USA Boxing Board Chairman, Tom Virgets stated Chris Vadala, USOC representative, would be joining the meeting later in the morning.  Vadala is responsible for Sports Partnerships.  Jim Scherr, President of the USOC, will also be joining by conference call at 11 a.m. Central time. 

Virgets reported the USOC had made an offer to USAB for additional support.  Virgets stated that the Board should be apprised of that offer, and also understand how the office of Sports Partnership functions.  It is the Board’s desire to improve the partnership between the USOC and USA Boxing.  The USOC has approved this new group of Trustees, and they ask for the strong support of the USOC going forward.  Virgets stated that the Board wants the USOC to do whatever is necessary to make this a true sports partnership.  Virgets stated his belief that there needs to be improved mutual support, and a closer working relationship which complements the financial support provided annually to USA Boxing as part of the High Performance Plan.

            A.         The Vision for USA Boxing (enclosed)

Virgets stated that USAB’s membership expects the national office, and the Board to keep the membership better informed.  Virgets stated we must become more transparent.  With that Tom Coulter asked what specifically can and cannot be discussed with the membership.  Virgets stated that Executive Session must be reserved for the Board to legally discuss sensitive issues.  Boyd Melson stated that if it is communicated to the LBCs that membership has the option to go on the website under “Ask the Board” to ask questions, this would help the situation.  Virgets expressed that there also needs to be a monthly update to the membership from the Executive Director. 

IV.        USOC Update

John Stavros, Acting Executive Director, (AED) reported that the USOC has made a financial offer of additional support to USA Boxing and USAB has been requesting the offer in writing for several weeks.  The offer includes support toward the $1 million liability insurance and funding for broadcast rights to USA Boxing Events.  After further discussion by Stavros regarding a vision for television, Stavros received Board support to further define television rights.  The USOC had also previously required USAB to seek USOC approval for the USAB ED position; they are now asking for input in the search.  The USOC also agreed to review the issue of prior payments owed to the USOC by USAB. 

Virgets stated the issue is what does USAB need from the USOC?  Virgets expressed the opinion that USAB needs a better understanding of the Sports Partnerships relationship and role.  Virgets also asked if this partnership was not working was there a way to hold USAB’s Sports Partnership accountable, as the USOC holds USAB accountable? 

MOTION/SECONDED/CARRIED (Swavey) Virgets to coordinate bringing these issues to the attention of USOC leadership.

A.                  USOC Offer

Chris Vadala joined the meeting in person, and Jim Scherr joined the meeting by conference call.  Virgets stated that USAB is in receipt of and appreciates USOC’s offer.

Virgets also asked for the definition of a Sports Partner.  Scherr stated that the Sports Partnership Director is the NGB’s primary communication vehicle and liaison to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).  The Sports Partnership Program is designed to be the primary delivery vehicle for the resources that the USOC provides to the National Governing Body (NGB) and the principle process for resource allocation.  The NGB submits their High Performance Plan, which is evaluated on certain conditions in the Performance Partnership Agreement.  The Sports Partner transfers resources and monitors the performance of those conditions.  Vadala stated that in addition to the resource allocation, their role is to assist the NGB with all the different facets of relationship with the USOC. 

Virgets stated that prior to the seating of the present Board that USAB had many issues and problems with this relationship.  It was his belief the ongoing probation, monitoring, and policing of the present Boards actions are unwarranted.  Scherr stated that management of the unilateral re-allocation of the dollars, or resources provided by the USOC without a High Performance Plan was and still is one of the reasons that USAB was and still is on probation.  Virgets also expressed a concern pertaining to the USOC audit.  It’s his understanding that in the past, re-allocation of dollars was allowed for under and over budgeted projects as long as the programs were previously approved. 

Scherr stated he did not know if there had ever been anytime in the past, or in the last seven years in the current resource allocation process, that an NGB had been allowed to unilaterally re-allocate dollars. There would have to be a specific written agreement, and evidence of the USOC’s approval to transfer dollars to another purpose for the auditors to rely upon that information.  Scherr stated he was not aware that there was an agreement in writing, or otherwise, between USAB and the USOC that would have allowed for a re-allocation of dollars.  However, Scherr remained committed to review the situation as the organization is trying to establish itself and move forward.  Scherr also stated that the USOC would review a written justification from USAB as to why those dollars should be reallocated, and stated that the USOC was not trying to tie the current Board with debt; however, the USOC has a fiduciary responsibility to their Board, and to their organization that if funds are approved to be expended in a specific way that they are expended in that way.  The USOC has to justify these audit reports to their Board, their Auditors, and they have a fiduciary responsibility to their organization, a very specific legal one.

Virgets stated that USAB’s biggest concern at this point is the communication that is taking place between our Sports Partner, this Board and USAB’s Executive Director.  Scherr also stated that the USOC wants to be viewed by USAB’s Board as a partner, and that the USOC would not have made the offer of support if they did not want to be a partner with USAB. 

Scherr asked if there is any part of the offer that Vadala has transmitted to USAB on his behalf that USAB would like clarification on.  Virgets stated that USAB would like to see the television contract, and exactly what that entails.  The Board would also like clarification as to whether this offer is an all-or-none package.  Scherr asked that USAB address the USOC with its questions, and then the USOC can respond.  Vadala insisted that communications will improve, and that he will take a more active role.  Vadala agreed to serve as an additional liaison to the Sports Partnership Team between USAB and the USOC.  Vadala also stated that the message was very clear from Mr. Scherr that the problem will be resolved.

B.                  Agreements

1.                   PPA Agreements (enclosed)

2.                   Broadcast Rights Agreement (enclosed)

3.         Trials Agreement (enclosed)

V.         Executive Director Search

Executive Director Search (Executive Session begins at 10:40 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m.) (Robert Blaha and Buffy conference call)

VI.        Schedule of Events

A.                  2007 Boxing Events Calendar (Enclosed)

National Coach, Dan Campbell, stated that the last of our selection procedures for Olympic coaches and additional officials were approved by the USOC.  Coach Campbell stated that he is setting up a method to evaluate the coaches.  He will have an evaluation form for each coach, which will be reviewed by a task force committee and the athlete representative.  Coach Campbell also stated that only 39 coaches qualified at a level 3 or 4.  He also informed the Board that we need to update our coaches manual to reflect what the qualifications consist of to become a level 3 or level 4.  Campbell also reviewed his vision of athlete development.  He will be instructing the athletes in biomechanics, good nutrition, strength and coordination, and the international style of boxing.  Virgets requested Coach Campbell prepare and teach a clinic for coaches at the Annual Meeting in November, teaching coaches how to prepare athletes to compete internationally. 

1.                   Qualifiers/Nationals

a.                   Cincinnati April 2-6, 2007

b.                   Cocoa Beach, Florida May 6-11

c.                    Utah (34) May 20-25 Salt Lake City

d.                   Nationals/Colorado Springs, June 2007

2.                   Bend Oregon Agreement (Dual)

3.                   Harvey, IL (Dual)

B.            Coaches (2006 list enclosed)

VII.               Television

A.                  Reality Television Show

Stavros stated that he has a group in Los Angeles willing to produce a reality show about USAB; taking the show through the Olympics. He continues a discussion with the USOC which must have broadcast rights once the event is an Olympic Event.

B.                  Global1NBC

Global1NBC presented a plan to broadcast the Local Boxing Committees (LBCs) events at the local level in web casts and through local G1NBC T.V. franchise because amateur sports are a local hometown activity.  Global1NBC is an IP T.V. network, meaning they are Internet protocol, and also own a cable franchise.  Discussions regarding a partnership continue.

Virgets asked Malik how the Armed Forces Championships held last night could be viewed.  Malik stated through Globa1NBC’s website at this time.  Malik stated in April it could be viewed through Global1NBC’s cable box, and the cost of the box would be approximately $12.95 a month through the local affiliate.  Malik explained that what he would be marketing are the commercial opportunities in that local area.  Malik explained that Global1NBC is privately held and not publicly traded.  They were making their affiliates their stockholders.  Their website is http://www.g1nbc.com/.  Their interest in broadcasting LBC Events, but through the National Office.

C.                  Altitude Cable Sports

Stavros stated that Altitude Sports will be broadcasting USAB’s National Championship and discussions with Comcast are in progress.  (Subsequently, Comcast will be broadcasting the Eastern Trials and may partner with Altitude to offer national coverage of USA Boxing Events.)

VIII.             Executive Director’s Report

A.                  Membership and Communications

1.                   Membership Promotional Package (presentation)

Stavros presented a redesigned membership package.  This is a promotional package supported by television commercials which would be introduced on USAB’s website for new member registration.  Upon joining, the member would receive a membership package to include a membership card, welcome letter, a patch, a copy of the USA Boxing magazine, and a customized poster.  He also reported USAB is working with the USOC to design a 30 second commercial to begin to air as soon as airtime becomes available.  Stavros stated that he proposes to create a Friends of Boxing categories for individuals who are interested in supporting USA Boxing.  He is proposing a Gold, Silver and Bronze Program.  The revised membership package redesigns the website, magazine, and creates a link to USAB, the Foundation, Sponsors, etc.

2.                   Northern/Central California Settlement (enclosed)

3.                   Pennsylvania Boxing Commission/Allegheny

An issue regarding the Allegheny LBC and the Pennsylvania Athletic Boxing Commission (PBAC) has surfaced over the assignment and approval of officials.  This has been an ongoing situation with the Alleghany LBC which is requesting USAB’s support and involvement.  USAB is reviewing the rules for appointing referees and will then contact the PBAC.

4.                   Title Nine/Maine LBC

A female boxer has filed an action against USA Boxing for alleging she was not allowed an equal opportunity to compete at the 2006 National Championships.  The case is being reviewed by legal counsel.

B.                  Agreements

1.                   Nike (Enclosed)

2.                   Everlast (Enclosed)

3.         Miami Training Center (Enclosed)

C.                  Annual Meeting November 2007

Stavros informed the Board that he will organize an Annual Meeting Task Force.  The Annual Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Guns and Hoses Event on November 10^th in Mesquite, Texas, and will be planned in an educational format.  It will include a grant writing program, a seminar on international coaching, and events management training for taking the Guns and Hoses program national.   

MOTIONED/SECONDED/CARRIED (Franklin) for Mesquite, Texas to be the site of the Annual Meeting (Coulter) seconded.  Swavey in-charge.

IX.                A2P Update and Discussion

A2P dispute offered settlement.  Details of the settlement offer are by agreement confidential.

MOTIONED/SECONDED/CARRIED (Franklin) to accept the settlement (Beasley) seconded.

X.                  Financial Report

A.                  2006 Financial Report – Pre-Audit (Enclosed)

It is anticipated that USAB will close 2006 with an approximate $260,000 deficit due to the A2P monies withheld. 

B.                  2007 Budget Review

Chairman Virgets requested review of the travel stipend policy with a clear understanding that the LBC can only receive funding when USAB has a balanced budget, and has additional dollars to offer.  If USAB does not have funds, travel stipends will be eliminated, because it is believed this is a LBC responsibility.  Virgets suggested money from the 2007 budget be reallocated with the understanding that this support is being phased out.  In the meantime we are also phasing in the Guns and Hoses Program to help the LBCs raise funding locally.  Virgets requested Beasley and Gleeson review the travel stipend formula for the 2007 Nationals. 

MOTIONED/SECONDED/CARRIED (Coulter) Linda Gleeson and Jim Beasley to create the formula for the 2007 Travel Stipends for the National Championships.

C.                  USOC Audit (Enclosed)

D.                 Insurance Issues

1.                   Liability

USAB’s insurance carrier already has $600,000 letter–of-guarantee from the Foundation for 2003 and 2004.  The insurance carrier is requesting an additional $175,000 letter-of-credit, or an additional $175,000 guarantee letter from the Foundation in case of default.  The Foundation does not consider this an emergency; therefore, the Foundation is reluctant to sign a letter-of-guarantee.  Virgets is in discussions with David Mair, an insurance consultant, regarding insurance alternatives.  Virgets questioned the benefit of USAB paying an insurance premium because if the insurance company pays out they might cancel our insurance regardless.  Perhaps self-insurance is an option to consider.  Gleeson stated that USAB’s insurance renewed in October 2006, and it was renewed on the contingency of the letter-of-guarantee.  We need to either obtain the guarantee letter from the Foundation, or fund a $175,000 letter-of-credit.  Gleeson stated that another request should be made to the Foundation for a letter-of-guarantee.  Virgets asked for a motion and request to move forward on approaching the Foundation for the guarantee letter.  Virgets will speak with Brad Smith of the Foundation.  (No Motion was presented.)

2.         Director’s and Officer’s Insurance

USAB is trying to obtain the historical data on 28 Directors and Officers (D&O) claims.  The D&O carrier requires that every incident which may turn into a claim be reported.  If it does become a claim, and USAB does not report the incident, the claim will be denied.  USAB has had 28 claims in the recent past of which four were considered significant.  David Mair, Insurance Consultant, will provide a review. 

E.         Foundation Requests (Enclosed)

Virgets stated that Andy Geiger will be assigned the task of working with the Foundation, seeking to have them more involved in USAB issues.  Gleeson will review the Bylaws of the Foundation to determine USAB’s role in approving the amendments of the Foundations Bylaws.  USAB will provide a formal written request to the Foundation for each of the items to be funded.  USA Boxing is planning a balanced budget for 2007.  USAB is requesting support for the membership package via a Foundation request for $70,000.

MOTION/SECONDED/CARRIED (Coulter) adopted as submitted to go forward to the Foundation with the enclosed requests (Swavey seconded).

F.         Regional Foundation Grant Requests (enclosed)

XI.                AIBA

A.                  AIBA Grant Requests

USAB submitted a grant to hold the last meeting of the AIBA Reform Committee in Los Angeles, California in May, which would have international media.  USAB was looking to shed a positive light on the reform of AIBA, and to showcase the USOC and USAB’s strong positive relationship.  However, the Reform Committee decided to hold the last meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland in April.  Virgets stated if the World Championships become available again, USAB would bid on the World Championships.  Virgets also stated that USAB now has twelve members on AIBA Committees. 

XII.               Committee Reports

Stavros requested the committee discussion be tabled.  He will come forward with an entire committee structure at the next Board meeting.  The request was approved without motion. 

A.         Working Committees/Task Forces

1.                   Women’s Task Force

2.                   Local Boxing Committees Task Force (LBCs)

3.                   Guns and Hoses Task Force

4.                   International Task Force

B.                  New Committee Discussion

1.                   Ethics (Board nomination requested see Minutes)

2.                   Compensation Committee

3.         Judicial

4.         Nominating and Governance Committee 2 yr. term (See pages 18-24 of the Bylaws)

XIII.       Next Meeting to be set in May by conference call, or in person attendance, depending on outstanding issues.

XIV.            Adjournment

Respectfully submitted,

Debra A. Ketner, CPS/CAP

Executive Assistant