Proposal for upgrade of segl ijs mini-system

In 2007, the member clubs of SEGL approved the purchase of a mini-system for the purpose of computerized live scoring of IJS events. The total cost of the equipment at that time was approximately $24,000 which was financed $8000 from the SEGL treasury and $16000 from shares purchased at $500 each from the member clubs. This system has been available to shareholder clubs and a nominal rental and to non-shareholder and non-member clubs at higher rental fees. In the eight years we have owned our mini-system, we have realized (net of insurance, repair, upgrades, etc.) $11,000 which has reimbursed the organization treasury as well as the largest shareholder. For purposes of comparison, an all-new system costs about $33000 today.

Our system was one of the first private systems within US Figure Skating and is similar to systems owned by Illinois Skating Council, a Texas interclub association, Twin Cities FSC. Lake Placid and Detroit Metro Council. Other than the original Detroit Metro Council system, ours may be the oldest among this group. Approximately 3 years ago, US Figure Skating introduced new video recording/review technology known as “Black Magic” and new judge touchscreens which work via Power Over Ethernet (500i.) US Figure Skating now has 3-9 of the “Black Magic” Systems available for rental at at least $1500 per use. Detroit Metro Council purchased a complete Black Magic with POE judge panels a couple of years ago and plans to replace its second system this year. Illinois Council also approved the purchase of a full replacement system (but had not placed its order as of last month.) I have been in touch with custodian of the Texas system and they are also considering an upgrade. And several Philadelphia area clubs have come together to purchase one of the newer systems. Last year, US Figure Skating introduced a second wave of newer judge, data, video replay panels (Modero.) Our video recording/playback technology is one generation out of date and our judge panels are on the verge of becoming two generations behind.

This proposal is to upgrade the video processor and technical panel replay screen as soon as practical in 2015. Provided that rental revenues remain consistent and support additional investment, we would consider an additional upgrade of the judge panels, data panel and video replay panels (POE-Modero) in 2016 or spread over 2016 and 2017.

Last season there were major changes from the ISU which make it more challenging to run IJS on paper. Smaller competitions are requesting equipment. We serviced at least 5 out of area rentals last year and attended a competition almost every weekend from mid-July through September. These additional out-of-area rentals, combined with small increases in our member rates, make it feasible to upgrade at this time without additional investment from our member clubs. The upgrades can be managed with association capital only.

Modero Panels, POE Switch plus cables – Referee plus 7 judges, video replay, data – total of 9 panels at $2000 each (these are actually less expensive per panel than our original CP-4 panels and less expensive than the 500is (first generation POE.) - $18,000 (perhaps 2016 or 2016 and 2017 but to be considered and approved by the membership at subsequent annual meeting/s.)

SEGL Association – it is anticipated that the association would front the cost of the first upgrade without requesting additional share investment from our member clubs, many of which have not been able to benefit directly from system rentals as a result of their ownership. The association should realize approximately $6000 from rental revenues plus $2000 from general operations and recoup most of this initial investment in 2015.

Shares – we are suggesting that Nashville reinvest $500 to $1000 of its previous investment and we are suggesting that member clubs who did not invest in the original purchase, be granted a limited time in which to purchase shares (either at the original price of $500 per share or at an increased price to be determined by the membership.)

Current rate - $50 per day for member clubs & $60 per day for non-member clubs (plus see below for additional rental based on shareholder, member, or non-member status) Non-refundable deposit is either $50 or $60 depending upon member status.

Proposed – eliminate distinction between members and non-members in the daily rental rate and use the additional rental to adjust for differences based upon status. Create a higher rental rate for clubs with large number if IJS starts (to better reflect wear & tear on the equipment and cost of consumables – toner, drum, disks used.)

$100 for the first day PLUS $60 per additional day for competitions with less than 50 IJS starts and $75 per day for competitions with 50 or more IJS starts. Note: recommending that even the SEGL competition pay this amount based on wear & tear and consumables, but not the additional fee based. Would continue to require first day’s rental as non-refundable deposit, but it would be $100 for all rentals. (NOTE that we have disparities both in member/non-member status as well as shareholder/non-shareholder status. This would eliminate one of those distinctions and would simplify pricing/contracts.)

Additional fee: no change at this time

Shareholder clubs plus SEGL competition host – 0

Non shareholder member clubs - $450

Non member clubs $700 (Exec Com/BOD may approve a lesser amount, e.g. based on few IJS starts, no conflicting reservation request from member clubs, non-prime time rentals or first year of automated scoring. We did that 3 times this past year and brought in an additional $1800 as a result of those rentals.)