That Rule 17 (Safety) be altered so the Director of Maritime Safety is satisfied NZSSRA has a safety system that can be approved for the purposes of Maritime Safety Rule 91.4(2)(d) (exemption to carrying/wearing personal flotation devices).The Executive Officer speaks to the remit explaining NZSSRA has been in discussion with MaritimeNZ regarding obtaining recognition so NZSSRA's safety rules can be used as an exemption to the requirement for all boats to have enough personal floatation devices on board for everybody on board the boat. The exemption would be in force for all NZSSRA and NZSSRA sanctioned regattas and mean NZSSRA would not need to apply to other parties for an exemption every time a regatta is held. Maritime Safety has indicated they will not recognise NZSSRA's safety system while it has any requirements that are less than those in NZRA's safety system. The Executive Officer advises MaritimeNZ also expressed a preference for NZSSRA to use its affiliate status with NZRA and use NZRA's safety system if possible; discussions are underway with NZRA to find a way to make their safety system accessible to NZSSRA without imposing extra obligations on our members or pupils. The Executive Officer suggests the way forward is to bring NZSSRA's safety system up to the standard of NZRA's safety system in those few areas where it does not already meet or exceed that standard. KRI had asked to make a submission on this remit and they advise they are in favour of anything that reduces the differences between safety systems. The Executive Officer is asked what alteration to the safety Rule is required; he begins proposing the specific wording required to update NZSSRA's Rules 17 in 3 areas but there is a suggestion from the floor for the detail to be dealt with another time and the remit to be amended in a more general manner. The proposed amendment:
That the remit become: That Rule 17 (Safety) be amended to incorporate NZRA's safety system requirements where applicable.Amendment moved: The Executive seconded: Bethlehem College outcome: CARRIED
That the President be paid an annual honorarium ($500).An Executive Committee member speaks to this remit explaining the Executive Committee believes the President's contribution to the Association should be recognised by an honorarium, which would go some way to helping with out-of-pocket expenses associated with the role.
That a review of the annual membership subscription be carried out by the Executive every four years.An Executive Committee member speaks to the remit explaining it was determined during the review of the Executive Officer's honorarium that the annual subscription had not been reviewed for many years. Garry Carr-Smith, former Executive Officer, advises the subscription was last reviewed in the early 90s. The Executive Committee is concerned that, if the subscription is not regularly reviewed, members might be faced with a substantial rise in the future rather than incremental rises over time.
That the constitution be altered to include provisions for managing NZSSRA's trade marks (encompassing the traditional use of those marks by member schools).The Executive Officer advises NZSSRA has registered trade marks for "MAADI" and "MAADI CUP" in three different categories: events, sports equipment and clothing. Members from the Nelson/Marlborough region complain they were not consulted in the decision to register the trade marks. NZRA expresses disappointment that it did not gain ownership of the trade marks and asserts ownership of the Maadi Cup trophy. There is a lot of confusion about the nature of trade marks. The Executive Officers tries to explain the marks are not about the physical trophy that is awarded for the boys under-18 eights they are about the goodwill and value that is associated with the week-long event. It is pointed out from the floor that the trade marks are registered and the decision was taken by the Executive Committee, which members have appointed to represent them; the Executive Committee wants to enshrine some guidance for trade mark use in the constitution and this is what is being discussed. The Executive Officer advises the Honorary Solicitor has provided wording for a new definition in the constitution:
"NZSSRA's Marks" means any trade mark, name, logo, slogan or other sign (whether registered or not) of NZSSRA.And wording for a new clause 17 for the constitution:
17.1 Any member shall be entitled, on application in writing to NZSSRA, to a non-transferable, non-exclusive licence to use NZSSRA's Marks in connection with NZSSRA's regattas.Members discuss the wording and enquire about cost. The trade mark licences are to be royalty-free. There is considerable discussion about how trade marks will be managed; Members do not like the idea of needing to apply in writing to use them. The Executive Officer offers to consult with the Honorary Solicitor to determine whether the application process is necessary but the discussion moves on. There is a vigorous discussion about enforcement; members wanting to know whose job that is. The Executive Officer advises it is up to all members to keep a watch for breaches of the trade marks and, at regattas, it will be the host's responsibility too; particularly where merchandising is concerned. SIRI objects to the idea of any policing role. It is pointed out the purpose of the trademarks is not to stop schools using them but to prevent people selling items using the Maadi name. Members are unable to agree on the wording for altering the constitution. The proposed amendment to the remit with wording to alter the constitution lapses without a second. Members agree there is a need to add the trade marks to the constitution and pass the original remit.
That the right to merchandise licensed apparel at NZSSRA regattas be offered in the first instance to the Local Association of the region in which the regatta is being held, on such terms and conditions as are agreed between NZSSRA and the Local Association.Waikato/Bay of Plenty speak to their remit explaining the background to it: they currently have merchandising rights at Karapiro for Maadi, rely on those rights for income for the programmes they contribute to that support rowing in the region, and they are concerned about losing the merchandising. Waikato/Bay of Plenty explains it believes local associations should be able to benefit from the regattas held in their regions and it sees the remit as achieving that. Representatives from SIRI and KRI speak against the remit. SIRI explains they have existing merchandising arrangements for regattas at Lake Ruataniwha and these provide an important income stream for SIRI. KRI advises it has no interest in merchandising but it believes it should not be constrained to using a Local Association, so it can get the best income for the regatta. KRI also notes it exercises a preference for using school and rowing organisations to provide services at regattas where possible. Members voice concern that a Local Association should be able to benefit from this remit simply because they are favoured by geography. Members also a express a preference for any benefit from a regatta to go to all members rather than be restricted to one region.
That NZSSRA retain the right to control and approve fund raising activities undertaken by participating schools at venues hosting NZSSRA sanctioned regattas.Waikato/Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Rowing Association speak to their remit explaining they believe members should be able to carry out fund raising activities at regattas and NZSSRA is the appropriate body to manage those. SIRI and KRI representatives speak against the remit; SIRI state they require control of the venue, KRI notes the potential for conflict between members' sponsorship activities and official regatta merchandisers/concessions. KRI advises it is always receptive to requests by members and reasonable in granting them.
That the definition of "Championships" be amended to clarify the fact the North Island Secondary Schools Rowing Championships and the South Island Secondary Schools Rowing Championships are Championships regattas for the purposes of NZSSRA's Constitution, Rules and Regulations.Christchurch Girls High School speak to their remit explaining they were unhappy with way the SIRI had conducted the South Island School Champs, which was sanctioned by NZSSRA, and they believe if the regatta had been hosted for NZSSRA, like Maadi, and run using unaltered rules and regulations these problems would not have arisen. There was a discussion about composite crews and the way they were managed at the regatta. SIRI spoke against the remit expressing a desire to be able to innovate. In response to a question from the floor the Executive Officer affirmed the remit was desirable from an operational perspective particularly for the purposes of managing NZSSSC sanctioning. Members do not discuss the wording for altering the constitution.
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