Julie reported the results of the survey e-mailed to all Workshop attendees. Almost 20% of the attendees responded. The results indicated most plan to attend the Workshop again, thought the price was about right, and learned about the Workshop from the VYSA website and their clubs. More than half of those responding attended the Awards Luncheon; about 20% attended the President’s Reception. Of those responding, the majority of attendees were coaches, then club/league officials, followed by administrators and referees. Many would like the sessions to be repeated at least once so they can attend more sessions of interest. Some commented that it was difficult to hear some of the coaching demonstrators. Those responding felt a good range of topics was presented.

The State Office is undergoing a few changes. Lisa Wilson had surgery and will be out of the office for several weeks. Accounting Clerk Lettie Hart has resigned to take another job. Interviews for her replacement will take place next week. Debi Honaker has volunteered to help out in the office as needed during the absences.

Thank you notes were received from Pat Delaney and Larry Monaco.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Gordon Miller, VYSA Technical Director, reported that no ODP training is being conducted because of tournaments and league play. Three girls and three boys teams are getting ready to go to Germany in April. ODP tryouts will be scheduled for the last week of July and first week of August.

Many Coaching Education courses are being held this month.

As a result of last month’s discussion concerning Maryland’s new requirement that travel coaches hold an E certificate, Gordon was asked to research the policies of other state associations regarding Coaching Education course fees for out-of-state coaches. Most other State Associations in Region I don’t charge a non-resident fee. Neighboring states charge much higher fees than VYSA, as Virginia courses are subsidized by the VYSA. A motion was made and seconded that coaches from out of VYSA’s jurisdiction pay a 50% higher fee than the current fee for all state-level courses. An amendment was made and seconded to exclude from the higher fee a coach with proof that he/she is coaching in a member club. The motion and the amendment were withdrawn. A motion was then made and seconded that the cost of state courses for non-members be 50% higher than members’ course fee. The motion was approved.

Gordon recently conducted coaching clinics at DC Stoddert and at the Baystars FC Peace Frog Tournament.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Board went into executive session to discuss the salary amount for hiring a Coaching Education Director.

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Jim Bonfils, Investment Committee Chair, reported that VYSA has nearly $1,000,000 in investments, with an additional $1,000,000 in the operating accounts. The Investment Committee’s first phase of money management involved seven-day investments running at a very conservative 4.9%. Still working with UBS as its investment consultant, the committee is implementing a new plan which is still conservative, but is a bit more aggressive. Jim noted the standard management fee is 1%, but VYSA will be paying less than 1%. There are internal fees, but the target net return for the new plan is 9.5-11%. Currently the net return is just under 5%. The Board thanked Jim and Ray for their hard work.

The Board went into executive session.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Denise Edwards reported that a presentation was made at the Federation meeting on the past 20 years. She noted that Sunil Gulati, USSF President, is doing a good job. Also noted from that meeting was the Technical Committee will evaluate where the game is in US and what is necessary to win World Cup.

Denise reported on actions from the US Youth Soccer meeting. US Youth has a new award, the US Youth Soccer Volunteer of the Year. Now State Associations can submit their selections for possible selection at the National level. It was announced that the 2008 National Championships will be in Little Rock, Arkansas. The charter for the National League was adopted.

When asked about the status of VYSA’s equipment contract, Denise reported that adidas has not renewed its contract with any State Association.

STATE CUP
Anne Thompson announced changes in State Cup rules regarding requests from teams to reschedule Cup games. The only two acceptable reasons now considered are religious holidays and PSAT testing. Since SATs are offered on multiple dates, exceptions will no longer be granted for SAT testing. Any team requesting a date change must inform Anne two weeks prior to the game. The request must include the reason for the date change and include the names of the players involved. Since Yom Kippur falls on a Saturday this year, games that weekend will be played on Sunday. It was decided that a team must have less than 14 players available to be granteda request to reschedule. Teams playing 8v8 must have less than 11 players.

GOOD OF THE GAME
It was noted that D license courses are difficult to reconcile and accolades were extended to Chesapeake United Soccer Club for the great job everyone involved did on the paperwork for its recent D course

Denise noted that she has been very busy with her duties as VYSA President and has appreciated the amount of support she has received from the other officers.

Congratulations were offered to Ray Greenberg for being named a 2007 Sports Ethics Fellow by The Institute for International Sports.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 pm.

Prepared by
Julie Caramanica
VYSA Administrator