Board of Directors Minutes
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association
Board of Director Meeting
February 3, 2003
Present: Rick Tompkins, Frank Olszewski, Ned Levi,
Tom Dougherty, Bill Blaise, Cindy Fields, Greg Wilson, Sue
Carmalt, Bob McDade, Jim Tragone, Sue Hackett, Mike Hargrove,
Ron Mull, Jim Kuntz, Kim DeFiore, Joe Marsden, Jim McFarland,
Marty O'Donnell, Monica Chrisanthon, Tom Corey, John Kukitz,
Greg Lebo
Treasurer's Report—Ned reported that the year-
end report would be put on the web. He is waiting for the
audit report from the audit company.
He noted that the costs have skyrocketed for liability insurance,
D & O, state insurance, e.g. automobiles, coaches driving,
etc. He reported that medical insurance costs have dropped
because of a good year. There will be a deficit in new budget
starting in September of about $54,000 due to the increase
of liability insurance. Monica asked for the cost of liability
insurance and Ned said he would provide the next day. Ned
also noted that the budget mailed out includes year-end information.
Tom Corey recognized that the audit was delayed but asked
when it would be completed and when would the third quarter
report be distributed. The audit report will be given at the
AGM-45 days after the end of the quarter. He noted that the
audit was done earlier this year than ever before.
Someone asked Ned if budget of 8-31-04 would have to be recast
because of projected deficit. Ned replied that there would
be no recast because members have received the proposed budget
and there would be a budget amendment. Rick noted that at
the AGM the numbers would be amended and either adopted with
deficit or programs debated and cut.
The amount of money in the bank was questioned and Ned noted
that as a "rule of thumb" at least six months operating
expenses should always be on hand.
It was noted that the past minutes say there would be an
increase of fees in October; Ned would find out if there would
be a fee increase. (possibility of USYS asking for a $.50
increase)
The question was asked if the audit report is unqualified
or if there were any findings. Ned said he would have answer
to that as soon as auditor turns in report.
Question was raised about the Demosphere contract: where
is the cost in the budget and how would it be spread out.
Ned explained where to find in budget.
Registrar's Report: Donna noted that the following
late fines are still outstanding:
Towamencin YA; Glenmoore Eagles; Phoenixville Area, Emmaus.
They will be placed in bad standing.
Registration Program: Data was due October 1; there have been
some problems with the computer in the office. Donna took
each disk and reviewed to make sure all codes were correct.
She made many corrections. When updated, the computer system
did not give the data. Ned reported that all the computers
are now working. Some leagues did not send in data; some that
came in were unusable. Leagues were asked to email Kate with
information. Donna expects all of this to be done tomorrow.
Donna noted that there is no contract with Demosphere. There
are some concerns because there were some personnel changes.
Donna has spoken with them and she was assured that the program
would be ready by March 1. The prototype is available. Donna
has been in touch with them and has a timeline; she will meet
with them in Indy to get final schedule. She has also lined
up five people to do the beta testing.
Rick noted that the contract is still not finalized. Demosphere
sent a contract, which our attorney recommended that we do
not sign. Our attorney drafted a new contract and we are waiting
on this. Demosphere is working with us in good faith to get
up and running.
Question was noted that in the minutes of NYW, it was noted
that Sandy tried to meet with EPYSA to work together. Rick
said he does not think they will be using Demosphere but will
be staying with Logical Solutions. Rick noted that they are
also working with us on a risk management program. He noted
that Logical Solutions would not be going web based.
Virginia YSA has been using Demosphere for a year. They cannot
support web site;
Question as to who owns data, are they getting their money's
worth? Virginia program's software is web-based; EPYSA would
be first completely on line. Brenda Down, Regional Registrar
and VA Registrar is in contact with Donna. Demosphere was
down for several days (with PSI); they have now switched to
Sprint.
Monica asked if everyone would be on line this year. It was
noted that the Board voted to go with Demosphere, and as soon
as we have everyone getting on line, Board can mandate when
everything is ready and working. The program is only for travel
at this point. The intramurals/recreation programs will continue
with Yabba or whatever program they are using. There will
be a Registrars Meeting in April so this can be discussed.
The meeting will be held during the league select weekend.
Two applications for membership: Chesco league, they were
a member in good standing for many years and went to inactive
status; motion made to reactivate them for the spring made
by Tom Dougherty; seconded by Jim Kuntz, approved unanimously.
Allentown held for new business.
SYRA: Cindy Field reported that Stephanie Deswart from Reading
Berks and David Fuhs from Lanco are the Girls and Boys Youth
Referee of the Year. They will be at the Region One Snickers
Championships and the ODP tournament. All national referees
were recertified including Craig Lowry.
Over 500 referees attended the intermediate clinic. Clinics
were approved for Williamsport/Wilkes Barre areas. State clinic
will be held soon; they are looking for a site. As soon as
location is found, Cindy will report to the Board and leagues.
Rick noted that there would be a meeting with Jim Bollinger.
Tom Corey noted that he does not want to attend, as Jim wants
limits on who may attend. If there are no limits, he will
attend.
Rick also noted that there will be a one day course at Indy
to re-certify refs. Question was asked if a ref has a two-year
absence, could they re-certify in one day? Rick will find
out.
Tournament Applications: UKE Club asked for a tournament
May 23-26 (Memorial Day Weekend). This tournament conflicts
with UJSL Philadelphia Classic tournament. Last year the office
approved the tournament without going to the Board. Rather
than sanction, the tournament was held and director was told
he had to reapply this year. Application submitted this year.
Club wants tournament on a set weekend; they get teams of
Ukrainian background-do not get now but will in the future
as tournament becomes a fixture. They had 52 teams last year
and the club felt they did not directly or indirectly affect
other tournaments. The UKE spokesperson read two emails praising
the tournament from coaches who had attended; they also got
emails praising referees. They used a three-man system, some
were national referees. Trophies were the Ukrainian national
symbol and the significance of these was explained to the
winning teams.
Another representative from the UKE club asked to speak but
was advised that he could not do so. They said they were not
advised that only one person could speak on their behalf.
Greg Wilson was asked and he noted that he told them only
one could speak. Sue Hackett, District One District Commissioner,
said that the Philadelphia Classic is 37 years old. She noted
that several teams went to the UKE tournament instead of the
Classic. She noted that the UKE club is in their radius. The
money raised by the tournament goes to their scholarship fund.
She also noted that the Delco tournament was originally approved
for U15 to 19 but is now down to U11. She feels that another
tournament on this date will hurt their attendance. 22 teams
were lost last year especially in younger ages.
Question was raised about getting international teams. UKE
noted that the first year was to establish the tournament;
second year to focus on US teams and following year to actively
seek international teams. They expect 20-25 teams from other
UKE clubs. They noted that last year 50+ teams applied; 22
from Philadelphia, the rest UKE teams.
Ron Mull wanted to know what the geographical area might
be for tournaments; sue suggested that within 50 miles no
other tournament.
Motion made by Marty O'Donnell to allow other speaker. Motion
failed 11 to 9.
Motion made by Tom Crozier that UKE application be denied.
Seconded Jim Kuntz;
Motion passed with Joe Marsden and Marty O'Donnell voting
against.
CASA Classic, September 4 and 5, 2004 (change from Memorial
Day) U9-18 Boys and Girls. Applied last year to move to Labor
Day, 2003; denied. Reapplying for 2004.
Ron Addressed that club wants to go to original date of Labor
Day. There was another tournament and District 8 had issues;
differences have now been resolved-1. date was Labor Day;
2. number of teams and would they compete against each other;
Assignors have discussed.
Motion to approve made by Kim DeFiore; seconded by Jim Kuntz;
Motion passed unanimously.
It was noted that Quakertown SC tournament was approved.
Outdoor Cups: late applications were reviewed
Boyertown SC - cannot read postmark date; roster in order
and check in. Motion to accept made by Marty O'Donnell; seconded
by Tom Corey. Approved unanimously.
Wyoming Valley (Sean Murphy) received Jan. 22; check dated
Jan. 17 roster and application form in and completed. Postmark
cannot be read. Motion to accept made by Tom Corey; Jim Kuntz,
seconded. Approved unanimously.
Bloomsburg Trappers - Received Jan. 22; check dated Jan.
15; no cancelled stamp
Motion to accept made by Monica Chrisanthon; seconded Marty
O'Donnell. Approved with opposition (Tom Dougherty and Frank
Olszewski)
Fleetwood Youth - received Jan. 22; check dated Jan. 17.
Motion to accept made by Jim McFarland; seconded by Tom Corey.
Approved unanimously.
Rejected five postmarked late and hand delivered after due
date.
John Kukitz made the following proposal: Allentown SC and
EPYSA helped to launch; 200 players in program. They are looking
for a donation to help outfit players. 17,000 kids in city
but until now no soccer program. It is a joint effort between
PPL Corporation and Air Products. John is President of the
Club. Wim recommends a donation of $500 on a one-time basis.
Motion by Tom Corey to allocate $1,000 to organization. Sue
Hackett seconded. No other discussion. Approved unanimously.
League Select: Rules done several years ago. Clarifications
are to be made so there are not problems with types of team,
etc. Rules and regulations were distributed to be voted on.
Motion to accept in their entirety made by Tom Corey, seconded
Jim McFarland.
District 11 - one team had only 18 try out. Sue said she
felt that #3 and #4 should be 11 and #15 define sanction/fines.
Rick explained that we don't know what a league would do so
fines cannot be determined. Fights, etc. are already in By-Laws.
Sue asked if we could put in "subject to By-laws, etc".
Rick noted that our rules would handle that. Sue would like
that stated in sanctions.
#2 - Joe Marsden recommended stating Club teams may not be
entered into Festival.
Motion to move number of 9 to 11 in Rules #3 and 4 made;
seconded. Failed
Motion made by Tom Corey and seconded by Joe Marsden to accept
#3 and 4 as read (A maximum of 9 (nine) players from the same
league approved club permitted on a league select festival
roster.) approved (voting no, districts 1,11 and 10)
Motion by Sue Hackett and seconded by Tom Corey to accept
#15 with the following change: add Additional fines may be
assessed for other festival violations in accordance with
Constitution, By-Laws and Arbitration Rules. Approved
Motion made to accept Rules 1 through 16 with above exceptions
made by Tom Corey and seconded by Jim Kuntz. Approved
Rick welcomed Tom McGovern as the alternate district commissioner
for district 1 and Sue Carmalt as the alternate for District
16.
Rick reported on the ODP. U13 boys and girls are training
in various locations throughout the state. The 85 boys are
training for the national ODP championship. All the other
teams are training indoors also. The U11-16 indoor cups are
completed and all the rest will be completed shortly. All
winning teams will be honored by the KIXX at their 2-23 game.
The cup draw will be 2-17 at UGH. The June Cup application
deadline is 5-1.
AGM will be March 1. There have been several amendments put
in. The person who put in the amendment will be able to speak
to it. It was noted that all the amendments were lumped together
in the package and question was raised if they would be voted
all together. Rick noted that proponent can ask to have vote
individually and all amendments would be voted on as body
decides to vote. Tom Corey suggested that they be resent noting
individually rather than lumped together.
Marty O'Donnell noted that there are housekeeping amendments;
playing rules amendments and two additional amendments from
Mike Burke. He asked if they could be broken out. Rick noted
that they would each be voted on individually.
Coaches Workshop - March 8
There will be a free youth module. Clinicians include Jeff
Tipping, Jay Hoffman and Bob Jenkins. There will be a referee
assignor's course. Volunteers are needed. The league select
coaches will be invited Friday night to clinics. There will
be a "C" license course at USTC in mid-March.
Tom Corey asked how someone is added to staff. Rick noted
that it is advertised in our soccer publication, Touchline.
Greg accepts resumes/applications, interviews and then gives
to Board who approves or not. Marty asked what drives need
for more staff. Rick said services and also they analyzed
other state associations to see their need and EPYSA was lower
than most other states.
Frank asked if the BOD thinks it is worthwhile to purse a
one or two hour in-service workshop for referees. Rick thinks
we should do it. All the leagues in District 1 had Jeff come
in to do one and they had over 40 referees; Harrisburg area
had over 100 refs at their in-service. We will pursue.
A clarification for outdoor cups was asked. Because winter
leagues could not play because of the weather would they be
disqualified? Response was as long as they make a good faith
effort to play their league games, they would not be disqualified.
Manchester United vs. Barcelona game will be held in Philadelphia,
8-3, at the new Lincoln Financial Center. EPYSA/EPSA/Charge
are looking into a joint venture to acquire a number of tickets
either reduced or at no cost. Will keep you informed as to
the status of this venture.
Awards: Bob McDade noted that he would submit his selections
to Greg by this Wednesday. Jim McFarland asked if BOD would
consider submitting the names of anyone who does not win the
Service to Youth Award for Intramural Coach. Ron Mull asked
if we could give the Service to Youth Award to more than one
person. Discussion ensued noting that it could be given to
more than one and one year it was-Dave Edgecomb and Helen
MacMahon, but would typically diminish the award. It was also
noted that last year no Service to Youth Award was made.
Five-Year Plan: Rick gave some background on the five-year
plan. One of the issues is coaching education. He reminded
all that these were recommendations only, however, the BOD
endorses the plan but understands the concerns of the membership.
Rick further noted that the small-sided games proposal was
an issue and remarked that it is an issue at the national
level. He turned the floor over to Mike Barr who addressed
the small-sided issue and why the coaches in EPYSA and the
majority of the coaching directors in the country endorse
this program. Mike discussed the process-how the directors
got to their recommendations-at the national workshop they
had a seminar on how to implement, how to get coaches, etc.
Tom McGovern remarked that he understands where Mike is coming
from but does not agree and feels that this will make travel
more like intramural and the good players will leave for other
sports.
Jim McFarland asked if these were mandates or recommendations.
Rick replied that these right now are coaching recommendations.
What happens in the future is up to the BOD. Jim asked if
there would be flexibility with field sizes, etc. and Mike
answered that there would be.
Tom Dougherty noted that small-sided games should be recommendation
and not a mandate and that parents should have the right to
choose. He felt with the recreation player it would probably
work but not with the travel player.
Mike noted that he wants all players to have the same opportunities
regardless of where they live. He noted that small sided-
games in travel setting should be left to travel leagues to
implement how they choose. Mary O'Donnell agreed that leagues
should have the right to do what they feel is good for their
league. Monica Chrisanthon noted that many recreation programs
already do small-sided games. Travel issues are different;
other sports are competitive at this age so we should remain
the same as these to compete with them.
Jim Tragone who represents an all recreation district thinks
coaching education should be mandated for in-house coaches.
Players' need lots of touches on the ball and feels small-sided
is the way of the future. Jim McFarland agrees that sometimes
it needs to be mandated rather than recommended.
Tom Corey noted that he has no problem with small-sided at
younger level but is opposed at U11 travel.
Joe Marsden noted his district is split into two groups-mandatory
vs. recommendation, education being strongly recommended;
small-sided mandated. He asked if there would be some funding
from EPYSA to implement.
Kim DeFiore felt that the players, even U9, play all year
around now and get many touches on the ball. Should these
players stop traveling now? Mike asked what happens if the
player doesn't make the traveling team, what effect does that
have on a 9 year old.
Monica noted that there has been lots of miscommunication.
She feels that the state coaches should be out selling this
program and feels it should be voted on at the AGM.
Ron Mull noted that this works in some areas; some age groups.
Feels we should look into an incremental approach; have time
to phase it in.
Tom Corey noted that the perception has been that this is
mandatory. Are we approving entire plan or partial plan? Feels
five-year plan is so broad it should be broken apart.
Bill Blaise said he is glad to hear that recreation is mentioned
and that these issues should be addressed. Lots of clubs are
already doing small-sided games and are producing high caliber
players. He notes there will be a meeting at the workshop
but doubts that many will show up. Last year there were more
speakers than attendees.
John Kukitz told the BOD that Mike Barr and Bill Tompkins
were at the Lehigh Valley League Meeting. They already have
mandatory coaching credentials. He feels this has caused the
quality if play in the Lehigh Valley area to improve. They
also do small-sided games and have a Small-Sided Games Commissioner.
Frank O. thanked all who worked on the various committees.
Most people agree there should be a five-year plan but the
BOD has never taken the time to do this-where we are, where
we want to go. Nothing in the plan is mandated. Anything that
requires BOD action would be brought to the BOD; there is
a possibility that something could be passed at the national
level and we would be required to comply.
Motion that we strongly recommend that small-sided games
as outlined in plan for U6 and 8 be adopted for implementation
in 2003. Motion withdrawn.
Bob McDade made a motion that we accept the five-year plan
as a strong recommendation by the BOD in total. Seconded by
John Kukitz. Passed with opposition
(Districts, 1, 2, 14 and 15)
Ron Mull asked about plans for the AGM. Mike will do a presentation
at the AGM on small-sided games. Frank O. and Charlotte Moran
will do presentation on the five-year plan, its implementation,
how we got to this point. Sue Hackett suggested that we have
clubs there who are doing small-sided to discuss how it works
for them. She also suggested that the state schedule coaching
schools and not leave it to the clubs to do.
Rick noted that Mike laid out a schedule two years ago to
do coaching schools, however, we need clubs to volunteer sites.
This did not happen. Monica said clubs had no time to do;
feels that area-coaching coordinators should set up and she
also noted that she did not see the schedule and many in the
audience voiced the same opinion.
Tom Corey asked if the BOD could make parts of the Plan mandatory
at anytime and the answer was, "yes."
Good of the Game
Motion to not have district reports made by Tom Corey; seconded
by Monica, passed.
Frank thanked all for philosophically accepting the plan
and reminded all that he is chairing the nomination committee.
Motion to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted:
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