BETHEL PARK SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Board Meeting – April 13, 2004

Russ Spicuzza, President of the Bethel Park Soccer Association (BPSA), called the meeting to order at 8:05pm in the conference room of the Bethel Park Municipal Building. Also present were Mark Acker, Tom Boss, Terry Bove, Rich Chongaway, Bill Harvey, Jack Kun, Bob Monte, Tom Vater, Mark Vescovi, and Eric Young.

Secretary’s Report: The March minutes were posted on the website prior to the meeting. No corrections were submitted. The February minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Jack Kun reported that we had $13,701.03 in the bank. We have not received the funds from spring soccer session from the rec department. He will be contacting them to inquire as to when we will get the registration fees.

Jack presented a draft of the 2004-2005 budget. Jack discussed some of the increase in the next year, including referee fees and PA West registration increase.

Jack gave some background concerning fee increase for the fall. Talking with Tom Vater and Russ Spicuzza, it was decided to increase fees for the 2004-2005 season by $3. Though Jack wished that the increase could have been presented to the entire board, the decision had to be made to get the correct rates to the Rec Department for printing in the Chronicle and Rec News papers for May.

There was discussion concerning balancing the fees so that both Travel and Flights pay for themselves, and that one program doesn’t help fund the other. Bill Harvey suggested that we start the budget process earlier next year, about February, so that more time is available to make a decision on the fees for 2005-2006.

President’s Report: Russ discussed the canceling of soccer on the first weekend of April due to field conditions. It turns out that most communities did cancel that weekend of soccer. Russ recommended judicious use of the fields. He asked that we pay special attention to field conditions. It will help our fields last longer, and follow the general guidelines set by the Rec Department.

Russ passed out info about several programs. First, he recommended that our youth referees might want to join the Youth Referee Association here at PA West. Any licensed referee can join for free. Referees can register by going to the PA West website (www.pawest-soccer.org). Go to referees, then Youth Ref Association, and either e-mail or mail in the form to register.

Russ also talked about the Soccer Kicks for Cancer program sponsored by US Youth Soccer. This program, focused for leukemia/lymphoma patients, involved players obtaining donations for each touch the player makes on the ball during a 10-day period. Their goal is 2000 touches. Coaches who register their teams will receive a free training video featuring Major League Soccer coaches. More information can be obtained by going to www.soccerkicksforcancer.org or calling 888-help.lls.

Communications: The booklets will go out to all players at the session this Saturday. There is a typo in the board concerning the 2004 board members’ names. It is listed at 2003. Sorry for the mix-up. This committee will be open for the fall session. Anyone interested in chairing the committee, please contact Russ. .

Registration: Updated registration forms will be available on our website soon. Also, the forms will be distributed through the Rec News and Chronicle.
The registration table will be on May 26, 2004 for fall session. Anyone who would like to help is welcomed. Hours are 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Referees: Please make sure Bethany is updated on all game changes, or you won’t have referees. The mentoring program is helping the new referees get accustomed to refereeing. Flight levels with referees should call Tom or Bethany ASAP if your flight level is cancelled, so that we can call the referees. Please pass any good or bad comments about referring to Tom.

Travel Commissioners: We will be looking for some coaches in the fall, especially the U-10 boys. Tom will be contacting coaches in May about their teams for the fall.

Website: Mark reviewed the statistics for March usage. Please contact him if you are a coach or commissioner, and need help updating your files.

Bylaws- Mark passed out a rough draft of the bylaws. Most were acquired from other associations’ bylaws. Please look them over, and make any comments. Russ suggested an actual committee be formed to work on the bylaws. With Mark chairing the effort, other members will be Bill Harvey, Terry Bove, and John Lydon.

PR- Bob discussed the flyer that will be distributed the first flights regarding Bethel Park Day at the Riverhounds on May 30, 2004. The game will be at 6pm, with our players participating in pre-game activities starting at 5pm. We have 100 tickets to be distributed to Flight Three players and parents. Please let Bob know by May 15, 2004.

Player Development: Stan is working on the mailing labels from Rec department for the summer camps we are sponsoring. All fields have been reserved.

Flight Commissioner: Bill stated that everything is ready for Saturday’s first flight. Most levels will be using June 6 because of the previous rain-out. Bill reminded all commissioners to make sure players know of flight cancellations due to weather so that they don’t accidentally go to the field.

Flight Five (Boys) will post on the website if their Saturday flight is cancelled.

Fields: Tom Boss stated that all fields were lined. Nets are in place and ready to go.

Eric Young stated that the Edgewood Field in South Park is reserved at no cost to us on Sundays, from 12-3 and 3-6. They are working to improve the field conditions, but we still wonder what liabilities and responsibilities we have towards the field. Eric thanked Vince Gastgeb for the help.

Community Liason: Terry was asked if the field coalition is still active in Bethel Park. He said no. But a new group (Facilities Committee) has been formed, and will be electing officers. This group will continue to meet and attend School board meetings to urge the upgrade of our schools and community facilities and fields.

Equipment: Jack has the uniforms at his house. Please call him to make arrangements about pick up you new uniforms and equipment. Paint and lining supplies have been bought. If you have corner flags, please let Jack know. Also, please follow Tom Boss’s playing schedule concerning Flag Up and Flag done.

Eric purchased a dozen of each country that we are currently using for flights. We should have shirts for next fall, too.

New Business: Bethel Park Soccer is now listed on the United Way Charitable Donation list. Your united way contributions can go directly to help our organization. We will be the number too.

May 31, 2004- Flights 1, 2, & 3 at Stadium (tentative), other flights are regular fields.

Monthly Meeting: The next BSPA meeting will be held at 8:00pm on May 11, 2004 at the Municipal Building. Everyone is welcomed.