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UNITED STATES AQUATIC ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF, INC.
CONSITUTION, BYLAWS, AND GUIDELINES
Draft Proposed
October 1999
 
 

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Constitution
 
   ARTICLE ONE: Name
   ARTICLE TWO: Office
   ARTICLE THREE: Purposes and Objectives
 §3.01 General Purpose
 §3.02 Specific Purpose
   ARTICLE FOUR: Authority and Duties
 §4.01 Authority
 §4.02 Duties
   ARTICLE FIVE: Membership
 §5.01 Genders
 §5.02 General Criteria for Membership
 §5.03 Classes of Membership
   ARTICLE SIX: Officers
 §6.01 Elected Officers
 §6.02 Appointed Officers
   ARTICLE SEVEN: Executive Board
 §7.01 Members
 §7.02 Composition of Executive Board
 §7.03 Authority
 §7.04 Meetings
 §7.05 Empowerment
  ARTICLE EIGHT: Committees
 §8.01 Formation of Committees
 §8.02 Standing Committees for Aquatic Sports
 §8.03 Swimming Standing Committee
 §8.04 Water Polo Standing Committee
  ARTICLE NINE: Sanctions for Amateur Aquatic Sports
 §9.01 Sanctions
 §9.02 Qualifications for a Sanction
 §9.03 Approval of a Sanction
  ARTICLE TEN: Fiscal and Legal Matters
 §10.01 Fiscal Year
 §10.02 Depositories
 §10.03 Withdrawing and Transferring of Funds
 §10.04 Audit
 §10.05 Contracts
  ARTICLE ELEVEN: Funds and Uses
 §11.01 Schwartz Memorial
  ARTICLE TWELVE: Counselor
 §12.01 Selection of Counselor
 §12.02 Payment of Counselor
  ARTICLE THIRTEEN: Arbitration
  ARTICLE FOURTEEN: Indemnification
 §14.01 Conditions of Indemnification
 §14.02 Indemnification of Named Person
 §14.03 Qualifications for Indemnification
 §14.04 Final Determination of Indemnification
§14.05 Indemnification Costs
 §14.06 Reimbursement for Indemnification Costs
 §14.07 Entitlements of Indemnification
 §14.08 Indemnification Payments
 §14.08 Indemnification Insurance

 ARTICLE FIFTEEN: Saving Clause
 ARTICLE SIXTEEN: Conflict of Interest
 ARTICLE SEVENTEEN: Exempt Activities
 ARTICLE EIGHTEEN: Amendments to Constitution, By-Laws or Guidelines
 §18.01 General Rule
 §18.02 Exceptions
 §18.03 Time of Submission
 §18.04 Form of Submission
 §18.05 Persons Submitting
   ARTICLE NINETEEN: Dissolution

By-Laws

CHAPTER ONE: Membership
§1.01 General Membership
§1.02 Athlete Members
 §1.03 Coach and Official Members
 §1.04 Deaf World Games/Pan-Am Games Alumni
 §1.05 Non-Athlete Members
 §1.06 Voting Members
 §1.07 Notice and Voting Rights at Board Meetings
 §1.08 Notice and Voting Rights at Committee Meetings
 §1.09 Dues
 §1.10 Names and Logos
CHAPTER TWO: Officers
§2.01 Election of Officers
 §2.02 Terms
 §2.03 Removal of Officers
 §2.04 Vacancies
 §2.05 Meetings
 §2.06 Quorum
CHAPTER THREE: Duties of Officers
§3.01 Director
§3.02 Secretary/Treasurer
 §3.03 Swimming Coordinator
 §3.04 Water Polo Coordinator
CHAPTER FOUR: Robert’s Rules of Order
§4.01 Parliamentary Procedures
CHAPTER FIVE: Grievance Procedures
§5.01 Binding Decisions
 §5.02 Requests for Interpretations
 §5.03 Ruling of Executive Board
 §5.04 Suspension
 §5.05 Suspension and Hearing Procedures
 §5.06 Appeal Procedures

Guidelines

 PART ONE: Selection of Coaches
§1.01 Selection Procedures
 §1.02 Requirements
 §1.03 Selection Committee
 §1.04 Submittal of Coach Selection to USADSF
 §1.05 Recording of Coach Criteria
 §1.06 Expiration of Coaches

 PART TWO: Selection of Athletes for International Competition
§1.01 Selection Procedures
 §1.02 Announcement
 §1.03 Selection Committee
 §1.04 Submittal of Athlete Selection to USADSF
 §1.05 Recording of Athlete Criteria
 

 
CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE ONE: Name
 The name of the corporation shall be known as the United States Aquatic Association of the Deaf, Inc. (hereinafter “USAAD” or “the Corporation”).  USAAD is a corporation defined in subparagraph (a)(5) of section 102 (Definitions) of the New York State Not-for-Profit Corporation Law.

ARTICLE TWO: Offices
 The principal office of USAAD shall be maintained at the residence of the Director, which shall be the headquarters for the transaction of all business, but branch offices may, in the discretion of Board of Directors, be established at other places.

ARTICLE THREE: Purposes and Objectives
 §3.01 General Purpose
 The purposes and objectives of USAAD are for exclusively religious, charitable or educational purposes and in furtherance thereof to accept, hold, administer, invest and disburse for said purposes such funds as may time to time be given to USAAD by any person, persons, or corporations, to receive gifts and make financial and other types of contributions, distributions, and assistance to or for the use of religious, educational, or charitable organizations, and in general to do all things that may appear necessary and useful in accomplishing the purposes herein above set out, including cooperation with other persons, groups, organizations, agencies in effectuating these objectives without regard to race, creed, sex, or national origin and at no profit to USAAD, its incorporators, organizers, or trustees.  USAAD shall not engage in any activity which would impair or cause USAAD to lose its tax-exempt status as an exempt Corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law), with same hereinafter referred to as the “Code.”

 §3.02 Specific Purpose
 Consistent with the general purposes set forth above, the specific purposes of USAAD are as follows:

 (a) To foster national and/or international amateur sports competition particularly in the field of aquatic sports, to elevate and sustain the professional character of its members, to disseminate knowledge pertaining to the advancement of aquatic sports among the deaf and hard of hearing population of the United States.

 (b) To affiliate with United States of America Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF), and/or USA Swimming, Inc., USA Water Polo, Inc., USA Diving, Inc., as members thereof, provided that such organizations will accept USAAD as member thereof.

 (c) To provide for the selection of the USA men’s and women’s teams for national and/or international competition for the deaf in aquatic sports, and to provide for the support for the USA deaf men’s and women’s aquatic sport teams in national and/or international competition.

 (d) To provide for year-around development and training programs for deaf aquatic athletes in educational institutions and sports clubs.

 (e) To solicit funds for financial support of USA deaf men’s and women’s aquatic sports teams in national and/or international competition, the year-around development and training programs, USAAD officers’ expenses, and any other functions or duties of the USAAD.
 
 (f) To keep deaf amateur athletes, who are active in aquatic sports, informed of policy matters, and to reasonably reflect the views of such athletes in the policy decisions of USAAD.

ARTICLE FOUR: Authority and Duties
 §4.01 Authority
 USAAD shall be the national governing body for organized deaf aquatic sports in the United States, and shall exercise the following powers according to duties hereinafter described in §4.02 of this Article.

 §4.02 Duties
 USAAD shall:

 (a) Represent aquatic sports in the USADSF

 (b) Establish national goals and encourage the attainment of those goals in the field of aquatic sports.

 (c) Serve as the coordinating body for deaf individuals for amateur aquatic sports in the United States.

 (d) Exercise jurisdiction over international amateur aquatic sports activities and sanction international amateur aquatic sports competitions held inside the United States, in accordance with the provisions of USADSF’s By-Laws.

 (e) Conduct amateur competition in aquatic sports including national championships and international amateur competition in the United States, and establish procedures for the determination of eligibility standards for participation in such competitions.

 (f) Recommend to the USADSF individuals and teams to represent the United States in the Deaf World Games in aquatic sports.

 (g) Designate individuals and teams to represent the United States in national and/or international amateur aquatic sports competition other than the Deaf World Games.

ARTICLE FIVE: Membership
 §5.01 Gender
 Use of the pronouns “he” and “his” shall not be construed in any way as limiting officers and members of USAAD to the masculine gender only.

 §5.02 General Criteria
 Membership in USAAD is open to the following persons or organizations demonstrating an active interest in and/or support of deaf aquatic athletes in the United States, including (but not limited to) athletes, coaches, trainers, officials, contributors of financial or other material support, duly authorized representatives of the bona fide national or local non-profit organizations, and associations or institutes involved with or related to aquatic sports.

 §5.03 Classes of Membership
 The membership shall be divided in four classes:

 (a) Athlete Members
 
 (b) Coach and Official Members

 (c) Deaf World Games/Pan-Am Games Alumni

 (d) Non-athlete Members

ARTICLE SIX: Executive Officers
 §6.01 Elected Officers
 The four elected executive officers of USAAD shall be as follows:

(a) Director

(b) Treasurer / Secretary
 
 (c) Swimming Coordinator
 
 (d) Water Polo Coordinator
 

 §6.02 Appointed Officers
 The officers appointed by the Executive Board of USAAD shall be as follows:

(a) Publication Director

(b) Swimming Alumni Coordinator

(c) Water Polo Alumni Coordinator

(d) Diving Coordinator

(e) Booster Coordinator

ARTICLE SEVEN: Executive Board
 §7.01 Members
 The Executive Board shall consist of all elected and appointed officers and shall conduct the official business and administration of USAAD, subject only to the provisions of the By-Laws of USAAD.

 §7.02 Composition Requirements
 At least 51% of officers must be deaf or hard of hearing.

 §7.03 Authority
The Board shall be the final authority for any and all issues connected with deaf aquatic sports including national tournaments, Deaf World Games tryouts, and program development.

§7.04 Meetings
The Board shall meet at least one time a year and such meetings shall be open to all members of USAAD except in those matters pertaining to litigation or personnel issues.

§7.05 Empowerment
The Board shall be empowered to take such action as a majority of its members believes appropriate in the event they have knowledge that the Constitution, By-Laws and Guidelines of USAAD have been violated, regardless of a lack of formal complaint.

ARTICLE EIGHT: Committees
 §8.01 Formation of Committees
 The Executive Board may, from time to time, appoint standing and ad hoc committees upon majority vote.  The Director shall appoint a chairperson for each ad hoc committee and any standing committee not specific for one aquatic sport.
 
 §8.02 Standing Committees
 Standing committees formed for the purpose of developing programs for one aquatic sport shall have their chairperson elected as an officer of USAAD.

 §8.03 Swimming Standing Committee
 The Swimming Committee shall consist of the Swimming Coordinator as chairperson, the Director, National coaches and all swimming members of USAAD.   It shall recommend and advise the Chairperson of all matters pertaining to swimming programs.

 §8.04 Water Polo Standing Committee
 The Water Polo Committee shall consist of the Water Polo Coordinator as chairperson, the Director, National coaches and all water polo members of USAAD.  It shall recommend and advise the Chairperson of all matters pertaining to water polo programs.
 
ARTICLE NINE: Sanctions for Amateur Aquatic Sports
 §9.01 Sanctions
 The sanctioning policy of USAAD for national and/or international amateur aquatic sports competition shall be as follows: if USAAD does not determine by clear and convincing evidence that holding or sponsoring a national and/or international amateur aquatic sports competition would be detrimental to the best interest of the sport, USAAD shall promptly grant a sanction requested by an amateur sports organization or person, provided the conditions in §9.02 herein below have been met.

 §9.02 Qualifications for a Sanction
 Such sanction shall be granted when the amateur sports organization or person:

 (a) Pays the reasonable and nondiscriminatory sanctioning fee to the USAAD (as the Executive Board may determine) and

 (b) Demonstrates that:

1. appropriate measures have been taken to protect the amateur status of athletes who will take part in the competition and to protect their eligibility to compete in amateur competition.

2.  appropriate provision has been made for the validation of records, which may be established during the competition;

  3. due regard has been given to any national and/or international amateur  sports requirements specifically applicable to the competition;

  4. the competition will be conducted by qualified officials;
 
  5. proper medical supervision will be provided for athletes who will  participate in the competition;

  6. proper safety  precautions have been taken to protect the personal  welfare of the athletes and spectators of the competition;

 (c) submits to USAAD an audited or notarized financial report of similar events, if any conducted by the amateur sports organization or person.

 §9.03 Approval of a Sanction
 International amateur sports competitions held in the United States shall be held only after notification and approval of USAAD, USADSF and CISS.

ARTICLE TEN: Fiscal and Legal Matters
 §10.01 Fiscal Year
 The fiscal year of USAAD is from January 1 to December 31.

 §10.02 Despitories
 USAAD shall from time to time, as necessary, designate depositories for the funds, property, and assets belonging to or under the control of USAAD.

 §10.03 Withdrawing and Transferring  of Funds
 Funds on deposit in banks can be withdrawn only by voucher checks upon the signatures of the Director and/or the Secretary/Treasurer.  Other assets or property of USAAD may be transferred from one depository to another by action of the Executive Board.

 §10.04 Audit
 The auditor, outside of USAAD, effective at the beginning of each fiscal year, shall audit the books and financial records of USAAD for the preceding year.  After completing the audit, the auditor shall submit his or her report to USAAD, as soon thereafter as reasonably possible, a copy of such audit report shall be available, upon request, to each member of USAAD before its next annual meeting.

 §10.05 Contracts
 All contracts, not in the ordinary course of affairs of USAAD, shall be examined and approved in form by the Director of USAAD prior to execution.

ARTICLE ELEVEN: Funds and Uses
 §11.01  Schwartz Memorial
 The Schwartz Memorial fund, established in the memory of former water polo player David Schwartz, shall be held and maintained in accordance with the following terms and provisions:

 (a) The Director, or any other authorized officer that the Director may designate from time to time, shall make a separate accounting report of the Schwartz Memorial in conjunction with the annual accounting of USAAD.

 (b) Interest and principal of the fund may be used only to support deaf individuals who wish to become water polo officials or referees.

 (c) The fund may welcome gifts and donations, which shall be added to the fund.

ARTICLE TWELVE: Counselor
 §12.01 Selection of Counselor
 The Board, by majority vote, may select a member of the legal profession as General Counsel who shall advise, and consult with the officers and agents of USAAD, render legal advice and assistance as may be requested, and perform any other duties delegated to him or her.  The General Counsel shall have the right to the floor at any USAAD meeting to make explanations.  His or her files, records and documents shall belong to USAAD.  Except as voted by USAAD, he or she shall receive no salary other than compensation for his or her services, but shall receive necessary expenses.

 §12.02 Payment of Counselor
 USAAD may authorize the appointment of special legal counsel at such fees and compensation as agreed upon.
 
ARTICLE THIRTEEN: Arbitration
 USAAD agrees to submit to binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association, any controversy involving its recognition as national governing body, as provided for in Paragraph 395, Subchapter II, Chapter 17, of Title 36 of the United States Code, or any controversy involving the opportunity of any amateur athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator or official to participate in amateur aquatic sports competition, as provided for in the By-Laws of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

ARTICLE FOURTEEN: Indemnity for Officers
 §14.01 Conditions of Indemnification
 USAAD shall indemnify, to the extent provided in the following paragraphs, any person who is or was Director, officer, agent or employee of USAAD and any person who serves or served at USAAD’s request as Director, officer, agent, employee or partner of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.  In the event the provisions of indemnification set forth below are more restrictive than the provision of indemnification allowed by the applicable New York indemnification laws, then such personal named shall be indemnified to the full extend permitted by such laws as may exist from time to time.

 §14.02 Indemnification of Named Person
 In case of a threatened or pending suit, action or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative) against a person named in §14.01 above by reason of such person’s holding a position named in §14.01, USAAD shall indemnify such person if such person satisfies the standard contained in §14.03, for amounts actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of the suit as expenses (including court costs and attorneys’ fees), amounts paid in settlement, judgments and fines, provided, however, that if the proceeding was brought by or on behalf of USAAD, the indemnification is limited to reasonable expenses actually incurred by the person in connection with the proceeding.

 §14.03 Qualifications for Indemnification
 A person named in §14.01 above will be indemnified only if it is determined in accordance with §14.04 below that such person:

 (a) Acted in good faith in the transaction which is the subject of the pending, threatened, or completed suit:

 (b) Reasonably believed:

1. if acting in his official capacity as Director, officer, agent or employee of USAAD, that his conduct was in best interests of the association; and

  2. in all other cases, that his conduct was not opposed to the best interest  of the association; and

 (c) In the case of any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

 The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nono contendere or its equivalent will not, of itself, create a presumption that this person failed to satisfy the standard contained in this paragraph.

 §14.04 Final Determination of Indemnification
 A determination that the standard of §14.03 above has been satisfied must be made:

 (a) by a majority vote of quorum consisting of officers who at the time of the vote are not named defendants or respondents in the proceeding; or

 (b) if such quorum cannot be obtained, by a majority vote of a committee of the Executive Board, designated to act in the matter by a majority vote of all officers, consisting solely of two more officers who at the time of vote are not named defendants or respondents in the proceeding; or

 (c) by special legal counsel selected by the Executive Board or a committee of the Executive Board by vote as set forth in subparagraphs §14.01 and -§14.04.b above, or, if such quorum cannot be obtained and such committee cannot be established, by a majority vote of all directors; or

 (d) by the members in a vote that excludes the vote of officers who are named defendants or respondents in the proceeding.

 §14.05 Indemnification Costs
 Determination as to reasonableness of expenses must be made in the same manner as the determination that indemnification is permissible, except that if the determination that indemnification is permissible is made by special legal counsel, determination as to reasonableness of expenses must be made in the same manner specified in §14.04.c above for the selection of legal counsel.

 §14.06 Reimbursement for Indemnification Costs
 USAAD may reimburse or pay in advance any reasonable expenses (including court costs and attorneys’ (fees) which may become subject to indemnification under §14.01-§14.05 above, but only after the person to receive payment signs a written affirmation of his good faith belief that he has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification under §14.03 and undertakes in writing to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such person has not met the requirements for indemnification by USAAD, and if a determination in accordance with the provisions as stated in §14.04 above that the facts then known to those making the determination would not preclude indemnification.  The written undertaking required by this paragraph must be an unlimited general obligation of the officer but need not be secured.  It may be accepted without reference to the financial ability to make repayment.

 §14.07 Entitlements of Indemnification
 The indemnification provided by §14.01-§14.05 above will not be exclusive or any other rights to which a person may be entitled by law, by-law, agreement, vote of disinterested officers, or otherwise.

 §14.08 Indemnification Payments
 The indemnification and advance payment provided by §14.01-§14.06 above will continue as to a person who has ceased to hold a position named in §14.01 above and will inure to such person’s heirs, executors and administrators.

 §14.09 Indemnification Insurance
 USAAD may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who holds or has held any position named in §14.01 above against any liability incurred by such person in any such position, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not USAAD would have power to indemnify such person against such liability under §14.01-§14.06 above.

ARTICLE FIFTEEN: Saving Clause
 Failure of literal and complete compliance with provisions of these By-Laws in respect to dates and times of notice, or the sending or receipt of the same, or errors, in phraseology of notice in proposals, in which the judgment of the members at meetings do not cause substantial injury to the rights of the members, shall not invalidate the actions or proceedings of the members at any meeting.

ARTICLE SIXTEEN: Conflict of Interest
 Any individual representing USAAD, or has a financial arrangement with USAAD, or who is a member of any of its committees or Associations, shall not participate in the evaluation or approval of a contract with a supplier to furnish goods or provide services to USAAD, if that individual directly or indirectly benefits financially or otherwise, receives any form of compensation from, or has any interest in, any suppler under consideration.  Each individual referred to in the first sentence of the Article, upon learning that USAAD is proposing to enter into an agreement in which he or she has financial interest, shall promptly notify the Director in writing of the existence of such interest, and the Director of USAAD, in turn shall disclose such interest to those bodies of USAAD involved in considering entry into the arrangement.  In the event of violation of these provisions, USAAD shall have the right to recover such benefit or pay and to void the contract or transaction.
 
ARTICLE SEVENTEEN: Exempt Activities
 Notwithstanding any other provision of these By-laws, no Director, officer, employee, or representative of USAAD shall take any action or carry on any activity by or on behalf of USAAD not permitted to be taken or carried on by an organization exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its Regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended, or by an organization to which contributions are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of such Code and Regulations as they now exist or they may hereafter be amended.

ARTICLE EIGHTEEN: Amendments
 §18.01 General Rule
 Amendments shall be considered by USAAD as follows:

 (a) amendments to the By-Laws and USAAD’s policy shall be considered at the annual meeting of USAAD;

 (b) amendments to the By-Laws shall require for passage a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of those present and voting; and

 (c) amendments to USAAD’s policy shall require a majority vote of its officers present and voting, provided notice is given to the members of USAAD at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.

 (d) the Constitution cannot be repealed or revised.

 §18.02 Exceptions
 Notwithstanding §18.01, amendments may be considered at any meeting of USAAD in any of the following circumstances:

 (a) to act on a tabled proposal;

(b) to make the By-Laws or USAAD’s policy conform with federal, state, or local law or regulation;

 (c) to make the By-Laws or USAAD’s policy conform with International Olympic Committee, United States Olympic Committee, Federation Internationale De Natation Amateur, Comite International des Sport Des Sourds, or the United States of America Deaf Sports Federation rules or requirements;

 (d) to make the By-Laws or USAAD’s policy conform with each other; or

 (e) in emergency circumstances, upon ninety percent (90%) vote at any meeting of USAAD.

 §18.03 Time of Submission
 Amendments shall be submitted at least ninety (90) days prior to the meeting at which they are to be considered, so as to allow proper review by the members of USAAD.  The ninety (90) days requirement may be waived in emergency circumstances, upon a ninety percent (90%) vote at any meeting of USAAD.

 §18.04 Form of Submission
 The proposed amendments shall be in such form to show the entire section, subsection, or paragraph, as the case may be, as it will read if adopted, with all proposed deletion in double parentheses.

 §18.05 Persons Submitting
 All proposed amendments must be first recommended for approval at the time of submitting by someone other than the submitter who shall either be Chairperson of any standing committee or any other officer.  Such approval must be in writing, dated, and placed with the proposal when submitted.

ARTICLE NINETEEN: Dissolution
 Upon dissolution of USAAD, the officers shall, after paying and making provisions for the payment of all liabilities of USAAD, dispose of all the assets of USAAD exclusively for the purpose of USAAD in such a manner, or to such organization or organizations, organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes, as shall at the time qualify as exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as USAAD shall determine.

 [------End of Constitution-----]

 BY-LAWS

CHAPTER ONE: Membership
 §1.01 General Membership
Membership with USAAD is open to the following persons or organizations demonstrating an active interest in and/or support of deaf aquatic athletes in the United States: contributors of financial or other material support; other duly authorized representatives of bona fide national or local non-profit organizations; associations or institutes involved with or related to aquatic sports.

§1.02 Athlete Members
 Athlete members in good standing (§1.09), with USAAD, USADSF, USWP and/or USA Swimming, are welcome to participate in aquatic (swimming and/or water polo) sports.

 §1.03 Coach and Official Members
 Coach and official members, in good standing (§1.09) in respective aquatic (swimming and/or water polo) sports, are welcome to participate in aquatic sports.

 §1.04 Deaf World Games/Pan-Am Games Alumni
 Deaf World Games/Pan-Am Games Alumni shall contain the privilege of membership status in §1.01 and §1.09.

 §1.05 Non-Athlete Members
 Non-athlete members shall contain the privilege of membership status in §1.01 (e.g. corporate sponsors, parents, boosters, et al.) and §1.09.

 §1.06 Voting Members
 Voting members of USAAD shall consist of member classes in §1.02-§1.04.
 
 §1.07 Notice and Voting Rights at Board Meetings
 Voting members (§1.06) shall be entitled to notice of Board meetings, and may vote in the election of officers as stated in Chapter Two. All members will have a voice, but no vote, in other matters addressed at the Board meetings.
 
 §1.08 Notice and Voting Rights at Committee Meetings
 Voting members (§1.06) shall be entitled to the notice of Committee meetings, and will have a voice and a vote in all matter addressed at the Committee meeting.

 §1.09 Dues
 Members shall, at or before each annual Board or Committee meeting of USAAD, pay annual dues as determined by USAAD.
 
 §1.10 Names and Logos
 The name and logos of USAAD may not be used by the members without prior approval by the Executive Board.

CHAPTER TWO: Officers
 §2.01 Election of Officers
 The officers of USAAD shall be elected for a four (4) year term.  Elections of officers shall be held at the annual meeting immediately following the Summer Deaf World Games, and officers shall begin their term immediately thereafter.

 (a) Election of the officers shall be done by voting members (§1.06).  To be eligible to vote, members must have paid all outstanding membership dues by the date of the annual meeting in which the election is held.

 (b) Each individual officer member of USAAD shall have one (1) vote.  Unless otherwise provided by mutual consent of the then-serving officers, only members in actual attendance at the annual meeting shall be entitled to vote.

 (c) The Election Chairman and one appointed member of USAAD, approved by the Board, shall oversee all elections and balloting of USAAD.

 §2.02 Terms
 No officer shall serve in the same office for more than two (2) successive four (4) year terms.

 §2.03 Removal of Officers
 Any officer may be removed for a good cause by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the voting members of USAAD.

 §2.04 Vacancies
 In case an officer should die or resign or be removed, the Director shall name a committee to name a successor for the unexpired portion of such officer’s term.  If the Director should die or resign or be removed, the remaining officers, by mutual consent, shall name such committee to name a successor to the Director. USAAD shall not, however, ever fail for the lack of officers.

 §2.05 Meetings
 An annual meeting of USAAD shall be held at such date, time, and place as may be fixed by the Executive Board and announced by requisite notice of such meeting (whether oral or written).  Special meetings of USAAD may be called by the Executive Board upon at least one (1) day’s notice, verbally, or in writing.  At any meeting, the Executive Board may, at its discretion and by mutual consent of the Executive Board, go into a closed executive session.
 
 §2.06 Quorum
 At any annual or special meeting of the Executive Board, a majority of the officers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  The majority of voices shall decide the vote of the Executive Board at any annual or special meeting.
 

CHAPTER THREE: Duties of Officers
 §3.01 Director
 The Director shall be the principal executive officer of USAAD and shall in general supervise and control all of the business and affairs of USAAD.  He may sign, with any other proper officer of USAAD authorized by the Executive Board, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments which the Executive Board have authorized to be executed, except in cases where signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Executive Board or by these By-Laws or statue to some other officer or agent of USAAD; and in general he shall perform all duties incident to the office of the Director and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Executive Board from time to time.

 (a) In absence of a formally appointed or elected treasurer of USAAD, the Director shall perform all duties necessary for a treasurer of USAAD, as may be generally defined in New York law.  If required by the Executive Board, the Director shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of his duties in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Executive Board shall determine.  He shall have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of USAAD; receive and give receipts for moneys due and payable to USAAD from any source whatsoever and deposit all such moneys in the in the name of USAAD in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as shall be selected by the Executive Board, and in general perform all the duties incident to the office of a treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Executive Board.

 (b) In the absence of a formally appointed or elected secretary of USAAD, the Director shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the members, if any, and of the Executive Board in one or more books provided for that purpose; see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws or as required by law; be custodian of the USAAD records and of the seal of USAAD and see that the seal of USAAD is affixed to all documents, the execution of which on behalf of USAAD under its seal is hereby duly authorized; keep a register of the post office address of each officer which shall be furnished to the Secretary by such officer; and in general perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Executive Board.

 (c) More specifically, the Director shall oversee both aquatic (swimming and water polo) sports programs.  The Director shall work with each sport coordinator to develop programs, run camps/meets, and raise funds for each sport.  Other responsibilities of the Director include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Act as chairperson of the Executive Board

2.  Attend the USADSF House of Delegates meetings as one of the two USAAD delegates;

3. Attend (or appoint a representative) conventions of National Governing Bodies (NGB) of each respective aquatic sport (e.g. USA Swimming or USA Water Polo);

4. Act as a liaison between USAAD members and USADSF;

5. Maintain the USAAD membership database;

6. Maintain the USAAD finances;

7. Act as the central information source (e.g. maintain the WWW site, brochures, flyers).

8. Inform members of progress within USAAD

§3.02  Secretary/Treasurer
The Secretary/Treasurer, if elected, shall perform the duties outlined in §3.01.b and §3.01.c (c.5, c.6 and c.7).   The Secretary/Treasurer shall also maintain the USAAD archives.
 
§3.03 Swimming Coordinator
The swimming coordinator shall work with the Director and the National team coaches to operate the swimming program for deaf athletes in the United States.  The general duties of the swimming coordinator include (but are not limited to);

(a) Act as chairperson of the Swimming Standing Committee

(b) Recruit deaf and hard of hearing swimmers, maintain contact with swimmers through various sources (not limited to e-mail, phone or letter) and act as the main contact person pertaining questions about deaf and hard of hearing swimming;

(c) Act as the fundraising coordinator for the national team going to the World Championships or the Deaf World Games;

(d) Act as a member of the selection committee to select the national team and coaches going to the World Championships or the Deaf World Games;

(e) Develop swimming programs;

(f) Work with the Director on international affairs (e.g. international swimming invitational, dual meets, etc.); and

(g) Attend the USA Swimming Convention (in September of each year).

(h) Attend the USADSF House of Delegates meetings if necessary.
 

§3.04 Water Polo Coordinator
The water polo coordinator shall work with the Director and the National team coaches to operate the water polo program for deaf athletes in the United States.  The general duties of the water polo coordinator include (but are not limited to);

(a) Act as chairperson of the Water Polo Standing Committee

(b) Recruit deaf and hard of hearing water polo players, maintain contact with swimmers through various sources (not limited to e-mail, phone or letter) and act as the main contact person pertaining questions about deaf and hard of hearing water polo;

(c) Act as the fundraising coordinator for the national team going to the World Championships or the Deaf World Games;

(d) Act as a member of the selection committee to select the national team and coaches going to the World Championships or the Deaf World Games;

(e) Develop water polo programs and organize water polo camps;

(f) Work with the Director on international affairs (e.g. international water polo invitational, matches, etc.); and

(g) Attend the USA Water Polo Convention (in May of each year).

(h) Attend the USADSF House of Delegates meetings if necessary.

CHAPTER FOUR: Robert’s Rules of Order
 §4.01 Parliamentary Procedures
 Any parliamentary procedures not covered specifically by the existing rules of USAAD shall be determined by referring to a current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.

 (a) The Director shall have a copy and make it available at every meeting of the Executive Board and Standing Committee Meetings.

 (b) The Director shall appoint a parliamentarian before every meeting, and, upon request, the appointed parliamentarian shall advise the Director on proper procedures.

CHAPTER FIVE: Grievance Procedures
 §5.01 Binding Decisions
 Any decision rendered by USAAD or the USADSF shall be binding upon all members of USAAD, unless a grievance is appropriately filed.

 §5.02 Request for Interpretations
 Requests for interpretations of rulings and/or By-Laws shall be made to the Coordinator in which sport the matter pertains.  Copies of such decisions shall be made available to all appropriate members of USAAD.

 §5.03 Ruling of the Executive Board
 The ruling of the Coordinator shall be binding.  The ruling shall remain in force until an appeal is reviewed by the Executive Board.

 §5.04 Suspension
 USAAD may suspend an athlete member for reasonable cause.  USAAD shall provide the member with a notification of possible suspension in writing at the member’s last known address.  After receipt of said notice, the member may be given an opportunity for a hearing.  If the member does not chose to have a hearing or is found guilty, a written notice of suspension shall be sent.   Said suspension shall include reasonable conditions for the member to comply with in order for the suspension to be rescinded, and upon compliance with said conditions, the suspension shall be accordingly rescinded. USAAD shall comply any suspension that USADSF or CISS has imposed on athlete member.

 (a) The written notice of suspension shall contain, at a minimum, the following:
 
  1. names and addresses of the involved parties;
  2. the factual basis upon which the suspension is issued;
  3. the grounds upon which the suspension is based; and
  4. the conditions that must be met for the suspension to be rescinded.

 §5.05 Suspension and Hearing Procedures
 The suspension hearing procedures shall be as follows:

 (a) Within fifteen (15) days after receiving the notice of suspension, the member may file a written request for hearing with the Director.  The hearing shall be held within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the request for hearing by the Director, and shall be conducted at a time and place that is practicable for the member so charged.

 (b) Three (3) disinterested and impartial deaf individuals shall be appointed as hearing officers by the Director to conduct the hearing.  The member shall have the right to object to appoint of any one (1) of the hearing officers based upon reasonable grounds.  The two (2) remaining hearing officers may appoint another person for replacement.

 (c) The member may retain any assistance, including legal counsel, necessary to present the member’s case at the hearing.  Costs of such assistance shall be borne by the member.  The member shall also have right to receive advance notification, within a reasonable time prior to the hearing, of any witness adverse to the member’s position.

 (d) At the hearing, all parties shall be given a reasonable opportunity to present oral (or signed) or written evidence, to cross-examine witnesses, and to present such factual or legal claims as desired.  The burden of proof shall be upon the challenger or the complainant, who shall also initially have the burden of proof shall be a “preponderance of the evidence.”  One of the hearing officers shall keep notes of the proceedings; provided, however, that the member so charged may request that a formal record be made of the hearing.  A transcript thereof may be made available upon request and payment thereof.  The rules of evidence shall not be strictly enforced; instead, rules of evidence generally accepted in administrative proceedings shall be applicable.

 (e) At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officers shall render their decision in writing and state the factual basis for their decision.  Such decision must be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing.

 §5.06 Appeal Procedures
 The appeal procedures shall be as follows:
 
 (a) At the conclusion of the hearing, the suspended member of USAAD shall have the right to file a written appeal within fifteen (15) days after the date of the hearing officers’ decision, with the USADSF.

 (b) The written appeal shall contain, at a minimum, the following:

  1. names and addresses of all involved parties;
  2. the alleged ground of non-compliance;
 3. supporting evidence of documentation forming the basis of the appeal;  and
  4. the relief sought.

 (c) The appeal procedures as set in the By-Laws of the USADSF shall govern.

(d) The procedures are intended to be flexible, and any omission of any provision shall not affect the outcome of the final decision.  Any decision made by a certified or qualified official during athletic competition shall be final.

 
GUIDELINES

PART ONE: Selection of Coaches
 §1.01 Selection Procedures
 USAAD may select and appoint coaches to fulfill its stated purpose.  Such coaches may be selected and appointed by majority vote of the appointed selection committee, subject to the requirements in §1.02.

 §1.02 Requirements
 Prior to the selection and appointment of a coach, the candidate must;
 
 (a) Submit a resume, cover letter and three (3) references, addressed to the Director of USAAD;

 (b) Consent to a series of at least three (3) interviews with the selection committee;

 (c) Demonstrate that he is an accredited coach with USA Swimming, Inc., or USA Water Polo, Inc. or any other entity of like purpose and standards.

 (d) Display a basic fingerspelling or any sign language to communicate with aquatic members.

 (d) The Executive Board may at any time remove and replace a coach without cause, subject to the rights afforded to the coach.

 §1.03 Selection Committee
 The coach selection committee shall consist of:

 (a) The Director;

 (b) Coordinator of that respective sport for which the coach is being selected;

 (c) An active athlete or Deaf World Games athlete;

 (d) An outside participant.

 §1.04 Submittal of Coach Selection to USADSF
 USAAD shall recommend to USADSF the national coaches selected to become the Deaf World Games coaches.

 §1.05 Recording of Coach Criteria
 USAAD shall keep on file the coach criteria.

 §1.06 Expiration of Coaches
 The tenure of swimming and water polo coaches will expire after the Summer Deaf World Games. To reapply for either position, subject to the requirements in §1.01.

PART TWO: Selection of Athletes for International Competition
 §2.01 Selection Procedures
 USAAD shall develop athlete selection procedures based on models provided by each sport’s respective National Governing Body (e.g. USA Swimming) for each international competition in which USAAD athletes will participate.

 §2.02 Announcement
USAAD shall announce athlete selection procedures two years prior to the Deaf World  Games, and six months prior to other international events.

 §2.03 Selection Committee:
 The athlete selection committee shall consist of:

 (a) The Director;

 (b) Coordinator for that respective sport in which athletes are being chosen;

 (c) Head and assistant coaches in that respective sport in which athletes are being  chosen; and

 (d) A former Deaf World Games athlete.

 §2.04  Submittal of Athlete Selection
 USAAD shall recommend to USADSF the athletes chosen to be on the US Team based on selection procedures developed (§2.01).

 §2.05 Recording of Athlete Criteria
 USAAD shall keep on file the athlete criteria for each international competition.

Megan Ackerman recieves 1998 USADSF/USOC Female Athlete
of the Year Honors
 
Megan Ackerman of Seattle, WA has been chosen as the 1998 USADSF/USOC Female Athlete of the Year.  Megan will recieve her honors at the US Deaf Games in Rochester, NY in June 1999.  Megan's major accomplishments in the past few years includes:  Congratulations Megan!
Swimming Executive Board Meeting Minutes
Minutes of Meeting  9/12/98

Present: Greg Reese, Katy Dobner, and Carrie Miller
Conference via AOL Instant Messenger

Points Discussed:

Began: 4:00pm PST

1. 2000 WGD Tryouts:  It was decided that the tryouts will be held in conjunction with the USA Swimming Nationals for A Swimmer with a Disability.   The reasons behind the decision: swimmers will be reimbursed for flights/accommodation by their Local Swimming Committees (LSCs), the number of deaf swimmers has declined over the years thus setting up a meet ourselves may not be reasonable;  more publicity;  USA Swimming can help find other deaf swimmers.

The decision will be announced after the USADSF House of Delegates Meeting (September 24-26, 1998) after Miller finds out the criteria for the 2001 WGD Try-outs.

One concern arose – the USA Swimming Nationals for a Swimmer with a Disability will probably be held in March, 2000 due to the 2000 Olympics.  This may be early for the deaf swimmers as the World Games for the Deaf are not until July 2001.    However, if we hold our tryouts at the same time, we might be able to obtain equipment from USA Swimming.

2. List of swimmers (recruiting):  Reese and Miller discussed who needs an information package.  Greg will send out the information packages this week (September 14).

3. Discussed the possible June 1999 International invitational.  Reese is for attending the USS Nationals for Swimmers with a Disability due to cementing our relationship with USS.   Miller is concerned about the costs of flying into Minneapolis-St. Paul vs. Seattle and volunteer base.

Meeting suspended at 5:10pm PST and to be continued on 9/20/98.

Meeting began at 10:15am PST on 9/20/98
Present: Greg Reese, Carrie Miller, Katy Dobner

Points discussed:

1. USS convention:  Greg Reese will attend USS convention; will stay with John Stanton (AGBeller) who lives 2-3 blocks from the convention (so no transportation costs are needed);  discussed rule changes proposals (HK-12 and R-7); HK-12 will probably be easily adopted, but R-7 – the rationale needs to be explained more clearly.  If the /M/ designation is put there in 103.15, it will prevent violation of 105.3.1.

2.  2000 Tryouts:  Gail Dummer (in her e-mail of Sept 14, 1998 to the USAADSwim list-serv) she stated that the USA Swimming Nationals for Swimmers with a Disability will be held in mid-June of 2000, probably in Indianapolis, IN.    Motion: the tryouts for the 2001 WGD will be held at the 2000 USA Swimming Nationals for Swimmers with a Disability in June 2000.   Passed.

Greg will deliver the news at the USS convention because I will discuss this with people at the USADSF HoD a week earlier.

3.  Meet for 1999 Summer:  Should we have it in Federal Way (Pacific Rim Championships) or Minneapolis (USA Swimming Nationals for Swimmers with a Disability)?   Motion:  International swimmers will be invited to the 1999 USA Nationals for Swimmers with a Disability in Minneapolis, MN.  Passed.

4. Newsletter/letter to swimmers:  The newsletter will not be published until after the USS Convention/USADSF HoD as many major decisions will be made at this time.  Then we can start to publicize our decisions.

Meeting adjourned at 11:37am PST on September 20, 1998.

Respectfully submitted,
Caroline Miller
Director, USAAD

Water Polo Executive Board Meeting minutes

USAAD Water Polo Board Meeting--Wednesday, July 22, 1998--Brooks College,
Long Beach, CA

Present: USAAD Director Carrie Miller; Water Polo Co-Coordinators Sean Barr
and Jordan Eickman; Water Polo Athlete Representative Brad Gallagher; Water
Polo Head Coach Jim Dopf

Meeting was called to order at 9:40 pm.

Impressions of the camp so far, as requested by Miller--

        Gallagher--Happy with the coaches and camp. There were problems with
scrimmaging Cypress College, wants Howie out of the picture. Happy that all
players are mixing so well, which was a surprise, especially for certain
combinations of players.

        Barr--Worries are gone. Happy with the camp, the food is good, bedding
comfortable, the dorms are air conditioned! Cost for pool time was reduced
from $200 to $100, gave the pool manager an USAAD T-shirt to thank him for
making that reduction. Happy that Assistant Coach Marc Ruh helped out on
Sunday by having an activity for the team. Had meeting with the players to
discuss the next 3 years, covered the USAAD proposed budget for 1998-2001.

        Eickman--Happy with the camp, real impressed with the new coaches.
They made a big difference in the atmosphere at practice and games. A
positive, open-communication feeling has been created. The players and coaches
are getting along really well. The new players also seem to be enjoying camp,
which is very important. This is the first time I enjoyed camp so much that
I did not want it to end.

Summer 1999

        Barr proposed inviting Ireland to train with us. Gallagher proposed
going to the Hawaiian Open to compete. The Board agreed to look into
organizing a two-week camp, the first week to focus on training with Ireland,
and the second week to attend the Hawaiian Open. This would be scheduled for
the first thru third weeks in August 1999.

        The possibility was discussed of moving future camps to Mt. SAC, where
Ruh has access to pool facilities. A Hilton hotel is also nearby, it can take
up to 4 people per room ($20 per night), including breakfast. Lunch and dinner
would be on own. Could go to Cal-Poly campus for latter two meals, as it is
only a half-mile from Mt. SAC. Also, an Embassy Suites hotel is nearby, and
players could eat on their own, as no meals are included with E.S.
Dopf said Ruh will check all this out. This is also a possibility for housing
Ireland.

Spring Camp 1999

        Barr and Gallagher proposed having a 3-4 day camp around Spring
Break/Easter weekend in 1999. Gallagher said camp would be good for 95% of the
players, who are local, to attend the camp. Eickman raised concerns about the
camp being cost-effective, as Dopf and Ruh hold practices year round for their
own teams/schools. USAAD local athletes could attend these practices. Eickman
is for a Spring Camp as long as money is not a problem.

        Miller said USAAD could try for an USADSF grant. She cited examples of
the bowling ($3,500) and baseball ($8,500) teams getting funds for recent
international competitions. That shows USADSF funds are available.

Interpreters

        Dopf will work on getting an interpreter on-deck within the year. One
possibility is his daughter, who is studying to become a certified ASL
interpreter. Eickman will send Dopf a dictionary of water polo terms in ASL,
so Dopf can practice WP signs. Gallagher raised concerns that money would be
taken away from all players to benefit 5% of team. Eickman said USAAD should
fundraise for interpreting costs/try to lower costs as much as possible--not
taking away from any individual players' funds. Miller said all should support
full accessibility, especially with this being a DEAF team.

USADSF House of Delegates Meeting

        Miller, Barr and Katy Dobner will attend. Barr will replace Eickman,
who has school commitments in England. The three reps will rotate the two
USAAD votes amongst themsleves. Miller will train the other two for future HoD
meetings.

Note: Dopf left the meeting at 11 pm.

USADSF Athlete of the Year nominations

        Swimming will nominate Megan Ackermann, new World Record holder in
womens' 1500 freestyle. Water Polo may nominate Chris Prewitt. Eickman thought
Prewitt was an All-American for his college team. Eickman will confirm this
and let Miller know.

Cyrus (Farhad) Sarmadi's USADSF suspension

        Sarmadi was suspended in 1993 by USADSF due to non-payment for costs
from participating in the 1993 WGD. This suspension applies to all
international AND national games, camps, tourneys, etc., affiliated with
USADSF as well as USAAD (because USAAD is affiliated to USADSF). Miller talked
with Sam Sonnenstrahl, USADSF International Affairs officer, about the
situation. USADSF says that there is no records of any reimbursement from
Sarmadi in USADSF records. USAAD has concerns over whether Sarmadi was served
due process by USADSF. Barr talked to Sarmadi on July 18th, and Sarmadi seemed
willing to pay the money he owed ($1300). The bottom line is that Sarmadi has
to contact Sonnenstrahl and take care of it.

        Gallagher raised concerns that excluding Sarmadi from camp, because
the camp is affiliated to USADSF especially considering that USADSF did not
provide any funds for the camp (USWP did), is unfair. He cited examples of
non-USAAD/USADSF hearing players participating in practice/scrimmages such as
those with/against Cypress College players. If these players can play with
the team, why cannot Sarmadi play as a USWP member?

Recruiting

        Barr said something has to be done to cut down on initial costs of
USAAD/USADSF/USWP memberships in order to draw in more players. He said one
new athlete was successfully recruited using USWP trial membership. This is an
idea worth developing regarding USAAD/USADSF membership. Miller said that it
is important to support USADSF with membership funds because the money will
come back to USAAD.

Brooks College fees

        Miller and Barr discussed the problem of some players not being
allowed to pay prorated fees to stay at Brooks College while one player was
allowed to. Barr clarified the situation that he permitted the one player to
stay for one night free in order to encourage that player to become more part
of USAAD, taking in financial considerations.

Rudy Campos

        He got sick during camp, and there also was concerns over his
mother's health. The possibility having him go home early and refunding
his camp fees on a prorated basis was discussed.

USAAD By-laws

        Miller reported that the USAAD by-laws are being cleaned up by a
lawyer in Texas working on a pro bono basis. It is taking longer than
previously thought. When the by-laws are ready, they will be distributed to
all USAAD members for review.
 
2003 World Deaf Swimming/WP Championships

        Miller reported that she is in discussion with the Int'l Swimming Hall
of Fame about hosting the 2003 WC at the ISHOF facilities in Ft. Lauderdale,
Florida. USAAD plans on bidding to host the 2003 WC. If the bid is successful,
USAAD also hopes to hold a womens' water polo tournament at the WC.

NSAD/HoD meeting

        The idea of renting a booth for USAAD during the National Softball
Assocation of the Deaf's tournament in Seattle for $100 was dropped. Instead
it was decided to distribute flyers and taking USAAD t-shirt and merchandise
orders.

Network Fundraising/Record-keeping for donors/sponsors

        Miller reported that she has a Harvard connection to Microsoft, the
new CEO also being a Harvard alumni, and would approach him about
donations to/fundraising for USAAD. Also, a friend's father owns a Italian
restaurant in D.C. which could be approached regarding sponsorship/donations
as it will be a perfect tie-in to Rome 2001.

        Eickman proposed a fundraising project--selling the rights to USAAD
water polo games at the Rome WGD in 2001. This would generate revenue through
networks' payments and getting advertisers to buy air time/rights to place
signs/billboards which will be televised. He suggested initially approaching
ESPN (Miller mentioned ESPN was interested in televising the 1985 WGD in L.A.
but that deal fell through) and the other major networks for television and
Nike, Adidas, and other major sport goods producers as advertisers. He
realizes that USADSF and CISS may have some objections and the Rome
organizing committee will have to be contacted, but considering the
possible considerable revenue, it is certainly worth trying. The board gave
its affirmation.

        The board agreed that all records (contact info) pertaining to
potential sponsors/donors or businesses that may aid USAAD in any way
financially will be sent to Miller, who will retain them in USAAD files. Also,
Miller is to be thought of as the "home office" so anything else such as
player contact information/registration, etc. should also be sent to her.

Note: Gallagher left at 12:00 am (midnight).

Eickman briefing

        Eickman briefed Barr on his activites over the past year. Eickman has
been building an archive on deaf water polo. He has gathered official results
of past WGDs, World Championships, and European Championships. From these
sources, he has compiled detailed game-by-game reports (showing
goal-by-goal records, ejections, starting lineups, substitutes, venue,
referee, coach, and other game information) for U.S. team games, tournament
team rosters, and tournament game results and statistics. This will be very
useful to the coaching staff and players to scout future opponents and keep
tabs on individual foreign players as well as serve as historical material for
USAAD. Also, Eickman has gathered contact info for all CISS officers and
technical delegates as well as for regional and all countries' deaf sports
federations. Anyone needing to contact anybody within CISS or any other
country can contact Eickman to get the information. A history of CISS is also
available.

        He also announced that Donalda Ammons (CISS Secretary-General) has
informed him that there are only two official bids for the 2005
WGD--Melbourne, Australia and Kosice, Slovakia, at this time. Eickman
reported that Kosice is building an approximately 2 mile long by 1 mile strip
that will house facilities for all sports. The city hopes to host the hearing
Olympics someday and wants to use the WGD as a trial to test facilities and
logistics. Slovakia is also very cheap, in terms of living costs. Miller
remarked that Melbourne has many strong and reliable Deaf leaders and
organizers as well as the necessary facilities. The final vote will be taken
at the 1999 Winter WGD at Davos, Switzerland. Eickman will inform USAAD of the
results.

        Also, Ammons will send Eickman a copy of the official results of the
1998 European Championships in Swimming (Vilnius, Lithuania) and Water Polo
(Genoa, Italy). He will forward a copy to Miller as soon as it is received
from CISS.

        Also, Eickman has gathered contact info for businesses that are
potential donors/sponsors. He will continue to gather info on more such
businesses, as will the rest of the Board.

        Eickman also has a paper copy of the water polo players' database that
Barr had previously created.

        He briefly reviewed the plan to approach TV networks about televising
2001 WGD water polo games (see above).

        Future projects include creating an USAAD water polo handbook to build
on what Ron Bye (previous WP Coordinator) had already done. Eickman and Barr
will work together on trying to bring the Irish to the 1999 water polo
summer camp. Eickman is especially supportive of organizing several full
international games between the USA and Ireland. Younger players can get
international game experience. Fundraising can be done through selling
tickets for a small fee to attract fans within the local Deaf community and
other water polo enthusiasts.

        Eickman also hopes to continue building international contacts in deaf
water polo, especially with other countries already having teams, and
encouraging new ones to organize both mens' and womens' water polo teams.
Sending out feelers to all deaf sports federations is the first step.
 
Meeting adjourned at 1:00 am.

Coaches for the 1998-2001 Term
Report by Carrie Miller
USAAD Director
 

After several months of deliberations within both swimming and water polo coach search committees, USAAD is pleased to announce our coaches for the 1998-2001 term.

Swimming:
            Head Coach: Stuart Wilson   (Atlanta, GA)
Stuart is currently the Head Age Group Coach at the SwimAtlanta Gwinnett facility. He was one of the original members of SwimAtlanta in 1977.  Stuart then went on to swim at the University of Georgia from 1984-1988.  He has one of the top 5 times in the 200 freestyle in school history. Stuart has had many outstanding achievements during his career.  He was named the Deaf Athlete of the year in 1985 by the American Athletic Association for the Deaf (now USADSF) and was a member of the World Games for the Deaf team in 1981 and 1985. At the 1985 WGD, Stuart won 9 Gold medals and 1 Silver medal while breaking 5 World Records, two of which still stand today, (100 free and 200 IM). Stuart is known for being a man of few words but always gets his point across.  That is evident in the success of his swimmers.

Assistant Coach: Rosemary Stifter (Bethesda, MD)
Rosemary has been involved in swimming since she started swim lessons at the age of 5.  She continued to swim with the Rockville Municipal Swim Center in MD for 10 years.  After graduating from James Madison
University, (where she competed in Division III swimming) she returned to RMSC as a coach.  In 1988, she decided to attend Gallaudet University where she received a Masters degree in Deaf Education.
During that time she went back to coaching RMSC (now called Rockville Montgomery Swim Club) before accepting an elementary teaching position in Fairfax County Public Schools Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program. When she moved to the high school to teach she began coaching the Woodson Swim and Dive team.  The team boasts a District Championship and a State Champion Diver during her career at Woodson.  She will begin her sixth season this winter.  And she's still swimming!  This year she completed her third Chesapeake Bay Swim, a 4.4 mile open water swim, and practices with a Master's swim team in Northern Virginia. She looks forward to all the new freinds she will meet as a coach for USAAD.

Water Polo:                      
                Head Coach: Jim Dopf (Fontana, CA)
Jim, as the newly appointed coach, brings 27 years of coaching experience to USAAD.    He started his career as a coach for Fontana Junior High in 1970.  Since then, he has coached for Rowland HS, Fontana HS, Cal Poly Pomona, Chaffey College and presently, Riverside Community College as the women’s head coach.  He has earned several Coach of the Year awards, recently the 1997 California Junior College Coach of the Year and 1997 Conference Coach of the Year. 
 
Jim hails from Fontana, CA where he resides with his wife and two daughters.  There are two deaf members in his family – his niece and nephew!  His hobbies include aquatics, skiing (water and snow), scuba diving and spending time with the family.  Jim looks forward to coaching the Deaf National Team and sees it as a “neat challenge!”
 
Assistant Coach: Mark Ruh
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Laura Barber Getchell to be Inducted into the
AAAD/USADSF Hall of Fame
Report by Carrie Miller
USAAD Director

A veteran swimmer, Laura Barber Getchell (WGD '81,'85), will be inducted into the AAAD/USADSF Hall of Fame in Orlando, Florida during the AAAD/USADB Basketball Tournament (March 29-April 5, 1998).   She still holds the deaf American and World records in the 100 and 200 meter backstroke (100m: 1.08.51; 200m 2.27.38).  Congratulations to Laura Getchell!

AAAD House of Delegates
Report by Carrie Miller
USAAD Director

First, I want to say that the meeting went quite well for the first time
in a couple of years.   NSAD (softball) and ABAD/USADB (basketball) are
back in the AAAD picture and making progress.  The Akron lawsuit has been
settled.
 
1.  USOC funding situation:  There is no funding budgeted for 1999 Winter
World Games or 2001 Summer World Games in the USOC budget.  The USOC
recently held their meeting in Orlando, FL (November 1-2) so this is
recent news.  The only money AAAD can possibly receive is through applying
for $50,000 per year from the COSD (Committee on Sports for the Disabled).
Thus, AAAD has to go back to fundraising to send teams to the World Games.
 
2. Name change:  AAAD (American Athletic Association of the Deaf) will now
be known as USADSF (United States of America Deaf Sports Federation).  The
reason for the name change is that the AAAD gets frequently confused with
the AAU (American Athletic Union)  and also America refers to the Americas
(North & South America).  So we felt that a name change was needed.  Both
names will be used until Jan 1st, 2000 then in the new millenium it will
be USADSF.

3. CISS World Championships:  Donalda Ammons (CISS Secretary-General)
confirmed that there will be no world championships in any sport in
1998/1999.  HOWEVER, there can still be an "invitational."  Currently,
USAAD is investigating on whether we can still go to England but have that
meet designated as an invitational.  If not, we will explore other
options.
 
4. New officers:  We voted for new officers for the AAAD/USADSF board.
They will serve in their terms until after 2001 Summer Games.
 
President:  Bobbie Beth Scoggins
VP-Membership Services: Jay Innes
VP-Financial Affairs: Herman Fuechtmann
VP-International Affairs: Sam Sonnestrahl
VP-NSO (National Sports Organizations): Farley Warshaw
 

This is an entirely new board (except for Sam).  USAAD wishes the best of
luck to the new board.   Larry Fleischer and Shirley Platt have done a wonderful job for the past 6 years
 
5. 1997 Athlete of the Year
 
Male: Matt Hammill (Wrestling)
Female: Ro Jo Miller (Basketball)
 

USS Convention
Report by Carrie Miller
USAAD, Director

Greg Reese's article on the World Games for the Deaf was published in
"Splash!" - USS's swimming magazine.
 
USS convention
    1. Beginning next summer there will be an annual long course "United
States Swimming Championships for Swimmers with a Disability."  The
inaugural meet will be held June 25 (classification and General Meeting)
and June 26-28, 1998, at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center in
Minneapolis.
 
Meet information (including time standards) will be available later this
fall, probably by mid-November.

Anyone interested in swimming in this meet, please let me know and I will
send you the appropriate information.
 
2. The USS Rules now states (in addition to what now exists as article
105.3 "Rules on starting deaf and hard of hearing swimmers") "Strobe light
location- The Starter shall advise the swimmer about the location of the
strobe light and the light shall be located where the swimmers clearly see
it for the start.  For backstroke starts, the light should be positioned
so that the swimmers don't have to turn their heads to look backwards."
Previously, the rules did not state anything about the starter being able
to move the *strobe light* only the *swimmer.* Thanks to Donald Smith for
bringing the motion before the Rules Committee and the Athletes Committee
for supporting us at the House of Delegates meeting (to pass the motion).

1997 World Games for the Deaf
 

Silence is Golden
by Greg Reese, Swimming Coordinator

Reprinted from Splash!
Copenhagen, DENMARK --  As the 18th World Games for the Deaf (WGD) winded down, the competition in swimming proved to be twice as tough as the competition at the 17th World Games for the Deaf.  In addition to some of the old-timers coming back to compete once again, there were some new swimmers whose performances gave the rest of the swimmers a shock and a run for their money.   So difficult was the competition in men’s swimming that only two of five American men came home with an individual medal or more.
        Nevertheless, United States prevailed by coming out on top in the total numbers of medals, especially in the gold category.  At the end, U.S. won 24 medals, including 12 gold, 6 silver, and 6 bronze.  Leading the men in harvesting the medals was Zeb Jenkins who won 7 individual and 3 relay medals.  In addition to his impressive cache, he also broke the world record in the 200 back with this time of 2.13.00.  Moreover, while the United States team might not do well in individual events, they proved their match in the relay events.  Each time they competed in a relay event, they broke a world record.  Credits went to all five American swimmers who had been a member of at least one relay: Jake Hammack, Zeb Jenkins, Steven Oatman, Greg Reese, and Brett Stauffer.
        American women fared better by winning more medals than their male counterparts.  Katy Dobner led the pack in the number of medals; however, Megan Ackerman was the undisputed champion in the distance events such as the 200, 400, and 800 freestyle events.  On a good note, Nathalie Devigne, who had been at the ‘93 WGD, won her first ever individual medal, a bronze, in the 400 freestyle.  Christine Holman-Vess, a veteran of the ‘81 and ‘85 WGD, proved to everyone that age didn’t matter when she won a silver medal in two events: 100 backstroke and 50 freestyle.
        During the whole 6 days of swimming competition, U.S. team fused into a family in which everyone watched out for each other.  Without fail, the whole team had a good time every night.  The last night before everyone went their separate ways, the team had a blast!  Memories were made for a lifetime!  The youngest swimmer of the team, Jennifer Altmann, 15, agreed, “I loved the WGD.  It was a wonderful experience for me!  It was my first time!! I am all ready to go back to the WGD in 2001.. I am so glad that I got to be on the team!   USA rules!!”

Bittersweet Silver
by Jordan Eickman, Water Polo Coordinator-Internal Affairs

        The Eighteenth Summer World Games for the Deaf was held July 13-26 in Copenhagen, Denmark.  Five countries competed in a round-robin tournament to decide the best Deaf water polo team in the world.  These countries were Germany, Hungary, Italy (the reigning World Champion), the Netherlands (the current European Champion) and the United States (the defending World Games Champions).
        A close and hard-fought tournament unfolded through the five days of competition.  The tournament finally ended with Hungary and the United States tied on points for first place.  Hungary won the gold medal on the basis of the first tie breaker (head-to-head game result).  Italy followed in third place.  Germany and the Netherlands also tied in points and since Germany beat the Netherlands, they finished fourth and out of the medals along with the fifth-placed Dutch.  Here are the game scores along with the final standings table:

July 15th                                                  July 19th
United States-Hungary 9-10                     Italy-Netherlands  8-6
Germany-Netherlands  9-8                       Germany-United States 5-11

July 16th                                                  July 20th
Hungary-Italy   12-11                              Germany-Hungary  6-12
Netherlands-United States 4-6                 United States-Italy  9-7

July 17th
Italy-Germany   13-7
Hungary-Netherlands  7-8
 

Team     Goals For       Goals Allowed     Goal Difference     Points      Placing

Hungary         41                      34                           +7                  6*          Gold
United States 35                      26                           +9                  6             Silver
Italy               39                      34                           +5                  4             Bronze
Germany        28                      44                          -16                 2**          Fourth
Netherlands    26                      30                           -4                  2             Fifth

*Tie broken by the score of Hungary-United States (10-9)
** Tie broken by score of Germany-Netherlands (9-8)

        The opening-game defeat to Hungary was a very hard and bitter pill to swallow.  Even though it did not immediately rule us out of the gold-medal race, it was a shock to our team.  We had trained twice or thrice a day at our three-week long pre-Games training camp at Brooks College in Long Beach, California.  This grueling camp served to whip our team into international-level playing shape and to grow as a team.  It also gave us time to work on our plays, game strategies, and individual skills.  When Team USA broke camp to head to Copenhagen, we all felt very prepared and ready to defend our World Games for the Deaf title.  So when we lost to Hungary, it was very frustrating as we, as a team, knew we had not played our very best.  For some unexplainable reason, our team was so nervous that we missed several easy shots that normally will be goals.  Also, we were out of synch on defense, especially with stopping the Hungarian inside game.  Their star two-meter player, Attila Csiklya, burned us for five goals.  Most came when he gained possession from lob passes into the hole over our defender who was protecting the front of the hole.  Also, the Hungarian coach made several brilliant tactical moves, including not playing experienced 44 year old hole-man Tibor Fekete until the fourth quarter, so he could give a lift to the Hungarian team.  It just was not our day.
        After that game, we had a choice - either to win out and put the pressure on Hungary to win out too, or to give up hope and go through the motions for the rest of the tournament.  After going through that tough training camp and preparing for four years for this tournament, our team was not ready to concede anything.  We went out and decisively beat the other three teams in the tournament, playing much more to our capabilities.  Unfortunately, Hungary did just enough to match us, even though they lost to the Netherlands by one.   It is interesting to note that Team USA had the best goal difference of any team at tournament’s end.  At the end, we all felt we are still the best Deaf water polo team on the planet, even though we did not show it in Copenhagen against Hungary.  It is up to the 1999 team to prove this in Sheffield, England at the 2nd World Deaf Water Polo Championships.
        In particular, this silver medal left many members of the team unfulfilled and disappointed, even though the team was happy to come home with a medal.  This Games marked the retiring of several players from international play, making the disappointment that much more intense for them.  For those remaining players, it will serve as MOTIVATION for the upcoming competitions.  That is why this silver medal will always be bittersweet for us Team USA players.
 Here are comments from some of the players about their Copenhagen experience:

 “It was great playing with all of you on the team.  We may not have played to our expectations and abilities, but we learned from it and have room to improve.  I wish you luck in future competitions.  Thanks for making my retirement from water polo special.” - Reed Gershwind

 “The Games did not go as we expected.  However, what we expected and got out of the Games was the fun that we had, which could not be topped.  We could not stop laughing at the WGD monkey mascot, and Sean being splashed by teammates during a wrap-up interview.  Our experience is definitely worth a gold, for it brings us joy regardless of the place we came in.”
                                                                                                            - Mark Sullivan

 “A thought - our one goal loss to Hungary is just a devastating moment for me as it prevented us from winning the gold medal.  Retiring with the silver medal does not leave me with a good memory.  However, Team USA did train hard for three weeks in trying to reach our goal of winning the gold medal.  I cannot argue about this and want to thank the players for their efforts.   Also, my gratitude goes to coaches Dennis Ploessel and Howie Clarke, for volunteering their time, giving us support, and getting the players in shape and ready for the Games.” - Ron Bye

 “I had a wonderful time in Denmark.  I love to travel and every time I travel I always learn something new.  The best part of Denmark was probably the people.” - Chris Prewitt

        As for the future, the National Deaf Men’s Team will have is work cut out for itself.  After the Games,  I had the opportunity to visit Budapest, Hungary and the Hungarian National Deaf Men’s Team.. I was guided around town by John Voros, a team official and player Geza Geletey.   At one of their practices, I also met with and practiced with the other members of the Hungarian team.  They have their own pool and four young players-fifteen or sixteen years old that show potential.  Practicing with these young players and the other veterans was a lot of fun and alot of new friends were made.  My conversations with the Hungarian head coach, Laszlo Zalka, himself a member of Hungary’s 1977 and 1981 gold-medal and 1985 silver-medal teams, gave me the impression that Hungary’s program will continue to be strong with several new young players coming up in the near future.  Also, the captain, Istvan Fabian, and the other veteran players showed alot of friendly enthusiasm for future competitions.  Keeping up with the Hungarians and the other countries will be a challenge, but I know Team USA is capable of meeting that challenge and proving ourselves the best DEAF water polo team in the WORLD in 1999.