REGULAR MEETING - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

September 19, 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 7:10 pm. Board members present were:

Denise Edwards President
Ray Greenberg Vice President
Roger Underhill Secretary
Bob Maynes North Recreational Commissioner #1
Steve Bender North Recreational Commissioner #2
Tom Gross DC Recreational Commissioner
John Singleton West Recreational Commissioner
Lorelle Myer #1 VCCL Travel Commissioner
Anne Thompson #2 WAGS Travel Commissioner
John Singleton #4 BRCL Travel Commissioner
Debi Honaker #6 NCSL Travel Commissioner

Board Members Jim Bonfils, Matt Hinson, Christy Cousins, and Paul O’Connell were excused. Also present was Julie Caramanica (VYSA Administrator).

STATE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
The State Administrator’s Report (Attachment A) was distributed. Julie Caramanica reported that Fall registrations are beginning to come in. Fees are due Oct. 1, 2007, but members are reminded that they don’t have to wait until all registration numbers are in. Clubs should pay for the numbers they have now. Only one club, Fluvanna Youth Soccer, has been placed in bad standing because of non-payment of Spring fees.

The VYSA Workshop is scheduled for February 1 and 2, 2008, at the Richmond Center. Julie asked for suggestions for Workshop session topics.

Several VYSA policies were updated in the past year, but others still need to be updated. All policies will be reviewed and updated in the coming months.

Some VYSA personnel still have not completed their KidSafe, Conflict of Interest, and/or Confidentiality forms. Board members were asked to follow up with those listed and ask that they comply immediately.

It was reported that soccer-related job announcements are posted on the VYSA website home page on the right column for those interested.

VYSA will host the Kohl’s American Cup again this year. The VYSA Kohl’s American Cup has been approved for June 21 - 22, 2008. All Recreational teams are encouraged to participate in this event.

Board Members are asked to check with the following clubs that have very small registration numbers to see if they are still playing with other organizations to meet membership requirements: Radford Soccer Club, Team America Soccer Club, and Virginia Beach City Athletic Club.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT
President Denise Edwards reported that Gordon Miller is in Finland at the UEFA Technical Directors’ Conference and will then travel to Manchester United to tour the facilities and check into a presenter for the Workshop.

ADJUDICATION REPORT
Adjudication Committee Chair Ray Greenberg, reported a coach had been suspended pending litigation. Litigation is now complete; he was found guilty of three counts of taking indecent liberties. A motion was made and seconded that Carl L. Desei be suspended indefinitely from all VYSA activities The motion was approved.

ACQUISITION COMMITTEE REPORT
President Denise Edwards reported on the progress she and other Board members have made so far in their efforts to acquire land for a soccer complex. The Board then went into Executive Session.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Denise Edwards reported on the discussions that took place at the Region I President’s retreat the previous weekend. The Presidents discussed the USSF Training Academy and the future of ODP, including ways to improve and raise the level of players. Board members expressed concern that players will commit to ODP, then be chosen for the Academy and leave the VYSA ODP. Denise reported that Region I has drafted a policy which includes the statement that a player must be eligible for the entire Regional ODP cycle to be selected. VYSA’s position regarding the new Federation Academy is to continue to run quality programs as we always have for the players that are members of VYSA.

There was a discussion about the age groups chosen for the USSF Academy. It was explained that more clubs may be chosen and the Academy may be expanded to include U14s and girls.

It was suggested that a travel league summit be scheduled where leagues can discuss ways to better serve our players.

Denise asked for a Board member to consider serving as KidSafe chair; she will also be asking for volunteers for other Committee positions. She noted that two Board members will be needed as heads of delegation for the international ODP trips during Spring break next year.

Denise reported on the recent meeting of the SRC. The Board went into Executive Session.

STATE CUP APPEAL
The three Board members who are members of the Adjudication Committee recused themselves to avoid conflict with a possible hearing regarding this discussion. Steve Senna, club director for Lynchburg United Soccer, stated that his U18 girls Elite team played a State Cup game against a Chesterfield U18 team this past weekend. After the game was played, it was determined that the Lynchburg team had to forfeit because the State Cup roster had not been presented. Steve questioned the State Cup Director’s decision to call the game a forfeit.

It was explained to him that the Board could not discuss the matter. VYSA turns appeals over to the Adjudication Committee for final decision and has no jurisdiction on this matter. A hearing will be scheduled.

SECRETARY’S REPORT
Roger Underhill reported that Lake Gaston Soccer Association in Bracy, VA, has applied for membership in VYSA. It is a small club near the North Carolina border that will play in South Hill. He recommended approval. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Lake Gaston Soccer Association, pending receipt of rules and fees, for membership in VYSA. The motion was approved.

Mason Cove Recreation Club, a former member near Roanoke, has applied for membership in VYSA. Roger recommended approval. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Mason Cove Recreation Club for membership. The motion was approved.

Roger reported he is waiting for documentation on a few outstanding registration issues before they can be resolved.

GOOD OF THE GAME
Bob Maynes reported that McLean Youth Soccer has been conducting one-night, age-specific clinics for several years. This year, VYSA, the Rec Committee, and the Technical Department have put together a pilot program of four, one-night clinics, each with a top level coach and an age specific team, and have invited northern Virginia clubs to send their coaches. If the program is successful, it may be expanded to other areas of the state.

Roger Underhill reported that Paul Shaw did an excellent job as instructor for an F module certificate course hosted by his club.

Congratulations were extended to Board member Christy Cousins, who was married this month.

A letter was received from the US State Department thanking VYSA for allowing Matt Badiee to run the three-day soccer clinic for the Afghan Women’s Soccer Program.

The PWSI Cardinals expressed gratitude for VYSA’s assistance with their trip to Nationals. Their team manager brought flowers to the State Office and photos of the team at National Competition to share with the Board.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 pm.

Prepared by
Julie Caramanica
VYSA Administrator