There were 22 voting delegates present with two not voting and a guest from Lake Erie. Representing FL were Margie Hutinger, Larry Peck, Dick Brewer, Katie Cooper, Joe Kurtzman, Frank Tillotson; FGC - June Krauser, Randy Nutt, Debbie Cavanaugh, Lil Haneman, Eddie Ames, Carl House; GA - Lisa Watson, Edward Saltzman; NC - George Simon, Jerry Clark, Rhea Wilkins; SC - Jacque Grossman; SE - Mary Lee Watson, Jean Fox, Rick Harris; SO - Scott Rabalais, Darrin Anderson.
FINANCIAL REPORT
The financial report was distributed and as of Sept. 18, 1999, the Dixie Zone treasury has a balance of $1,550.34 (no Top Ten times in the last year). $263.24 of the balance will be used to cover a portion of June's expenses to this year's convention.
TOP TEN
Dick Brewer suggested that instead of mailing Dixie Zone Top Ten results, we can save money and time by having Dick scan the results and put them on the internet. Each LMSC can be responsible for downloading the results and distributing to its members. The Dixie Zone voted to do this and thanked Dick for his help. Rick Harris reported that current Dixie Zone Top Ten Recorder Karen Crossen is having difficulty compiling Top Ten results because many of the meet results are not sent to her is disk form. The Dixie Zone voted to issue the following mandate to its LMSC's: If a meet is managed electronically, results shall be sent on disk or via e-mail for submission to Dixie Zone Top Ten. All meet directors are encouraged to use meet management software to report results. A suggestion was made that LMSC's should include the above information in instructions to meet directors on receiving sanctions.
DIXIE ZONE CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR 2000
The following sites were designated for 2000:
COACHES MENTOR PROGRAM
Scott Rabalais discussed the USMS Coaches Mentor program. This program provides for 4 clinics throughout the country, which can be in varied formats. USMS will give $500 which should cover the coach's expenses. This program has proved very valuable for coaches and swimmers. There is a similar program being offered for Open Water clinics, which can be held in conjunction with a scheduled Open Water event. Interested groups should contact Scott.
COACHES ON DECK PROGRAM
This program has been implemented at Nationals and proven very successful and helpful to swimmers during warm-up. Scott hopes that this program can be expanded to be utilized at the regional and local levels.
CONVENTION TOPICS
Lisa Watson encouraged all Dixie Zone members to vote in favor of the Emergency Rule Proposal from Championship Committee which would increase the $20 surcharge at Nationals to $30. Lisa stressed that this rule proposal would be a crucial element in attracting quality bids for Nationals in the future. Carl House encouraged the use of 3-mail among LMSC's whenever possible as a means of communication.
DIXIE ZONE REP ELECTIONS
The Dixie Zone unanimously re-elected June Krauser as Dixie Zone Rep for the next 2-year term. The following is a partial resume of June's accomplishments, compiled by Scott Rabalais:
RESUME OF JUNE KRAUSER
The Dixie Zone expresses appreciation for June's service during her past 2 terms.
NEW BUSINESS
June reported that Paul Hutinger and Bill Specht have been placed on a list of nominees for selection to the International Swimming Hall of Fame. After reviewing the accomplishments of those on the list, one male and one female will be selected for the year 2000. Mary Lee Watson encouraged LMSC's to use vendors listed in the rule book. Meets can also be advertised in the rule book.
OLD BUSINESS
The Dixie Zone voted to order Dixie Zone Top Ten patches to be made available to swimmers who qualify. Debbie Cavanaugh volunteered to take care of ordering the patches.
When final dates and contact information is available, these meets will be placed in the regular Calendar and on the Dixie Zone website.