REGULAR MEETING - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

October 20, 2005

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association, Inc., was called to order by President Denise Edwards at the Sheraton Richmond West at 7:30 pm. Board members present were:

Denise Edwards President
Ray Greenberg Vice President
Roger Underhill Secretary
Jim Bonfils Treasurer
Bob Maynes North Recreational Commissioner
Bill Golden North Recreational Commissioner
Ron Bedwell Central Recreational Commissioner
Ken Halloway Southeast Recreational Commissioner
John Singleton West Recreational Commissioner
Debi Honaker Boys North Travel Commissioner
John Singleton Boys West Travel Commissioner

Board Members Tom Gross, Monica Hall, Anne Thompson, and Jane Orem were excused. Also present were Julie Caramanica (VYSA Administrator) and Gordon Miller (VYSA Technical Director).

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS BOARD MINUTES
A motion was made and seconded to approve the September 21, 2005, Board meeting minutes. The minutes were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer’s Report (Attachment A) was distributed. This report includes both the preliminary 2004-2005 year end report and the September 2005 monthly report. Treasurer Jim Bonfils noted that the net income is high due to the Region I Championships. The ODP budget was within $500 of its forecast. In September, $400,000 was moved into an investment account earning a higher rate of interest. A motion was made and seconded to sweep all but $400,000 of the operating account into the investment account. A request was made to have a 12-month cash-flow statement prepared. The motion was approved.

STATE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
The State Administrator’s Report (Attachment B) was distributed. State Administrator Julie Caramanica reported Airlie House must have the number of Board attendees for the retreat.

The State Office received a request for assistance in advertising a power wheelchair soccer event. It will be posted on the website.

Many clubs have not paid their registration fees. Recreational Commissioners were asked to contact all clubs in their jurisdiction to remind them that fees must be paid by November 1^st, or they will be placed in bad standing. The State Office will also send out reminders. Registration data is due November 1^st.

Three Board and Committee members have not yet submitted their Confidentiality Policy and Conflict of Interest forms. Those Board members were asked to complete submit them before the end of the meeting.

The VYSA Workshop will be held February 3-4, 2006, at the Richmond Center. This is VYSA’s 20^th Workshop and a special gift will be given at the Luncheon to honor the anniversary. Julie will submit a request for a budget increase for the Workshop to allow for additional expenses.

The Touchline has been sent to the printer and should be mailed next week. The next Touchline will be sent to print in late December. The deadline for submission of articles for that issue is December 20^th.

TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT REPORT
Technical Director Gordon Miller reported that there are few Coaching Education courses scheduled before the end of the year. He distributed a schedule (Attachment C) of the ODP Inter-District play being held the weekends of November 19-20 at Cosby Park in Richmond and December 3-4 at Courthouse Park in Ashland.

The Board went into Executive Session to approve the list of the 2005-2006 VYSA ODP State Coaching Staff. When the Board returned from Executive Session a list of approved State Staff coaches (Attachment D) was presented. It was noted that the coaches represent all districts in the state. Gordon was asked if any coaches were placed in the same age groups they coached at the club and league levels. He reported not to his knowledge.

Gordon explained that parents meetings are held throughout the ODP program so that parents new to the program can learn about the program’s expectations, philosophies, and training priorities.

SELECTION OF COACHES OF THE YEAR
The Board went into Executive Session. When they returned, it was announced that Alan Liotta had been selected as VYSA Boys Coach of the Year and Lula Bauer had been selected as VYSA Girls Coach of the Year.

SMALL SIDED PLAY FOR STATE CUP
North Recreation Commissioner Bob Maynes asked VYSA Board members to consider following National recommendations by only holding 8v8 competition in the U12 State Cup. Currently VYSA U12 teams will have the option to play either 8v8 or 11v11. Bob felt it is the Boards responsibility to further the recommendations of the national technical advisors.

Technical Director Gordon Miller spoke in favor of the 8v8 format. He noted that time on task numbers show the time each player has with the ball is reduced in the 11v11 format. He asked VYSA consider whether we have created the right game for our players by including pressure at higher competition. The small sided format is better for technical and emotional development.

Many agreed with the smaller sided format, but were not sure if that is the best way to accomplish it with competition from other organizations. Board members noted that implementing the 8v8 format along with the 11v11 format would be a transition to the small sided format. Still others agreed with continuing to allow both to give our teams a choice.

Suggestions were made to discuss the issue further at the retreat in January, to educate the soccer community at the Workshop and throughout the year, and to prepare training opportunities. It was suggested the topic be further discussed at the meeting in November when the State Cup Director would be present. Board members were asked to talk with the clubs and leagues in their jurisdictions to find out what their reaction is to this topic.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Denise Edwards reported that after discussion regarding the Task Force report, all Region I State Associations were in favor of remaining with the Federation. Regions 3 and 4 were also in favor of remaining with the Federation. A motion was made and seconded that VYSA remain as a member of the Federation. The motion was approved by unanimous vote.

In looking to put forth a positive agenda, Board members were asked to submit three items each on what they expect from US Youth Soccer that can effect VYSA and our members through the grass roots. Each Board member should submit those items to the Administrator to be compiled for the President to present to US Youth Soccer.

GOOD OF THE GAME
Bob Maynes reported that a Recreation Committee meeting will be held in Houston to discuss what US Youth Soccer should be doing within the rec environment. He will present ideas to the Committee from anyone who is not able to attend.

Julie will contact the Richmond Strikers to let them know that VYSA no longer charges a tournament fee, which was the reason the club gave for not sanctioning the Jefferson Cup with VYSA last year. Sanctioning through VYSA and US Youth Soccer will make it easier for other US Youth Soccer State Association teams to attend.

Julie also reported that Denise Edwards received the Regional Directors’ Award at the Region I meeting for her vision and insight and her assistance to the Region I Director.

Ray Greenberg reported that NCSL has implemented the Star Program, where each team must provide parents to act as grade 12 referees for those games that don’t have assistant referees. About 400 parents have been trained. Difficulties between Maryland and Virginia have been resolved and the program is continuing with the support of both State Associations.

Roger Underhill reported that Colonial Heights has seen a 30% increase in girls’ participation with the implementation of small-sided games.

It was announced at the Region I meeting that former VYSA State Registrar, Brenda Down, and her family made a $10,000 donation to Region I TOPSoccer program.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Prepared by
Julie Caramanica
VYSA Administrator