Tom Vater President of the Bethel Park Soccer Association (BPSA) called the meeting to order at 7:11 PM in the Caucus Room of the Bethel Park Municipal Building. Also present were Dave Conely, Jim Rhoades, Matt Scott, Bob Monte, Tony Bruno, Don Snyder, Jim Huber, Donna Orsini, Tom Boss, Brian Gorges and Larry Shaw.

Secretary’s Report: Jim Huber passed out the meeting minutes and notes they were posted on the website with no updates.  Motion was made to approve the minutes by Donna Orsini and seconded by Bob Monte. The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report: Jim Rhoades stated we have a balance totaling $35,872.68. Jim also noted we received checks for $1,023.00 and there were some expenses that still needed to be paid.

President’s Report: 

·        Tom Vater and Bill Wolf had spoke to MLS as to the BPSA MLS representative for the 2008 soccer season.  BPSA spent almost $30,000 on the rep, equipment, paint and hours from MLS.  They are thinking of ways to use the MLS people to present in the local schools to promote soccer.

·        Bob Monte asked Tom about the background checks.  It is a quick process on-line at PA West.  BPSA may do their own checks (Act-34).  BPSA will check with USS Soccer to use their validation process for flight and travel team coaches.

Committees:

Registration -

§         Don Snyder stated we can save almost $3 per player if we get insurance directly through USS Soccer instead of getting the insurance through PA West Soccer.  PA West gets the insurance through USS Soccer.  We would eliminate the "middle-man" by doing it this way.  The team rosters would need to be set and sent 1 week before the season starts to obtain the insurance.

§         The Spring 08 registration table will be on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 in the Council Chambers at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

§         Deadlines for Travel are February 14 and Flights are March 2, 2008.

Communications –

• Donna Orsini needs information for the spring booklet.  She would like it by the end of November to have it ready for the spring registration table.  She will also have the newsletters ready to post on the website.
• Tom Vater asked Don Snyder if he would email the Rec News with a soccer story.

Referees –

• Tom Vater stated there will be a referees recertification on November 20, 2007 at the high school from 6:30 - 9:30.  BPSA has enough referees for the recertification program.
• Tom also discussed that in the spring, 7th grade or U12 are invited to take the course in February as new referees.

Travel Commissioner & Registrar –

• No report.

PR/Fundraising –

• Matt Scott provided a check from the pictures.

Player/Coach Development –

• Bill Wolf sent Tom Vater a player development email with a list of available training that Tom will sent out.

Flights –

• The spring season will start April 5th and will end Memorial Day weekend.  PA West allows the start of the season 3/29.
• Matt Scott wanted to thank Larry for a wonderful job at flights and travel this year.
• Matt Scott suggested to get more efficient use of MLS rep on Saturdays.  Larry replied he would rather coach the coaches to better them, than to take over the coaching practices.

Fields –

• Tom Boss asked if any one would like to take over the fields and he would work with them.  This would be discussed at the next meeting and planning session.
• Tony Bruno asked if penalty dots would be painted on the field.

Equipment –

• Tony Bruno said the sponsors loved the plaques.

Community Liaison –

• No Report

Website -

• Jim Huber has updated the site with the sponsor data provided.  Tony Bruno will provide the remaining sponsor data.

Old Business –

• none discussed.

New Business –

• Larry Shaw provided his MLS final report to the board.  Highlights of the report; have goalies use their hands at all flight levels, proper kicking technique, prepare coaches better, develop and advance kids quicker. Larry suggests to get the Y-license or E-license for coaches.  Bob Monte asked how MLS could be used better for BPSA. Larry advised he would have to think about the question. 
• Larry advised he may not be back with MLS in the spring.
• Dave Conely suggested we use Larry in a larger capacity, possibly separate from MLS.  If Larry is not with MLS, then he could be the BPSA rep instead of a MLS rep.
• Matt Scott suggested to get more kids playing more days.  Tom Vater suggested this would be good for the January 2008 planning session.
• Bob Monte suggested to the Riverhounds options and still continue to use MLS in some capacity.  Tom advised the 2008 president can negotiate with MLS when we sign in 02/2008.
• Bob Monte put together the 2008 board ballots which will be distributed before the next meeting.  Jim Huber asked to be removed from the ballot due to some other obligations that would limit his time to BPSA.  The board will vote on the size at the next meeting.  Larry Shaw was asked to join the board ballot and he accepted.
• Tom Boss asked if BPSA was going to donate to the Park Ave grandstand fund.  It is a $250 donation.  Tom Vater made a motion to donate to the fund, Jim Huber 2nd it.  The motion passed.  Jim Rhoades will get the donation to Tom Boss.
• Donna Orsini asked how will kids get moved up.  Tom Vater advised we need to talk to the coaches.
• Larry asked about the maintenance at Village Green.  Tom Vater says he will talk to Gary at the Rec department.

Donna Orsini motioned to adjourn the meeting and Matt Scott seconded, all in favor, the meeting adjourned 8:46 PM.

Upcoming Dates -

• Next Board Meeting will be December 11, 2007 at 7PM.
• Election of Board Members December 11, 2007
• January 8, 2008 Board Meeting/ Planning Session for 2008.
• January 16, 2008 In person Registration 7-830PM Council Chambers
• February 14, 2008 Final Travel Registration
• March 2, 2008 Final Flights Registration

Return to BPSA Home Page