Connecticut Swimming, Inc.

Senior Committee Minutes

September 15, 1998

Present: Al LaPrino, Jim Ottman (OAK), Bill Ball (UAC), Tim Quill (CDEV), Judy McBride (NCY), and Steve Carroll (CDEV)

Absent: Ellen Johnston (WRAT), Gary Cavaliere (HNHS), Sara Massa (CAT)

The meeting was called to order at 6:15PM at the Orange Community Center by Chairman Al LaPrino.

1.	Steve volunteered to take minutes.

2.	Al made the point to all members that the Senior Committee meetings are open to all  members of Connecticut Swimming and that attendance is not only welcome, but is  encouraged. However, on all matters requiring action, only committee members may actually vote.

3.	Al reviewed the results of his poll of committee members regarding the top three (3) problems facing senior swimming in Connecticut. Though there were many issues, the three that the committee prioritized as Action Plan Targets were:
 
a.	There has been a decline in the overall quality (and depth) of swimming at the senior level over the recent past.

There was discussion of a number of reasons, which may contribute to this issue, including: senior coaches not thinking similarly about senior swimming, CT teams going out of state, lack of progression of championship meets, and a lack of opportunity for cooperative training for senior swimmers.

b.	The CSI Senior Open, both SC and LC, has become too dull and is not providing an environment conducive to fast swimming.

Steve Carroll and Jim Ottman agreed to write up their recommendations for improvements to the CSI Senior Open format. All were in agreement that we would like to see the Senior Championship meet become the goal of all AG championship participants.

c.	High school swimming regulations (CIAC) are in conflict with CSI goals, and, in addition, restrict the opportunities available to swimmers.


Al reviewed recent actions/discussions taken by Technical Planning committee. All agreed that Technical Planning should continue to pursue possible actions with CSI and the CIAC.

4.	There was discussion regarding travel reimbursement for swimmers attending the Junior Championships and USS National Championships. Current policy requires swimmers to participate in at least four (4) CSI meets over the past calendar year in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

 	Motion Passed: In addition to current requirements, swimmers must participate in at least one (1) senior championship (SC or LC) in order to be eligible for travel  reimbursement. For: 5, Against: 0, Abstain: 1

5.	There was a discussion of LCAG format, specifically as it applies to senior swimmers    in the 15 - 18 age group.

Motion Passed: To move LCAG events for the 15-18 age group to the PM session, and  to move the 11-12 year old age group to the AM session. For: 6, Against: 0

6.	There was a discussion of prohibiting swimmers with Jr. and Sr. national cuts, to enter  AG Championships in those events.

Motion Passed: Any swimmer with a Junior or Senior National cut shall not be allowed to enter Age Group championships in that particular event. For: 5, Against: 0, Abstain: 1

7.	Al stated that it would continue to be the intent of the Senior Committee to hold an annual Senior Elite Training Camp in the late spring or early summer.

8.	There was some discussion regarding moving the Senior Championship to late January  or early February. All in attendance felt strongly that the current schedule is preferable.

9.	Al asked if there was a written policy regarding travel reimbursement and stated that he would like to review the current protocol/procedure.

10.	Minutes will be mailed/e-mailed to committee members within ten days of this meeting.  An agenda for the October 13 meeting will be mailed/e-mailed to each member within one week of the minutes.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted, 



Steve Carroll

	Senior Committee
	September 15, 1998
	Page 3