Referee's Meeting

April 20^th, 2005

Royal Motel, Vacaville, CA

 

Meeting called to order at 7:31 p.m. by President Dave Pickett

 

Roll Call:  12 of 30 Clubs in Attendance

 

Minutes:  March minutes approved. 

 

Guests: Rich Farrington from the United States Forest Service.  Mr. Farrington is OHV Coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service Districts within California and is a former District 36 competitor. Mr. Farrington comes to us tonight by request of our President and LAO officer Dave Pickett to share information regarding the OHV Route designation process. Mr. Farrington's presentation included slides and a Route Designation handbook explaining the procedures for designating off-highway vehicle routes for the National Forests in California. This is outlined as a five-step strategy, each of these five steps includes public involvement and it is very important that the OHV community take the time to become involved in this process. The Forest Service is working to achieve a consistent process for designating routes, with the goal to provide long term motorized opportunities while protecting the environment and complying with current laws, regulations and policies.  Thank you Mr. Farrington for your time explaining this process.      

 

 

Committee Reports:

 

Cross Country:  Steward Duane Scott reported:

Ø       I was unable to attend the Phantom HS. The scoring team reported that the race went well with 350 entries and muddy conditions. Thank you to Al Fitch and other D-36 officials who helped out at this event.

Ø       Shasta Dam was an excellent race, well done by the Redding Dirt Riders. 352 riders with perfect conditions. We had a slight problem with the club wanting to change the row line-up at the last minute, in the end we were able to convince them to stick with the consistent line-up. Race format, row Line-up and start times are some of the things that we have been trying to standardize at each event this year; Clubs are provided with the suggested line-up prior to their event and asked to contact me if the line-up will not work for some reason. Consistency between events is important to the rider's and I believe is an improvement to the series.

Ø       Work is in progress on the Rank and Championship points.

 

Youth Cross Country:  Steward Al Fitch reported:

Ø       At the Phantom we had 149 riders including 16 beginner women. It was a muddy race but everyone had a good time, the kids enjoyed the course.

Ø       Shasta Dam: the Redding Dirt Riders were awesome to work with, they originally had a 2.8 mile course set up for the kids, we were able to get them to extend the course to 12 miles. We had a total of 119 riders: 19 50's, 28 A&B riders, 60 C's and 12 beginner women. Conditions were excellent.

Ø       Hollister make-up race: P & D did a great job; they had plenty of help on the course. 166 rider's: 27 50's, 28 A & B riders, 85 C's and 26 beginner women. This course and Shasta Dam also consisted mainly of fire roads, for the future would like to see more single track and technical trail included for the kids. Next race will be the Mustang Scrambles on May 21^st.

Ø       New D-36 generators were received and put to use at Shasta Dam. They work perfectly and put an end to our normal search for a generator. Thank you to Jamie Williams for his help with this acquisition.

  

Women:  Steward Heather Wilson reported:

Ø       At the Phantom we had 16 beginner women, 7 B and 10 C women. Received many compliments from husbands and boyfriends regarding our women's program. Since implementing the women's class points structure we have our first girl to accumulate points and advance to the B sportsman class also moving her up to the A women's class.

Ø       At the Hollister make up race there were 26 beginner women. We are getting a lot of new riders to this class, Mom's, Wives and girlfriends making this a sport for the whole family.

Ø       Ann Creson reported on Shasta Dam: Conditions were great. We had 12 beginner women who were very excited about the course, 7 B and 10 C women. One injury.

 

Enduro:  Steward Jim Peacock reported:

Ø       One event was held: The Sawmill Enduro on April 16^th. Race referee was Todd Hansen. No protests. The course was 89.1 official miles with ground miles of 80.92 for all classes. Excellent riding conditions, minimal dust on the course and the trails were in great shape. Total riders were 293, consisting of 90 A's, 75 B's, 126 C's and 2 E riders. Two injuries; one rider with a broken foot and one with a possible broken foot, both rider's left on their own to seek medical attention. Riders reported that this was one of the best enduro's in quite awhile. We were able to post same day results and hand out trophies, thanks to the Timekeepers computer equipment.

 

Dirt Track:  Steward Carter Fisher reported:

Ø       2 of our 4 events scheduled for this month were rained out. April 2^nd we had 156 riders turnout and 186 on April 16^th, no injuries to report. The program is coming along there are a few minor things to work out.

Ø       Robert Bacosa reported: the new schoolboy class is getting good participation; this class is for 12-14 yr olds, were getting both boys and girls entering this class. This class provides a good transition for kids to learn to ride a bigger bike, before competing in a class with experienced riders.

 

AMA/Congress: Ed Santin reported:

Ø       District 36 gained National exposure through our work with the sound issue. Sound testing for the amateur program at Hangtown will be on a voluntary basis this year; we are hoping to encourage riders to test by handing out contingency prizes to those participating in the testing. Testing for the Pro racers on Sunday is mandatory.

Ø       Dave Pickett reported: District 36 has the highest number of off-road AMA members in the Nation; we also have the highest participation by women and youth in off road events.

 

Newsletter:  Jill Patterson reported:

Ø       Newsletter # 8- April issue was mailed out on March 28^th one day ahead of schedule! 3,042 copies of the issue were mailed. Submission deadline for newsletter # 9- July issue is June 4^th- 5^th, with a target mailing date of June 28^th. 

 

Rulebook:  Randy Patterson reported:

Ø       No new proposals. Rulebook supply is down to 30 books; consideration to re-order will be discussed in the Board meeting.

 

Membership: Jill Patterson reported:

Ø       179 April renewal notices were mailed out on April 2^nd. 435 cards processed since March 16^th. 10 new Life membership cards done since last meeting.

Ø       Membership applications from the Phantom and Shasta Dam were received promptly, thank you Ghostrider's and Redding Dirt Rider's.  Applications from one of our promoting clubs continue to be turned in late and the last applications received were not processed correctly. Discussion on this to be continued in the Board meeting.

 

Sanctioning:  Steward John Davis reported:

Ø       Received notice from the AMA- Sanctioning meeting for 2006 events is scheduled for December 10^th, 2005 at the Lockeford Inn, Lockeford CA.

Ø       Super Moto Productions May 8^th flat track event has been cancelled.

Ø       Cross Country event The Pony Soldier Massacre will be held on the same date May 21^st & 22^nd, but with a new name; The Mustang Scrambles and a new location just outside Reno. Updated information will be posted on the website soon.  Spoke with Honey Lake MX park promoter Larry Wosick; they are in the process of submitting the paperwork for their upcoming CC event scheduled for October 8^th & 9^th.

Ø       Reminder to all Clubs and Promoters: John Davis is your contact for all Sanctioning related information. You can contact him via email at: sanctioning@ama-d36.org

 

LAO:  Dave Pickett reported:

Ø       CORBA lobbyist contacted me to fill in at a fund raising dinner CORBA had purchased tickets for but was not able to attend. Rich Fern and I were able to attend representing District 36. At this dinner we met the Director of the Department of Conservation, newly appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger. The Director had many questions regarding the Clear Creek area due to the Atlas Mine within that area.

Ø       Sutter Club Legislative Reception: Jill Patterson, Jamie Williams, Rich Fern and I were in attendance representing District 36. After CORBA, we were the second largest OHV group in attendance. They were really impressed that there was a female Board of Director among a male dominated sport.

Ø       Four major bills making progress, 2 assembly and 2 senate bills. One huge victory was elimination of 1086; this bill had to do with putting a metal license plate on your dirt bike and keeping with you written permission from land owners of any property that you traverse. This bill was shut down by a vote of 8-4. One bill we wanted: AB555 to extend the green sticker program to 2012, made it out of committee it’s going to the floor. This is very important with the audit that’s going on right now. The other 2 bills, one was minor, one for funding to get this fuel tax study done, this is hurting us because that’s funding that goes to restoration.

Ø       Key issue right now with the Forest Service regarding placement and attachment of green or red stickers. This became an issue at 2 recent events: the Sawmill Enduro and Shasta Dam HS. There is question about mounting stickers on a detachable sleeve and many different interpretations of the rules governing this. It is advised at this time that riders also carry with them DMV registration verifying vehicle ID and green sticker numbers.

Ø       Jamie Williams reported on the green sticker issue at the Sawmill Enduro: The morning of the ride the Forest Service informed the Northbay club that the Forest Service was mandated to check all green stickers; any riders found using a detachable sleeve to mount their sticker would receive a $230.00 Federal ticket, the sticker would be confiscated and they would not be allowed to ride. There is a rumor that Northbay members helped to point out riders to the Forest Service for the purpose of issuing tickets, and that is not true. The Northbay club was very concerned that many riders could be issued tickets and so some members walked the line up just to check for ourselves how many riders may be in question. As it turned out only 15 of the 290 riders present were found to be illegal, due to the use of a sleeve. Some of the Forest Service seemed embarrassed to enforce this. The club worked very hard with the Forest Service asking that they reduce the ticket to a fixable offense.  

Ø       Bret Eckert reported: The Polka Dots would like to thank Dave Pickett. Their May 8^th event was in jeopardy, they had an emergency meeting with the Eldorado National Forest. With one days notice Dave was able to attend the meeting along with Polka Dots President and get the event back on track.

 

Legislative Activist: Ken Heuser reported:

Ø       Have attended many motorcycle shows, club meetings and swap meets promoting District 36 LAO work and the Vintage Bike races. There was much interest in District 36's Lodi Program and the upcoming Furnace race.

Ø       Attended Sacramento County Republican Central Committee meeting, also met with State Assemblyman Roger Niello where he showed his support for removing the "Sunset" off of our OHV program and also informed me of a new bill authored which will be used to respond to the outcome of an audit being conducted on the Off-Roading Community. Attended the Prairie City Improvement Group meeting. Have acquired 15 concrete tables and bench sets for the park. Joyce and I will be manning a District 36 booth at the upcoming Hangtown MX Outdoor National, where the D-36 LAO fundraiser raffle bike will be on display and raffle tickets will be available for purchase.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Competition Committee Meeting

 

Meeting called to order at 9:17 p.m. By James Davis

 

Roll Call: 25 of 55 members in attendance

 

New Business:

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. Carter Fisher explained that Mike Martin was unable to make the meeting this evening and would like to table his nomination to next month. (Tabled to next month)

Nominee John Curry is present and briefly described his involvement with Lodi Motorcycle Club and his desire to help with the Dirt track computer scoring program. Motion by the Committee to instate John Curry as a Dirt Track Committeeman. Vote 14-0 in favor (motion passed)

Ø       Discussion of Lodi MC "ban" on rider parent from facility. Parent involved was invited to attend tonight’s meeting, but is not present. After much discussion the Committee's decision is to reinforce the Club's decision. Director of Competition will contact parent involved.

Ø       Carter Fisher reported: Question from a Dirt Track participant’s parent. Youth participant recently earned the advancement points to move to the A class, the parent who is present at tonight’s meeting, feels his child is not ready to move to the A class. Committee confirmed that it is the Stewards discretion to hold a rider in their class and advance them when their ability suits the move.

   

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. 2 new proposals passed out for review, to be voted on next month. (Tabled to next month.)

Ø       Ralph Lee reported on ANA Racing’s California Cup Series. Discussion regarding possible conflict.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 9:52 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board Meeting

 

Meeting called to order at 10:03 p.m. by President Dave Pickett.

 

Roll Call: All members present.

 

Treasurer's Report:

Ø       Quarterly report passed out for review.

 

Banquet:  Duane Scott reported:

Ø       Deposit check from the Richmond Auditorium has been refunded.

 

Newsletter: Jill Patterson reported:

Ø       Expense report for Newsletter # 8 April issue passed out for review. We are keeping costs within our original allowance. Postage advancement worked out well.

 

Rulebook: Randy Patterson reported:

Ø       Motion by Randy Patterson to order 250 more rulebooks. Second by Dave Pickett. Vote unanimous. (motion passed)

 

Membership: Jill Patterson reported:

Ø       Continued discussion regarding the on going problem with one of our chartered clubs not submitting their membership applications and event paperwork within the allotted time frame. Director of Competition and the Dirt Track Steward will work with said Club to make sure they have all the necessary instructions and paperwork.

Ø       Passed out accounting for number changes. Making these number changes requires extra work for the membership chairman. Membership chairman requests extra reimbursement for the added time to process these changes. Motion by Scott Reynolds to provide extra reimbursement for the added time to process membership number changes effective retroactively to September 2004 when the procedures were amended. Vote unanimous (motion passed)

Ø       Discussion to re-order District 36 stickers which are distributed with the membership cards. Motion by Duane Scott to purchase 10,000 stickers. Second by Dave Pickett. Vote unanimous (motion passed)

   

Old Business:

Ø       Discussion regarding the behavior of a District 36 Committeeman, committeemen status shall be up for review.

Ø       Discussion on changing access to the message board on the District 36 web site. Motion by Ralph Lee that we change the guidelines for the message board to limit access to District 36 members only and require that legal names be included with all posts. Second by Jamie Williams. Vote unanimous (motion passed) Randy Patterson will contact web master regarding the implementation of these changes.

Ø       Discussion regarding who should be included as moderators for the message board on the District 36 web site. Randy Patterson will contact web master to request that all Board members and Stewards be added as moderators and receive instructions on how to edit inappropriate posts.

Ø       Jill Patterson brought in example of raffle ticket for the LAO fund raiser for approval.  Question regarding disclosure to include on the ticket. Tickets need to be numbered and green in color. Several other suggestions made. Board gives their consent for Jill Patterson and Dave Pickett to finalize ticket layout and get them ordered.

Ø       Al Fitch reported on a situation involving a parent during the youth event at Shasta Dam. Said parent had a concern with the scoring display board, claiming that the scoring was not correct. No formal protest was filed. This concern was investigated and explained to the parent. Parent displayed rude and unsportsmanlike conduct toward the event steward, scoring crew and District 36 Director of Competition. At the continued display of such conduct the Director of Competition refunded the participants scoring fee and asked that the parent not participate in any further District 36 events. This is brought up just to be noted by the Board of actions taken.

  

New Business:

Ø       Clarification of Enduro Clock Fee – After discussion  Board members agree to continue with fee per event as outlined in the District 36 rulebook; 11.2.8.5.

Ø       LAO Fee - Initial Discussion on adding LAO Fee to Youth Cross Country events. Youth Steward will get feedback from Youth participant parents and report back.

Ø       LAO - Request for financial consideration on purchase of computer system for LAO use. Motion by Jill Patterson to reimburse LAO Officer for the purchase of laptop computer. Second by Duane Scott. Vote unanimous (motion passed)

Ø       Discussion on purchase of AMA rulebooks for Board members. Motion by Dave Pickett to purchase 25 AMA rulebooks. Second by Scott Reynolds. Vote unanimous (motion passed)

Ø       Question by Randy Patterson: Are we awarding the sets of Moose gear at each Cross Country event, as outlined in our Moose contract? The Sportsman Scoring crew has been volunteered to conduct a drawing of the class winner’s from each Sportsman Cross Country event and contact Moose about awarding the gear.

 

 

Meeting Adjourned at 11:44 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Sharon Scott