Non-residents on Broadlands swim team

But I do not try to play a role other than that of who I am.

 

Now who's trying to be "Miss Manners"?? Project much? Let's get back on topic shall we?

 

Here is the language written in the team by-laws about non-residents. It is crystal clear:

• Nonresident Swim Team Members: Families or Athletes who do not reside in Broadlands but are eligible to participate in the Broadlands Piranhas Swim Team by being an active member of the Swim Team's coaching staff, the child of a member of the coaching staff or by having a valid Broadlands Pool Membership, provided by the HOA. These members are eligible to participate in all swim team activities, except those outlined here, and are responsible for keeping in good standing as defined by the Parent Handbook. Nonresident members may not participate in elections of the swim team board nor act as a member of the swim team board. Registration for Nonresident Members will be held after the close of the Broadlands general Swim Team registration and for registration purposes a Nonresident Member will not be considered a returning family. Each year the Swim Team Board will review the swim team registrations and pool usage to decide whether to offer Nonresident status to families who are granted pool membership to the Broadlands Pools by the Broadlands HOA. Nonresident status will always be granted to the coaching staff or the children of a coach.

Below is language which last year's swim team board wanted to include in revised by-laws. I don't believe they obtained HOA approval for making non-resident status more liberal. The HOA can verify if this is correct or not.

If approved by the HOA, Nonresident Swim Team Members may include athletes who do not reside in the Broadlands but are eligible to participate on the Piranhas Team by paying the approved Nonresident Swim Team membership fee, while not obtaining a pool membership. The Nonresident swim team member who does not obtain a pool membership will pay an increased cost to account for pool time.

The by-laws state that non-residents need to obtain pool passes from the HOA before they can register for the swim team. But (I assume) outside pool passes have not been distributed this year. So non-residents are not yet allowed to register. Why should there be any confusion about this? It's written in black and white.

The intention has always been that residents get first priority, and non-residents are admitted to the team only if there are spots available after residents have registered. This is a community program. Two years ago the swim team membership had to approve/vote for the by-law (the first one stated above) allowing non-residents to join. The by-law language was specifically written in such a way as to make it clear that residents would always have first priority.

So why the problems this year? Even if mistakes were made in allowing non-residents to register prematurely, the burden is on the CSL team leaders to remedy the situation, because they are obligated to uphold the by-laws. None of this is opinion or speculation. It is fact.

 

Believe me, it's not about $$$$$$$$$$$$$$, the swim team does not get charged hardly anything in the grand scheme of things. They make out good with the use of the Community pools. If you were to to factor in the normal use of the pools and the wear and tare, it may cost the HOA more than what the team get charged, but that is money well spent if it going to RESIDENT members on the team.

 

I was present during the HOA meetings, what I stated was a first hand account, I stated facts of Kurt's own words during the meeting, nothing malicious.

I don't have a dog in this hunt, as my child is 20mos old and is way too young to join either swimteam, but I was shocked with CSL's leadership (not the HOA's leadership) & putting non-residents ahead of Broadlands residents.

My statements are fact, not opinion from someone who sat with in feet of Kurt during last week's HOA meeting.

 

I didn't think so when I made the $$$ a few posts back. But I think with any special exception, whether a resident or not, there should be a nominal fee charged to offset the maintenance costs - not to mention the inconvenience to other residents who cannot use the facilities due to the swim meets.

 

THe swim teams do not pay anything to the HOA for use of the pools.

 

Post is for CSL Board

The CSL Board is always available and open to questions and comments concerning the operation of the Piranhas’ swim team. Moreover, as a volunteer organization, the board encourages members to join the board to make their ideas available in an effort to continue the success of the program. It has been the practice of the team and board to survey the membership and send emails to elicit input and request participation on the board. We hope anyone reading this post, would consider joining the board. We always strive to provide the best swim team experience possible and as volunteers, dedicate our personal time to helping achieve these objectives.

It has been brought to the attention of the board that posts have been submitted from people who are less than satisfied in the way the swim team is being operated. Unfortunately, the board has not been contacted by anyone. These views have been expressed via the forum, versus calling the board, or contributing to a board meeting. Candidly, the board is disappointed to read these unattributable posts. Collectively, we all want what is best for the kids. As volunteers, we encourage participation and reiterate that all swim team board meetings are open to anyone. We welcome constructive input and find that these posts are frankly incorrect or in the very least, counterproductive. We would appreciate all comments, questions, and ideas be directed to the board members via a board meeting, email, or phone call.

This will be our first and only comment on the Broadlands forum.

Thank you in advance for maintaining an open mind and carefully reviewing your experiences with the swim team.

CSL Board

 

"This will be our first and only comment on the Broadlands forum."

Glad to hear the board is so open to questions and comments there CSL B... err chiliburners or whoever you say you are. Frankly, I don't buy this was written by the CSL Board. Why would they be so secret and hide behind a basically anonymous name? You could at least provide some contact information for everyone, and when/where your board meetings are with your post.

 

Is there a place that has the dates and time of board meetings? And also a list of those that serve on the board?

 

Here's a link to both boards' names and contact info;

http://broadlandsswimteam.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=147&Itemid=101

 

Yes, this message was created by the CSL board. Our board member was instructed to use his own account instead of creating a new one for this purpose. The contact information for all board members is on the swim team site. Thanks your interest.

 

Cliff, Staci and Eric frequently post on these forums to address Broadlands residents concerns. They answer questions and provide information using this venue. If the CSL Board feels that there have been incorrect statements made they could post their corrections here. If indeed non-residents are not in fact on the team ahead of residents then that would be a very important point to correct.

The swim team by-laws state that in order to attend a swim board meeting a resident must give advance notice and get prior approval from the board. In years past, board meetings were closed. If this has changed, then great--let us know when and where the meetings are so that people may attend.

Is there an open spot on the CSL board? If so, we should advertise that so that someone can indeed help out if they would like. Also, are there any committee chair positions? Any training sessions? If you would like people to help out, let them know what is available and what training they would need. I've not seen any email or information sent out by the CSL board seeking any of the above.

 

I for one do not think they or any "official" organization or committee in this community should use this avenue to discuss internal issues. It is then subjected to outside eyes and opinions.

Simple, easy to answer type of queries, sure.

 

Well, that's your opinion. They discussed these exact issues at the HOA board meeting, which is open to the public and subjected to the same outside eyes and opinions. Now if they don't want to discuss them here, that of course is their right. We will discuss them here, and thats our right.

 

Like yours?

The issues being discussed are not secrets. The registration process should be totally transparent. Since the matter was brought before the HOA there was obviously a need for intervention, an exception to the normal guidelines. It impacts residents, thus they have a right to know.

It's a fact of life that elected officials are going to be scrutinized if it appears that something is amiss. Again, transparency is the key. Do things by the book, be prepared for some investigation. If CSL does not operate this way, they are creating problems for themselves.

If the CSL board does not want to address these issues on this forum, then they should hold a meeting open to all members to explain what is going on and seek input. Let's see what the CSL team members think of their leaders' actions.

 

All I am basically saying is that the CSL and ODSL do not need to answer questions on these forums. In board meetings, most certainly.

 

Agreed. Yet last summer when there were major changes being put forth by the combined CSL/ODSL board to restructure the teams and revise the by-laws, there was no such meeting. A thread was started to bring light to the changes, the board members would not respond, a poster suggested a meeting open to the membership, and still there was no such meeting.

This suggests a lack of transparency and a lack of inclusion. Not the best approach for a community, volunteer-run organization.

 

I agree. Being a Southern Walk resident I am familiar with a board that keeps its' members at a distance.

Not sure how often there are elections (if at all?), but that is where members can hopefully make their voices heard.