PRE-CONFERENCE MEETINGS

The 1944 Conference of Basketball Coaches was the nearest to a conven-
tion we could have under government rulings. President Kelleher called
for a meeting of officers, directors and chairmen of committees. He sent out
an invitation to all member coaches who could be in New York City at that
time to meet with those summoned in a series of conferences extending from
Thursday, March 23, to Tuesday, March 28, inclusive.

The list of those attending some one or more of these conferences is
included in this report with short comment thereon. Also there is included
a list of those coaches who could not be present but who did send materials,
comments and greetings. All of these were an aid and encouragement.

On Thursday morning, President Kelleher held the first conference with
his official associates carrying on through lunch and throughout the afternoon.
These meetings were primarily for the purpose of setting up policies and
procedures to be followed in the enlarged conferences of the next two days.
The activities of the year past and projected activities of the year ahead were
discussed rather fully. The difficulties of carrying on with half the officer
personnel in service and a third of the membership also in service were care-
fully surveyed. It was decided to continue in as nearly a usual way as possi-
ble. It seemed imperative that the men in service should not, because of that,
lose their positions in officer progression in the Association. New chairmen
and members of committees might be appointed in order to keep activities on
the move. A general survey was made of the 1943-44 appointees and of the
available men for 1944-45 and lists set up from which to work. .

The matter of the Bulletin was seriously studied and discussed and some
suggestions made that seemed to have value.

The matter of dues was brought up and decision again given that one
payment for the “duration” was sufficient for civilian members and from
those in service no dues were desired.

The agenda decided upon followed, in general, the one sent to the mem-
bers — a copy of which is included.

Friday at 10.00 a.m. the meeting opened at the Belvedere Hotel for
registration, information and greeting of friends. One or two pieces of
basketball equipment were on exhibition.

The first full meeting opened at 2.30 p.m. on Friday. The reports of
that meeting and of succeeding ones are included herein and were made by
Howard A. Hobson who kindly consented to assist the harassed Secretary-
Treasurer who had too many duties ‘for one man to perform.

ORE LTE