Call to Order: Frank Negro called the meeting to order at 8:09 pm.

Advertisers: The following advertisers were introduced:

Charlie and Linda Hoffman from SwimPro
Cheryl Hillis and Ken Howard from Irvin Simon Photography
Lois Morris from Capital Sport and Swim
Ed Kelly from Gianni’s Gourmet Pizza
Bob York from Aardvark

President’s Report: Frank Negro explained that many handouts were available regarding Officials Clinics, Certified Officials, Team Information, Rules Changes, By-Laws Changes, MCSL Budgets, Team Dues, How to Change Teams, Special Olympics, and How to Prepare for the April Meeting.

Anyone looking to schedule B meets should contact Frank and he will attempt to get teams in touch with each other.

Special Olympics: Last year the MCSL donated more than $4000 to the Maryland Special Olympics. This year the board would like to invite the swimmers and mentors to participate in a special event at the All Star Relay Carnival. Teams will be comprised of two swimmers and two mentors. One event will be held towards the end of the first session of the All Star Relays and another towards the beginning of the 2^nd session. The board will provide awards for the swimmers.

Automation: We will continue to use the DOS version of Meet Manager this year. Updates of Meet Manager will be provided at the May meeting. Teams should contact Hytek for updates to Team Manager. Training sessions are being planned.

Awards: Becca Peck reviewed some tips on preparing for the April meeting. Teams should decide at that meeting if they want 6^th place, B meet, or Participation ribbons. All teams will automatically get ribbons through 5^th place. Additional ribbons must be ordered in packs of 50.

Coaches: Email Marty Cohen with detailed information if your team is looking for coaching staff. He will let you know what resumes he has. It is also suggested that teams post flyers on the bulletin boards of the indoor pools if they are looking for coaches.

Team Information Sheets: The last day to submit team changes for the handbook is April 8^th. Send changes to Mary Parker (mary_parker@hp.com).

Officials Certification: Peg Hincke had copies of currently certified officials. Anyone who was certified in 1997 will have to recertify this year as certification is good for 2 years. PVS certification in Stroke and Turn and Starter may be used for the MCSL. Send copies of your PVS certification to Peg Hincke.

Officials Clinics will be held as follows:

The 1999 Adv Clinic for Referees – Olney, Thursday, 5/27/99 at 7:30pm
Officials Clinic - Olney, Sunday, 6/6/99 at 9:00am
Officials Clinic - RMSC, Saturday, 6/12/99 at 9:00am
Officials Clinic - Kenmont, Wednesday, 6/16/99 6:30pm
Stroke & Turn Clinic - Potomac Woods, Tues, 6/22/99 6:30pm

Treasurer’s Report: Bill Ferguson had copies of the 1998 actual budget and the 1999 proposed budget which was approved by the representatives. He also had copies of each team’s dues, including All-Star fees from 1998. If a team wishes to purchase additional handbooks above the 30 which they receive automatically, the cost is $2 each. All fees must be paid by the May meeting in order to receive team supplies.

Rules Committee: Carol Nickel reminded the reps that the window for requesting to change teams is March 15^th through May 15^th. All requests will be reviewed at the end of this window.

A proposal was made to add a 2^nd heat to the 13-14 freestyle. The proposal was defeated. Carol reminded the reps that changes to the rules can be proposed at any time. The traditional time for submitting them is at the September meeting. The board reviews them in November and voting is done in April. The board will not bring up any changes which they do not recommend, but any representative is free to ask for a vote on any proposed rule change.

A proposal to extend the Relay Carnival window from June 27^th to July 11^th was approved. The extended date means that All-Star seedings will not be available for posting at the Coaches’ Long Course meet. The seedings will be available on the Web.

The proposed changes to the MCSL By-Laws were approved.

Adjournment and Next Meeting: The meeting was adjourned at 8:50pm. The next meeting will be April 8th, 1999 at 8:00pm in the Executive Office Building Cafeteria.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Parker

Secretary