Terry Bove, President of the Bethel Park Soccer Association (BPSA), called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. in the Bethel Park Municipal Building.  Also present were Mark Bowman, Richard Chongaway, Bill Harvey, Jack Kun, Dave Porco, Stan Sbei, Russ Spicuzza, Scott Talbott, Tom Vater, Mark Vescovi and Theresa Vescovi.

Secretary’s Report: The September meeting minutes were officially approved. 

Treasurer’s Report:  Jack Kun announced a balance of $15,298.17. This amount represents a partial payment from the Recreation Department. 

Registration:  Bill Harvey suggested that flyers should be sent home via the schools during our registration time.  Mark Bowman stated that because the Recreation Department handles our registration, it is possible that they will send out flyers at no cost to the Association.  Mark will check into this matter.

Discussion was held on the very important need for registration deadlines for the spring session and even more importantly, for the fall session.  The deadlines need to be firmly adhered to in order to avoid several of the mistakes of this season. 

PR/Fundraising:    Russ Spicuzza advised that pictures of all flights and travel teams have been taken.  The pictures will be distributed in approximately three weeks.  There is a money back guarantee with the pictures.  If you are not satisfied for any reason, call the 1-800 number on the envelope and they will refund your money. 

Russ also reported that only 150 of the 500 available balls were picked up at Bruce Bros. Tires.  If anyone has not yet picked up their FREE ball, please do so ASAP.  Dave Porco commented that several of his team members thought there was a “catch” to the offer.  Dave stated that families should be reminded that they do not have to buy tires to get a free ball.  This is a goodwill gesture on the part of Uniroyal Tire to support recreation soccer in Bethel Park. 

Community Day:  Russ commented that the BPSA booth at Community Day was a great success.  Many people bought apparel, bags, and yes, many meatball hoagies.  Russ stated that it was great to meet so many new parents who volunteered to help out at the booth.  It was a fun and successful day for everyone.  Thank you to everyone who volunteered!  

Equipment:     Terry reported that MLS will be present at our November meeting to submit a proposal for jerseys/uniforms.  MLS will bring along samples for the Board to review.

Web Site:  Mark Vescovi reported that he has had discussions with Jon Amelio from Cobweb.  A contract was signed between the BPSA and Cobweb which expires in August, 2003.  The Board approved a motion to conclude our association with Cobweb. Mark advised that he will send out flyers to all of the flights letting them know about our new web address of www.bpsoccer.org.  Mark will also be meeting with Jack Kun to discuss website development.  Mark noted that the travel coach’s page will differ from the Cobweb site.  Travel coaches will be listed, however changes to their pages will need to be sent to Mark Vescovi at: mvescovi@adelphia.net.  Team scores, schedules, etcetera can be sent to Mark for placement on the appropriate page.

Mark also encouraged everyone to register their email address at the site.  This new feature will allow the Board to email special updates to all subscribers. 

If anyone has any digital photographs of our wonderful soccer kids in action, please feel free to send them to Mark for posting on our website.    

Coach/Player Development:  Scott Talbott advised that the PA West Youth Board voted in favor of BPSA’s proposal to purchase $750.00 worth of instructional soccer videos to be placed in the newly renovated Bethel Park Public Library. 

Fields:  Millennium Field will be closing for much needed repairs as of Monday, October 14.  Travel games have been moved to Neil Armstrong.  Brian Wassel is working with the effected travel coaches to coordinate new practice fields.  Flight 4 (9:00-10:45) will be moved to Ben Franklin Elementary School.  Flight 5 (11:00 – 12:45) will be moved to Neil Armstrong Middle School.  These changes will be in effect for the remainder of the season. 

Discussion was held on whose responsibility it is to line Park Avenue.  The school district will only line Park Avenue when there is a middle school game on that field.  Bill Harvey will check with Brian to put Park Avenue into the lining rotation. 

Referees:  No report at this time.

Flights:  Please note: In the September minutes, it was stated that the Board would be inviting all of the Flight coaches to the November meeting.   In order to dedicate more time and focus to the topic of Flights, this special meeting will be held prior to the start of the Spring Flights during the March 2003 meeting.  Arrangements will be made for an MLS representative to be present to answer any questions.  Possible other speakers could include PA West representatives to talk about coaching licenses, team sizes, etcetera.  Please look for upcoming notices on our website for more information about this meeting.

Tournaments:   Scott Talbott advised that the Bethel Park U-11 Tournament will be held at the high school on November 9^th and 10^th.  Scott gave a comprehensive report detailing number of teams, entry fees, projected income and costs (trophies, referees, etc.).  The Middle School girls’ team will be handling the concession with a percentage of the profits going to the Association. A discussion was held on the question of insurance for the event.  Due to the fact that the event is indoors, PAWest insurance would not apply.  Scott and Terry Bove will look into the issue.  If the high school policy does not apply, the BPSA may have to purchase a two-day policy.  Depending upon how much this costs, this could force a postponement of the tournament. Scott’s proposal was accepted by the Board pending the insurance issue.

All local and regional tournaments are listed on www.pawest-soccer.org.

Board Nominations:  Nominations will be presented at the next meeting for the BPSA Board.  If you or your children are interested in soccer and you would like to be involved in the decision-making process for the Association, now is the time to give us a call!!!  All members are welcome to run for Board positions.  Please call any present Board member for more information or just come to the November meeting.  Elections are held in December. 

Monthly Meetings:  THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2002 AT 8:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CAUCUS ROOM.

Upon motion made and seconded, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Theresa Vescovi,  BPSA Secretary