The Robertson Association (TRA)

An Introduction

The Robertson Association (TRA) replaces the old and disassociated crews that ran the reunion prior to 1978.  The Old Timer's Reunion has grown to such proportions that some formal structure became necessary.  Eventually, a group consisting of prior OTR Chairs formed a governing board, known as the TRA Board.  The group of life-time Trustees now handle the financial problems, legal matters, organization, and various other invisible but necessary jobs so that the old and disassociated may party.  Each time a new OTR Chair is seated, the Board grows by one new member.  Likewise, as the group ages and changes, some Trustees drop out.  In addition to the life-term Trustees, the Board now also recognizes four Trustees who are elected by TRA members.  They serve two years each, with two of the positions being elected every year.  The combination of Trustees provides for history and continuity, as well as for change.

The Robertson Association

• Board of Trustees
• Committees
• TRA Elections
• Annual Grants
• TRA Awards

To comply with governmental regulation pertaining to not for profit organizations, all who attend OTR must be either TRA members or their personal guests.  All cavers, armchair or otherwise, are invited to join TRA.  Once you join, you are a member for life.  The fee is $10.00 and you receive an ID card that records the reunions attended.  Folks who attend 20 reunions or more, non-consecutively, are known as Coots (Certified Old Timer's).  Hang onto your card and bring it with you to each reunion in order to bypass any delay during registration.  Worn-out cards can be replaced.  Non-members who wish to join TRA are required to prove themselves qualified via existing or past membership in a TRA recognized organization; or in the NSS or one of it's internal organizations; or by other written proof to the TRA membership secretary.  You cannot join TRA during OTR. 

The TRA Board holds two official meetings per year.  Its business meeting is typically held in March.  The Board discusses its budget allocations, various committee reports, plans for the campground, and grant requests at this time.  The meeting is open to all TRA members.  You can find out about the date, time, and place for this meeting by attending the TRA Board meeting held during OTR or by checking the web site calendar.  The second TRA Board meeting is typically held at 10:00 a.m., on OTR Sunday, most often in or near the Registration Pavilion.  This meeting is also open to all TRA members.  At this time, the Board elects its officers, seats newly elected Trustees, and, every two years, elects the next OTR Chairman.  Also on Sunday, at 12:00 noon, the TRA Board hosts a meeting in the Main Pavilion, during which time TRA members may voice their opinions and concerns.