TCE

Minutes of the Twenty-First General Assembly

Caracas, Venezuela, 9:00 am, Wednesday, 12 November 1997

It is the IPSC Executive Council’s intention that the General Assembly will be conducted in a businesslike and amicable manner. To this end, please note that, except where specifically permitted by the IPSC Constitution, motions will not be accepted from the floor of the meeting.

Administration

1) IPSC Secretary to present list of voting Regions and proxies held

Executive Council Present:
IPSC President      Mr. Nick Alexakos
IPSC Treasurer      Mr. Ren Henderson
IROA President      Mr. Dave Arnold

Regions Present:
Denmark Mr. Tim Anderson
Germany Mr. Friedrich Gepperth South Africa Mr. Denis Earp
Chile Mr. Adrian Soto Romo Philippines Mr. Chito Canteras
Spain Mr. Arturo Guinovart Greece Mr. Kostas Tasakos
N. Antilles Mr. Steve Geller Aruba Mr. Mirto Fernandes Pedra
Argentina Mr. Jorge Russo China Mr. Joe Yang
USA Mr. Andy Hollar Switzerland Mr. Mark Studer
Canada Mr. Bud Melless Bolivia Mr. Miguel Reznicek
Brazil Mr. Luiz Frota Indonesia Mr. Hendra Jaya
Hong Kong Mr. Vince Pinto Puerto Rico Mr. Luis Arias
Ecuador Mr. Victor Ferrero Mexico Mr. Antonio Caso
Uruguay Mr. Guillermo Jude Venezuela Mr. Claudio Santucci
Guatemala Mr. Carlos Olyslager Colombia Mr. Francisco Abusaid
Nicaragua Mr. Salvador Luna France Mr. Alain Joly

Voting Regions:
Argentina Czech Republic Israel Portugal
Australia Denmark Italy Slovakia
Austria Ecuador Monaco Slovenia
Barbados El Salvador N Antilles Sri Lanka
Belgium Finland Netherlands Trinidad
Bolivia France New Zealand USA
Brazil Germany Nicaragua United Kingdom
Cambodia Greece Panama Uruguay
Chile Guatemala Paraguay Venezuela
China Hong Kong Peru
Colombia Hungary Philippines

Voting by Proxy:
Australia El Salvador Monaco Slovenia
Austria Finland Netherlands Sri Lanka
Barbados France New Zealand Trinidad
Belgium Hungary Paraguay
Colombia Israel Peru
Czech Republic Italy Slovakia

The South African delegate asked to speak and gave reasons why he thought his Region should have a vote. The IPSC President thanked him for his comments, but stated that the IPSC Constitution would be followed. The South African delegate then asked for the strongest possible protest to be lodged, which was duly noted by the President.

Note: 40 voting Regions    19 present
21 proxies

2) IPSC President to appoint two tellers
Mr. Alain Joly (France)
Mr. Mark Studer (Switzerland)

3) IPSC President’s report
I think the best way to characterize last year, 1996, would be as an organizational year - last year we created projects and programs. This year, 1997, has been a working year - this year we implemented those plans and projects. It has been a lot of work for all of us, but we can see it paying off. In two years, membership is up by more than 16%, and the number of IPSC regions have increased 15%. These are impressive figures.

But, if there is only one criterion by which we should judge a shooting organization, then I say it should be "shooting". Thanks to the shooters, the officials, the match organizers, and the Regional Directors, we have seen more than 90 registered International Level III matches this year! This is an unprecedented increase which is probably in the order of 300%. Our matches are becoming bigger, better, more efficient, exciting, and overall well run safe events.

UKPSA
Bitterly, the day has come when all big-bore center-fire handguns in the United Kingdom must be turned into the government for destruction. This event in the UK shows us just how easily the forces of gun-control can explode.

We personally experienced the agony felt by the many UK shooters who traveled to the French National Championships for what would be their last international IPSC match with their own firearms. There were tears of disgust, of shame, and of anger. There was an outpouring of compassion with a standing ten minute ovation given them during the awards ceremony when all our hearts went out to the "Brits".

The spirit of the UKPSA is as strong as the English Bulldog. Members will continue shooting action type events with rifles and shotguns and they will have their own “flying squads” at all European Level III matches including the upcoming European Championships. Three cheers for the stalwart members of UKPSA!

Executive Council
Ladies and gentlemen, here is an underlying and undeniable fact in which we all must be aware. We either, "evolve or die", we either "grow or rot". I think most of you know, and I will say it here again, there is no question about the direction of this Executive Council. It is a pleasure working with the members of this Council, and on behalf of IPSC, I would like to thank them for their generous service and support.

President’s Council
I also wish to thank the members of the President’s Council for their invaluable assistance and contribution. Without their collective guidance and individual counsel, my job would be infinitely more difficult. No one could ask for a better team!

Promotion
Promotion and communications go hand-in-hand, and our communications this year have been the best ever. The Internet e-mail and the World Wide Web have been tremendous tools for IPSC. With the planned future improvements to our IPSC site, we will have an even larger presence. I would be remiss if I did not thank Mr. Ian Fachie for his tireless efforts as the IPSC webmaster. Also, I might add, that Ian was able to squeeze out some precious time and has brought us a new MSS (version 6.4). This new version will correctly handle the separation and scoring of Divisions. We are extremely grateful to Ian for his invaluable time and talent.

Future
There is no doubt that our long-term goals lie in our acceptance by the international sports community, and we are moving quite nicely in this direction. Within the next few months, we hope to meet with the President of UIT for discussions in areas of mutual concern and interest. As we said last year, "We are going to step into the international arena and promote IPSC shooting."

Agenda
As last year, we included "moved, seconded, carried, and denied" following each motion. This way, you will be able to easily keep notes and would have a virtually perfect set of minutes to take away with you.

I must again apologize for the size of this agenda. I was so hoping our Assemblies would start to become more of a gathering of friends where we could all look forward to seeing each other and to constructively deal with the business of the Confederation. We may get there yet... In the meantime, I want to especially thank you - the Regional Directors. You are the ladies and gentlemen that keep it all going, and I salute you.

DVC
Nick Alexakos
IPSC President

4) IROA President's report
Since our last assembly in Brasilia in 1996 the International Range Officers Association has had its most active year. Due to increased business commitments my available time this year was very limited, but in typical IROA fashion we were fortunate to have people step forward to assist in continuing operations.

IROA Administrator
One of our most important accomplishments was the appointment of Mr. Bud Melless or Toronto, Canada to serve as IROA Administrator. Mr. Melless has been recognized in Canada for his administrative skills and devotion to the shooting sports, and is now bringing that same organizational ability and enthusiasm to IROA operations. The process of reporting and tracking events and range officer match points has been streamlined, and responses to queries from IROA officials are being handled in a much more timely manner. I receive email responses and reports from Bud on virtually a daily basis and am kept appraised of anything requiring my attention. I look forward to Bud’s continued support and our excellent working relationship.

World Shoot Preparations
You’ll remember that our next World Shoot will be conducted in the Philippines in two years. I am pleased to report that initial preparations are well under way at this time. IROA Vice-President Peter Glenn has made several trips to the Philippines in the last year. In cooperation with the Philippine Regional Directorate several range officer seminars have been conducted and the region has hosted several large events during the past twelve months. Additionally, Peter has established working relationships with many municipal and governmental officials and is receiving excellent support. It is clear that both the local and national government is supportive and excited at the opportunity to host World Shoot XII. I quote from Peter’s latest report of 1st September 1997.

I would like to publicly thank Peter Glenn and the Philippine Region for their efforts and continuing enthusiasm. I believe it is safe to say that by the time we reach Cebu we will enjoy the benefit of unprecedented preparation and support, and certainly have the potential to realize the best World Shoot yet.

IROA Seminars
A committee has been established to review and evaluate the existing content of the IROA Level I and Level II seminars. As we continue to learn important lessons it is vital that the information is transmitted to others. Mr. Peter Glenn of Australia, Mr. Chepit Dulay of the Philippines, Mr. Bill Maund of the United States, and Mr. Ralph Wilhelm of Germany are lending their talents and experience to this important project. We look forward to the completion of their review and subsequent recommendations that will allow us to continue the presentation of quality training to officials.

Mr. Alexakos stated in his report that in 1997 we experienced a membership increase of 16% and a 15% increase in IPSC regions. As both of these factors increase so does the demand for IROA services. This year we have seen an increase in the number of officials requesting IROA certification. We are also finding that as new regions join our confederation they are quickly requesting assistance in the establishment of their own national program. During 1997 we have welcomed fifty-five new officials to the IROA ranks, with three more being processed at this time. This year IROA conducted seminars in the Philippines, Slovenia, Indonesia, France, Mexico and Venezuela. I have no doubt that 1998 will list even more locations.

Summary
Our President has stated that "we evolve or we die". It was nine years ago here in Caracas that the World Assembly issued the directive to establish the International Range Officers Association. Starting with a nucleus of five officials the organization has grown to now include over one hundred sixty members serving IPSC throughout the world. Nine years later I continue to stand in awe at the enthusiasm, talent and knowledge displayed by the IROA membership as they tackle difficult tasks on a daily basis, and look forward to the continued evolution of this outstanding group.

Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Arnold
IROA President

5) Introduction of, and brief report from, each Regional Director
Each Regional delegate gave a brief verbal report on the past year and future projects.

6) South Africa Motion
1. Motion:
That the minutes of the previous Assembly of Brasilia, Brazil, October 5, 1996 be amended to reflect the South African version of Section (V) Level IV and V competition schedules - 1999 World Shoot XII.
Moved: South Africa
Seconded: Guatemala
For: 1 Against: 35 Abstain: 4
Denied

7) Approval of the minutes of the Twentieth IPSC General Assembly
  2 Motion:
The minutes of the previous Assembly of Brasilia, Brazil, October 5, 1996 be accepted as mailed to the Regions subject to any amendments which may be carried under item 6 above.
Moved: Germany
Seconded: Denmark
For: 36 Against: 1 Abstain: 3
Carried

8) Belgium Motion
  3 Motion:
That the Assembly declares null and void Motion 3 of the 1996 Brasilia Assembly. (requires 2/3 vote)
Moved: Not moved
Seconded: Not seconded
Denied

9) Belgium Motion
4 Motion:
That the Assembly approves the 1995 IPSC Accounts as mailed to the Regions. (requires 2/3 vote)
Moved: Not moved
Seconded: Not seconded
Denied

10) Norway Motion
5 Motion:
The IPSC Executive is instructed to explain to the Assembly the events and decisions leading to the dismissal of royalties.
Moved: Not moved
Seconded: Not seconded
Denied

11) IPSC Treasurer’s Report, and approval of the previous year’s accounts
6 Motion:
The 1996 accounts be accepted as mailed to the Regions.
Moved: USA
Seconded: Bolivia
For: 38 Against: 0 Abstain: 2
Carried

12) South Africa Motion
7 Motion:
That the President of IPSC be severely censured for violating proper parliamentary procedure.
Moved: South Africa
Seconded: Not seconded
Denied

13) Belgium Motion
8 Motion:
Withdrawn by Belgium

14) Provisional acceptance of New Regions
9 Motion:
Dominican Republic be provisionally accepted for one year.
Moved: N. Antilles
Seconded: Argentina
For: 40 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

10 Motion:
Honduras be provisionally accepted for one year.
Moved: Argentina
Seconded: Brazil
For: 40 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

11 Motion:
Mexico be provisionally accepted for one year.
Moved: Brazil
Seconded: Argentina
For: 40 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

12 Motion:
Poland be provisionally accepted for one year.
Moved: Germany
Seconded: Argentina
For: 40 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

13 Motion:
Puerto Rico be provisionally accepted for one year.
Moved: N. Antilles
Seconded: Ecuador
For: 40 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

15) Final acceptance of New Regions
14 Motion:
Aruba be definitively accepted.
Moved: N. Antilles
Seconded: Argentina
For: 40 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

Note: 41 voting Regions      20 present
21 proxies

15 Motion:
Indonesia be definitively accepted.
Moved: Aruba
Seconded: Hong Kong
For: 41 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

Note: 42 voting Regions      21 present
21 proxies

16 Motion:
Jamaica be definitively accepted.
Moved: N. Antilles
Seconded: Argentina
For: 42 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

Note: 43 voting Regions      21 present
22 proxies

17 Motion:
Macao be definitively accepted.
Moved: Not moved
Seconded: Not seconded
Denied

Note: The Assembly welcomed the newly accepted Regions and wished them all the best of success. The IPSC Secretary informed the tellers of the additional voting regions.

16) Declaration of vacant Regions when more than ninety days in arrears
18 Motion:
Withdrawn by the Executive Council.

19 Motion:
Singapore be declared vacant if not in good standing by 31st December, 1997. (requires 3/4 vote)
Moved: Germany
Seconded: Aruba
For: 43 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

20 Motion:
Withdrawn by the Executive Council.

17) Election of the President.
21 Motion:
Election of the IPSC President.
Mr. Nick Alexakos was the only candidate. Belgium had withdrawn the nomination of Mr. Jean-Pierre Denis, and Mr. Denis had confirmed he was no longer a candidate.
A vote was taken by ballot.
For: 41 Against: 0 Abstain: 2
Mr. Nick Alexakos was duly re-elected as IPSC President.

18) Appointment of an auditor
22 Motion:
The chartered accounting firm of Beckett, Marshall, Reid Chartered Accountants be appointed as Auditors for financial year 1997.
Moved: Germany
Seconded: Argentina
For: 42 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Carried

Constitution

19) Constitutional amendments tabled from the Twentieth General Assembly
23 Motion:
The new wording of Section 9.1 of the Constitution be approved.
9.1 A motion to amend the Constitution must be notified to the President in writing not less than nine months prior to the meeting of a World Championship Assembly, whereupon not less than ninety days prior to the meeting of the Assembly, notification of all motions for amendment will be included in the provisional agenda for the Assembly and circulated to all Regional Directorates by the President. Proposed constitutional amendments at a non-World Championship Assembly would require nine months notice and a two-thirds majority vote in favor of discussing the amendments prior to the discussion and subsequent vote on the amendments taken place.
Moved: USA
Seconded: Argentina
For: 42 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Carried

20) IPSC Limited
24 Motion:
Delete the existing Section 10.12 of the Constitution and replace with the following:
10.12 In order to develop, promote and manage the commercial interests of IPSC set out below, the Executive Council is authorized to set up a limited company known as International Practical Shooting Confederation Limited (IPSC Ltd) registered in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

All issued shares of IPSC Ltd must be owned by the Confederation and only Executive Council members may be directors.

The financial year of IPSC Ltd shall be the first of January to the thirty-first of December, and the accounts of the company will be balanced to that date.

Annually, within sixty days after the end of the financial year, the books and accounts will be audited by the IPSC auditor appointed by the Assembly.

The audited accounts of IPSC Ltd shall be annexed to the audited accounts of the Confederation when circulated to the Regional Directorates.

The commercial interests referred to above are:- Merchandise Sales, Royalties, Level IV and V Match Agreements, together with other fund raising activities excluding affiliation base and capitation fees.

Moved: Germany
Seconded: USA
For: 42 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Carried

21) Other Constitutional amendments
25 Motion:
New wording of Sections 6.5 and 6.6 of the Constitution be approved.
6.5 The President shall appoint the President and Vice-President of I.R.O.A. who shall sit on the Executive Council with voting rights.

6.6 In the event of a tie, the Chairman of the Executive Council shall have a second and casting vote.

Moved: Ecuador
Seconded: Hong Kong
For: 42 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Carried

26 Motion:
New Section 8.20 of the Constitution be approved.
8.20 Notwithstanding any other term of the Constitution, whenever a vote is called for on a motion to decide on the venue for a Level IV Continental competition, only those Regions which are:- (a) eligible to vote under Section 8.2, and (b) included in a current list of Regions assigned to the particular continent issued by the IPSC President, shall be eligible to vote.
Moved: Brazil
Seconded: Denmark
For: 43 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

27 Motion:
New wording of Section 9.2 of the Constitution be approved.
9.2 Motions for amendment of the Constitution must be carried by a majority of two-thirds in the Assembly, and such amendments shall come into effect on the first of January immediately following the Assembly.
Moved: Germany
Seconded: USA
For: 43 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

22) IPSC application to the International Olympic Committee
28 Motion:
That this Assembly instructs the Executive Council to continue the International Olympic Committee application process and make a formal request for recognition.
Moved: Denmark
Seconded: Germany
For: 41 Against: 0 Abstain: 2
Carried

23) Transfer of IPSC affiliation to the Hellenic Shooting Federation
29 Motion:
That the IPSC affiliation for Greece be transferred to the Hellenic Shooting Federation. (requires 3/4 vote)
Moved: Germany
Seconded: Brazil
After a lengthy debate the USA delegate made a Motion to Call the Question. (requires 2/3 vote)
For: 20 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
The USA delegate requested that the voting on Motion 29 be by ballot.
For: 37 Against: 2 Abstain: 4
Carried

Note: Mr. Markos Tzoumaras then took over as the voting delegate for IPSC Greece.

Rules

24) Course of Fire Committee report
Mr. Alain Joly (FRA) Mr. Peter Glenn (AUS)
Mr. Dino Evangelinos (CAN)
Mr. Dino Evangelinos gave the Committee’s report, and responded to delegates’ questions.

Mr. Alexakos announced that Mr. Dave Arnold, the current IROA President, would be assuming the position of IROA Chairman. Mr. Arnold thanked the President and announced that his successor as IROA President would be Mr. Dino Evangelinos.

25) South Africa Motion
  30 Motion:
That this Assembly re-affirm its commitment to the practicality of practical shooting.
Moved: South Africa
Seconded: Not seconded
Denied

26) Norway Motion
  31 Motion:
Motion 43 at the Brazil General Assembly 1996. All future Level IV and V Championship Matches be conducted in accordance with a written agreement between the host region and IPSC. This motion be put forward again in accordance with constitution 8.10. (Requires 2/3 vote)
Moved: Not moved
Seconded: Not seconded
Denied

27) Rules Committee report
Mr. Vince Pinto (HKG) Mr. John Amidon (USA)
Mr. Miguel Reznicek (BOL) Mr. Gauthier Sallet (FRA)
Mr. Vince Pinto gave the Committee’s report, and asked for input from all Regions.

28) Rifle and Shotgun Committee report
Mr. Tim Andersen (DEN)
Mr. Peter Glenn (AUS)
Mr. Tim Andersen gave the Committee’s report.

29) Range Officer Seminar Committee report
Mr. Chepit Dulay (PHI) Mr. Ralph Wilhelm (GER)
Mr. Bill Maund (USA) Mr. Peter Glenn (AUS)
Mr. Alexakos gave the Committee’s report.

30) Match Scoring System (MSS) report
Mr. Alexakos announced the new version MSS 6.4 will be available within a week or two after the match.

Competitions

31) American Handgunner Postal Match.
32 Motion:
The Assembly wishes to thank the American Handgunner Magazine for it’s 1997 coverage of the International Postal match and respectfully requests continued coverage for the year 1998.
Moved: Brazil
Seconded: Guatemala
For: 43 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

32) Level IV and V competition schedules.
Last Assembly we put forward a proper schedule for bidding on Level IV and V matches. The schedule will allow each future Level IV and V match bid for in the year of that match.
-1998
AustralAsia Championships - confirmed
Country: Australia
City: Melbourne
Dates: April 10 - 13
North American Championships - confirmed
Country: USA
City: Quincey, Illinois
Month: June 30 - 4
Euopean Championships - confirmed
Country: Greece
City: Island of Crete
Month: September 6 - 12
33 Motion:
The 1998 European Championships be held in the Region to be determined by vote of this Assembly. (European Regions only vote)
Moved: Germany
Seconded: Denmark
For: 15 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried
Region: Greece
-1999
World Shoot XII - confirmed
Country: Philippines
City: Cebu
Month: October 31 - 6
-2000
African Championship - to be confirmed
34 Motion:
The 2000 African Championships be held in the region to be determined by vote of this Assembly.
Withdrawn as no Region had put in a bid for the match.
The South African delegate informed the Assembly that either South Africa or Zimbabwe would submit a bid for this match to be held in March.

Note: The IPSC President announced that Mr. Doug Lewis (CAN) had replaced Mr. Alain Joly as Teller. Mr. Joly had to catch an early return flight.

Latin American Championships - to be confirmed
35 Motion:
The 2000 Latin American Championships be held in the region to be determined by vote of this Assembly. (Latin American Regions only vote)
Moved: Brazil
Seconded: Argentina
For: 13 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried
Ecuador and Uruguay submitted a bid to hold this match. The vote was by ballot.
Ecuador: 5 Uruguay: 10
Region: Uruguay

General

33) World Forum of Sports Shooting Activities report.
36. Motion:
That the Executive Council through the IPSC President continue the involvement with the World Forum of Sports Shooting Activities.
Moved: Greece
Seconded: Germany
For: 42 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Carried

34) Date and place of next IPSC General Assembly.
37. Motion:
That the 1998 IPSC General Assembly be held in conjunction with the European Championships.
Moved: Uruguay
Seconded: Denmark
For: 43 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

Any Other Business

35) Non-binding proposed actions for Assembly discussion and direction.

The Executive Council wished direction and discussion on the composition of the IPSC areas by region. Following was the feeling of the meeting:

North America
Barbados
Canada
Dominican Republic
Jamaica
Trinidad
USA
 		Latin America
Argentina
Aruba
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Mexico
N. Antilles
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Puerto Rico
Uruguay
Venezuela
 		Europe
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Israel
Italy
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
 		AustralAsia
Australia
Cambodia
China
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Malaysia
New Zealand
P. New Guinea
Philippines
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Thailand

IPSC Belgium
37A. Motion: A non-binding motion for the consideration of the Assembly.
That if the matter of the refunds to Greek shooters has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the IPSC Executive Council by the 31st December 1997, this Assembly instructs the Executive Council to suspend the affiliation of IPSC Belgium according to Section 5.9 of the IPSC Constitution.
Moved: Germany
Seconded: Greece
For: 21 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

IPSC Sweden
37B. Motion: A non-binding motion for the consideration of the Assembly.
That if the matter of the refunds to Greek shooters has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the IPSC Executive Council by the 31st December 1997, this Assembly instructs the Executive Council to suspend the affiliation of IPSC Sweden according to Section 5.9 of the IPSC Constitution.
Moved: Greece
Seconded: Argentina
For: 21 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

IPSC Honorary Life President
37C. Motion: A non-binding motion for the consideration of the Assembly.
That in view of the recent circulars sent out by the Honorary Life President to Regional Directors and others, this Assembly is of the opinion that the titles of Honorary Life President and Honorary Life Member of the Executive Council awarded at the 1995 Assembly be withdrawn from Mr. JP Denis.
Moved: Germany
Seconded: USA
For: 21 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

36) Adjournment
38. Motion:
That the 1997 IPSC General Assembly be adjourned.
Moved: Ecuador
Seconded: Brazil
For: 43 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carried

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Last updated November 29, 1997

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