REGULAR MEETING - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

February 23, 2004

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 West Richmond at 7:30 pm. Board members present were:

Denise Edwards President
Larry Monaco Vice President
Roger Underhill Secretary
Brenda Down Registrar
Bill Golden North Recreational Commissioner
Tom Gross DC Recreational Commissioner
Ron Bedwell Central Recreational Commissioner
Ken Halloway Southeast Recreational Commissioner
John Singleton West Recreational and Travel Commissioner
Ray Greenberg Boys North Travel Commissioner
Tom Wilson Boys Central Travel Commissioner
Tom Halstead Boys Southeast Travel Commissioner
Anne Thompson Girls North Travel Commissioner
Jane Orem Girls South Travel Commissioner

Board members Jim Bonfils and Bob Maynes were excused. Also present were Julie Caramanica (VYSA Administrator), Gordon Miller (VYSA Technical Director), Jim Sadowski (MDCVASA President), Gil McCallister (SRC Chair), and Christie Bernas (SRC Youth Rep).

TREASURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer’s Report (Attachment A) was distributed. Vice President Larry Monaco reported that the Finance Committee met prior to the meeting and there are three areas of concern. Mailing List Revenue, Publication Revenue, and Tournament Revenue are all under budget. It is believed that Publication Sales may be dwindling due to availability of items on line. There has been interest in use of mailing lists, but as yet, few orders have been placed.

STATE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
The State Administrator’s Report (Attachment B) was distributed. The report shows a list of clubs placed in bad standing for failure to submit Fall Registration data and/or KidSafe Compliance Forms.

State Administrator Julie Caramanica reported that the VYSA Workshop was a success. Registration numbers were greater than last year’s registrations.

Julie also reported that the next issue of Touchline is being prepared. Anyone with articles to include should submit them to the State Office before the end of February.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Technical Director Gordon Miller reported that the coaching sessions at the workshop had excellent response in attendance and follow up feedback. He thanked April Heinrichs for attending on such short notice and noted he had received very positive feedback regarding her session as well.

Gordon reported VYSA will host a National C license in VA Beach the first two weekends in March.

Gordon attended several meetings of Technical Directors and Directors of Coaching in which they are working on a manual to develop consistency in job descriptions across the country.

He reported that Assistant Technical Director Dave Linenberger conducted two sessions at the US Youth Soccer Workshop in Salt Lake City, one classroom session and one coaching demonstration.

The two oldest boys and girls ODP age groups returned from the College Showcase President’s Day tournament in Phoenix. The three oldest boys teams will meet in VA Beach to compete with other states’ ODP teams. Eastern PA, NY and NJ teams will participate. Next Sunday will be a parent meeting for parents of the players of the four teams participating in European trips during Spring break.

ADJUDICATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Adjudication Committee Report (Attachment C) was distributed. Adjudication Chair Tom Halstead reported that one hearing was held; the individual was found guilty, but no penalty was imposed. The individual sat out the remainder of the season of his own volition.

A hearing is scheduled for the following week at the State Office.

REGISTRATION ADMINISTRATION
President Denise Edwards announced State Registrar Brenda Down will be retiring at the end of her term. Denise reported that she and Brenda met and as a result of their meeting asked the Board to consider a change to the registration process. They suggested abolishing the State Registrar Board position and moving the registration administration into the State Office. She noted much of the work is already being done there now. This change would require a Bylaw amendment. This concept was discussed several years ago, but no action was taken at the time. A motion was made and seconded to abolish the position of State Registrar and move the responsibility of administration of registration to the State Office. Board members questioned oversite of registration policy and whether the responsibility should lie with the State Administrator or a Board member. There was also concern of potential conflict of interest if the office registration administrator has involvement in league. It was noted that the Board can recommend this change, but according to VYSA Bylaws, a member club or league would need to submit the Bylaw amendment. A motion was made and seconded to postpone the issue until the next meeting. The motion was seconded and approved.

US YOUTH SOCCER POLICY AMENDMENT
The Board discussed two changes to US Youth Soccer Policy that were approved at the US Youth Soccer Council meeting in Salt Lake City at the US Youth Soccer Workshop.

Effective September 1, 2005, U17 teams and older were approved to now have a 22 player roster (U16 and younger remain at only 18 player rosters). The policy change now shows definitions of team roster and game roster. The policy states everyone listed on the game roster must also be listed on the team roster and guest players are only allowed for tournaments. It was noted that some VYSA leagues allow guest players. VYSA can grant waivers and allow the waiver to apply for league play only, not State Cup Competition. There was discussion regarding the 5 transfer rule and continuity of 9 players. There was also discussion regarding primary and secondary roster registration. A motion was made and seconded that any team may have guest players for league and tournament play. If approved, this change would have to appear in both recreation and travel registration manuals. The motion was approved. It was noted that this approved policy change is for player and playing rules and does not apply to Cup requirements.

REGION I CHAMPIONSHIPS RULE CHANGE
At the Region I meeting in Salt Lake City, the Region approved 8v8 as well as 11v11 competition for the U12 age group in Regional Competition beginning the 2005-2006 seasonal. A motion was made and seconded that VYSA sponsor only 11v11 for the U12 age group in State Cup. Some suggested that VYSA allow teams a choice since this falls in line with the small-sided game policy. Others noted that if members approve the concept of small-sided non-competitive games, then teams should not compete in the most competitive tournament in US Youth Soccer. Others argued that the small-sided play in State Cup competition would support small-sided play in league competition. A motion was made and seconded to postpone the motion until the April Board meeting to allow Board members to talk with their clubs and leagues. The motion was approved.

KOHL’S US YOUTH SOCCER AMERICAN CUP
At the US Youth Soccer Workshop, Kohl’s did a presentation regarding their sponsorship of the US Youth Soccer American Cup. Kohl’s will support 35 events across the country for the first year of the contract. They have what they’ve titled a "Kohl’s Village" that includes a van complete with blow up interactive activities and score boards.

A motion was made and seconded that VYSA run the Kohl’s US Youth Soccer American Cup as a state event. It was noted that this tournament can be a large event. North Texas holds their event throughout the state and the event has grown to be very large. Hosting the event will be an excellent way to promote VYSA and provide a benefit to recreational players. It was suggested the event be held in different locations throughout the state each year. The motion passed

HOSTING THE 2008 US YOUTH SOCCER WORKSHOP
The US Youth Soccer Workshop for 2008 is scheduled to be held in Pittsburgh. There is concern that the Pittsburgh facility may not be ready by that time. It was suggested that VYSA offer to host the event in Richmond if the event cannot be held in Pittsburgh as scheduled. A motion was made and seconded that VYSA offer to host the 2008 US Youth Soccer Workshop. The motion was approved.

PRESIDENT’S FORUM RESOURCE CENTER
Denise Edwards reported that, at the VYSA Workshop President’s session, it was suggested that VYSA add a Presidents Forum to the VYSA Web Site. Presidents hoped the forum would serve as a place to find help from other clubs. Board members agreed it would be a valuable tool. It was suggested the site be password protected for Board members and Club and League Presidents and that the forum be moderated. There was concern that there may not be a great deal of use because VYSA is a volunteer organization and volunteers may not have time to go to the site. The State Administrator was asked to look into adding that feature to the VYSA Web site and report back to the Board.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
The Board went into executive session to approve committee appointments.

When the Board returned from executive session it announced that Paul Mungra had been approved as State Director of Referee Instruction and Don Torrenti had been approved as State Director of Referee Assessment for the State Referee Committee.

Also announced was the reinstatement of Joe Sheridan. His name will be removed from the VYSA Suspension List.

MDCVASA PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Jim Sadowski, President of the Metro DC Virginia Soccer Association, addressed the Board. He reported that the Adult Association has had tremendous growth, going from 6 or 7 thousand players when he first took office to 17,000 players last year. As the program grows so do the Association's needs.

He reported that Larry Monaco was very helpful in his first term of office and thanked Larry for his help. He hopes to open a State Office and hire an administrator in the next year. Some of his other goals include beginning on-line registration, reducing the cost of insurance for his players, improving soccer facilities, and increase referee registrations.

He plans to continue the good relationship with VYSA. The MDCVASA will continue to contribute to the VA DC Soccer Hall of Fame and assist the State Referee Program.

He asked that any one with concerns regarding MDCVASA, please contact him. The Board of Directors offered help as a resource to his organization as well.

REGISTRAR’S REPORT
The Registrar’s Report (Attachment D) was distributed. State Registrar Brenda Down reported that she attended the US Youth Soccer Workshop and met with several Technology Vendors. She noted two vendors seem to have packages that will provide everything VYSA requires. She will remain on the Technology Committee and will work to get VYSA to a web based registration program for the future.

Brenda distributed a report regarding Multiple Rostering. She has received input from four State Associations and asked Board members to send feedback before the next Board meeting.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Denise Edwards reported that US Youth Soccer and the 55 State Associations will file a grievance to the USOC. When it is filed, State Associations will receive a copy without attachments by e-mail. A DVD with attachments will be available.

The US Soccer Foundation awards grants using interest from the income earned from the World Cup hosted in the US. They have asked for an e-mail list of our Board of Directors and a link to the VYSA Web Site so information can be sent directly from the Foundation.

CONTINGENCY FUND COMMITTEE REPORT
The Reserve/Contingency Fund Committee met at the VYSA Workshop. Anne Thompson announced it was a very productive meeting. Information from the VYSA Retreat/Long Term Planning meeting held a few years ago along with information from each members’ respective clubs, leagues and areas, was shared. A conference call will be scheduled in March. The Committee will meet with the State Administrator and Technical Director and report information to the Board at the April meeting. She asked that ideas or suggestions be sent to her by e-mail.

GOOD OF THE GAME
Jim Sadowski announced that the MDCVASA will hold a meeting at 10 am March 19 at the Richmond Holiday Inn Airport

Denise noted that the Metro DC VA Soccer Association has been very helpful with the adult portion of her club.

Gil McCallister, the SRC chair, was introduced to the Board for those who did not already know him.

Anne Thompson announced State Cup applications are posted on the web site. The application deadline is March 18^th.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:09 pm.

Prepared by
Julie Caramanica
VYSA Administrator