(Draft)
United States Naginata Federation Board Meeting Minutes
March 31, 2001
San Jose, CA
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Non-Board Members in Attendance: Maureen Hawk (NCNF), Helen Nakano (SNCF), Chris Phelps (ECNF)
The meeting was called to order at 11:25 a.m. by President Miyako Tanaka Price. It was determined that there were enough board members in attendance to form a quorum.
President Miyako Tanaka Price welcomed the new representatives from the Southern California Naginata Federation (SCNF): Kevin Saxton and Nathan Scott.
Agenda
Executive Secretary, Kurt Schmucker presented the agenda for the meeting.
Old Business
Approval of the minutes from the last Board Meeting
Karen Schmucker reported that she had received no comments or additions to the draft minutes of the last meeting (July 13, 2000). Stephanie Hoppe moved that the minutes from the last meeting be approved. Fran Vall seconded the motion. A vote was taken: For: 9; Against: 0; Abstentions: 0. The minutes from the July 13, 2000 meeting were approved.
Treasurer's Report
a) 2000 Financial Report
Stephanie Hoppe, Treasurer, handed out the latest treasurer's report. The report details, among other things, the expenditures and receipts from the annual seminar last summer. Stephanie noted that we had sustained a small loss, but had essentially broken even. A question was raised about the $480.00 expenditure on kyu certificates. Miyako Tanaka Price explained that the cost was due to bulk printing of a supply of certificates for the federation to use over the next several years. She also pointed out that we generally take in more money in certificate fees than we spend to print them. Another question concerned unaffiliated members. Stephanie explained that it is possible (and permissible under the bylaws) to have members that belong only to the USNF and not to a regional federation. It occurs when someone wants to join who does not live near one of the regional centers. It is an unusual situation that is tolerated but not encouraged.
b) 2001 Proposed Budget
Stephanie asked if the board wished to allocate a budget for upcoming expenses to regional federations. Miyako Tanaka Price explained that the board usually handles requests for financial help from the regional federations on a case-by-case basis. It generally entails paying part of the cost of travel and/or accomodations of instructors to seminars around the country. A discussion of this issue ensued, with many good ideas brought forward. Kurt Schmucker suggested that we set an overall budget with an upper limit per event (i.e. $300). Nathan Scott suggested that we use a percentage of travel and prorate it for the regional federations based on size, with a larger amount going to the smaller federations. Diana Payne pointed out that is has been the case that it is the larger federations that send instructors to the smaller federations and that some of the larger federations (i.e. SCNF) have spin-off regions in other parts of the country and need to travel there. It was thought by some that since we are a small organization, we could continue to make these decisions on a case-by-case basis. Kurt Schmucker then made a motion to create a budget ceiling for the year by allowing the executive board to spend up to $600 (which would cover about two events). Stephanie Hoppe seconded the motion and mentioned that we could review the proposal next year. In the meantime, the regions would be encouraged to cover their own costs as much as possible. A vote was taken on this motion. In favor: 9; Opposed: 0; Abstentions: 0. The motion passed.
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The Board authorizes the Executive Committee to provide supporting funds for seminars and events run by the regional federations. Cost shall not exceed $600. for the year. |
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Proposed: |
Kurt Schmucker |
Seconded: |
Stephanie Hoppe |
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For: 9 |
Against: 0 |
Abstain: 0 |
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c) USNF Insurance
With regard to the federation's insurance, Diana Payne mentioned that she had attempted to find a cheaper policy, but had been unable to find one that would keep the individual endorsements for the regional federations. Stephanie Hoppe thought she had found one that would do everything that we needed. It is through the American National Trust and has a AA rating. It was mentioned that some regional federations (or parts of federations) feel they don't need the insurance. The group as a whole felt that it was necessary for all federations to be insured. Also, it is not possible for part of one region (i.e. New York) to not have the coverage. The coverage applies to the entire region. Both Stephanie and Diana felt that the issue needed more research before we could switch policies and they both offered to keep working on it. It was mentioned that we are still covered for this year's INF Seminar. Diana Payne made a motion to accept the Treasurer's Report as is. Fran Vall seconded the motion. A vote was taken. In favor: 9; Opposed: 0; Abstentions: 0. The Treasurer's Report was accepted.
USNF Activity Report
Kurt Schmucker, Executive Secretary, reported that he had received year-end reports from SCNF, the Northern California Naginata Federation (NCNF) and from the East Coast Naginata Federation (ECNF). Kurt also mentioned that he distributed a demographic membership study requested by the International Naginata Federation (INF) to all the regional federations. Kurt will collate the reports and submit one USNF report to the INF.
New Business
Event Schedule for 2001-2003
Miyako Tanaka Price explained recurring events in the All Japan Naginata Federation (AJNF) calendar: Kata training in April, Testing in May, Shinpan Training in June. While highlighting current events on the USNF calendar, Miyako Tanaka Price expressed her preference for the regional federations to communicate to the USNF Office in writing. Email is fine for general communication, but for submissions to the calendar, requests for help from the USNF, and other similar needs, the office prefers to receive either a letter or a fax.
At this time regional federation representatives mentioned upcoming events in their areas: The Tallahassee Florida seminar sponsored by SCNF in April, NCNF's tournament in October (tentatively scheduled for Columbus Day weekend) and ECNF's annual Fall seminar in late October at George Mason University, Virginia.
Kyu Examiner Pool for 2001
A discussion began about the Kyu Examiner pool for this year. During the discussion, Karen Schmucker reread the minutes from the Board Meeting in Southampton, NY in 1999 regarding qualifications for Kyu Examiners. The salient points were that nominees needed to have: the approval of their regional federation's president, be at least sandan or higher in rank, and have attended at least one USNF sanctioned event outside their own region during the last 12 months. Because not all Board Members had been clear on these points when drawing up their examiner candidates, it was decided to table this discussion until the Board Meeting on Sunday, April 1, 2001.
USNF/INF 2001 Seminar
Miyako Tanaka Price relayed that there will only be dan testing at the INF Seminar this summer. The USNF will administer Kyu tests for anyone who would like to take one. The Board discussed the timing of the testing and the fact that the USNF will hold its annual seminar just before the INF event. The dates for the seminars will be as follows: the USNF Seminar will be held on June 27-28. The INF Shinpan Seminar will be on June 29 and the INF Seminar will be held on June 30 &endash;July 1. All events will be held at San Jose State University in San Jose, California. As a result of some discussion, it was desirable to use a half day during the USNF Seminar for a Taikai Seminar (how to run a tournament) showing people how to keep score, how to be yobidashi, and including some of what referees are supposed to do (how to hold the flags, how to walk out to take their positions, etc.). It was also noted that the INF representatives attending the seminar wanted to view the locations under consideration for the 2003 Taikai while they are in town for the seminar. Miyako Tanaka Price thought that this would take at least a half a day or more since the locations are so spread out. The INF representatives would also like to meet with the USNF Board
a) Instructor Selection and Kyu Shinsa-in
There was a discussion about who should be the instructors for the USNF Seminar. It was decided that Chiu Sensei, Nakano Sensei, Tanaka Sensei and Yamauchi Sensei would be the main instructors. A discussion followed about who would act as assistants to these sensei. One proposal was to rotate the assistants, one per sensei per day or per half day. It was decided that more information was needed as to which individuals on the list were going to attend the seminar before making any selections. The list was made according to rank:
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Temuchin Lowe |
Bob Peterson |
Dan Garrett |
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Takami Tanner |
Kurt Schmucker |
Diana Garrett |
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Fran Vall |
Andy Gibson |
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Jean Yien |
Hanea Miura |
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Diana Payne |
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Steven Payne |
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Kent Sato |
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Kevin Saxton |
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Karen Schmucker |
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Marcia Toyohara |
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Johana Weber |
b) Accommodations
Malyne Chiu and Miyako Tanaka Price relayed to the Board the information they had received concerning accommodations for the event. At least 10 rooms will be reserved at the Hilton Hotel in downtown San Jose (The Hilton had the most cost effective package). Rooms with food service included ($30/day extra) will be on the hospitality floor. Malyne will look into getting a conference room for board meetings as part of the package. The hotel is located within walking distance to the training facility, although we will probably still need to arrange for senior sensei to be driven to and from the facility. There will also be dorm rooms available for those who wish less expensive accommodation, but it was mentioned that the dorms at San Jose State are not very nice.
USNF 2002 Seminar and Championship Tournament
Miyako Tanaka Price mentioned that the Board had sent out requests for proposals for this event but had not received any proposals yet. She explained how in the past, the federation had alternated locations of the annual seminars and tournaments to give people in other parts of the country other than California the chance to participate without incurring large travel costs. Miyako said that she would like us to decide where we are going to hold the 2002 event at the next Board meeting in June. She asked that anyone interested in hosting this event please send a letter to the USNF office. Stephanie Hoppe asked if the 2002 event would function as the try-out for the 2003 INF Championship. The response was that the results of the 2002 championship would be used as one part in considering candidates, but would not be the official try-out event. There will be such an event, but it has not yet been determined when or where it will be held. Diana Payne mentioned that the ECNF and RMNF were thinking of holding a joint seminar at the University of Maryland in 2002 and that might be a possible try-out event.
INF 2003 Third World Championship
Miyako Tanaka Price mentioned that the proposed sites for this event had most likely been narrowed to two venues: San Jose State University or Hayward State University. Sonoma State University did not have a large enough facility and they were unreliable for booking, based on our past experience. One difficulty that was mentioned earlier in the meeting was that we will likely need the facility for the better part of a week in order to accomodate pre-championship practice, the championship itself and the seminar and goodwill matches. It was also mentioned that it is difficult to schedule a faciltity more than a year in advance.
During the discussion of the championship, many members expressed a desire to prioritize the number of things that we could do for the event, then focus our resources on doing only the most necessary ones. As a result, the Board decided to form a small committee (2&endash;3 people) to come up with a list of all the things that normally were done to host the championship. Karen Schmucker, Kevin Saxton and Diana Payne volunteered to be on the committee. They are going to come up with the first draft of the list by April 25th. This first draft will contain all the things that could be done. The list will then be prioritized and narrowed down to those things we can do well with the resources we have. Karen Schmucker (a graphic designer) also volunteered to oversee the development and printing of graphic materials for the event (logo, program, poster, tee shirt, etc.). She has already lined up a printer in San Francisco that produces very high-quality work for a reasonable cost.
Miyako Tanaka Price then turned the discussion to budget and donations. We will get approximately $2,600.00 from the INF to host the event. No honorariums will be necessary for the visiting sensei, nor will there be instructors fees. We are also not obligated to pay for instructors' accomodations. Miyako also agreed to ask the INF what the financial split normally is between the host country and the INF.
Tenugui
Miyako Tanaka Price showed the Board an example of the last batch of USNF tenugui that were printed in Japan. There had been a printing error and the artwork had not printed correctly. Miyako wanted the Board's opinion whether to sell these tenugui or simply give them away. The Board decided to sell them for $1 each but only to USNF members. Diana Payne moved that the Board pay to have 200 more tenugui made (correctly). Kurt Schmucker seconded the motion. A vote was taken: in favor: 9, against: 0, abstain: 0. The motion passed.
Naginata website update
Kurt Schmucker relayed the current state of the naginata website to the group. Unfortunately, the company that was taking care of the site went out of business and shut the site down. Kurt has been getting it ready to move to a new provider and that will happen in the next month. For the moment, the site is not active.
Naginata bulletin board
Nathan Scott brought up the idea of starting an interactive bulletin board to accompany the website. It would provide a forum for people to discuss naginata issues live. Nathan said that many other martial arts have started to use such bulletin boards and they are very useful. He even proposed that we could conduct Board meetings via this bulletin board in a partitioned area, but some members of the Board did not think that we could do away with face-to-face Board meetings. In general though, the idea of creating such a bulletin board was met with great enthusiasm. The financial cost of it would be negligible and it would only require a minimal amount of maintenance once installed. Kurt offered to give anyone who wanted a demonstration of how such bulletin boards work. It was decided that Nathan and Kurt would work out the details of setting one up.
Recommendations to AJNF for Shogo (renshi, kyoshi, hanshi)
As a result of a question from Bob Peterson (not present), Miyako Tanaka Price explained the process of promotion to Shogo ranks (renshi, kyoshi and hanshi). Promotion to Renshi requires that a person has acheived sanshu-shinpan rank. In addition, the history of the candidates teaching experience is reviewed prior to taking the test. The test itself consists of passing a written test and demonstration of shikake-oji and zen-nihon kata. Kurt Schmucker explained that certain other qualifications must be met: a person's regional federation must make a formal recommendation to the USNF and the USNF Board must send a recommendation to the AJNF. Miyako further explained Kurt's last point, saying that the USNF Board reads the recommendation from the regional federation, discusses it and then writes its own recommendation. The waiting periods between ranks are as follows: three years to go from godan to renshi; seven years to go from renshi to kyoshi and 20 years to go from kyoshi to hanshi. Malyne Chiu said that the renshi application form includes information on a person's tournament result standing and the number of referee seminars attended (regional, national and international).
USNF General Meeting and Annual Shinsa
Kurt Schmucker read the proposed agenda for the USNF General Meeting and Shinsa for the following day: The shinsa would be held from 10-12 a.m. We had one applicant for sandan, two for nidan and five for kyu ranks. The General Meeting and election would start at 1 p.m. and the meeting of the new Board of Directors would be held from 2-3 p.m.
Mixed regional teams at USNF Championships
Fran Vall raised the issue of allowing members of regional federations without enough members to field a full team to join together to make a mixed team. She used the example of last year's championship in Hawaii as an example. Fran was the only woman from the ECNF to attend the championship and could not, therefore, take part in the team matches. The team from the Hawaii Naginata Federation (HNF) had planned to field a woman's team, but was unable to do so when two of their members failed to appear for personal reasons. Fran felt that in this instance, it would have been useful for her and the one remaining Hawaiian Woman's Team member to join forces and form a mixed team. This would have given everyone involved in the Women's Team Matches an additional team to fight.
This proposal raised a serious discussion about the purpose of team matches and the purpose of holding championships in general. It was pointed out that the bylaws of the federation were silent on this issue. Kevin Saxton expressed his opinion that it did not make sense for separate regions to join another region's team, especially at the last minute. He later suggested he would be more willing to accept a mixed team if they were planned in advance. Several people agreed with this suggestion. It offers small federations a chance to participate in another event. Other members were not opposed to the idea of "pick-up" teams chosen on the spot because of unforseen circumstances. Their feeling was that we were supposed to be encouraging participation and that since we are a small organization, it would make for a better overall competition if there were more teams. The idea of having mixed mens and womens teams was also raised. Miyako Tanaka Price commented that we used to have such mixed teams when the organization was even smaller. Miyako was also concerned about the safety of the women in a mixed team. In the end, it was decided that everyone needed to think about all of the proposals and issues brought out by this discussion. Miyako thanked Fran for bringing up the subject and said we should take it up again at the next Board Meeting.
Karen Schmucker made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Kurt Schmucker seconded it. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Yesowich Schmucker
Recording Secretary, USNF
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