Present: Jeff Petersen, Mary Buckman, Scott Clement, Andy Slawek, Dan Nuthals, Mary Mattison.

Fields
Jeff reported that the VASC fields are closed for the winter. Dumpster, portapotty removed, nets are off the goals, gate is locked. Some repair to the entrance to the parking lot will probably be necessary in the spring. There was discussion of changing the way the goals are secured. Andy said he has several other volunteers willing to help sand-blast and paint the goals in the spring. The question of why one of the goals is leaning inward is unclear....could be ground heaving. Will try to fix this after winter. Also discussed was the plan to purchase two additional player benches and how we might secure them without interfering with the ability to mow the grass near them.

In-House for U7-9 Status
There was a meeting last week with individuals interested in the proposed change to an in-house league format for U7, U8, U9 teams next fall in conjunction with Magic (and perhaps Regent). There was a positive response to those who attended the meeting. Initial concerns about roster size problems seemed to be eased when it was made clear that teams would be playing one game rather than two simultaneous games. The idea of a single field location was a positive. There is some concern that moving to in-house at these age groups would negatively impact MAYSA financially. It was felt, however, that VASC has so few teams affected that the impact would be negligible, and that MAYSA had the prerogative of raising its in-house fees if that seemed appropriate. The president of Magic Soccer Club will be meeting this week with Keith McHugh at MAYSA to discuss this proposal (among other issues).

5v5 Tournament
Andy reported on a meeting he held with Keith McHugh to discuss next spring’s tournament. Tournament dates are set at the weekend of May 2. Tournament will be either one or two days depending on number of registrants. MAYSA and VASC will continue to split proceeds equally. MAYSA will distribute flyers, register teams, schedule games, prepare fields. VASC will be responsible for arranging for trophies and participation awards, marketing, field marshalling, and running the tournament on site. Big Toe will help in developing a new tournament logo and for brochure art work. Andy described work he has done to secure sponsorships - both in-kind and monetary - and plans for more. Andy Slawek and Scott Clement agreed to act as Tournament Co-Directors.

Newsletter articles
There will be a newsletter coming out in mid-December. Articles that would be of interest to members of the VASC were discussed. Deadline for articles is December 1. Emails will be sent to managers to find out if there are any teams that did especially well in tournaments so that these accomplishments can be noted in the newsletter.

56er/Alliance Contract
The final contract is not completed yet. The goal of the contract is to give the general spirit of what the Alliance wants to provide to its members and the relationship with its competitive partner.

Winter Trainings
Mary reported that Verona is well represented in kids who have registered thus far for the winter footskills trainings. It was suggested that another reminder be sent to coaches and managers via email about this.

High School Boys Teams Status, Policy Changes Regarding Tryouts
Currently, for the spring season, Herb Delehanty is doing a sign up for the U15, and U17 boys. The team formed last spring at U15 is planning to continue as U16 this spring. If you would like information about the U15 or U17 prospective teams, contact Herb (herbdelehanty@charter.net). Information about the U16 team, contact Sandy Sargent (thesargents@charter.net).

The club is continuing to look for a good solution to the question of whether classic teams at these ages should require tryouts, or whether the process should be more of a sign-up situation. Historically, each of these has been tried, with a variety of dissatisfaction expressed at various times for both. The VASC would like to put Classic teams together at the U15 and above after the state team rosters are set to avoid kids committing to Classic teams, but then bailing out when they get a competitive team offer, etc.. This does not usually happen until after the high school season is over in November. Then boys will know whether or not they are on a state team. If kids knew they had no interest or plans to tryout for a state league team, they could commit to a classic team, as well. December tryouts were discussed, but these would need to be held indoors and that would make the process more expensive. More discussion on these issues are planned.

Board Positions Open in March
There will be 2-3 board positions open in March. Some people have expressed interest. They (and anyone else interested) are invited to the December board meeting. We will set aside time during the December meeting for a question/answer session about what the demands (and rewards!) are of serving on the VASC Board. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the open positions please contact Jeff Petersen (petersen@ssc.wisc.edu) or Mary Buckman (buckmanmary@yahoo.com).

Distribution of Minutes:
It was agreed that we should routinely send copy of minutes of board minutes to the presidents of VASC’s Alliance partners (Magic, Regent, 56ers).

Best wishes on a speedy recovery
from ACL surgery goes out to Andy Slawek, VASC Coaching Director and Coach of the Verona Fusion!!

Submitted by Mary Mattison, Secretary