Building a Better Board cont.
Sample bylaws for district boards of directors now are available on the ACBL web site. Board of Governors Chair Linda Mamula and ACBL administrator Jim Miller will conduct a seminar for unit and district board members Monday, March 12, during the St. Louis NABC. It’s very important for board members to be up to date with legal responsibilities. For example, in 2006 Congress passed legislation that affects IRS reporting requirements. Beginning in 2008 (for the 2007 tax year), even districts and units that have less than $25,000 in gross annual receipts will be required to file annually with the IRS, or face automatic revocation of their tax-exempt status. Get the facts in St. Louis, and keep the IRS away from your organization's front door. There is a $25 fee to cover costs for the program. Please pre-register with Jim Miller.
Make Disciplined Decisions
Make sure you’re also up to date with the ACBL’s Code of Disciplinary Regulations to ensure that your actions are consistent with current policies. The web site includes sample letters and forms and new Frequently Asked Questions. Our Charts, Rules and Regulations section also includes recorder information, conditions of contest and an appeals handbook. Questions? Contact ACBL staffers Gary Blaiss or Rena Hetzer.
Tournaments R Us
Need pointers for a successful tournament? Be sure to check out the Tournament Section for the tournament planning guide, publicity resources and more.
Making a List?
A new electronic membership roster service is available on MyACBL to those coded in our database as unit and district officials and club managers. Officials may request the roster for a particular area, and the roster will be sent automatically via e-mail, free of charge. The ACBL will continue to charge for rosters and lists that require special handling.
And the Winner Is…
Mini McKenney Medallions for 2006 now are available. Click here to order. Note that effective Jan. 1, 2006 the Mini McKenney Race winners are determined by the player’s masterpoint holding at the start of the year, not by the designated rank. We send press releases for ACBL-wide winners. Here’s a Sample Press Release you can use for your unit winners. Race results are announced in February. Our Masterpoint Race even includes races by district and top points for sectional tournament winners.
Time to TAP
The ACBL Teacher Accreditation Program has been updated for 2007 to conform to the updated ACBL Bridge Series texts. Your teachers will want to participate in the new TAP to familiarize themselves with the revised materials. A test TAP will be held in Houston Feb. 4 and 5, with the first official TAP at the St. Louis NABC March 8 and 9. After the NABC, we would like to schedule other regional TAPs to accommodate our teachers. Previously accredited teachers can take the course for free. Please contact Dana Norton if you are interested in working with us to schedule a program in your area.
OfficeMax Is Back!
And better than ever. ACBL members receive 5 to 50% on all printing services or office supply needs and 15% or more on copying services. Just print the flyer and use the card at any OfficeMax. Instructions are on the flyer.