed. Most roads or trails are to be reconstructed after the timber is removed. Rick Guidice was appointed as consultant on this part of the project. It was announced that there would not be any trail closures until a re-route of the trail was in place. Ranger Tim Dabney was appointed to be in charge of the Rubicon Trails area.

Ø       Attended a public meeting in Elk Grove, CA with Senator Dan Lundgren, at the conclusion of the meeting I was able to speak with Senator Lundgren regarding Barbara Boxer’s new Wilderness Bill. Senator Lundgren assured me that he would take extra care in reviewing this bill.

Ø       Received invitation to a reception for Chuck Poochigian announcing his candidacy for Attorney General. When I inquired as to how I received this invitation I was told that District 36 is well known in the political circle through our work for Jones and Simon. Candidate Poochigian and I had a lengthy discussion about OHV Grant monies being mis-allocated and he informed me that as the next Attorney General this would be on his agenda for investigation.

Ø       Met with Bob Walters regarding the Hwy 99 to 50 by pass. Nothing new on exactly where it is intended to be located.

   

Old Business:

Ø       Al Fitch reported: AMA/D36 jacket was awarded to Fred Sumrall at the Old Crow HS before the start of the A/B race, Fred was very honored to receive it. Fred also received the Bill Spencer Motorcycle racer of the Year Award from the Motor Sports Press Association.

 

Good of the Body:

Ø       Jamie Williams reported: Recently attended the Tail Inventory Public meeting held in Ukiah. The meeting was very organized and some of our long time trail riders were able to add known trails to the maps. It is important for riders to get involved with the inventory of all trails for inclusion in the route designation process. 

Ø       As was posted on the District 36 message boards: The Valley Climbers are inviting all clubs to participate in an informational meeting on RTP grants and trail inventory processes. For information email: stevef@royalelect.com

 

Meeting Adjourned at 8:43 p.m.

 

 

Competition Committee Meeting

 

Meeting called to order at 8:44 p.m. By James Davis

 

Roll Call: 21 of 55 members in attendance

 

New Business:

Ø       Cross Country Steward, Duane Scott reported on an unsportsmanlike conduct issue involving a rider at the Old Crow HS. Said rider was confronted during the race regarding his unsafe and unsportsmanlike conduct while racing. Rider refused to follow instructions given by the District 36 Steward, directed profanities toward the Steward and attempted to run him over. At the conclusion of the race the Steward along with the event Referee, attempted to approach the rider to pull his cards, but the rider took off and then was lost in the crowd. In accordance with District 36 rule numbers 5.4, 8.6 and 1.4.7. Motion by the committee to suspend said riders District 36 membership privileges for one year, commencing on the date of said incident. Vote unanimous (motion passed) Director of Competition will send written notice to said rider. AMA will also be informed of this incident.

Ø       Dave Pickett reported on a possible protest from the PCGP. A rider is requesting an exception to be made removing him from the race results after the Official results have been posted. Said rider rode through the home check on the final lap and collected his finisher pin, rider claims he informed the home check personnel not to score him due to the fact that he had missed part of the course. After discussion by the Committee it was agreed as AMA rules state the results are not to be changed once they are Official without exception.

 

Rulebook:

Ø       Tabled from last month: Rule proposal to be re-addressed after more research has been done on compliance with AMA rules and how the change would affect rider contingencies. Original proposal: Change the 200cc class for Cross Country races to read 200cc/250F Class. This class would be defined by up to 200cc two stroke and up to 300cc 4 stroke bikes. This change would go into effect for 2006. Discussion and suggestion of keeping the 2 stroke class as is and adding a small bore 4 stroke class. (Tabled to next month)

 

Meeting Adjourned at 8:57 p.m.

 

 

Board Meeting

 

Meeting called to order at 9:12 p.m. by President Dave Pickett.

 

Roll Call: All members present. 

 

Banquet:  Duane Scott reported:

Ø       Tabled from last month: Progress on setting a date for 05 banquet? President was going to contact AMA to see if we can get some insight on the 06 schedule for the Hollister National. Dave Pickett reported there is no information on the schedule available from the AMA at this time. AMA schedule is normally available in late July or August. Discussion on planning the banquet for January 14^th, 2006.

Ø       Have contacted the City of Richmond regarding the refund of our rental deposit on the auditorium, they said it is being processed.

   

Newsletter: Jill Patterson reported:

Ø       Postage costs for the newsletter must be paid by a separate check at the time of mailing, request an advancement of funds to cover this cost. Motion by Dave Pickett to provide estimated funds in advance to cover the postage costs for the April 1^st issue of the newsletter.  Vote 7-0 in favor (motion passed)

Ø       Discussion on sponsors and advertisers for the Newsletter and the need for a District 36 marketing person.

 

Membership: Jill Patterson reported:

Ø       Discussion on Committeemen who have not signed and returned their District 36 release forms. Will send another notice and forward list to President for follow-up call.

Ø       We are almost out of the BRC inserts that are mailed out with membership renewals. President will contact BRC.

Ø          A list of the suspended Dirt Track riders should be made available to the Dirt Track steward and to the clubs/promoters for sign up personnel prior to their first event.

   

Old Business:

Ø       Tabled from last month: Margie Ghione from Hollister Hills Off-road Association has inquired about purchasing District 36 bar code scanners, which are no longer being used. We will need to check into what there value is and also verify that the Enduro series is not interested in using them for their scoring program. Enduro Steward, Jim Peacock confirmed that they are not interested in the scanners. After discussion by the Board. Motion by Duane Scott to offer HHORA the 3 bar code scanners and stickers no longer in use per terms agreed upon by the Board of Directors. Vote 6-0 in favor (motion passed)

Ø       Tabled from last month: Carter Fisher would like to nominate 2 new Dirt Track committeemen. John Curry and Mike Martin. Board would like Steward and nominees to be present. (Tabled to next months Competition meeting)

Ø       Tabled from last month: communication from Jim Matheson regarding our website. He has changed DSL companies causing a savings to the District. He would also like to switch web hosting companies which will provide us with better service and access, at an increased cost to the District. Randy Patterson will contact Jim to find out more information on the cost of the new server. Motion by the Board via email prior to this meeting to approve said changes. Vote unanimous in favor (motion passed)

 

New Business:

Ø       Discussion on purchasing 2 generators. Scoring teams have been running into problems finding generators which produce the correct power output to run the battery back-up units required for the home check equipment. Currently Clubs are asked to provide a generator for the home check and have had to scramble around switching generators before the start of an event to find one that will work. Motion by Al Fitch to purchase2 generators compatible with the scoring equipment. Generators to remain the property of District 36. Vote 8-0 in favor (motion passed)

Ø       Duane Scott reported: The supply of transponders for Cross Country Sportsman scoring program is getting low, we originally ordered 1500 an additional 500 should get us through the year. Motion by Dave Pickett to order an additional 500 transponders for the Cross Country Sportsman scoring program. Vote 8-0 in favor (motion Passed)

Ø       Jill Patterson requests approval to provide additional membership data base information such as email addresses to one of our clubs. Motion by Jill Patterson to provide additional information. Vote unanimous (motion passed)

Ø       Concern regarding publicly aired derogatory comments directed toward District 36.  President and Vice President to make arrangements to attend upcoming SRMC and TMC meetings to discuss District issues.

Ø       Discussion on reasonable time allowance for reimbursement payment of expense reports. Board is in agreement that the treasurer may have up to 7 days to process expense reports.

    

Good of the Body:

Ø       Dave Pickett reported on the possibility of changing our nonprofit sub filing status from C7 to C3, will check with an Attorney regarding costs and benefits to the District and report back.

Ø       Reminder by Scott Reynolds: progress on raffle tickets for LAO bike. Jill needs more information before she can put together an example for approval.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 10:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Sharon Scott