- Details
- Written by: Doug Pilcher
- Category: Club Business
Present:
Mike Karnes, Charles Youngblood, Samantha McKinney, Phil Vance, Brad Davy, Steve Sides, Ron Graham, Doug Pilcher, Michael Verzywelt, and Rusty Fried
Guests:
Pollyann Falk, Ann Marie Holder, and Gayle Ireland with Spark Strategic Ideas
Meeting began 9:01 p.m. EST
Marketing Strategies – Ron Graham and Pollyanna Falk
Ron Graham has spoken with Pollyanna Falk with Spark Strategic Ideas on what we can do to address the membership drop and contest participation levels. Mrs. Falk is with Spark Strategic Ideas. Ann Marie Holder, CEO of
Spark Strategic Ideas, and Gayle Ireland, Research Partner, helped present the proposal to the BOD.
Spark Strategic Ideas is a full service agency in Charlotte, North Carolina. They research who the organization really is, their strengths and weaknesses, and goals for the future. Once all this information is collected, they can then coordinate a plan that helps the organization. The IMAC organization has different perspectives from the BOD, members, former and prospective members. We must first understand the environment. By understanding all of this, it helps the organization grow. If the IMAC organization asks why, the information received may be just what they want to hear, but a third-party would receive real responses. Spark has worked with several non-for-profit organizations with their marketing strategies.
Mrs. Falk presented the proposal to the BOD. With the membership drop, the problem is that it cannot be pinpointed to just a few reasons because there are multiple. Spark is recommending to do the research to see what the main problem is and then come up with a solution to fix it. They will be conducting a survey with three groups, current, former, and prospective members. Each contact will have a 10-12 minute survey. Currently, there are 5,000-6,000 emails available to reach out to for the survey. Spark’s goal is to receive 300 responses. They will follow up with contacts until they reach 300. Spark will manage all phases of the data collection process. They also recommend to include an incentive for filling out the survey, one grand prize of a $250 VISA gift card, and 2 one-year IMAC memberships. Everyone who fills out the survey will be included in the drawing for these prizes.
Questions that Sparks recommend include for current members but are not limited to: why are you participating; reasons for joining; why are you continually renewing your membership; any challenges, changes, or improvements; perceptions; or competitive options or alternatives. Questions for past members but are not limited to: reasons for joining and leaving; any challenges, changes or improvements; perceptions; and competitive options or alternatives. Questions for prospective members but are not limited to: how did you hear about IMAC; level of interest; reasons for interest; motivators or barriers to join; expectation for membership; perceptions; and competitive options or alternatives.
The BOD will receive a detailed written report to see what Spark has learned from the survey. This will be a two-phase, 7 week process. The proposal submitted is $9,500 and $350-400 for incentives.
Gayle, research partner with Spark, would like to emphasize the importance in having a third-party involved. This is important to past and prospective members that aren’t able to access the website. This insures people the anonymity and real honest answers. The question arises if we are delivering the correct information to the correct audience.
Ron says that he sees this as a return on investment. What will the survey include, multiple-choice, open-ended, or both? Yes, some of them will be lists that can rate, rank, or select. There will be options to enter answers to questions or their own comments. Questions that are answered with “other” are taken very seriously. This will be an unbiased survey and have the option to put in their own responses when needed.
Brad wanted to know Spark’s experience and id they have worked with another organization that has the same structure of IMAC, such as geographical issues, and was it successful. Gayle says geography is no longer an issue due to modern technology. If there are geographical issues, their survey is built to address and see what these issues are in different regions. One case study in the real estate market. They had offerings to buy in a community. One offering was not receiving any interest. There offering wasn’t appealing to the right audience. The survey identified the correct audience and then changed their offering and sold out the community. It was extremely successful.
The BOD will review and get back to Mrs. Falk. The BOD thanked Gayle, Ann Marie, and Pollyanna for their proposal, taking an interest, and accommodating their time for the meeting.
Samantha forwarded Spark’s proposal to the entire BOD. Mike suggests that the entire BOD review the proposal, gather their thoughts, and any ideas that they have. Currently, the cost of the survey is 40% of our membership income. Ron recommends that we get other bids submitted for a marketing strategy. Brad has mentioned it to his daughter to see if her company is interested to submit a proposal within the next couple of weeks. Brad agrees that we should have the information gathered by an unbiased, third-party. This proposal is only gathering information; it is not providing the solution. Ron believes that this would be an investment for IMAC.
Website Issues – Charles Youngblood
Charles brought up that he thinks the website is not working and functioning like it should. Many on the BOD have not had any issues. Brad has tried to duplicate some of the problems and the only way he can is if he uses the .com for the old website. Brad and Doug say they both use Internet Explorer. Ron has also received a lot of questions and issues about the website. Some members who are still having problems registering for the website need to email Samantha and she will forward it on to be taken care of. Membership issues need to be forwarded to Phil. Rusty says that the older generations are having the most problem with the website. Rusty gave an example of many couldn’t find the forums because the name was changed to “The Hanger.” Doug has an outside forum for the website navigation question and answer. Steve gets questions about why the membership list is no longer available, forums are hard to use, or about the new features compared to the old website. Many members would like to see the member search back on the new website. The member lookup is not available because of all the information of each member that is connected to their profile. It is a huge opportunity for information to get out to marketers. When you click on a message posted from a member, click on the name and then user profile. There is a “pm” button where you can send that member an email. We are also supposed to be using our names for our profile, instead of an alias. Ron says that he would like to see the articles that are written, such as on the NC page, to be tagged into a forum for all members to view. Currently, they can only be view on NC regional page.
Charles also brought up the issue of people logged into the website using an alias. He believes a previous board voted years ago and members were told that their login would be changed to their correct name.
2017 Sequences – Mike Karnes
The Unlimited sequence is still being worked on. Mike has posted the Basic, Sportsman, Intermediate, and Advanced, including the alternates, for the BOD to review and vote. These need to be reviewed as soon as possible for they can be posted to the website for the members. Unlimited will hopefully be posted within the next week or two.
2017 BOD Elections – Mike Karnes
Right now, the only contested race is the SE and SW regional directors. Please get a bio written up and sent to Roy to be posted.
Flying Giants Post – Mike Karnes
Many of the BOD has read the forums on the Flying Giants website on the membership drop. There is also a poll on the membership drop. Many ideas have been posted on the membership drop such as, not scale enough, limiting plane size, inconsistent judging, contests too far away, etc. The BOD reviewed the poll based on the results as of September 19.
2017 National Judging School – Doug Pilcher
The hotels are narrowed down to two options. One is across from the school itself. Doug’s wife is trying to get the best deal between the two hotels. She is trying to get them to include breakfast and airport transportation for pickup and drop off. There is no room guarantee and you can cancel within 24 hours without no penalty. As of now, we are not ready to start booking rooms. Doug will put the hotels on each region’s page with a link. Doug has several vehicles available if the 15- passenger vans do not work out. The companies do not want to commit to a price this far in advance. Phil is going to send the BOD a report of a complete run down of expenses from the 2015 National Judging School. Each region can send 2 members, up to $1,400 per region at IMAC’s expense. Any additional will come out of the region’s fund. Mike is also going to get a current list of our National Judging Instructors to send to the RDs.
Treasurer’s Report – Phil Vance
Phil emailed the regional funds report to the RDs. We have received our check for the participation at the NATS. We also received funds for the Horizon Hobby Airplane Auction by Charles Lewis. Phil will get the BOD a report for the NATS, when he sends the one for the Judging School. The current balance as of September 19:
|
Checking |
$ 5,505.95 |
|
PayPal |
$33,360.77 |
|
Total Cash |
$38,866.72 |
The NATS expense has went down since we use contestant judging and the McCullough Center for the banquet. We also will be having the judging school and possibly a marketing cost as expenses within the next year. The marketing costs would be a significant expense. The National Judging School will cost between $8,000-10,000.
2018 IMAC World Championships – Mike Karnes
The BOD is aware that Wayne Matthews has pulled out of the World Championships, International Liaison, and all the committees. Wayne has emailed all the documentation that he has started to all of the BOD and certain members. Doug believes that we should contact the 40 plus volunteers to see if they are still willing to help. If not, we need to start finding replacements. The BOD also discussed the financial sponsorships and donations received for the last Worlds. The last Worlds finished in the black, with around $6,000. No money came out of IMAC funds. It was the consensus of the BOD to review all the documentation that Wayne sent and to have a meeting around the first of October to only discuss the future of the 2018 Worlds.
Regional Issues
No regional issues to report.
Meeting adjourned 11:42 p.m. EST.
Addendum post meeting: Mike followed up with webmaster on Charles concern over use of aliases on the website. There was no record found nor did the webmaster recollect any such change of alias user names to proper names. However the BOD does ask/suggest that members do indeed update their entire profiles to include real names. This is not a change to an alias on forums but only in your user profile. At this point there is not a motion nor a vote passed to exclude aliases. This also provides consistency to the RPS system and ability of users and contact between users on the site.
- Details
- Written by: Doug Pilcher
- Category: Club Business
Attendees: Mike Karnes, Charles Youngblood, Samantha McKinney, Phil Vance, Rusty Fried, Doug Pilcher, Ron Graham, Steve Sides, and Brad Davy
Absent: Michael Verzywelt
Meeting began: 9:15 p.m. EST.
2016 Board Elections – Mike Karnes
Nominations for the 2016 Board will begin on September 1, 2016. Mike will post in the forums to the general membership that nominations will be open. Elections will be in December.
Forum Issue – Letter to RD – Ron Graham
One of our RDs received a letter from an anonymous IMAC member concerned about the membership drop and other issues in our organization. The BOD discussed this letter and took it under review.
Forum Issue – Membership drop – Mike Karnes
The BOD discussed the forum thread on the membership drop.The question was raised on what we have to offer new members. Many members have ideas, but not very many step up help. Brad raised the question if we were too wrapped up in the numbers because there are other factors involved. Ron completely disagreed. Many different ideas were discussed on why our membership is dropping: “cliques,” disposable income, plane size, website issues, judging issues, etc. It was under agreement that “cliques” are not the reason for the membership drop. Each pilot at contests make everyone feel welcome, and are more than willing to help each other and new pilots that are beginning IMAC. Brad feels that the issue is more with disposable income. Many pilots use their disposable income to fund this sport. When the disposable income drops, this sport is the first to be cut. Many of heard that a smaller plane couldn’t compare to a big airplane on how well they can compete. Many of the BOD members mentioned several instances where a pilot with a smaller plane is very competitive, but its not the plane, it’s the pilot.
Some RDs mentioned that some new members mentioned that the website is too much of a hassle for them, especially when trying to register for contests and the forums. Some of the older members are not as familiar with computers and it is harder for them to navigate the new website.
Another issue mentioned for the membership drop was favoritism being played with the judges, or the judges not being experienced enough to judge certain classes. Some CDs put judges in the chair that don’t know how to judge or have a fellow pilot flying in that particular class. Many of this is due to the numbers that attend the contests. This leads to subconscious bios. The South Central region does not normally have the CD create the judging matrix. Most of the time it is the RD or the ARD’s that create the matrix. Most of the time the RD and 2 or more ARDs are at their contests. It was mentioned to have the names of judge one and two for each round be submitted with the scoring. South West region has put experienced scribes with unexperienced judges to give them someone to discuss judging with.
Mike mentioned that we could get a testing software for the judges, but it has a cost with it.
Ron mentioned that we need to have some individual classes for the CDs to help them become better prepared to host a contest. There are some CDs that have attended judging schools and cannot run a contest. IMAC does not currently qualify the CDs, AMA does. IMAC has never had qualifications for CD. The closest thing we have is the Contest Standards Guide. The CDs provided the field and the weekend, and there are several members that are willing to help them run the contest.
Phil presented the membership numbers from the following years: 2007 – 845; 2008 – 906; 2009 – 1,127; 2012 – 983; 2014 – 899; and 2016 – 778. Many BOD members pointed out the rise in members in certain years, particularly the year of the World Championship qualifying year.
Forum Issue – Limiting aircraft size in lower classes – Mike Karnes
An issue has been raised that we need to limit aircraft size in lower classes, due to the drop in membership and unfair competition. In both of these cases, it goes against IMAC. The Basic class can fly what they want. It was suggested to keep points and acknowledge the pilots flying with smaller plane. This would create more to keep with up for the CD and the scorekeepers. Several of the BOD agrees that the problem isn’t the equipment. The BOD members named off several pilots that won several competitions in their classes with smaller planes. The pilot choses what he/she wants to fly. This isn’t the overriding problem.
Forum Issue – Use of gyros in lower classes – Mike Karnes
Gyros were mentioned in forums as a possible advantage to lower class pilots. He wanted to the RDs to let the CDs know to look for this type of equipment as it is not allowed. Currently, there is no BOD support for gyros being used in the lower classes.
Forum Issue – Advertising loss – Mike Karnes
Mike informed the BOD that we lost Hobbico as one of our advertisers due to not enough hits on the website. We currently use the advertising income to pay the monthly maintenance fees on the new website.
Forum Issue – International Region – Mike Karnes
The International members are wanting their own regional page on the website and RPS listing. The only thing that the International community receives from IMAC is the knowns and unknowns. They would like to be able to post their contests and a place to post their scores for their members can view. A motion was made to create an International region on the website for these contests can be posted and scores can be viewed and would have an “RD” assigned to the said International Region and also have a seat on BOD. Motion passed unanimously.
Electric Request for Action (RFA) – Mike Karnes
An RFA (request for action) was sent to the BOD for allowing electric aircrafts to fly a sequence, land and change batteries, and then proceed to the end of the line to finish their round. Currently, this RFA is actually an RCP and the BOD will forward to the Rules Committee for review for the next Rules Change Cycle. The BOD agreed that as of now, it will be left to the CD’s discretion at each event whether to fly all single sequences or the normal 2 sequences per round.
Marketing IMAC – Mike Karnes
A few BOD members mentioned that we don’t market IMAC very well. It was raised to hire an outside professional to help market IMAC. Mike gave an example of how the North Central region pilots schedule is to why we have trouble helping promote IMAC. The North Central contest schedule is nonstop from the first contest to regional finals. These pilots are going to every contest possible to get their points and compete. There is a contest almost every weekend. It is hard for some of the North Central pilots to balance work, family and IMAC. Currently, our line of communication with new members is contests and the website. With the website, a pilot can create a profile without being an actual member, but they cannot register for contests. Some members believes that our website is confusing and complicated. When registering, Phil must create and send the IMAC number; the computer doesn’t automatically generate it. Forums are not user-friendly. Many that are not familiar with a computer have a hard time finding the forums.
The question was raised if we could afford an outside professional to help promote IMAC. Brad and Ron has spoken to a couple of people who work for marketing companies. They said that we would need to contact their companies and ask them to submit a proposal. The companies would present a couple of proposals for the BOD could review. Ron asked the BOD to write the top 5 ideas that they think will promote IMAC and bring in new members. A motion was made by Ron to move forward on getting proposals from outside professionals on what we could do for marketing and advertising IMAC to help the membership drop, as well as putting a dollar amount to said marketing and seeing if viable to add to IMAC budget. Motion carried unanimously.
National Judging School – Doug Pilcher
The registration for the 2017 National Judging School is on the South Central Region page. Registration is for Saturday and Sunday only. The RDs will appoint who will attend on Fridays. As of right now, hotels will possibly be between $80-90. Doug informed the BOD that they are nice rooms. These hotels are close to the school and about 20-25 minutes away from the field. Doug has an unlimited pilot lined up to fly for practicals. The reimbursements for individuals is $700 per person, up to $1,400 per region.
Meeting adjourned at 11:49 p.m. EST.
- Details
- Written by: Doug Pilcher
- Category: Club Business
Attendees: Mike Karnes, Charles Youngblood, Samantha McKinney, Phil Vance, Brad Davy, Steve Sides, Doug Pilcher, and Michael Verzywelt.
Absent: Ron Graham and Rusty Fried
Meeting began 9:06 p.m. EST
National Judging School – Mike Karnes
Ty Lyman is now Chief Judging Instructor and he is starting to get the National Judging School lined up for 2017. The school will be held in the SC region around Dallas. The last time it was held in the SC region was in 2009. The school will be held the last weekend in January. Tarrant County College Fort Worth (by DFW Airport, 2301 Horizon Drive, Forth Worth, TX) donated 2 classrooms, includes projector screens. The classrooms has seating for 30 with personal viewing screens with the projector in the front of the classroom. The only thing needed is a thumb drive. We will also have access to the avionics lab. There is an r/c club within 25 minutes from the hotels and schools. We have approval for Sunday practicals. We need to consider possibly rent two 15-passenger vans to help transport students for the school. Each district will send 2 people. Each person interested will be reimbursed up to a certain amount for expenses, but will only be reimbursed for actual costs. In 2015, $8,000 was spent on the National Judging School and it was held in Jacksonville, Florida.
Contest Standards Drop Schedule – Mike Karnes
Mike noticed that the drop schedule needed corrected. Some believe unknowns shouldn’t be dropped. This will mainly applies to the NATS. At NATS, they fly three unknowns. In 2015, due to a total washout on one day, they had to keep both of their unknowns. The Worlds flew 4 unknowns. Mike would like to see a drop schedule for the Worlds since they have 4 unknowns. Most unknowns that will be dropped are 1. Now each contest has guidelines to go by including the NATS and the Worlds. Every situation is covered that could possibly happen. This can be changed in the score program as it pertains to each contest. The default setting for the unknowns is zero. Only thing in the score program is the Known drop schedule. Brad noticed that a statement is made with ratios of the Knowns to the Unknowns, Paragraph 13 of the current Contest Standards Guide. It is also mentioned that the dropping is at the discretion of the CD, Paragraph 11, which conflicts with Appendix A. A motion was made and the BOD agreed unanimously to remove the statement in Paragraph 11 that conflicts with Appendix A and to remove the ratios of the Knowns and Unknowns in Paragraph 13. Brad will make changes. Doug and Steve noticed that there isn’t no mention of what will happen when deviations are made from the Contest Standards Guide. It was agreed to make any additional changes when are the BOD members are present.
NATS – Mike Karnes
Mike has the event team set. Phil has gotten the shirts ordered. The banquet will be at the same place, the McCollough Center, on July 7th and the food is set. Mike will be picking up pilot packets since AMA is not open on Monday.
Website Issues – Mike Karnes
Currently, the committees are upset on storing IMAC files outside of the website. Mike had to contact the webmaster and Mike decided to add another module to the website for the committees’ storage. The cost shouldn’t exceed $300 and it is a one time charge. Currently, the old forums on the old website can only be accessed for 90 days. RDs need to copy what they need before the old forums are turned off. Each RD must copy and paste and create word/pdf documents. Mike has already completed the education committee forum. The webmaster cannot keep 2 servers going. It has created a conflict between the old and new website. The motion was made to pay the webmaster $300 to create another module for the committees to have permanent storage. Motion passed unanimously.
Regional Issues
The NC region’s schedule is getting ready to start. Brad mentioned that it would be nice for the membership and the BOD to know who is on all the committees. Mike will ask the webmaster to add this information to the website. The SC region is interested in another scoring school being held. Regions need more interested in learning the score programs. Samantha and Mike will get a date together for an evening to have the school. It was mentioned to record and possibly post on YouTube for those who cannot make it. Doug will put a thread on the website to see who is interested. Samantha has also created a scoring guide that will walk through the score program.
Mike wanted to remind all the CDs about the basic unknown. The RDs mentioned that the pilot listing that is exported on the event page is working very well. The only thing is the export is not pulling in the contact information. The NW is hosting a judging school in Calgary, Canada this weekend. There are currently 14 guys registered. The NC judging school had an attendance of 23, with 12 being first time students. The weather was exceptional for the practicals.
Meeting adjourned 10:22 p.m. EST.
- Details
- Written by: Doug Pilcher
- Category: Club Business
Members present: Mike Karnes, Charles Youngblood, Samantha McKinney, Phil Vance, Brad Davy, Steve Sides, Ron Graham, Doug Pilcher, Michael Verzywelt, and Rusty Fried
Meeting began: 9:01 p.m. EST
2018 World Championships Qualifications – Mike Karnes
The last proposal submitted to the membership seemed to work. One member mentioned scoring it differently, though to make sure to make it more fair. Contests are open to anyone, so a non-IMAC member could affect the potential scoring of a member trying to qualify. They are wanting the 5 members to qualify for the World team to be scored in a separate score program. One problem is that each region needs to be consistent on how their top five will be selected. It was suggested to use the regionals finals, since this is the last contest that allows points to be accumulated. It is being suggested that each region designate the regional final contest for each of their region. The only difference will be that each region needs to stay consistent on how the top 5 will be scored for qualification purposes.
The 2017 NATS are still being used as one way to qualify. If a pilot qualifies both ways, IRPS and NATS, the region has first choice to find a pilot to send to the Worlds. The NATS will only be used if the region absolutely cannot send anyone. The regions will only send one per class. The NATS will send the top 3 from each class, 1/3 of the team. The vacancy rule states that if a pilot makes the World team from the NATS and the IRPS, the NATS will take precedent over the IRPS and the next in line at the IRPS will take place.
Some does not like this because pilots can still make the team by just flying at the NATS. This discourages the pilots from flying contests and putting the work in during the 2017 year. To qualify at the NATS, the pilot must have competed in 3 IMAC contests. The numbers would not work out to without the NATS sending 1/3 of the team. It is very rough for the outer regions to make the NATS, due to travel and time constraints. It was noted that we had pilots drop out at the last minute before the last World Championships.
The only change needed is on the scoring. This change will apply to all regions. RDs need to designate the last point-accumulating contest of the season. For many regions, this is the very last contest of the season. The top 5 point earners will be going into the regional finals to compete for the spot on the World team. If the pilot does not show up, they are removing themselves from qualifying for the World Championships.
Rule 3.b seems to be an issue between the regions. SE currently holds a regional championship as a separate contest after the IRPS stops. SE regional championship does not count as regional points; it is an invitational. The issue is that each region will be arriving at their 5 pilots differently. Each region needs to arrive at their top 5 pilots the same way to make it fair to all pilots. The top 5 pilots going into the regional finals are the ones that will be competing for the World team. Currently, it is up to the regions to chose which contest. Currently, the SE cannot use their regional championship invitational contest due to the fact that it does not accumulate points for IRPS. The IRPS is only used to determine who flies off at the regional finals and whoever wins that contest, wins the spot on the team. According to IRPS, the regional finals is an open contest to everyone. The SE regional championship invitational is not an open contest available to everyone. It is closed to everyone except for the top 10 of each class.
The SE regional championship invitational is an extra contest that is for the top 10 of each class to get together and have fun. Just another perk for the SE. The argument is that this has no constraints of the other regions. The SE should use their regional finals and the regional championship invitational would just be for fun. The reason is why it is written is to incorporate a fly-off at the regional finals. The SE would have to designate a contest as a regionals points contest, which would be the last scored contest. The top 5 may not be able to go. The way to solve the issue is the SE regional championship invitational will become open to everyone and will be a points contest.
It needs to be added that their placement for the 2018 World Championships will be scored in a separate program.
The issue with just using the NATS is due to the geographics, travel constraints, and finances. The only way to make it fair to every region is to send a pilot from each class from each region. This gives the whole U.S. membership the same opportunity to make the 2018 World Team. It gives each member 2 ways to make the team, through the region or at the NATS.
Mike asked the Board if we should only use the first 3 days of the NATS. If we are using the top 3 of the NATS, we should use the actual winners of the NATS.
Rule 3.b needs to be added: Those five contestants’ results will be separately scored to determine placement on the Worlds team. The motion was made to accept Version 15 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned 9:30 p.m.
- Details
- Written by: Doug Pilcher
- Category: Club Business
Attendees: Mike Karnes, Charles Youngblood, Samantha McKinney, Phil Vance, Brad Davy, Doug Pilcher, Michael Verzywelt, and Rusty Fried
Meeting began 8:02 p.m. CST
Treasurer’s report – Phil Vance
Phil reported the following balances:
End of January 2016 – checking account $21,758.50, PayPal account $23,975.56, for a total cash on hand of $45,734.06.
As of February 22, 2016 – checking account $21,264.88, PayPal account $25,156.73, for a total cash on hand of $46,421.61.
Phil received a notice from PayPal requesting our EIN (Employer Identification Number). Without this number, the account would be cancelled. He reported that he sent all paperwork to PayPal that was requested. All regional directors’ reports have been emailed. A concern was raised on the balances for each regions accumulating every year. If this continues and the regions request all their funds, this could empty the account. Michael thought that each regional fund was supposed to get $1,000 per year for their budget. Per December 2014 BOD meeting minutes, the BOD approved of the regions receiving $10 per member in their region. There are currently two regions that do not have as many members as the others. Michael was concerned about not having enough in these regions’ budget to cover expenses. BOD decided the best way to handle this is to approve expenses on a case-by-case basis when asked.
One concern that was mentioned that we currently have 2 regions that has less than 100 members. In turn, these 2 regions receive less money allocated to their budget at the beginning of each year. Phil mentioned that these 2 regions should at least get $1,000 allocated to make it fair to each region. Rusty motioned that the South West region would donate funds to these 2 regions to bring them up to $1,000. It was discussed that some of these regions don’t even use the money allocated to them each year and may not need the funds. Two options were considered. One option was that if the region needing additional funding to present it to the BOD on a case-by-case basis. The other option was that each region would receive a minimum of $1,000 budgeted each year. BOD decided to have the regions come to the BOD on a case-by-case basis if the additional funding was needed.
Phil received a letter about IMAC becoming incorporated. AMA has documentation posted on their website about becoming incorporated. The EIN was registered years ago in Florida. Rusty would like to see the organization become incorporated to protect the BOD and its members. We would currently like to pursue becoming a 501 ( c ) 7 organization. Phil is going to be doing some more research on what needs to be done.
RCP – Mike Karnes
Mike reported that there wasn’t many members who responded to the polls for the RCPs.
RCP 2017-3 Mechanical Failure use of a different plane – Only 15 members voted and all voted yes. Motion was made to send this on. Motion carried.
RCP 2017-4 Start and Finish of a Figure – Only 7 members voted, 5 yes votes and 2 no votes. Ty Lyman thought some of the wording should stay in, such as they removed the line between figures. It was omitted because it repeats itself in Rule 6.2. The question comes to the wings-level horizontal flight. It is reinforced in Rule 7. It establishes the next figure begins after 1 fuselage length. Motion that since it is already in Rule 7.1, to leave as written. Motion carried.
RCP 2017-1 Should vs. Must – Only 6 members voted and all were no votes. There were only 2 comments made. Some BOD members believe that the words were just changed out. Michael believes that more time should have been spent on this RCP from the rules committee. We, as the BOD, has a duty to make sure that each RCP gets wrote correctly. It was the consensus of the BOD to go back to what Brad had done and to submit an RCP. He will focus on the areas that are important. Brad also recommended that we replace must with shall and the BOD agreed. It will have to go back in front of the membership for 30 days, which is customary. Brad would like to resubmit this RCP with the right proposal and put it out to the membership for a week and then send it on to the rules committee. Brad will post the RCP in the forum for the BOD to review before it is posted to the membership. BOD agreed that this is RCP needed to be modified before approving.
RCP 2017-2 Benefit of the Doubt – There were a total of 20 votes, with 9 yes votes and 11 no votes. Mike’s issue with this RCP is that there were too many examples added, which brought on more issues. As a general rule, the judges do give the pilots the benefit of the doubt, but it doesn’t need to be written in the rules. This issue should be handled at the judging schools. Motion was made to remove this RCP. Motion carried.
RCP 2017-5 – Calling in the Box – Only 15 members voted with 9 yes votes and 6 no votes. Some comments mentioned is that they like the way it was written. The only change on this RCP was zeroing the sequence, instead of zeroing the round and it doesn’t involve illegal maneuvers. One question arose about it conflicting with illegal turnaround maneuvers. The original rule refers subject to other standard constraints stipulated in this rule, such as time limit for entering, no aerobatics before entering, etc. This brought up the question of changing Rule 13.5. Brad and Mike both believe that Rule 13.5 should be modified, and Rule 10.1.1 would remain the same. Motion was made for an RCP for Rule 13.5 to change from zeroing the round to zeroing the sequence. Motion carried. Charles brought it to the attention of the BOD that we need to write up how illegal maneuvers would be zeroed prior to entering the box, between sequences and landing. The BOD agreed that the RCP needs to include that prior to entering and between sequences, if an illegal turnaround maneuver was performed, the succeeding sequence would be zeroed. If an illegal turnaround maneuver is performed on a landing, the preceding sequence would be zeroed. Mike will write the RCP and get it out in the BOD forum.
There were 2 member RCPs that the BOD reviewed and did not accept. The first RCP was RCP-IMAC-17-00, which was sound presentation. The way this RCP was written made it seem like we were going back to scoring sound with a 0, 5, or a 10. Different fields have different restrictions. Our sound rule always comes up. We need judges to apply the existing criteria to the sound score. This RCP doesn’t actually define it any better on how to score sound and it is too broad or strict enough to consider. The second RCP was RCP 2017-00 Legal Turn-around Maneuvers. The main reason for not accepting this RCP was due to the half-cuban being eliminated and specifying the aerobatic turns.
Regional Issues – RDs
Brad is hosting an online judging school for the North East region and is going to open it up to all regions. The online judging schools will be on Wednesday nights, starting March 2, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. These sessions will be hosted on a Go-To-Meeting and will continue through the month of March. He also mentioned that we will have a presence at the WRAM show again this year. For the North Central region, Mike and Ron are getting things together for the Toledo show. Rusty had a concern about a contest that was held in the South West region. This contest was given an unknown from a previous contest from the month before. This also happened at a contest Mike attended last year. It was recommended for the CDs to look at the unknowns a head of time just in case there are any problems. If there are any issues, the RDs can give Mike a call.
Meeting adjourned 10:17 p.m. CST.