APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS BOARD MINUTES
A motion was made and seconded to approve the March 18, 2009, Board meeting minutes. The motion was approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer’s Report (Attachment A) was distributed.
STATE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
The State Administrator’s Report (AttachmentB) was distributed. State Administrator Julie Caramanica reported that Spring registrations are coming in slowly. Registration numbers appear to be in line with figures from the last seasonal year.
There is no way to determine yet whether registrations will reach the targeted numbers, but it looks like they will be close.
US Youth Soccer sent a reminder of deadlines for nominations for the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame and Goal and Save of the Year.
ODP CZECH REPUBLIC TRIP REPORT
President Denise Edwards traveled with the ODP teams to the Czech Republic and reported the trip was very successful. Teams trained after arriving, then played games. Teams traveled from the Czech Republic to Austria and then Bratislava. The teams were well received.
Bob Maynes also traveled with the teams and reported each team played four games and won more than lost. He noted the pace of the trip was hectic, but all seemed to go well.
A very positive note was received at the State Office and the overall feedback from parents and players has been very positive. Many noted the wonderful experience their player had.
Denise spoke highly of Dan Friegang’s work with the players on the trip. His mental preparation of the players and communication with them was very helpful.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
The Nominating Committee Report was distributed and will be included with the mailing to the membership. Nominating Committee Chair Steve Bender thanked those nominated for agreeing to serve.
The Board went into Executive Session.
PRESIDENTS CUP
Anne Thompson reported only 32 teams had applied. She was prepared to take 64 teams and was surprised by the low number of applications. She noted a few teams may be ineligible and some have withdrawn so the overall number will be less.
STATE CUP
Anne Thompson reported that Spring State Cup has started. The weather for the first weekend was beautiful and she hopes the rest of the season will go as smoothly.
ADJUDICATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Adjudication Committee Report (Attachment C) was distributed. Ray Greenberg reported that two hearings were held. In the first hearing, the committee found a player had committed referee abuse and the player was suspended for one month. In the second hearing, the committee found the player had not committed referee assault. The Committee did not consider referee abuse as the player had already served a month’s suspension prior to the hearing so no further action was taken.
A hearing is scheduled next month for an allegation of referee assault by a referee against another referee.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Debi Honaker reported that a memo had been received from US Youth Soccer regarding the use of player passes. The memo noted that US Youth Soccer player passes were only to be used for US Youth Soccer teams. Debi noted that VYSA teams have always followed this policy and VYSA teams should understand that this is not a new policy and procedures in VYSA will not change.
GOAL SIZES FOR STATE CUP
Dave Amsler questioned rules for goal sizes for small-sided games for State Cup. He noted his U12 team played a State Cup game this past weekend in Northern Virginia and the goals used were 6 x 18. He felt these were too small for players in this age group and was concerned about possible injury, that players could hit their heads on the cross bar. He asked VYSA to request that US Youth Soccer revise their rules on small sided games for the U12 age group and recommend 7 x 21 goals.
Anne Thompson, VYSA State Cup Chair, noted there are no field requirements or goal sizes in the National Championship rules. Board members noted that it was difficult to legislate goal sizes because clubs provide fields and goals and the cost to make changes may be substantial.
It was suggested that the matter be brought to the attention of US Youth Soccer and that VYSA consider what is best for the players’ safety in determining what should be done.
Discussion was tabled for consideration at the next meeting. Denise asked this topic be included on the agenda for the next meeting and that information be available on US Youth Soccer Rules, goal sizes for this age group is used by Maine Youth Soccer at last year’s Regional Championships, and goal sizes that will be used by West Virginia Youth Soccer in the upcoming Regional Championships.
GOOD OF THE GAME
Ray Greenberg reported he had attended two Washington Freedom home games. He noted the stadium field at the Maryland Soccer Complex has been modified for the Washington Freedom and it was very nice.
