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
October 17, 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
Bob Maynes             North Recreational Commissioner #1
Steve Bender           North Recreational Commissioner #2
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, Roger Underhill, Tom Gross, and Paul O’Connell were excused. Also present was Julie Caramanica (VYSA Administrator) and Gordon Miller (VYSA Technical Director).

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS BOARD MINUTES
A motion was made and seconded to approve the August 15, 2007, Board meeting minutes. The motion was approved.

The September minutes had not been mailed, but were available on the web site. It was noted that the minutes stated there would be a hearing regarding a State Cup Appeal, however, instead of a hearing, the committee will take action.

TREASURER’S REPORT
No Treasurer’s Report was given. It is too soon to show a completed August financial report. There will be a 2006-2007 report at the November meeting.

STATE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
The State Administrator’s Report (Attachment A) was distributed. Julie Caramanica reported that many members had still not submitted Fall registration fees that were due October 1st. All have been contacted by e-mail or phone message. Some have responded that fees will be sent. Clubs are reminded registration data is due November 1st.

Julie reminded members that the VYSA Workshop is scheduled for February 1 and 2, 2008. She again asked that member clubs and leagues contact the State Office with topics they would like to see presented this year. Julie reported that the Exhibit Hall is a big part of the workshop and asked that anyone who might be interested in participating as an exhibitor contact the State Office.

VYSA committee and program members who have still not submitted Risk Management paperwork are reminded to submit it as soon as possible or they will not be permitted to continue their participation until that paperwork is received.

The Region I meeting hosted this past weekend in Virginia was a success. Preliminary income and expense records show VYSA close to budget.

Board members were reminded that the US Youth Soccer Workshop will be held February 7 - 10, 2008 in Pittsburgh. Those interested in attending should contact Julie so that room reservations and transportation can be arranged.

A club in Halifax County is interested in becoming a member of VYSA and asked that a Board member contact them to attend one of their Board meetings to explain the benefits of membership in VYSA.

Julie was asked about the progress on completion of the additional office space at the State Office. Julie explained that construction has not begun, but she has been promised work will begin next week.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Technical Director Gordon Miller reported that there are no Coaching Education courses scheduled for this month. He reported that US Soccer is revamping the “D” License curriculum. He and Paul will conduct a “D” license in Richmond in early December to work through the changes then train the Coaching Education Staff to teach the course.

Gordon reported that ODP District Training is ongoing. Staff training in each of the four districts has been completed and scouting continues. The Academy training is going well.

Gordon met with Club Directors of Coaching in the West. The meeting was well attended. He will meet with Northern Virginia Directors of Coaching/Technical Directors on November 13th in Springfield. Meetings will be held with Central and Southeast Directors as well.

Gordon reported that he traveled to Finland for a UEFA conference and was invited to visit the Manchester United Academy and the Liverpool FC Academy. He asked the individual who oversees the training of 8 through 19 year olds for Liverpool to attend the VYSA Workshop. John Owens of Liverpool FC will join VYSA to do presentations at the upcoming Workshop.

The Board went into executive session to discuss land acquisition.

ADJUDICATION REPORT
Adjudication Committee Chair Ray Greenberg, reported that he has scheduled five hearings in the next two weeks. The hearings include two for players accused of referee assault, a coach accused of referee assault, one coach accused of referee abuse and another coach and a spectator (his wife) accused of referee abuse. In the last case, the abuse occurred in regard to a U9 match that took place the week before.

Ray also reported that he has received two State Cup appeals, one of which a decision has been issued.

There was discussion regarding how VYSA handles alleged referee abuse or assaults by a spectator. The Adjudication Committee can issue fines to teams/clubs at the committee’s discretion for referee assault, abuse, or for violation of the VYSA Policy on Misconduct by Coaches. A motion was made and seconded that fines imposed by the Adjudication Committee in disciplinary hearings are limited to a maximum of $1000. The motion was approved.

Ray explained he is having difficulty scheduling hearings because of too few committee members. The Board went into executive session to approve additional members.

Ray reported he received two anonymous letters of complaint. It was noted that VYSA will take no action on anonymous letters of complaint.

STATE CUP
Anne Thompson reported that all age groups will advance to semi finals and finals on October 27 and 28 except for the U18 boys because of an appeal of a decision. The semi finals and finals for all other age groups will be held on the 27th and 28th in Williamsburg at Warhill. Anne reported that there are 8 fields available so games will be played at 12:00 and 2:00 pm.

The Board went into Executive Session.

REGION I MEETING REPORTS
Julie Caramanica reported on her attendance at the Executive Directors and the Risk Management Sessions. Bob Maynes reported that he found the Recreation Committee and the Soccer Start Sessions very useful. The Risk Management issues will also be addressed at the VYSA Workshop.

Prepared by
Julie Caramanica
VYSA Administrator

Next Board Meeting is November 14, 2007, at 7:00 pm at the Sheraton Richmond West.