Minutes of the Australian B.A.S.E. Association
Annual General Meeting


Held in the upstairs hall of the Glebe Town Hall on the 31st of January 2000.
______________________________________________

The meeting commenced at 9pm and was chaired by Ken Miller.
---------------------------------------------

1999

Dwain Weston spoke of B.A.S.E. activity both in Australia and overseas over the last year. Points covered included:[ol]

[li]Daniel Twomey

[li]Dennis McGlynn

[li]the importance of the use of safety equipment.

[/ol]

-------------------------------------------------

Dennis McGlynn

Dennis McGlynn's situation was discussed at length and it was unanimously decided that in honour of Dennis' dedication to the U.S. cause that another "Dennis McGlynn Fund Raising Night" will be held on the Second Saturday in March.

All proceeds will go directly to Dennis to offset personal costs in taking the course of action he did for the benefit of ALL jumpers that may one day want to jump in the U.S.A.

Motion:

That a second "Dennis McGlynn Fundraiser be held in March 2000."

Motioned: Dwain Weston Seconded: Garry Cunningham Carried

ACTION: Ken Miller

------------------------------------------------

Grading System

Discussion took place of the merits of implementing a grading system to enhance safety.

Several models were discussed and it was agreed that a single number system be trialled whilst keeping a watchful eye on any developments with the U.S. multi numbered system.

A proposed single number system was presented by Dwain Weston and is available at http://www.nettrek.com.au/~miller28/dwgrading.html

Motion:

That a draft single number grading system be trialled for 12 months.

Motioned: Feral Seconded: Nick Carroll Carried

-----------------------------------------------

Media Contact
[ol]

[li]Print Media

Aspects of dealing with the Media were discussed especially in regard to damage control in regard to the sensationalism of any carnage photos, footage and reports whether Australian or not.

1999 was a bad year for print media reporting in Australia especially in regard to the blatantly false reporting of the "Daniel" incident by reporters such as Sarah Harris ( 9288 3346 ) of the Sunday Telegraph.

[li]Footage

Recent sales of video footage to overseas television shows has highlighted the need for jumpers and ground crew camera operators to protect their copyright.

Share footage at your own risk!

If in doubt contact the Secretary re: release forms etc.

[li]Production Companies

Another problem discussed was the increased interest from production companies wishing to film jumpers. The major problems being getting paid an amount comensurate with the level of dificulty of the jump and being asked to do illegal jumps.
[/ol]
To avoid any difficulties in this area, again, please contact the Secretary.

It was motioned that media enquiries from areas that may be directed to the Secretary of the A.B.A., Ken Miller.

Motion:

That media and release form enquires be directed to the Secretary.

Motioned: Femke Kaag Seconded: Rune Petersen Carried

ACTION: Secretary; Ken Miller

-----------------------------------------------

Getting into B.A.S.E.

Various methods were discussed regarding the selection and vetting of prospective B.A.S.E. jumpers for the reason of enhancing safety.

A proposed pre-requisite list was presented by Dwain Weston and is available at http://www.nettrek.com.au/~miller28/prerequisite.html

It was decided that a list of pre-requistes be adopted for a trial period and then be reviewed.

Motion:

That a draft pre-requisite list of objectives be adopted for a trial of 12 months.

Motioned: Tom Begic Seconded: Matt Simmonds Carried

-------------------------------------------------

B.A.S.E. Instructor Ratings

Various methods were discussed regarding the selection and vetting of prospective B.A.S.E. Instructors for the reason of enhancing safety.

It was decided that a list of Instructor Pre-Requistes be drafted and reviewed before being adopted.

Motion:


That a B.A.S.E. Instructor Draft Pre-Requisite list be drafted.

Motioned: Tom Begic Seconded: Jimmy Freeman Carried

ACTION: President and Director of Safety and Operations.

------------------------------------------------

New Committee Position

A proposed new committee position was discussed given the need to implement the grading and rating systems again with the major aim of enhancing safety.

Motion:

That a new committee position called "Director of Safety and Operations" be formed.

Motioned: Geoff Ollis Seconded: Phil Devlin Carried
------------------------------------------------

Elections
[ul]
[li]President = Dwain Weston
[li]Vice President = Rune Petersen
[li]Secretary = Ken Miller
[li]Director of Safety and Operations = Tom Begic
[li]New South Wales Rep = Dwain Weston
[li]Victorian Rep = Alan Moss
[li]Queensland Rep = Nick Gatti
[li]Western Australia Rep = Grant Rushby
[li]Webmaster = Ken Miller
[/ul]

----------------------------------------------

Having no further business the Meeting was closed at 10:30 pm.

-----------------------------------------------