PLEASE NOTE: This VYSA mailing is being sent to each members’ Chief Executive Officer presently on file at the State Office unless another individual has been designated to the State Administrator, Julie Caramanica. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH INDIVIDUAL RECEIVING THIS MAILING TO DISTRIBUTE TO ALL APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OF THEIR CLUB OR LEAGUE.

REGULAR MEETING - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
June 23, 2007

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 11:00 am following the AGM. Board members present were:

Denise Edwards    President
Ray Greenberg       Vice President
Bob Maynes            North Recreational Commissioner
Steve Bender          North Recreational Commissioner
Tom Gross              DC Recreational Commissioner
Lorelle Myer             VCCL Travel Commissioner
Christy Cousins      VSLI Travel Commissioner
Paul O’Connell       ODSL Travel Commissioner

Board members Roger Underhill, Jim Bonfils, John Singleton, Anne Thompson, and Debi Honaker were excused. Also present were Julie Caramanica (VYSA Administrator) and Jackie Burket (VYSA Program Administrator).

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS BOARD MINUTES
A motion was made and seconded to approve the May 16, 2007 Board meeting minutes. The motion was approved.

The Board went into executive session.

APPOINTMENT OF BOARD MEMBER
Denise Edwards reported that VSLI had indicated that Christy Cousins would be their nominee for VSLI Travel Commissioner, but no proxy was submitted. Without a proxy, no nomination could be made from the floor or vote be taken at the AGM. A motion was made and seconded to approve the appointment of Christy Cousins to the position of VSLI Travel Commissioner. The motion was approved.

SECRETARY’S REPORT
VYSA has received two applications for membership. Administrator Julie Caramanica reported that Kingstowne Soccer Association and Salem Sabres FC had applied for membership with VYSA.

Julie reported that Kingstowne Soccer Association is located in the Fort Belvior area of Northern Virginia and wishes to start a rec program. She and Roger Underhill have reviewed the application and both recommended approval. A motion was made and seconded to approve their membership contingent upon receipt of registration fees. The motion was approved.

Julie reported that Salem Sabres FC is located in the west. They are currently members through the Blue Ridge Classic League as a travel only club, but plan to register their rec program in the Fall. Roger and Julie have both reviewed the application and noted the paperwork refers mostly to its travel program. The club has agreed to update the application to include information about its rec program. Both Julie and Roger recommended approval. A motion was made and seconded to approve their membership contingent upon receipt of registration fees and the Secretary’s approval of the corrected paperwork. The motion was approved.

STATE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Julie distributed the State Administrator’s report (Attachment A). The Board discussed the posting of information on the web site. It was agreed to post only soccer related information.

Paul O’Connell reported he will send a draft of his report on Goal Safety. He told of an incident he recently experienced where players were hanging on goals. When asked to stop and told of the recent death of a player due to a goal falling, the players and their parents still did not take the situation seriously. He reminded players, parents, and soccer officials of the seriousness of goal safety and precautions to be taken to prevent needless accidents. VYSA will adopt a no tolerance policy regarding goal safety.

It was reported that a recreational player pass had been forged at the Virginian Tournament. The wife of the team’s coach signed the pass when it was discovered to be unsigned at tournament registration. The Board agreed that a letter of reprimand be sent to the club asking that they take measures to ensure proper procedures are followed when issuing recreational player passes.

Julie reported that several clubs have had name changes due to merges. Blue Ridge Soccer Association has merged with two travel only clubs and is now using the name Augusta FC. Southwest Athletic Association has changed their name to Greater Southwest Athletic Association. Little River Soccer Club has changed their name to Team America FC (note: this is different from Team America SC, another club in Northern Virginia). Manassas Area Soccer Association and Mid-County Soccer Association have merged and are now called Northern Virginia Soccer Club.

It was noted that several VYSA member clubs show very low registration numbers. Board members will be asked in the future to contact those clubs to ensure they are still meeting membership requirements.

ADJUDICATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Ray Greenberg reported that Debi Honaker was added to the Adjudication Committee and Mark Walsh has been removed from the committee.

The Adjudication Committee report (Attachment B) was distributed. Ray reported that a hearing was held regarding an incident in the Region I Colonial League. The committee found the team’s behavior very disappointing, having eight findings of misconduct. As a result, the club has been asked to take disciplinary actions so that the team’s behavior is corrected. The team will not be playing in the Region I league in the Fall.

Ray reported that the Committee had received a report of referee assault at a VSLI match. The coach attended the hearing and apologized for his behavior, but denied the assault. All three referees’ testimony was very credible and the committee found the coach did commit referee assault. The coach was issued the minimum suspension of three years.

A complaint was received regarding referee assault by a coach of an Eastern NY team in the Virginian Tournament. The complaint was forwarded to the Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association. A hearing was held and the coach was suspended.

Ray also reported that the committee has received two appeals of club decisions. One hearing has been held and a decision will be sent the following week. The other is awaiting further information.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Denise Edwards reported that during her recent trip to the Region I ODP Tournament, she saw a marked improvement in the Region I ODP since Jay Hoffman took over as Boys Head Coach.

Region I is aware of poor field conditions at many of its events. A loan has been approved by State Associations for Yardley Mayfield Soccer Club for field improvement.

Denise reported that two sub-regional leagues in Region I will merge. The Colonial League and the Western Appalachian (WAPS) league will merge to form one league.

Denise announced that US Soccer has created a National Academy Development League that will begin in the Fall of 2007. The league will be composed of U16 and U18 teams from selected clubs. Teams will be limited to 38 games per year, only play in tournaments that limit teams to one game per day, and other selected events in an effort to control player development. It is expected there will be some impact on ODP, State Cup and League play. There was a great deal of discussion resulting in many questions. More information will be shared when it becomes available.

Denise was asked when the State Online Travel Registration System for the upcoming seasonal year will be ready and posted. She reported that it should be available soon. She was also asked about International Clearances and Waivers. Denise explained that US Youth Soccer changed the policy regarding International Waivers. US Youth Soccer no longer requires International Waivers, but a State Association can require them. VYSA voted not to require International Waivers. Any player, 17 years of age or older, that has been outside the US, must apply for an International Clearance. It was noted that International Waivers were grandfathered and any player that previously had an International Waiver must submit a copy of that waiver with their roster to their appropriate registrar when registering for the upcoming seasonal year. The database for the upcoming seasonal year will ask the appropriate questions regarding International Clearances to facilitate proper registering of players.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 pm.

Prepared by
Julie Caramanica
VYSA Administrator


Next Meeting is July 18, 2007, at 7:00 pm at the Sheraton West in Richmond.