VERONA AREA SOCCER CLUB BOARD MINUTES JUNE 18, 2001

Present: Jeff Petersen, Paul Anjeski, Brenda Schmidt, Scott Clement, Trish Schleicher

1. ADMINISTRATORS REPORT: MAYSA sent our club a check for monies generated from the 5v5 tournament. The VASC and MAYSA each netted approximately $2600.00. All agreed that it was worth the effort and time to continue to provide tournament opportunities through the club. Club registration for the 2001-2002 teams is continuing with approximately 18 teams already in (note: a total of 29 teams ultimately registered for the 2001-2002 season). We also received a reimbursement for field lining from MAYSA. The amount was $150.00. Jeff has applied for a field grant through MAYSA which is a one time per year distribution. We haven't heard anything back on this request.

2. REGISTRATION NIGHT WRAP-UP: Brenda felt that it went OK, except for some confusion as so many kids were trying on uniforms for sizing. She reported that some teams are still attempting to find enough players to form a team and other teams are continuing to look for coaches. The club presented Brenda with an expression of appreciation for her tireless work to coordinate the placement of kids on appropriate teams and for her commitment to Verona soccer. The board recognized the tremendous amount of time and effort Brenda has contributed to the club. She has done an outstanding job!

3. TRY-OUTS: Overall, the Alliance try-outs went well and the board decided to defer discussion of specific areas where the process might be improved in the future. The opinion was expressed that using colored pinnies as in previous year made club identification of players easier. We may wish to go back to that system in the future. Our club will be evaluating the Alliance Try-out process to determine if this best suits the needs of the kids. We will wait until registrations are complete and everyone has had an opportunity to reflect on the process and any rationale for changing or improving. There is the possibility of inviting competitive team coaches to a feedback session on the process.

4.PELLITERI FIELDS: The club will address the utilization of these fields in depth at a later session. Currently the fields are expensive to maintain and are under-utilized. There are storage and security issues as well. There was discussion on making one of the fields a U-8 and U-9 game location. This would help those teams feel more connected and provide them with a valuable service. Permanent goals could be established. The discussion was tabled.

5. EVALUATION OF PAID ADMINISTRATORS: Jeff reported that he and Mary Buckman have enjoyed the positions, although the time commitment has exceeded expectations. The board acknowledged the stability provided by Jeff and Mary, and recognized the knowledge and depth of experience they bring to the positions. Everyone appreciated their efforts and agreed that the club would be in a difficult position without them. The discussion shifted towards making the administrators time commitment less through better utilization of volunteers. There are aspects of the administrators job descriptions that could possibly be handled by parent volunteers. It was felt that the board would need to determine which job functions this might include and that project and time considerations would be factors. Other clubs are more up-front about volunteer requirements and expectations. Jeff said he would talk this over with Mary Buckman and report at a later meeting.

6. VERONA RECREATION DEPARTMENT: The board felt that it is time to streamline its partnership with the Verona Rec Dept to avoid duplication of efforts. Coordination is the key. It was felt that the Verona Rec Dept provides a valuable recreation-emphasized program for those families who only want that level of commitment. Herb Delehanty will be asked to coordinate a practice and skills session for the Verona Rec players seasonally. Scott will collect all goals from the department, as it was felt that the Rec Dept should be responsible for furnishing its own goals for its program.

7. STORAGE: The club needs to secure permanent storage for goals and other club-owned items. We need to have a secure and convenient location. The storage units that are available for rent are neither cheap nor available. Jeff will contact MAYSA to discuss whether they might allow the VASC to erect a small storage building at the Reddan Soccer Park.

8. VACANT BOARD POSITIONS: We still need to recruit volunteers to serve on our Board, The time commitment is minimal with satisfaction optimal. Club managers and coaches are encouraged to make recommendations.

9. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS: The board approved a scholarship request for a U-9 player.

The next meeting of the board will be on July 16th at 7 p.m. in CONFERENCE ROOM A of the Verona Library. Please note location change.

Respectfully submitted, Trish Schleicher, Board Secretary

Jeff Petersen Verona Area Soccer Club Administrator (608) 848-7616 - VASC Phone/FAX line