BETHEL PARK SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Parents/Coaches Meeting – March 11, 2003

The monthly meeting of the Bethel Park Soccer Association (BPSA) was called to order at 7:00pm in the Council Room of the Bethel Park Municipal Building. Present were Tom Boss, Terry Bove, Mark Bowman, Richard Chongaway, Bill Harvey, Jack Kun, Jeff Moad, Dave Porco, Russ Spicuzza, Tom Vater, Mark Vescovi, Theresa Vescovi, Brian Wassel, and Eric Young.

Secretary’s Report: The February meeting minutes were approved and submitted to the website.

Treasurer’s Report: Jack Kun advised of a current balance of $23,228.37. All projected spring expenses are able to be paid with the current checking account balance (before receiving spring registration fees). Jack also advised that the Association has received a bill from MLS requesting a down payment of half of the total spring invoice ($2,415.00). The Board agreed to pay this invoice immediately. Jack discussed a proposal he received from MLS, which allows the BPSA to receive free coaching time in exchange for making equipment purchases from MLS. This was discussed and will be looked into in further detail to determine all pros and cons.

President’s Report: Terry distributed a handout detailing the voted-on changes to the required PA-West team sizes. Beginning in the fall of 2003, U-10’s will play 6 field players and one goalie. In 2004, U-11’s will play 9 v 9. This change will affect roster sizes and possibly, number of teams fielded in our own soccer association.

Several BPSA travel teams have registered to play in the Chevy Open. Russ Spicuzza will represent the BPSA at the upcoming Presidents’ Meeting. Terry announced the dates for upcoming summer soccer camps as follows: Riverhounds – June 23-26 at Village Green; Shoot to Score – July 14-18 at Village Green; MLS – July 28-August 2 at Village Green.

Tom Vater attended the last Recreation Department meeting. Tom relayed information concerning a community grant application for physical improvements to Bethel Park recreation facilities.

Referees: A proposal was made to the Board that would require all new referees to referee a minimum of five flight games before serving as a sideline judge on a travel game. The Board agreed that this would enhance the experience and confidence levels of our new referees. Mark Bowman relayed the message from Bethany that she needs all travel coaches to send her a team home schedule. This allows Bethany to double-check all referee assignments. If any coach has a change in their scheduled games, please call Bethany by the MONDAY BEFORE the game. Last minute notifications are extremely difficult to reschedule referees.

If any members of the Association have ideas on how to recruit more referees, please contact any Board member or send an email to webmaster@bpsoccer.org.

Coach/Player Development: Terry announced that Chris Brown would be attending our coaching clinic on Saturday, March 22^nd from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at IMS. This clinic will focus on the fundamentals of coaching children ages 5-10. From 4:00 to 5:00 children are welcome to serve as our “guinea pigs” as we practice our coaching skills on them. Bill Harvey will call all flight commissioners who will in turn call all flight coaches to ask for participation.

Registration: Tom Vater announced that we have had a great turnout for spring registration. 507 players have registered for the spring flight program and 229 for the travel program. These numbers represent a significant increase over last fall’s registration numbers.

Mark Bowman announced that he is to meet with the travel registrar on March 22^nd. He needs all new player cards as well as all drop/add information by this Sunday. Rosters will be available the 23^rd for coach pickup. Mark noted that the firm registration deadline that was implemented this year has simplified the travel registration process. If the fall registration process adheres to this same type of firm deadline format, it is hoped that the confusion of last fall will be eliminated.

PR/Fundraising:. Russ Spicuzza thanked Eric Young for providing more items for the showcase in the Community Center. Russ was contacted by Bart French of the Riverhounds. Bart would like to speak at a BPSA meeting to discuss the soccer programs for all ages that are offered by the Riverhounds. It was agreed to invite Bart to speak at the April meeting.

Website: Mark advised that he is working on getting the travel coaches’ webpage up and running. He hopes to have it completed by the next meeting. This page will allow coaches to add and update their own team’s information on games, practices, tournaments, etcetera. Mark will also delete the registration form from the website and place a note on the front page that registration is now closed.

Mark also asks that if you change your email address, please unsubscribe your old address and reregister with your new email address on the website.

Equipment: In response to the upcoming purchase of new travel team uniforms, Eric Young developed a portfolio of travel uniform expenses and examples. Durability, color, style and price were all considered. Out of numerous choices, the Board voted on three final choices. Eric will follow up with the three companies and attempt to get samples and final prices for the next meeting. Eric also took a team count in order to order socks. Commissioners and team coaches can pick up needed equipment at Eric’s house the week before the first games/flights.

Flights: All information will be sent to the Commissioners this week, who will in turn call their coaches with their team information. Hopefully as many flight coaches as possible will participate in the coaches’ clinic on March 22^nd.

Fields: Brian Wassel advised that the fields will be ready for games on March 30^th. A discussion was held on field conditions due to overuse by multiple team sports on the same fields. Further evaluation of field use will be needed during the summer months to decide where the fall teams and flights will be held.

Monthly Meeting: Because the travel team practices usually run to 7:30, the meetings of April, May and June will be held at 8:00 p.m. The next meeting will be at 8:00pm on April 8, 2003, at the Municipal Building. EVERYONE IS WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS. It is always great to see new faces.