Minutes of the VASC Board Meeting - March 24, 2003

Present: Jeff Petersen, Mary Buckman, Scott Clement, Dan Nuthals, Andy Slawek, Brenda Schmidt, Mary Mattison, Jim Kramer, Steve Anderson, Sue Bartoff, Keith Tipton, Lori Voss, Karen Benson, Dennis Kutsche, Laurie Jennings, Forrest Girdley, Jodi Zurbuchen, Mary Ziegler, Robin Hoyt, Jon Rausch, Darwin Lynde, Nathan Brawner.

Fundraising presentation:
Dennis Kutsche offered the possibility of selling bottled water with a Verona Wildcat logo for a fundraiser. The cost to the Club would be $7/case with 12-20 oz bottles/case. The cases can be sold for $12/case so there would be a $5/case profit. The water is bottled by Kwik Trip which also puts on the Wildcat label. The Club is considering the option of selling "Wildcat Water" as a fundraiser; however, the VASC has no affiliation with the Verona school system. It was also brought up later in the meeting that there may be a problem with using the Wildcat logo with the Verona schools.

Recognition of Outgoing Board Members/Welcome New:
A big THANK YOU to Scott Clement, outgoing President, and Brenda Schmidt, outgoing Youth Director, for all of their hard work during the time they spent on the board. Welcome to the new board members, Steve Anderson, Vice-President, and Sue Bartoff, Youth Director. Dan Nuthals has served a year as Vice President and now is the President. Thanks to all of you for volunteering your time.

Classic A/B:
The Board had several parents/coaches present to present their views regarding the issue of whether we utilize parity or do an A/B selection process when the Club has two classic teams at the same age level. Currently, this only affects one age group (incoming U-14 boys), but clearly could become an issue in the future, as the Club grows and interest in development of higher level skills continues. Arguments supporting both positions were presented. Scott Clement provided a handout with some of the pros/cons listed, as well as the Club mission statement. General questions were responded to regarding tryout policy/procedures. Club coaches/members would like a written statement clarifying the tryout policy. Mary B. suggested that this is already available in earlier board minute meetings, but would be a good idea to publish again. (NOTE: the tryout policy is summarized on website and has been available since 2001.) While the discussion was spirited and represented divergent viewpoints, it was agreed that the VASC Board needs to take the question of A/B vs. parity under careful advisement and not make a decision too quickly without careful consideration of all the issues. It was also agreed that an interim decision for this spring (affecting the U-14's) would need to be made soon, so that teams could plan accordingly. Andy S. agreed to assemble a sub-committee of Board and interested community members to review this issue and provide recommendations.

Administrators' Update:
The VASC will incur an added expense to cover the costs for the U9 goals needed for the short sided fields next year and also for the extra benches for the Premier Fields. This will be a one-time expense.

The Board approved an increase in the salary of the administrator position - currently held jointly by Jeff Petersen and Mary Buckman. This puts the VASC closer in line with administrator positions in other clubs in MAYSA. The board appreciates the time and effort Jeff and Mary put into the club activities. Their presence and knowledge have allowed the Club to transition smoothly when Board members come and go.

2003 Tryout Update:
The tryout time schedule is now online at VASC's website, www.veronasoccer.org.

VASC/MAYSA 5v5 Tournament:
The radio stations that are going to be airing ads for the tournament are working on the radio ads. Andy is meeting with them next week to go over the ads. The logo is set and t-shirt orders are close to being set. On the back of the t-shirts will be the sponsors. For an added cost, names can be put on the back of the shirts at the tournament.

Uniform Update:
Dan reported that the two uniforms that are currently being used by the team are still available for ordering. The collared shirt style is available through 2004. The jersey without the collar will be available through 2005.

Field Update:
The VASC is using VASC Premier Fields, Reddan Soccer Park, Country Grove Park, Elver Park, and Lincoln Street Fields for home games. The Lincoln Street fields will need to be lined by the VASC after they are lined the first time by MAYSA. The Club was surprised that these fields were included.

Going Forward:
The Club meeting day and time may change as Mondays are not a good time for Dan to meet. However, April's meeting will be held on Monday, April 21, 7pm, Junction House.

Upcoming Dates

Submitted by Mary Mattison, Secretary