HTC Race Director’s Meeting – 28 October 2004

Board Members Present: David Purinton (President), Dick Franklin (VP-Races & Equipment), Ashley Cain (VP-Programs), Kathy Youngren (Treasurer), Anne Park (Secretary), Jim Oaks (Appointed Member—Cotton Row Director), Craig Armstrong (Appointed Member-Past Officer)

Board members absent: Harold Tinsley (VP-Communications), Malcolm Gillis (Appointed Member—Rocket City Marathon Director). 

An additional 36 Huntsville Track Club Members were present at the Lodge on Monte Sano with dinner being served at 6:45 p.m.  This meeting was held to honor the HTC Race Directors in appreciation for their efforts toward providing excellent quality races for the Huntsville Track Club.

At 7:30 David Purinton took the floor, thanking the race directors for all they do for the Huntsville Track Club, with a special "thank you" to Beth Edwards who is stepping down as director of the Winter Winds Races after 19 years.  The Race Directors were reminded that financial reports are due thirty days after the race, and David will email each director an updated financial form for their convenience in documenting their race funds.  Signs are now available to place in neighborhoods to notify of an upcoming race.  Race Directors were also reminded that race entry forms need to be run past at least one board member before they are sent out.

David has compiled information from all HTC races regarding number of runners in each age group and will send each director that information via spreadsheet to assist them in deciding whether to add an age group or to change the award structure for their race.  Each director is advised to recheck his race each year to adjust his awards according to age group trends.  Also, the group which recently met to examine key areas where we could improve our club and races has recommended that we form a committee to help our race directors particularly with volunteerism and sponsorship.  David asked each director to come up with some ideas and suggestions as to anything such a committee could do to help them with their race.

The meeting was turned over to Jim Oaks who again expressed appreciation to the Race Directors for all their efforts.  He particularly thanked Harold Tinsley for his many years of service to the club, his consistent publication of the HTC Newsletter, and most recently his invaluable help regarding the RRCA/AARC proceedings. Jim and Carl Smith recently attended the Race Directors' Meeting in Florida and found that many attendees were well aware of our club due to Harold's untiring contributions to the cause of running throughout the years.  Jim then gave a brief description of the workings of RunScore and the operation of the race finish line, setting up a best-case scenario which allowed everyone to participate in a hands-on demonstration.  Jim will be setting up some small group training sessions for all who are interested.

 A couple of reminders: The Annual Awards Banquet will be held on Monday, November 15 at the Monte Sano Lodge; and we need to each be alert to possibilities for a new Marathon sponsor.

Ashley Cain and David Purinton were each thanked for their efforts resulting in an enjoyable and informative evening and a well-run club.  The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.