REGULAR MEETING - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
April 16, 2008

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 7:20 pm.  Board members present were:

Denise Edwards                  President

Ray Greenberg                     Vice President         

Jim Bonfils                            Treasurer

Bob Maynes                          North Recreational Commissioner #1

Steve Bender                        North Recreational Commissioner #2

Tom Gross                            DC Recreational Commissioner 

Ken Halloway                       Southeast Recreational Commissioner              

Anne Thompson                  #2 WAGS Travel Commissioner

Chris Friant                          #3 VSLI Travel 

Board Members Debi Honaker, John Singleton, Lorelle Myer, and Paul O’Connell were excused. Also present were Julie Caramanica (VYSA Administrator), Gordon Miller, (VYSA State Technical Director/ODP Chair), and Matt Badiee (VYSA Assistant Technical Director).

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS BOARD MINUTES
A motion was made and seconded to approve the March 19, 2008, Board meeting minutes.  A correction was made on page 3 under the TASL Waiver Report to show the name “US Club Soccer”.  The minutes were approved as corrected.

TREASURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer’s Report (Attachment A) was distributed.  Jim Bonfils reported that, due to technology problems, the report was not distributed prior to the meeting. He noted that Spring registration fees, for all players not registered in the Fall, are due.  Most programs are within budget, and there is very little past due in accounts receivable.   

STATE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
The State Administrator’s Report (Attachment B) was distributed.  Julie Caramanica reported that Spring registration fees are past due, and have been received from only a small number of clubs.  Spring data is due May 15^th.  She noted again that, effective September 1, 2008, fees for recreational players will increase to $9/player and fees for travel players will increase to $13/player. 

Two Board members requested that future Board meeting dates be discussed and set at this meeting.  It was decided to keep the meetings on the third Wednesday of each month through March, 2009, except for the December meeting and Holiday party which will be on December 6^th.  Board meeting dates were set through February (Attachment C).

Region I has notified State Offices that all award winners must be submitted to the Region by October 1^st of each year.  VYSA’s decision will have to be made at the September Board meeting, so nominations must be collected over the summer. 

Board members are asked to communicate with their constituents that goal safety is the responsibility of everyone, especially those who are at the site– referees, coaches, and spectators. 

Julie is checking sites for next year’s VYSA Workshop and hopes to have a date and location at the next Board meeting.

Information was received at the State Office that Bernd Wulffen had been given thousands of dollars from an adult team in Northern Virginia and a Scottish youth team as deposits for foreign soccer trips.  He then disappeared with the money.  VYSA teams are reminded to carefully check credentials of all those entrusted with team funds.

Julie is working with Demosphere to update the VYSA website.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Gordon Miller reported that VYSA will be hosting a National Youth License course in Springfield on June 20-22 and June 27-29.  More information regarding this course is posted on the VYSA website. 

The Technical Department is developing pre-course information for the E and D courses that involves readings, videos, and methodology, along with a DVD project for participants in the D and E courses.  The summer Coaching Education schedule is in place. The Technical Staff is continuing to evaluate staff and course development.

The ‘93 and ‘94 Boys and Girls ODP teams have just returned from a very successful trip to Costa Rica. Each team played four games. The ‘93 girls, along with five ‘94’s, played the U17 Costa Rican National team.  The boys, who were scheduled to play up, had the flexibility to change and play in their own age group.  During one game the teams mixed players.  The VYSA players mingled with the Costa Rican teams after games. The trip proved to be a very good cultural experience.  Both the Boys and the Girls teams visited a children’s shelter, where they delivered clothes and school supplies and played with the children.  The teams spent time in three sites – the city of San Jose, the beach, and the jungle.  They all had an excellent experience, both on and off the field.  The players represented VYSA well.  Gordon noted that this trip cost considerably less than going to Europe.  

ODP is on hiatus now, since the Spring season has started and players are back with their club teams.  They will prepare for the Region tournament at the end of May.

Gordon reported that he had conducted a coaching presentation for DC Stoddert.  

STATE CUP REPORT
Anne Thompson reported that two teams have refused to travel to games, but stated it was because of other activities.  She will look into the matter and report to the Board in May.  She may request the Board approve higher fines for forfeits of State Cup games.

There was discussion whether teams should be better advised whether to enter State Cup.  Anne will review the State Cup rules.  She asked anyone with suggestions for changes to notify her of those suggestions.

The Board went into Executive Session.   

ADJUDICATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Ray Greenberg reported that the Adjudication Committee met by conference call meeting regarding an appeal. The issue is not yet resolved and the Committee will meet again.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

President Denise Edwards reported that she will ask Debi Honaker to serve as Nominating Committee Chair for the upcoming elections.

Denise reported that the President of NJYSA will step down to take the position of Executive Director.  Joe Robb, Region I Sub Regional Director, will take the position of President.

Region I sent a Girls team to Russia.  The trip was successful and an invitation to Siberia is expected; Denise has been asked to attend.  The Region may invite Russian teams as well as some Brazilian teams to some Regional events.

GOOD OF THE GAME
McLean and DC Stoddert both donated funds to VYSA for services the Technical Department provided to their clubs.

Board Member Ken Halloway spoke highly of Gordon Miller and his efforts and talents in his work with the field complex.

Ray Greenberg reported that his son, who is serving with the State Department in Iraq, has been assigned to begin a youth soccer program.  He needs donations of soccer equipment for this program and asked that anyone interested contact the State Office for a shipping address.

Board Member Steve Bender noted an e-mail he had received regarding Arlington’s efforts to improve behavior at games.  He noted that Bob Bigney is running a great program in his new position with Arlington Soccer Club.

 It was reported that Gordon Bradley, VA DC Hall of Fame member, is very ill, and VYSA is asked to keep him and his family in their thoughts and prayers.

A moment of silence was observed for the one year anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings.

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

Prepared by 
Julie Caramanica

VYSA Administrator           

Next Board Meeting is May 21, 2008, at 7:00 pm at the Sheraton Richmond West.